Galaxy S6

[jamezr]

I actually like the symmetry, it feels better when playing games or watching movies that the screen is in the middle.

agreed....i guess i meant they need to shrink the bezels not just the top and not the bottom. But unless they put the fingerprint scanner on the display or make it rectangle like Samsung's (won't ever happen) they are stuck with big bezels.

 

[Fernandez21]

agreed....i guess i meant they need to shrink the bezels not just the top and not the bottom. But unless they put the fingerprint scanner on the display or make it rectangle like Samsung's (won't ever happen) they are stuck with big bezels.

Yeah, I like how the thinner home button on Samsung phones allow them to make the bezels smaller. Though looking at my 6 plus, Apple could still reduce the bezel while keeping the home button the same.

 

[epicrayban]

Anandtech review is up. It's glowing.

 

[Zaft]

Anandtech review is up. It's glowing.

Battery life alittle worse then iPhone 6

 

[Fernandez21]

Anandtech review is up. It's glowing.

Anandtech doesn't count, they're biased. ;p

 

[epicrayban]

Anandtech doesn't count, they're biased. ;p

Well let's just say I definitely don't agree with the whole review. The S6 is big on promises, small on delivery. Except for maybe the screen and camera. Software is still a no. battery life is a no. the back button location is a no. Physical home button with unreliable finger scanner is a huge no.

I wanted to like this device as you can see in my earlier posts, but alas it fell short on a lot of its promises.

Those that claim there are no lag, I don't know how that's possible. Lag exists and it exists in the most annoying ways. Not always obvious. But definitely affecting everything from keyboard typing and back spacing to settings toggles hanging.

Anyway. Enough bashing from me. Onto the future. Come on Sony...

 

[Fernandez21]

Well let's just say I definitely don't agree with the whole review. The S6 is big on promises, small on delivery. Except for maybe the screen and camera. Software is still a no. battery life is a no. the back button location is a no. Physical home button with unreliable finger scanner is a huge no.

I wanted to like this device as you can see in my earlier posts, but alas it fell short on a lot of its promises.

Those that claim there are no lag, I don't know how that's possible. Lag exists and it exists in the most annoying ways. Not always obvious. But definitely affecting everything from keyboard typing and back spacing to settings toggles hanging.

Anyway. Enough bashing from me. Onto the future. Come on Sony...

Well, I was kinda joking since when anandtech post good things about the iPhone it's because they're biased.

As for your problems, I can totally understand. Battery life for me has been average, around 4 hours screen time, the back button of course to me is on the wrong side, but the way I hold it which is guess is lower than how you hold it, means it's no problem for me hitting, I just have to remember it's on the wrong side.

And I also notice the lags your talking about. When I type it seems to register my key presses, but the tapping sound and vibration don't seem to react right away, after I'm about a word in it then starts making the tapping noises and vibrations very quickly to catch up to where I am. The lags aren't bothering me too much because on the whole it's one of the fastest phones I've ever used.

The finger print scanner also I don't use much because I also have a Moto 360 which I have set up as a trusted device. So as long as it's connected I don't have to enter my password or finger print. Though the few times I've used it, it worked first try most of the time, though I have once or twice gotten the message to make sure my thumb was fully covering the sensor.

All in all, I'm very happy with this phone even with its shortcomings, the screen is fantastic, the build is great, the feature set is incredible, the camera is awesome, and most of all is the shear speed of the phone. But I totally understand how its shortcomings could bother you. I hope you find a phone that suits you.

 

[epicrayban]

Well, I was kinda joking since when anandtech post good things about the iPhone it's because they're biased.

As for your problems, I can totally understand. Battery life for me has been average, around 4 hours screen time, the back button of course to me is on the wrong side, but the way I hold it which is guess is lower than how you hold it, means it's no problem for me hitting, I just have to remember it's on the wrong side.

