Is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Still Worth Buying in 2018?

TL;DR

The Samsung Galaxy S6 is a decent phone choice in 2018, offering a stylish design and a strong Super AMOLED display. However, its limited battery life, lack of expandable storage, and occasional heat issues make it a mixed option, especially compared to newer models. If those drawbacks aren't deal-breakers, it can still be a worthwhile purchase for budget-conscious buyers.

Transcript

hey what is up everybody man and we just keep the streak going I did the s5 yesterday and now we're doing the galaxy s6 and we're gonna talk about how it holds up in 2018 now I got a fight to Canada today and I could have easily not done this video but I'm like I'm gonna get this video out for you guys cuz I freaking love you guys you guys are my h... Read More

Key Insights

• 😎 The Samsung Galaxy S6 represented a crucial advancement in design, moving from plastic to a glass build, reflecting Samsung's commitment to premium quality.
• ❓ The Super AMOLED display of the Galaxy S6 remains a highlight, providing excellent color realness and visual quality, increasing its appeal even years after release.
• 👤 The camera performance, albeit flawed for some users, still provided a solid photography experience for casual users, making it relevant for everyday use.
• ✋ Performance issues primarily revolved around glitches during startup and occasional heating under load, which could detract from user satisfaction in high-demand scenarios.
• 🚨 Battery life emerged as a notable weakness, tying into consumer expectations for longevity in modern smartphones.
• 👾 Concerns over lack of expandable storage highlighted a shift in design philosophy that may not align with all user preferences, particularly for those prioritizing space.
• 💝 Despite its limitations, the Galaxy S6 is still positioned as a worthy choice for users on a budget or those not needing the latest technology.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the Galaxy S6's design change from its predecessor, the S5?

The Galaxy S6 marked a shift from a plastic build to a premium glass design, significantly enhancing its visual appeal. This transition not only improved the overall aesthetic but also set a new standard for flagship devices, positioning Samsung as a more competitive player in the premium smartphone market at the time.

Q: What are some of the key features of the Galaxy S6's display?

The Galaxy S6 features a quad HD Super AMOLED display renowned for its vibrant color reproduction and deep blacks. This screen was praised for its clarity and brightness levels, making it suitable for various media consumption, including videos and games. The quality of the display remains competitive even by current standards.

Q: What performance issues did the reviewer mention regarding the Galaxy S6?

The reviewer noted performance glitches occurring immediately after booting up the device, likely due to background processes. While the phone operated fairly fast overall—handling casual gaming well—experiencing occasional lag and heating issues during intensive tasks was a disadvantage, suggesting a less-than-optimal performance under pressure.

Q: How did the camera capabilities of the Galaxy S6 hold up in 2018?

The Galaxy S6 boasts a 16MP rear camera capable of 4K video recording and a surprisingly good 5MP front camera. Despite some bugs affecting focus, the overall camera performance was rated relatively high, making it suitable for casual photography, even if it faced limitations compared to newer models available in 2018.

Q: What was the reviewer's assessment of the Galaxy S6's battery life?

The reviewer criticized the Galaxy S6's battery life, finding its 2550mAh capacity inadequate for a phone of its caliber, especially when many users expect longer-lasting performance. The inability to replace the battery further compounded this issue, making it a significant downside for potential buyers.

Q: How does the Galaxy S6 compare to other flagship phones from 2018?

When stacked against flagship devices like the Galaxy S8, the performance of the Galaxy S6 falls short—but not drastically so. If users did not directly compare it to contemporaries, the S6 could still be perceived as a competent phone, albeit lacking advanced features and efficiency seen in newer models.

Q: Why did the reviewer rate the Galaxy S6 lower than the Galaxy S5?

The reviewer expressed a preference for the Galaxy S5's expandable storage and removable battery, which the S6 lacked. Despite being a more stylish and modern device, the practical limitations of the S6’s battery and storage options impacted its overall rating.

Q: What future developments were discussed regarding the Galaxy S6's software?

The Galaxy S6 was running Android 7.0 at the time of review but was expected to receive an update to Android 8.0. The reviewer noted that the device ran the software relatively well, despite some legacy issues with Samsung's TouchWiz interface, which added unnecessary audio cues with actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a notable upgrade from the S5, transitioning to a premium glass build with significantly reduced bezels and improved aesthetics, appealing to users seeking a stylish smartphone.

• With a quad HD Super AMOLED screen and a capable 16MP camera, the Galaxy S6, while not a flagship by 2018 standards, still delivers impressive multimedia experiences, although it suffers from heat issues during heavy usage.

• The phone's limited battery capacity and lack of expandable storage are significant drawbacks, affecting its overall desirability, making it a mixed decision for potential buyers in a market dominated by newer models.