Bigger, just not better.
Just a year ago, Samsung made revolutionary design changes with their flagship S series. It became more solid and minimal plus it performed fast and well. Past flagship devices were just plain ugly and felt cheap because of the plastic materials.
But now is a completely different story. Samsung poured all their efforts on the design on the phone and they finally got it right (obviously following the iPhone route). They released the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge – and it became the most beautiful phones ever made. It’s made with premium materials such as metal and glass and many considered this on par or even greater with Apple’s iPhone. Now, just like the iPhone, they released the bigger brother of the S6 Edge – the S6 Edge Plus.
Specifications:
- TouchWiz on top of Android 5.1.1 Lollipop
- 5.7-inch QHD (2560×1440, 518ppi)
- Dual Edge Screen
- Exynos 7420 Octa-core, 64bit
- 32GB / 64GB Internal Storage (Non-expandable)
- 4GB RAM
- 16MP, f/1.9, IOS rear camera
- 5MP, f/1.9 front camera
- LTE, Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, GPS
- Micro USB 2.0, Adaptive Fast Chargin Qi wireless
- 3000 mAh non-removable battery
So it’s just bigger, right?
Technically, it is. It really is a bigger version of the S6 Edge. It’s remarkably similar to the earlier model – just with bigger display and battery. But I don’t know why, it’s more visually appealing than its smaller brother.
The edged screen is something Samsung first introduced. If you look at it, you’ll know what I’m talking about. I have not read anything about an article that bashes the design and look on the Edge+. But there are some usability problems in this one, it may look good but it also makes it awkward to use. It’s curved shaped side is unnatural to hold and unlike the other phones, it’s flat back won’t rest naturally in your hand.
Samsung boasts that with its curved sides, you’ll have a better media experience because they are hiding the bezels of the phone which results videos becoming more “immersive”. But I’m not convinced with this one – watching a video knowing that it has a curved screen will actually convince you more that the video you’re watching is distorted. Plus there’s a little bit difference in contrast and colors on the edge compared to the actual screen.
The curved edges does have it’s use – the phone has some built-in features to take advantage of the unique design. You’ll have the privilege of adding shortcuts to your favorite contacts and apps just by swiping in from the side of the screen. It may be a useful feature but I’m not actually a fan – you can replicate those features on a normal and flat-screened phone, and it would be actually easier to use than a curved one.
Not better – still a great phone, nonetheless.
On a technical perspective, the Edge+ is equipped with all the latest hardware and it pretty much delivers a stellar performance. It’s 5.7-inch, Quad HD Super AMOLED display is bright and beautiful – a stunning screen to look at.
It’s Samsung Exynos processor partnered by a large 4GB of RAM will definitely bring smooth and fast performance. Multitasking is a piece of cake and opening apps will be a breeze. Also, you won’t go wrong with the battery – you’ll survive the whole day with heavy usage. Take a look at those scores:
Don’t forget about that camera, its 16-megapixel with optical image stabilization and the latest image processing software takes stunning, clear and fast photos (and videos). Take a look at some of our sample shots.
Should you upgrade your smartphone?
If you want a phablet with the best specifications and you have no issues in the price tag, go ahead – you won’t go wrong with the Galaxy Edge+. But if you ask me on what is the best Samsung smartphone that is available today, I’d say go with the Note 5 (just be careful with the S Pen). The Samsung S6 Edge+ is priced at Php39,990 and Php44,990 for the 32GB and 64GB variants.
