Galaxy S6

[jamezr]

There is a huge amount of self-delusion floating around here by kool aid drinkers.

I played with the S6 and S6 Edge in store yesterday. Those things kick ass.
- The S6 is a bit boring in visual design but feels great in the hand and interface is very snappy.
- The S6 Edge is gorgeous, feels even better in hand and the only complaint with it can be that Samsung did not give the full "edge functionality" that is available on the Note Edge.

The glass back I dont see the point of: it is just another point of failure to go wrong - and Samsung does not offer the extensive netowrk of own stores/repair locations as Apple, so IMO its a bad idea. I would have been happy with the exact same back made of high quality plastic that is on the Note 4 - would not detract from the feel of the device at all.

The discussion of "Touchwiz" is just babble from reviewers that have no technical insight and nothing new to say: these two devices are extremely snappy. End of.

Bottom line anyway: these are monster devices and will sell like hot cakes, whether the haters like it or not, whether the biased reviewers like it or not. Its a benchmark device and a milestone in smartphone history.

I don't get all the TW hate either. I tested it out in person. It is extremely fast and responsive. No lag, no hesitation it was as responsive or more so than my 6+ i was comparing it too. No touch screen issues. It seems some just want to find something to complain about. No one is forcing them to buy the phone.
The demo unit I tested had 1.6GB free of the 3GB of ram. It was very fast and responsive. By all accounts it benchmarks faster than any other smartphone. So i don't understand why everyone is complaining. If people don't like TW.....don't buy the phone........

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Whilst some may be of use to certain users, the reality is that a simple optional install for things like Ant services if you are using health stuff rather than forcing all users to have them and as current they can not be uninstalled.

A lot of the services listed there can be deleted with root without actually effecting the ability of the phone and its stock apps from functioning as they are supposed to.
The debloated Roms prove this.

I'm not a rom maker - I just listed ones in my app drawer, and i ignored many of them in the list. So whilst my list may have a few needed ones - the point was to show how much there is under the hood that could be removed or made optional.

But why does it matter? If by all accounts the S6 benchmarks faster than any other smartphone....can have 1.6GB free ram even with all these service running in the background. Has no lag...... has a very fast and responsive UI why does it matter?
I mean the horse is dead already so stop beating it......

 

[MRU]

But why does it matter? If by all accounts the S6 benchmarks faster than any other smartphone....can have 1.6GB free ram even with all these service running in the background. Has no lag...... has a very fast and responsive UI why does it matter?

I've said repeatedly that it doesn't matter because the S6 has the processor and the Ram to muscle through regardless.

However .... That doesn't negate the fact that Samsung could if they choose bring down their Touchwiz OS overhead in much same way as HTC did prior to M7 and stock android.

I am not the one who claimed Samsung to have 'debloated' Touchwiz on the S6. If the claim is made and the end result doesn't see that materialise - regardless of whether the device is super fast or not - they should be called out/held accountable to their claims.

That being said - and again as I have repeatedly made the point - I don't believe it will affect S6 / Edge either sales or performance wise - despite myself and many others calling them out on it.

That doesn't make me anti Samsung. Like yourself, I likely have had more Samsung devices than many in this forum. It's because of this history of Samsung devices and years of listening to Samsung's hyperbole - that I knew from the outset the claims of smaller touchwiz were going to amount to nothing but hype. This doesn't mean I don't like Touchwiz - indeed again I have repeatedly stated that I actually like the launcher part of it (other than the inability to move the app drawer icon).

 

[epicrayban]

Woah just read the bgr preview/early review:


"The Galaxy S6 is ridiculously fast, and it seems almost impossible to trip up during normal usage. The new 64-bit octa-core Exynos processor, 3GB of DDR4 RAM and UFS 2.0 storage combine provide a truly fluid user experience."

Sounds like a winner.

Having said that... I believe all phones lag at some point whether due to a bad app or just general software hiccups every now and then. The more rarely it happens the better but it does happen to EVERY phone, including the iPhone 6.

As I said, if it can be kept to a minimum where it only occurs rarely then you're fine. Every review so far sounds like the s6 does. Joy.

 

[AppleRobert]

There is a huge amount of self-delusion floating around here by kool aid drinkers.

I played with the S6 and S6 Edge in store yesterday. Those things kick ass.
- The S6 is a bit boring in visual design but feels great in the hand and interface is very snappy.
- The S6 Edge is gorgeous, feels even better in hand and the only complaint with it can be that Samsung did not give the full "edge functionality" that is available on the Note Edge.

The glass back I dont see the point of: it is just another point of failure to go wrong - and Samsung does not offer the extensive netowrk of own stores/repair locations as Apple, so IMO its a bad idea. I would have been happy with the exact same back made of high quality plastic that is on the Note 4 - would not detract from the feel of the device at all.

The discussion of "Touchwiz" is just babble from reviewers that have no technical insight and nothing new to say: these two devices are extremely snappy. End of.

Bottom line anyway: these are monster devices and will sell like hot cakes, whether the haters like it or not, whether the biased reviewers like it or not. Its a benchmark device and a milestone in smartphone history.

