Thursday 20 August 2015

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5: What is the Difference?

On 13th August 2015, Samsung pulled back the curtains on its Galaxy S6 Edge+ and Note 5 smartphones. Earlier the company had effectively split its S-line in two with Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge. Now they have split their phablet range into two new flagship models: Galaxy S6 edge+ and Galaxy Note 5. Since both the devices are priced about the same, it is but natural that customers are keen to know the differences between the two. Therefore, we have decided to undertake a detailed spec to spec review of the two devices to find out how exactly they differ from each other.

Design 

In terms of overall dimensions, Galaxy S6 edge+ measures 154.4x75.8x6.9mm as compared to Note 5 which is 153.2x76.1x7.6mm, meaning the S6 edge+ is slightly thinner and fractionally longer. Furthermore, S6 edge+ hits the scale at 153gm compared to 171gm of Note 5. There is an extra pack for stylus that has been the key highlight of Samsung’s Note series but it also adds on some weight to the device. Both S6 edge+ and Note 5 as predicted follow the footsteps of their predecessors with a metal and glass construction. Also, both devices come with built-in fingerprint scanner. Most certainly, we find S6 edge+ is more exciting in terms of design with its dual edge display. However, the Note series has always had its fan following for its powerful features and sturdy built. Now that Note 5 is embracing aluminum over plastic for its rear, it is very likely to please its devotees.

Display
Both Galaxy S6 edge + and Galaxy Note 5 have 5.7 inch super AMOLED display which produces terrific video and image viewing experience. Both of them also have QHD 2560x1440 resolutions with a pixel density of 515 ppi that adds on to sharp and crisp viewing experience. As such, the quality of visual experience is going to be the same in both the devices.

Performance
Both the devices have exynos 7420 chip under their hoods which is powered by 1.5 GHz processor and a 4 GB RAM. Both the devices are available in 32GB and 64GB internal storage variants, but there is no option for expandable storage in either. Furthermore, both S6 edge+ and Note 5 are powered with latest Android Lollipop 5.1 with Samsung TouchWiz Interface on the top. Although both the devices serve similar software experience, but there are differences too. In S6 edge+ there are specific apps that enhance the relevance of dual-edge display while Note 5 has specific apps that fit to its Stylus pen.
Software
In spite of similarity, the major difference between the two devices lies in their software. In Note 5, Samsung has retained most of its previous productivity software and smart UI to make it a perfect business-focused device. Moreover, the stylus has been tweaked to be more responsive too. On the other hand, in case of S6 edge+, Samsung has focused more on edge screen functionality that makes it more of a consumer device. The screen edge technology offers Information Stream where headlines scroll on the screen edge, Night Clock which shows time on the edge at night, People Edge which has the favorite contact list selected by user and Edge Lighting which means color specific edge lighting when favorite contacts call. In addition, S6 edge+ also has enhanced people edge so that images and emoticons can be sent directly to the favorite contacts. Soon it might be upgraded on S6 edge as well.

Camera and Battery
The two devices, S6 edge+ and Note 5, have the same cameras, i.e. a 16MP rear camera and a 5 MP front camera with an aperture of f/1.9. There is no difference even in the optics, lenses and features of the two handsets. As far as the battery is concerned both devices disappoint with 3000 mAh which surely isn’t the best in the phablet market.

Connectivity
Both devices have common features like Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, and NFC, and they support 4G and are compatible to nano SIM cards. In addition, both S6 edge+ and Note 5 support ‘Sidesync’ which is somewhat similar to Apple Continuity. SideSync allows users to handle phone tasks on their computers such as seamlessly transferring phone calls, files and even playing mobile games on PC, but this is available only on Windows OS for PC.

Conclusion
In India, Samsung launched the 32GB variant of Galaxy S6 edge+ priced at Rs 57,900 while the 64GB is not available at the moment. The exact price of Galaxy Note 5 will be available only after its launch in India but it is likely to be priced around Rs 60,000. As such, the two devices have identical specifications. The only differentiators are design and some software features. Therefore, the customer choice may be influenced by the price factor and their preference for overall design and software.

3 comments :

  1. Samsung S6 Edge showcases an exciting screen edge experience. Can't wait to hold it! :-)

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  2. How much will it be here in Australia? Seems very slim and cute..!

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    Replies
    1. 32 GB variant $999, 64GB variant $1148 and 128GB variant $1299
      Source: http://www.samsung.com/au/galaxy-s6/

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