And I also notice the lags your talking about. When I type it seems to register my key presses, but the tapping sound and vibration don't seem to react right away, after I'm about a word in it then starts making the tapping noises and vibrations very quickly to catch up to where I am. The lags aren't bothering me too much because on the whole it's one of the fastest phones I've ever used.

The finger print scanner also I don't use much because I also have a Moto 360 which I have set up as a trusted device. So as long as it's connected I don't have to enter my password or finger print. Though the few times I've used it, it worked first try most of the time, though I have once or twice gotten the message to make sure my thumb was fully covering the sensor.

All in all, I'm very happy with this phone even with its shortcomings, the screen is fantastic, the build is great, the feature set is incredible, the camera is awesome, and most of all is the shear speed of the phone. But I totally understand how its shortcomings could bother you. I hope you find a phone that suits you.

Everything sounds about right here. Glad you're enjoying it. The screen really is sublime.

 

[smorrissey]

Battery life alittle worse then iPhone 6

i don't believe that.

Please don't make me laugh, better battery life the iphone 6? come on!

 

[Zaft]

i don't believe that.

Please don't make me laugh, better battery life the iphone 6? come on!

Image

That's what they say. Unless you have some proof to disprove it?

 

[smorrissey]

That's what they say. Unless you have some proof to disprove it?

A better source.

 

[Vegastouch]

Well let's just say I definitely don't agree with the whole review. The S6 is big on promises, small on delivery. Except for maybe the screen and camera. Software is still a no. battery life is a no. the back button location is a no. Physical home button with unreliable finger scanner is a huge no.

I wanted to like this device as you can see in my earlier posts, but alas it fell short on a lot of its promises.

Those that claim there are no lag, I don't know how that's possible. Lag exists and it exists in the most annoying ways. Not always obvious. But definitely affecting everything from keyboard typing and back spacing to settings toggles hanging.

Anyway. Enough bashing from me. Onto the future. Come on Sony...

I think id take yours back and get another. My fiingerprint scanner works great.

I dont know what you mean about the back button location? You like it on the left? I prefer it on the right. You can switch them around on the LG G3 and new HTC M9.

Battery life for me hasnt been great either but i have had WIFI calling on the entire time and i have T-Mobile. Its a known issue with their version.

And sorry but i just havent experienced lag.

 

[MRU]

Well, I was kinda joking since when anandtech post good things about the iPhone it's because they're biased.

As for your problems, I can totally understand. Battery life for me has been average, around 4 hours screen time, the back button of course to me is on the wrong side, but the way I hold it which is guess is lower than how you hold it, means it's no problem for me hitting, I just have to remember it's on the wrong side.

And I also notice the lags your talking about. When I type it seems to register my key presses, but the tapping sound and vibration don't seem to react right away, after I'm about a word in it then starts making the tapping noises and vibrations very quickly to catch up to where I am. The lags aren't bothering me too much because on the whole it's one of the fastest phones I've ever used.

The finger print scanner also I don't use much because I also have a Moto 360 which I have set up as a trusted device. So as long as it's connected I don't have to enter my password or finger print. Though the few times I've used it, it worked first try most of the time, though I have once or twice gotten the message to make sure my thumb was fully covering the sensor.

All in all, I'm very happy with this phone even with its shortcomings, the screen is fantastic, the build is great, the feature set is incredible, the camera is awesome, and most of all is the shear speed of the phone. But I totally understand how its shortcomings could bother you. I hope you find a phone that suits you.

The back button is grand for me as a lefty 🙂

In regards to lag in the keyboard are both your devices same carrier version as each other?
I'm wondering if this is specific to that carrier rom / firmware.

Battery life is average for me too. It gets me through the day but it doesn't excel at all. I leave mine on full auto brightness. If I don't it doesn't do the ramp up for outdoor visibility.

Fingerprint scanner is temperamental, but like yourself I set up my fitbit as a trusted device so don't have to deal with it most of the time. It likes my fingers more than my thumb. Noticeably prefers them.

Call quality is very good on mine. Making phone calls is not a problem with folks sounding clear and crisp.

