The Galaxy S6 is finally here, but how does it compare to last year's Galaxy S5? Well, that's what we're here to find out with the Galaxy S6 versus the Galaxy S5 comparison.
While the design language between the two generations of Samsung's flagship still shares a lot of elements, especially up front, with a tactile home button flanked by capac back in recent app keys, to be found once again, there is a stark and much-needed and appreciated difference in build material. The plastic build alongside the dimpled back cover of the Galaxy S5 gives way to a more premium metal build with elements of glass and plastic on the back. The Galaxy S6, on the other hand, features curved sides and edges that give it a more rounded look compared to the rigid lines of its predecessor.
Even with both devices featuring identical display sizes, the Galaxy S6 is the leaner and thinner of the two, allowing for an even better in-hand experience. This change in design has been a long-awaited improvement for Samsung's flagship series, as there have been numerous complaints about the lack of innovation in terms of design and build quality between generations. However, it's not without its compromises, as the new unibody design means that the battery is no longer replaceable – a feature that was well-liked by many users. The ability to swap out the battery was a key selling point for Samsung smartphones, and it will be missed by some.
Despite this compromise, the Galaxy S6 brings with it a much-needed change in terms of build quality and design. The new metal body gives the device a premium feel that is missing from its predecessor. The display size remains the same, with both smartphones featuring 5.1-inch Super AMOLED screens, but the resolution has been bumped up to Quad HD from the 1080p resolution of the S5. This means that the pixel density has increased significantly, resulting in a much sharper and more detailed display.
The improved display is one of the few areas where the Galaxy S6 surpasses its predecessor in terms of hardware specifications. The Samsung S5 packs a 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 processor backed by 2 GB of RAM, with another version featuring an Exynos 5 OCTA chip with both processing packages offering excellent performance. In contrast, Samsung has given Qualcomm a pass this time around and instead opted for their in-house Exynos 7420 chip coupled with 3 GB of RAM. While the performance is still fantastic, it's worth noting that Samsung's decision to use its own processor may have been driven by a desire to reduce costs.
The TouchWiz interface remains largely unchanged, which is both good and bad news for users. On the one hand, it means that the user interface is familiar and intuitive, with many of the same features and options available as in previous generations. However, this also means that some users may find the interface to be stale or unexciting – a problem that was particularly pronounced in the S5's software experience.
One area where the Galaxy S6 does differ from its predecessor is in terms of storage capacity. Both devices offer 32 and 64 GB of space, which can be further expanded via microSD cards. However, the S5 had an advantage in terms of protection from the elements, with its IP67 rating for dust and waterproofing that isn't available on the Galaxy S6. It's worth noting, however, that Samsung has hinted that a ruggedized version of the Galaxy S6 may be on the way, which would address this issue.
The battery life is another area where the Galaxy S6 falls short compared to its predecessor. The device packs a smaller 2600mAh battery compared to the 2800mAh unit of the S5, which could be a problem given the higher resolution display and the fact that the battery is no longer removable. However, Samsung's Exynos 7420 processor is said to be more frugal with its power consumption, so it remains to be seen how exactly the Galaxy S6 will perform in terms of battery life.
The camera on both devices is identical, featuring a 16-megapixel ISO cell rear shooter that offers great detail, fantastic color reproduction, and clear and crisp images. The Galaxy S5's camera software also packs a ton of features, including modes and tools to help you get the most out of your smartphone camera. However, it's worth noting that the Galaxy S6 will be paired with Android 5.0 Lollipop, which is a significant upgrade over the KitKat operating system used by the S5.
The software experience on the Galaxy S6 is also worth mentioning. Samsung has streamlined its UI to make it lighter and more intuitive, without sacrificing too much functionality or features. This means that users can expect a fast and responsive interface that doesn't put too much stress on the device's hardware. One notable change is that many apps are now pre-installed by default, although users still have the option to download additional apps if they choose to do so.
Overall, the Galaxy S6 offers significant improvements over its predecessor in terms of design and build quality, while also introducing some new features and capabilities. However, it's not without its compromises, particularly when it comes to battery life and storage capacity. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S6 is an excellent device that is sure to please Samsung fans and anyone looking for a high-end Android smartphone.