Trying loading some apps and look for refreshes, try looking for lag. Come back when you have CONCLUSIVE proof they perform well.

The two cases so far with free memory was checking a Samsung rep's S6 another is what a person posted on XDA, that was only 780. I don't know what was open on that S6, I'll do my own tests today at BB.

 

[jamezr]

I've said repeatedly that it doesn't matter because the S6 has the processor and the Ram to muscle through regardless.

However .... That doesn't negate the fact that Samsung could if they choose bring down their Touchwiz OS overhead in much same way as HTC did prior to M7 and stock android.

I am not the one who claimed Samsung to have 'debloated' Touchwiz on the S6. If the claim is made and the end result doesn't see that materialise - regardless of whether the device is super fast or not - they should be called out/held accountable to their claims.

That being said - and again as I have repeatedly made the point - I don't believe it will affect S6 / Edge either sales or performance wise - despite me calling them out on it.

Sorry MRU.....but you have made that point repeatedly on a LOT of threads now. If TW bothers you that much you have the choice to not buy the device. Belaboring the point is useless after a while.

 

[epicrayban]

We have 3 upgrades on our family plan and will be getting 2 gs6s and 1 edge!

now picking the colors is the hard part.

Nice! It's your duty to post impressions of both! Be honest!

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Those are not all bloat.the blurb checkout is the only real bloat there.

You need the other services to use the phone.ant radio is needed for people that use health bands and watches and I print from my phone all the time so I don't see hp print service as bloat either lol

Yeah I'm sure Mru isn't wrong per se, but who knows what's actually needed to run the phone. Stuff behind the scenes we don't fully comprehend.

 

[MRU]

Sorry MRU.....but you have made that point repeatedly on a LOT of threads now. If TW bothers you that much you have the choice to not buy the device. Belaboring the point is useless after a while.

I was responding to a posters question.

Jeepers people just because a person criticises something doesn't mean they 'hate'. The world surprisingly is not black / white !

 

[epicrayban]

Folks, at the end of the day, as I've said before, ALL phones lag to some degree, be it due to a bad app or just general software hiccups.

The more rarely it happens the better the user experience. The end.

Let's enjoy the s6 and call out faults when reviews point them out and/or when we have the devices in hand.

 

[MRU]

Let's enjoy the s6 and call out faults when reviews point them out and/or when we have the devices in hand.

Exactly. Do you think my skeptiscm & criticism of Samsung (and more so the hyperbole of marketing and bogus news articles) is going to stop me buying an S6 Edge. No. My accountant however, maybe

 

[jamezr]

I was responding to a posters question.

Jeepers people just because a person criticise something doesn't mean they 'hate'.

But you are doing exactly what you accused Savor of doing about gushing over Samsung. You do the opposite about TW. It s just tired already multiple times in multiple threads about how TW and all the services running in the background and listing them all. Multiple times in the same thread sometimes about the lack of free ram because of all the services running. The horse is dead....stop beating it. We get that you don't like it. Calling them out on it soooo many times is pointless.

 

[Djlild7hina]

The S6 edge still sounds very tempting but idk if I can justify 1k for an off-contract 128gb version I am not a fan of carrier bloat and branding. If only the samsung website sold factory unlocked ones

 

[epicrayban]

The S6 edge still sounds very tempting but idk if I can justify 1k for an off-contract 128gb version I am not a fan of carrier bloat and branding. If only the samsung website sold factory unlocked ones

I'm still shocked they don't. Everyone does. Apple. HTC. Motorola. Sony.

Why doesn't Samsung? I'm surprised they haven't in the past. Are we sure about this?

I'm hoping the popularity of the s6 and edge changes their mind about that. I'm still holding my breath that they do down the line ...

 

[jamezr]

The S6 edge still sounds very tempting but idk if I can justify 1k for an off-contract 128gb version I am not a fan of carrier bloat and branding. If only the samsung website sold factory unlocked ones

I am sure but at some point they will sell the developer edition from the Samsung website. The dev phones are unlocked and can be used on any carrier. But not sure when usually after the release date.

 

[tbayrgs]

Big pre order day today! Fess up! Who's preordering?

I'm very very tempted!

Also when the heck are the review embargos gonna be lifted? Android authority posted theirs... Where's everyone else's?

Here's my 2nd biggest problem with Samsung devices (my dislike for the TW interface being first--and notice I didn't mention lag/bloat, just that I dislike the overall TW design).

First photo is from the current preorder screen from Samsung's website, 2nd is from HTC's. Both phones are available today, but only one can be preordered unlocked, off contract, carrier free.

The shame of it is I generally prefer HTC phones but if there was the same option to purchase unlocked, carrier free from Samsung, I might seriously consider buying one. As it stands now, no chance.

 

[MRU]

Here's my 2nd biggest problem with Samsung devices (my dislike for the TW interface being first--and notice I didn't mention lag/bloat, just that I dislike the overall TW design).

First photo is from the current preorder screen from Samsung's website, 2nd is from HTC's. Both phones are available today, but only one can be preordered unlocked, off contract, carrier free.

The shame of it is I generally prefer HTC phones but if there was the same option to purchase unlocked, carrier free from Samsung, I might seriously consider buying one. As it stands now, no chance.