Love adapt sound on Samsung devices for listening to music. The way it tests your hearing and the adjusts levels to suit your own personalised hearing is great.

Wireless charging is wonky for me. It seems to charge to about 92-98% and stop and then when it thinks it's charged it keeps waking screen up, chimes and then goes off and then wakes screen up and chimes again in a perpetual cycle. I didn't get my Samsung wireless charger yet as it comes separately, so will see if that fixes it.

The device isn't perfect by any means. Indeed when I'm relaxing at home I actually prefer to use either my nexus 6 or iPhone 6+ as my main browsing / media consuming devices. However my edge is great for when I'm mobile as its size is a perfect sweet spot for comfortable use as a phone.

 

[AppleRobert]

The back button is grand for me as a lefty 🙂

In regards to lag in the keyboard are both your devices same carrier version as each other?
I'm wondering if this is specific to that carrier rom / firmware.

Battery life is average for me too. It gets me through the day but it doesn't excel at all. I leave mine on full auto brightness. If I don't it doesn't do the ramp up for outdoor visibility.

Fingerprint scanner is temperamental, but like yourself I set up my fitbit as a trusted device so don't have to deal with it most of the time. It likes my fingers more than my thumb. Noticeably prefers them.

Call quality is very good on mine. Making phone calls is not a problem with folks sounding clear and crisp.

Love adapt sound on Samsung devices for listening to music. The way it tests your hearing and the adjusts levels to suit your own personalised hearing is great.

Wireless charging is wonky for me. It seems to charge to about 92-98% and stop and then when it thinks it's charged it keeps waking screen up, chimes and then goes off and then wakes screen up and chimes again in a perpetual cycle. I didn't get my Samsung wireless charger yet as it comes separately, so will see if that fixes it.

The device isn't perfect by any means. Indeed when I'm relaxing at home I actually prefer to use either my nexus 6 or iPhone 6+ as my main browsing / media consuming devices. However my edge is great for when I'm mobile as its size is a perfect sweet spot for comfortable use as a phone.

Is your Alpha retired from use then?

I'd like to read some comparison, doesn't have to be long as short and sweet is fine.

I am still contemplating getting one with the E proceesor.

 

[epicrayban]

Gotten confess first time needing to use multi window was very nice. I was texting and still using google maps to navigate. Very sweet

Also it must be said again, the screen is sublime. When using in direct sunlight it has no problem shining through. Just spectacular. Gotta give Samsung props for this display tech. LCD is garbage compared.

First time using GPS and calls today. Both excellent quality. Not using volte either.

And after the factory reset the lag seems to have dissipated a bit. Can't tell if I'm just trying to make myself like the phone or if its truly gone...

 

[Technarchy]

After careful consideration I decided to dump my 32gb Galaxy S6...

...and replace it with a 64gb Galaxy S6.

So far I can say it's the best/favorite smartphone I've owned, a title that previously belonged to the Apple iPhone 4S.

 

[epicrayban]

After careful consideration I decided to dump my 32gb Galaxy S6...

...and replace it with a 64gb Galaxy S6.

So far I can say it's the best/favorite smartphone I've owned, a title that previously belonged to the Apple iPhone 4S.

Finger print scanner succeeds first time evey time?

I noticed it always succeeds the second time or the first time after you just put the device to sleep. But if the phone has been asleep for a little bit, like deeper sleep or something the first scan almost never gets it. It's as if there is software lag that it doesn't fully register the finger the first time. Like its not ready yet.

Don't know. When I loft for the second attempt I try to place it back down exactly like I did the first time.

 

[MRU]

Is your Alpha retired from use then?

I'd like to read some comparison, doesn't have to be long as short and sweet is fine.

I am still contemplating getting one with the E proceesor.

The alpha has been retired. It occupies the same drawer as my moto x 2014 at the moment.

The alpha is noticeably smaller than the S6e - however I still think the alpha feels like one of the best small handsets in hand.

