The Samsung Galaxy S6 marked a before and after in the history of the high-end Android range., fully committed to premium quality thanks to a revamped design, a stunning display, and one of the best cameras in its category. Throughout this article, we delve into the key aspects of the camera, design, display, battery, performance, software, and real-world usage details, integrating all the relevant and up-to-date information about the device so you can make the best decision if you're looking for a truly comprehensive review.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Camera: Professional Photography in Your Pocket
El Samsung Galaxy S6 stands out especially for the quality of its 16 megapixel main camera with an f/1.9 focal aperture and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This combination ensures excellent performance in both sunny outdoor and low-light situations, capturing a wealth of detail, minimizing noise, and delivering bright, sharp images. Sony IMX240 sensor used by Samsung offers advanced image processing, with a very pronounced depth of field, ideal for portraits and scenes with blurred backgrounds (bokeh).
The front camera is not far behind either, with a 5 MP sensor (also f/1.9), perfect for selfies, video calls, and HD videos. In terms of speed, the autofocus is fast and precise, with minimal shutter latency (around 0,3 seconds), allowing you to capture spontaneous moments effectively.
- Pro mode: Manual settings for ISO, white balance, exposure, focus, and more allow advanced users to get the most out of their camera.
- Intelligent automatic modes: Panoramic, Selective Focus, Macro, Virtual Photo (for 360º captures), Slow Motion and Fast Motion.
- Quick access: By double-tapping the Home button, the camera is activated in less than a second from any screen or application.
Video is another strong point: the S6 can record in UHD 4K (3840×2160 px) at 30fps, with spectacular results in color and detail. It includes slow motion recording up to 240 fps in 720p and fast motion recording for creative videos. The Galaxy S6's camera rivals that of the best phones of its time and surpasses many later models in overall quality.
Comparison of photographs and examples of use
Each mode is tailored to a specific need. Macro mode performs surprisingly well, capturing minute details without any noticeable loss of sharpness. HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode perfectly balances bright and low-light areas, ideal for urban and natural landscapes. Selective focus and bokeh modes deliver results comparable to those achieved with dedicated compact cameras.
Night photography and low light conditions
Thanks to the f/1.9 aperture and OIS, night shots are brighter and offer better noise control compared to other phones. The lack of motion blur and faithful color reproduction are notable, even in artificially lit environments.
Design and materials: Real premium, beyond aesthetics
El Samsung Galaxy S6 definitely bet on the premium segment, incorporating fine materials and a solid construction that sets it apart from previous generations and much of the competition. The body is composed of an aluminum chassis and glass overlay. Gorilla Glass 4 both front and back, offering high resistance to scratches and impacts usual.
In terms of feel, the S6 is a surprisingly light (138g) and thin (6,8mm thick) device. The beveled metal edges make it easier to grip and give it an imposing presence, although some users find the glass finish slippery (so a case is recommended for maximum safety).
- Available colors: white, black, gold and topaz blue, with changing reflections depending on the angle of the light.
- Center home button with a renewed fingerprint reader, fast response and touch operation (not sliding like previous generations).
- Aluminum bezel with power and volume buttons with excellent feel and travel.
- Rear camera slightly protruding, protected with glass and metal ring, accompanied by LED flash and heart rate sensor.
Not everything is positive: the commitment to elegance means giving up the removable battery and the microSD card slot, two features that have long set Samsung apart from other manufacturers. In compensation, internal storage is offered from 32GB (and 64/128GB versions) in addition to 100GB free cloud storage with OneDrive for two years.
Super AMOLED QuadHD display: The visual revolution in your hand
The Galaxy S6's display is undoubtedly another of its biggest attractions. Samsung incorporates a 5,1-inch Super AMOLED QuadHD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels) and an astonishing density of 577 pixels per inch, providing extreme sharpness in text, images and video. Maximum brightness reaches 600 nits, allowing excellent visibility in the sun and outdoors.
