The Samsung Galaxy S6, released in 2015, was a flagship device that boasted impressive specs, a sleek design, and innovative features. However, with the rapid pace of technological advancements, it’s natural to wonder if this phone still holds up today. In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the Galaxy S6, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, to help you decide if it’s still a good phone for your needs.
Design and Display
The Galaxy S6 features a stunning 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display, with a Quad HD resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels. The screen is still vibrant and crisp, with excellent color accuracy and deep blacks. The phone’s design is also noteworthy, with a sleek glass and metal construction that exudes premium quality.
Build Quality and Durability
The Galaxy S6’s build quality is exceptional, with a solid feel that inspires confidence. The phone’s glass back and metal frame are durable, but not immune to scratches and cracks. However, with proper care and handling, the phone can withstand the rigors of daily use.
Comparison to Modern Phones
While the Galaxy S6’s design and display were cutting-edge in 2015, they may seem dated compared to modern phones. Newer devices often feature larger screens, higher refresh rates, and more advanced materials. However, the Galaxy S6’s classic design still holds up, and its compact size makes it easy to handle and pocket.
Performance and Hardware
The Galaxy S6 is powered by a 64-bit octa-core Exynos 7420 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM and a Mali-T760 GPU. While these specs were impressive in 2015, they may struggle to keep up with demanding modern apps and games.
Benchmark Scores
To give you a better idea of the Galaxy S6’s performance, here are some benchmark scores:
| Benchmark | Score |
| — | — |
| Geekbench 5 (Single-Core) | 1,475 |
| Geekbench 5 (Multi-Core) | 4,337 |
| 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme | 1,144 |
These scores indicate that the Galaxy S6’s performance is still respectable, but not exceptional. The phone can handle everyday tasks, such as browsing, social media, and streaming, but may struggle with more demanding activities.
Comparison to Modern Phones
Modern phones often feature more powerful processors, increased RAM, and advanced GPUs. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a 64-bit octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, paired with up to 16GB of RAM and an Adreno 730 GPU. These specs make the Galaxy S22 Ultra significantly more powerful than the Galaxy S6.
Camera and Photography
The Galaxy S6 features a 16MP primary camera, with a 1/2.6″ sensor, f/1.9 aperture, and optical image stabilization. The camera is still capable of taking excellent photos, with good low-light performance and accurate color reproduction.
Camera Features
The Galaxy S6’s camera app offers a range of features, including:
- Auto mode
- Pro mode
- HDR
- Panorama
- Slow-motion video
These features make it easy to capture stunning photos and videos, even for novice photographers.
Comparison to Modern Phones
Modern phones often feature more advanced camera systems, with higher-resolution sensors, improved low-light performance, and advanced features like multi-camera arrays and AI-powered processing. For example, the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra boasts a quad-camera array, with a 108MP primary sensor, 40MP front camera, and support for 8K video recording.
Software and Updates
The Galaxy S6 originally shipped with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop, but has since received updates to Android 7.0 Nougat. However, the phone is no longer receiving official software updates or security patches.
Security Risks
The lack of updates and security patches makes the Galaxy S6 vulnerable to security risks and exploits. This means that using the phone for sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping, may not be recommended.
Alternative Options
If you’re concerned about security, you may want to consider alternative options, such as:
- Installing a custom ROM, like LineageOS or Resurrection Remix
- Using a third-party security app, like Avast or Kaspersky
- Upgrading to a newer phone with regular software updates
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S6 is still a good phone, but its age and limitations make it less desirable compared to modern devices. While it still offers a great display, excellent camera, and premium design, its performance and software may not be up to par.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a phone for basic use, the Galaxy S6 may still be a good choice. However, if you need a phone for demanding tasks, gaming, or advanced features, you may want to consider a newer device.
Recommendation
Based on our review, we recommend the Galaxy S6 for:
- Basic use, such as calling, texting, and browsing
- Casual photography and social media
- Budget-conscious buyers who want a premium phone at a lower price
However, we do not recommend the Galaxy S6 for:
- Demanding tasks, such as gaming or video editing
- Advanced features, such as multi-camera arrays or AI-powered processing
- Security-sensitive activities, such as online banking or shopping
Ultimately, the decision to use the Galaxy S6 depends on your specific needs and preferences. We hope this review has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the phone’s strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Is the Galaxy S6 still a good phone in terms of performance?
