March 2, 2015: Samsung, the Korean Giant, is the top phone maker in the world, probably in Nepal too. The Korean firm though being the top first handset maker, has lost significant sales volumes in the year 2014. There are many thoughts who forced them to come up with new innovations in whole range of phones to keep the top spot, as the competition is now rife with Apple standing firm (with iPhone 6 sales) and rise of Chinese firms like Xiaomi, Meizu, Huawei for cheaper mid range and Flagship devices. Samsung has upped the ante by unveiling the two awaited flagships: Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge in an unpacked event at this years MWC (Mobile world Congress).
The two devices are of similar high end specs with all the features that make it flagship, but S6 edge is having the curved edge, fewer grams lighter and higher battery capacity. Samsung S6 is a 5.1 inch all metal phone powered by 64 bit Exynos octacore processor (two quadcore of 2.1 GHz and 1.5 GHz), having 3GB RAM (DDR4) and latest version of OS (Android 5.02). The 5.1 screen is of Super Amoled technology having bright and vivid display, with higher QHD resolution (2560 X1440, 577 ppi) as compared to its predecessor S5. Both the devices are sported with better and faster 16 MP rear and 5 MP front camera, having superior quality images (even in low light), along with features like Auto Real Time HDR, Smart OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), and IR detect White Balance, which is more enhanced by the direct access "quick launch" feature. Apart from the high end feature, Samsung has focused on the design and looks, being impressed from similar metal smartphones (like iPhone 6). The Glass encase both in the front and back has Corning Gorilla Glass 4, making it look premium and feel comfy. Additionally the curved edges on both sides in S6 edge makes it look different (appealing to many but not to me) and the first smartphone to have like that (Others to follow suit?? depends on how it sells in the market). Some of the features that disappeared with this new flagships are the non-removable battery/back, water resistant feature and microSD card slot, that may disappoint many. Though rumor is also something resulting most of it to be true, the removal of Samsung touch wiz happens to be false.
I feel the battery capacity of 2550 mAh (2600 mAh in Edge) seems to be insufficient for such LTE enabled flagship but their better power efficient and fast charging technology, needs to be proven from public to back up. The phone also supports wireless charging feature that is available in the industry, promoting it to be universal from now on. Quick Contact in the edge is one of the new features for the S6 edge for some tricks. The phones comes in basic storage of 32 GB, along with 64 GB and 128 GB variant. The phones are known to be available on sales from April 10th with price ranging from USD 800 to 900 ( NRs 80,000 to 90,000) but the official prices are not yet out. With the phones, Samsung has also launched new payment platform "Samsung pay" to counter Apple pay and Google wallet.
With the specs, looks and reviews from pundits, the S6 and S6 Edge keeps Samsung alive for the competition in the high end market (wary of premium looks and features) but need some more innovation to compete with the cheaper Chinese firms.