- Vivid colors and deep blacks, characteristic of AMOLED technology.
- Neutral white balance and improved color calibration to avoid artificial oversaturation.
- Wide viewing angles without loss of quality or color changes.
The Galaxy S6 offers four screen modes adapted to different user preferences:
- Adaptive Display: Adjusts brightness, contrast and saturation according to lighting conditions and displayed content.
- AMOLED Cinema: Optimal for movie and video playback, intense colors.
- AMOLED Photo: Designed to display photographs with greater color fidelity.
- Basic: It moderates all parameters, seeking maximum energy savings and minimum eye strain.
The user experience is excellent when consuming multimedia content, reading outdoors, playing games, editing photos, or simply browsing the system. The screen occupies 70,8% of the front panel, ensuring optimal use of space.
User interface and software: TouchWiz and Android, a leap in fluidity
The Samsung Galaxy S6 incorporates Android Lollipop 5.0.2 as the base system, customized with the revamped TouchWiz layer, which is much lighter than previous generations. This version eliminates unnecessary apps and menus, opting for a clear, fluid, and stable visual experience. Material Design sets the tone for icons, transitions, and colors, making navigation easier.
- Multi-window: Easy access via the left button at start, allowing you to work with two applications simultaneously on screen.
- Smart Shortcuts: Quick brightness adjustment, customizable notifications, and advanced options to control privacy and access.
- Pre-installed apps: S Health (activity and health monitor), S Voice (voice assistant), Smart Manager (battery, security, storage and RAM control), Microsoft Suite (OneDrive, OneNote, Skype), in addition to the Galaxy Apps store itself.
Personalization and themes
The Themes app lets you change the overall look of your system, with three pre-installed themes and the option to download many more. Colors, icons, and wallpapers can be easily modified.
Smart gestures and movements
- Silence alarms or calls by turning the phone over or covering the screen with your hand.
- Direct Call: Pick up the phone and hold it to your ear to call the open contact.
- Smart Alert: Your phone vibrates if you have pending notifications when you pick it up.
- Screenshot by sliding your hand over the screen.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 offers significant software updates, including the ability to upgrade to higher versions of Android that further refine the experience, improve security, and expand the device's functionality.
Hardware and performance: A technical marvel
At the heart of the Galaxy S6 we find the 7420-bit Exynos 64 processor, manufactured using 14nm technology, consisting of eight cores (four at 2,1 GHz and four at 1,5 GHz), along with a GPU Mali-T760 y 3 GB of LPDDR4 RAMThis combination provides plenty of power not only for everyday tasks but also for demanding gaming, photo/video editing, multitasking, or professional applications.
- UFS 2.0 internal storage, significantly faster than traditional eMMC memory.
- Benchmark performance: It exceeds 65.000 points in Antutu Benchmark, placing it at the top of its generation.
- Real experience without lags, even with several applications open or demanding resources, the fluidity is total.
The chip's energy efficiency and temperature management are decent: even during long gaming sessions or 4K video recording, the S6 avoids noticeable overheating compared to its Snapdragon rivals.
Battery: Intelligent management and ultra-fast charging
Battery 2.550 mAh It is integrated (not removable) and at first glance it may seem scarce for the performance of this device. However, the optimization of the processor and the Super AMOLED panel achieve Enough autonomy to get through a day of intensive useWith more moderate use, the device can last up to two days without charging.
- Fast charging (Adaptive Fast Charging): It allows you to obtain 40% battery in just 20 minutes and a full charge in just over an hour.
- Wireless charging (Qi and PMA): Compatible with major standards, facilitating wireless charging. Full charging with this method is slower, but more convenient for occasional use.
- Saving modes: Low Power Mode and Ultra Power Saving Mode, which cuts functions to squeeze every mAh in critical situations, can extend battery life to more than two days in extreme cases.
Idle power consumption is low, and background app shutdown management helps maintain battery life during long periods of non-use.