The Galaxy S6, released in 2015, was a flagship device at the time, and its performance was top-notch. However, with the rapid advancement of technology, its performance may not be as smooth as newer devices. The phone is powered by a 64-bit, octa-core Exynos 7420 processor, which was one of the fastest processors available at the time. Although it can still handle basic tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, it may struggle with demanding tasks and multitasking.
Additionally, the phone’s operating system has not received updates beyond Android 8.0 Oreo, which may leave it vulnerable to security exploits. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle heavy usage, you may want to consider a newer device. However, if you’re looking for a basic phone for everyday tasks, the Galaxy S6 may still be sufficient.
How is the camera on the Galaxy S6?
The Galaxy S6 has a 16-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization, which was one of the best cameras available at the time. The camera is capable of taking high-quality photos with good low-light performance. It also features a 5-megapixel front camera, which is sufficient for selfies and video calls. Although camera technology has improved significantly since the S6’s release, the phone’s camera is still capable of taking good photos.
However, the camera app may feel outdated compared to newer devices, and some features like portrait mode and advanced low-light capabilities may be missing. Additionally, the camera may not be able to record 4K video at 60fps, which is a feature available on newer devices. If camera quality is a top priority, you may want to consider a newer device. However, if you’re looking for a basic camera that can take good photos, the Galaxy S6’s camera is still sufficient.
Is the Galaxy S6 still supported by Samsung?
The Galaxy S6 is no longer supported by Samsung, as it has reached its end-of-life cycle. Samsung typically provides software updates and security patches for its devices for two to three years after their release. Since the S6 was released in 2015, it has not received any official software updates or security patches since 2018.
Although the phone may still be functional, the lack of support from Samsung means that it may be vulnerable to security exploits and may not be compatible with newer apps. If you’re looking for a phone that will receive regular updates and security patches, you may want to consider a newer device. However, if you’re looking for a basic phone that can still perform everyday tasks, the Galaxy S6 may still be sufficient.
Can I still buy a Galaxy S6?
Although the Galaxy S6 is no longer available for purchase from Samsung or most major carriers, you can still buy it from third-party sellers like Amazon, eBay, or Craigslist. However, be cautious when buying from third-party sellers, as the phone may be used or refurbished, and may not come with a warranty.
Additionally, be aware that the phone may not be compatible with your carrier’s network, and may not support newer features like 5G or Wi-Fi 6. If you’re looking for a reliable phone that will work on your carrier’s network, you may want to consider a newer device. However, if you’re looking for a basic phone that can still perform everyday tasks, buying a used or refurbished Galaxy S6 may be a cost-effective option.
How does the Galaxy S6 compare to newer devices?
The Galaxy S6 is significantly outdated compared to newer devices. Newer devices have faster processors, better cameras, and newer features like 5G, Wi-Fi 6, and advanced biometric security. Additionally, newer devices have larger and higher-resolution displays, and may have features like wireless charging and water resistance.
However, the Galaxy S6 still has some advantages, such as its compact size and premium build quality. If you’re looking for a basic phone that can still perform everyday tasks, the Galaxy S6 may be sufficient. However, if you’re looking for a phone that can handle heavy usage or has the latest features, you may want to consider a newer device.
Is the Galaxy S6 worth buying in 2023?
Whether or not the Galaxy S6 is worth buying in 2023 depends on your needs and expectations. If you’re looking for a basic phone that can still perform everyday tasks, the Galaxy S6 may be a cost-effective option. However, if you’re looking for a phone that can handle heavy usage or has the latest features, you may want to consider a newer device.
Additionally, consider the phone’s lack of support from Samsung, which means it may be vulnerable to security exploits and may not be compatible with newer apps. If you’re looking for a reliable phone that will receive regular updates and security patches, you may want to consider a newer device. However, if you’re looking for a basic phone that can still perform everyday tasks, buying a used or refurbished Galaxy S6 may be a good option.
What are some alternatives to the Galaxy S6?
If you’re looking for a phone that is similar to the Galaxy S6 but has newer features and better performance, consider the following alternatives: Samsung Galaxy S10e, Google Pixel 4, or OnePlus 7 Pro. These phones have faster processors, better cameras, and newer features like 5G and Wi-Fi 6.
Additionally, consider budget-friendly options like the Samsung Galaxy A12 or the Google Pixel 3a. These phones have similar features to the Galaxy S6 but at a lower price point. If you’re looking for a phone that can handle heavy usage or has the latest features, consider a flagship device like the Samsung Galaxy S22 or the Apple iPhone 13.