Are the BestBuy ones not unlocked & carrier free then ?

 

[tbayrgs]

I am sure but at some point they will sell the developer edition from the Samsung website. The dev phones are unlocked and can be used on any carrier. But not sure when usually after the release date.

Are you sure about that? Except for a developer edition compatible from Verizon, I don't recall seeing Samsung offer unlocked, carrier free versions on their flagships on their website. In fact, looking at the Note series now, only devices listed on their website are carrier branded.

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Are the BestBuy ones not unlocked & carrier free then ?

No. And I'm aware that certain models from certain carriers can be unlocked and used on other networks. I don't want a carrier branded phone or have to deal with carriers at all. Epicrayban already mentioned how you can get an unlocked, carrier free version from just about every other manufacturer. I won't consider a Samsung, no matter how good, until they do this as well.

 

[AppleRobert]

In store in my area, most BB locations do not have unlocked carrier free devices.

 

[Djlild7hina]

Yeah, I thought the off-contract ones at Bestbuy were the international versions but they aren't. Plus Bestbuy charges like $50+ extra compared to others. *sighs*

Does Samsung even offer developer versions? I thought the only one they did was the S4?

 

[epicrayban]

Stopped by Tmobile. I came THIS close to preordering.

The finger print unlock I tested for a very long time. Its very good. Very fast. Shocked really.

And the double tap for the camera, amazingly fast. Just right away.

 

[tbayrgs]

Stopped by Tmobile. I came THIS close to preordering.

The finger print unlock I tested for a very long time. Its very good. Very fast. Shocked really.

And the double tap for the camera, amazingly fast. Just right away.

From all of your gushing (not a criticism, mind you, just seems like you're sold on the S6), I figured you'd have preordered as soon as possible. What are your reservations?

 

[jamezr]

Are you sure about that? Except for a developer edition compatible from Verizon, I don't recall seeing Samsung offer unlocked, carrier free versions on their flagships on their website. In fact, looking at the Note series now, only devices listed on their website are carrier branded.

I think you're right. This dev edition Note 4 is branded but since it is Verizon it is GSM unlocked.

http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/cell-phones/SM-N910VMKEVZW?CID=AFL-hq-mul-0813-11000279

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Here's my 2nd biggest problem with Samsung devices (my dislike for the TW interface being first--and notice I didn't mention lag/bloat, just that I dislike the overall TW design).

First photo is from the current preorder screen from Samsung's website, 2nd is from HTC's. Both phones are available today, but only one can be preordered unlocked, off contract, carrier free.

The shame of it is I generally prefer HTC phones but if there was the same option to purchase unlocked, carrier free from Samsung, I might seriously consider buying one. As it stands now, no chance.

Agreed......I wish all OEMs would offer a carrier free unlocked version of their phones.
HTC offers a way to unlock their phones bootloader as well.

 

[epicrayban]

I also played with the Edge, and I must reiterate how immersive the screen is.

I think I know what it is. The Edge makes the screen feel like it's protruding outward from the device (even though it's obviously not). The tapered and curved edge screen makes it "pop" so to speak, and I think that's why using the device feels so engrossing and immersive. It's nothing but screen. And it's glorious.

Too bad about the price. Though it's understandable given the technology. (Again, if this was an Apple product, no one would be surprised by the pricing).

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From all of your gushing (not a criticism, mind you, just seems like you're sold on the S6), I figured you'd have preordered as soon as possible. What are your reservations?

I don't know! Still have some reservations about the battery life, about TouchWiz (especially in the long run), about early defects if any, etc.

I'm a safe, low-risk kinda guy. lol.

Also, I really do like my OnePlus. It's a REAL shame OnePlus just announced they are delaying Lollipop. Pushing me evermore toward the S6...

 

[MRU]

I don't know! Still have some reservations about the battery life, about TouchWiz (especially in the long run), about early defects if any, etc

Hey If someone like me who has criticised as much as I have, is going to get an S6 Edge - 64gb (white as the green isn't going to be available for me) with - then rest assured despite reservations - I think its looking like it'll be one of the highlight devices of 2015.

 

[epicrayban]

Hey If someone like me who has criticised as much as I have, is going to get an S6 Edge - 64gb (white as the green isn't going to be available for me) with - then rest assured despite reservations - I think its looking like it'll be one of the highlight devices of 2015.

YOu're not helping MRU!!!

Tmobile is literally around the corner from where I work, too.......!

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From all of your gushing (not a criticism, mind you, just seems like you're sold on the S6), I figured you'd have preordered as soon as possible. What are your reservations?

Also, like you, I would much prefer it unlocked.

I'm sort of waiting out for that to happen down the line... Though it doesn't sound promising given Samsung's history with unlocked devices (surprising, really).

 

[nviz22]

I went into last night thinking selling my new Note 4 would be a loss, but now? I think that the S6 might be worth the extra $130 difference. Better screen, weightless, cleaner UI and Lollipop looks great, touch based fingerprint scanner, Samsung Pay, quick camera launch, nice back feel, snappy processor, etc. Problem is nobody wants to buy my Note 4 .