Connectivity and sensors: Complete on all fronts
- 3G and 4G/LTE mobile networks with download speeds of up to 150Mbps.
- WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac 2.4G+5GHz for maximum compatibility and speed.
- Bluetooth 4.1, GPS antenna compatible with Glonass.
- Infrared port (TV and other device remote control).
- Fingerprint sensor Improved, accurate and fast for both terminal unlocking and payments (Samsung Pay/NFC) and account validations.
- Heart rate and blood oxygen sensor below the rear LED flash, integrating with S Health to monitor health and fitness.
- Accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, barometer, and proximity and ambient light sensor.
Important Note: The Galaxy S6 doesn't come with an FM radio as standard, but thanks to its advanced connectivity and third-party apps, you can enjoy stations over the Internet.
Audio and multimedia
The speaker is located at the bottom of the device, delivering clear and powerful sound, although the bass may be a bit weak due to the device's thickness. For a superior listening experience, we recommend using quality headphones, as the S6 delivers balanced audio with good channel separation.
Video playback on the QuadHD display with available stereo sound is immersive. It supports numerous codecs and offers advanced equalization and effects options.
Special Features: Security, Payments, and Health
The next-generation fingerprint reader no longer requires a swipe, but works by simply placing your finger on the home button. It integrates directly with Samsung Pay for mobile payments using credit cards/NFC and MST technology, making the process convenient and secure.
The heart rate and oxygen sensor, accompanied by the S Health app, allows you to monitor physical activity, provide statistics and recommendations, and, in combination with other Samsung wearables, create a complete health ecosystem.
Storage and management options
- Three internal storage options: 32GB, 64GB and 128GB (not expandable via microSD).
- 100GB free on OneDrive for two years + 15GB extra welcome bonus.
- Smart Manager unifies control of space, RAM, security, and integrated antivirus.
Updates and long-term support
Samsung has guaranteed major updates throughout the device's lifespan. The S6 can be updated to higher versions of Android (such as Marshmallow and later), which extends its lifespan, adds features, and improves security and overall performance.
The user community is very active, with abundant resources, tutorials, custom ROMs, and technical support to get the most out of the device, even as time passes and new generations emerge.
Comparison and real-life experience
The Galaxy S6 stands out from its rivals in terms of camera, display, and design. The user experience is agile, stable, and free of freezes or slowdowns. Whether in everyday tasks or advanced uses—media editing, gaming, intensive browsing, or multitasking—it performs like a true high-end device, without sacrificing the elegance and style of Samsung.
The abandonment of the removable battery and microSD may be a disadvantage for some users, but the balance between design, features, and user experience places the S6 among the best Android smartphones of its time and remains a valid option for those looking for a complete, attractive, and reliable device.
Video Analysis: Everything You Need to See
For a more in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy S6's brightness, quality, and real-world performance, you can watch the video review on our YouTube channel, which showcases footage taken with the device, camera modes, and key aspects mentioned in this article.
Frequently asked questions and user reviews
- Is it water and dust resistant? No, in this generation Samsung sacrificed IP certification in favor of premium design.
- Is it possible to expand the internal memory? No, but the 100GB cloud storage and versions up to 128GB cover most needs.
- Does it support updates? Yes, the S6 has received several versions of Android and continues to enjoy community support.
- Can you listen to FM radio? It doesn't include FM hardware as standard, but there are a multitude of apps based on online streaming.
- Is the battery enough? Yes for most users: it can last a full day of intensive use, with fast charging as a solution for unforeseen events.
Samsung Galaxy S6 consolidates its position as the undisputed benchmark in camera, display and design among Android smartphones of its generation.It offers seamless fluidity, premium finishes, and endless customization and security options. Although it lacks some traditional features, its feature set and user experience make the S6 a safe bet for those who value technological excellence, mobile photography, and visual quality in their devices. If you're looking for a smartphone that excels in both appearance and feel, the Galaxy S6 remains one of the most recommended high-end models.