Despite having a plastic back it doesn't feel cheap. The back actually lends the device a nice grip that the new S6 range lacks somewhat.

The screen resolution is literally 1/4 of the S6 and yes compared directly it doesn't look as good clearly. Yet in isolation I think the Alpha screen looks very good.

The benefit of course with the lower resolution screen is battery life and that's where I find the Alpha easily compares to the S6e despite it having Significantly smaller battery.

Performance between the two is surprising in a couple of ways.

The S6e is super fast, and yes it does indeed open apps a little bit quicker, however I find my Alpha to actually handle memory consumption better than the S6e. The Alpha also came with far far less pre-installed apps than the s6e did.

The alpha thus performs in day to day operation as well as the S6e in regards to apps, and importantly it has less app refreshes than the S6e despite the 1gb memory difference.

Fingerprint scanner on the S6e is better, speaker is likewise clearer and better on the s6e.

Considering the exynos alpha can be picked up for €350 new now, I do ask myself if the s6e is truly worth the €500 difference for the 32gb model.

For someone who wants a very light, (alpha is a good 20g lighter) very sturdy, well built little handset, with a processor that gets Antutu benchmarks as high as 50,000 and if you get a European unbranded model - has almost NO bloat literally - to me the Alpha is great buy if you can get it for the €300-380 price range.

Biggest issue though is this .... Samsung will likely not be putting out anymore updates for it now lollipop update is out. Meaning future support is out of the window. That is a big negative even with the Alphas price reduction since launch.

The S6 & S6e will get plenty of support going forward and that could be worth to many the premium it affords.

 

[Technarchy]

Finger print scanner succeeds first time evey time?

I noticed it always succeeds the second time or the first time after you just put the device to sleep. But if the phone has been asleep for a little bit, like deeper sleep or something the first scan almost never gets it. It's as if there is software lag that it doesn't fully register the finger the first time. Like its not ready yet.

Don't know. When I loft for the second attempt I try to place it back down exactly like I did the first time.

It's user error. I don't have any issue with the fingerprint scanner.

My main unlock thumb is input twice from different angles to ensure there is a good print read every time. Same tactic I learned on the iPhone 5S.

And remember the S6 has a pill shaped reader, not circle. Make sure your finger is actually covering the entire scanner.

 

[jamezr]

It's user error. I don't have any issue with the fingerprint scanner.

My main unlock thumb is input twice from different angles to ensure there is a good print read every time. Same tactic I learned on the iPhone 5S.

And remember the S6 has a pill shaped reader, not circle. Make sure your finger is actually covering the entire scanner.

That is gold right there. When I stopped trying to use the scanner exactly like my 6+ it started to work better. I make sure i am covering the whole scanner and it works.

 

[epicrayban]

Good advice. I'll keep an eye out for covering the whole button.

 

[Technarchy]

That is gold right there. When I stopped trying to use the scanner exactly like my 6+ it started to work better. I make sure i am covering the whole scanner and it works.

I can see there being a period of developing muscle memory for people transitioning from Apple Touch ID. Within a day or two I had it down to a first attempt success rate the majority of the time.

 

[epicrayban]

I'm telling y'all the finger print scanner itself or the software is slow. I'm definitely covering the whole button. I admit it's not missing as much but it's slow. Slower than the iPhone.

 

[Lava Lamp Freak]

I decided to return my S6 and go back to the iPhone 6. There is a lot I liked about the S6, but I just prefer the size and feel of my iPhone 6 with the Apple leather case. I also prefer the UI of many apps on iOS.

The only problem is I got used to the higher resolution screen, and now I notice a lot of aliasing with small text on the iPhone -- mainly with zoomed out webpages and emails. It needs a higher resolution screen.

 

[mel823]

I'm telling y'all the finger print scanner itself or the software is slow. I'm definitely covering the whole button. I admit it's not missing as much but it's slow. Slower than the iPhone.

Maybe you have a dud unit.