Galaxy S6 Edge In 2024: Still Worth It?

So, you're wondering about the Galaxy S6 Edge in 2024, huh? It's been quite a while since this phone was the talk of the town. Back in 2015, the S6 Edge was revolutionary with its curved display, setting a new standard for smartphone design. But let's be real, technology moves at lightning speed. Can a phone from that era still hold its own in today's world of dazzling, cutting-edge devices? That's the million-dollar question we're diving into. We’ll be looking at everything from performance and features to whether it's a viable option, or just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Let’s get started, shall we?

Design and Display: A Blast from the Past

When the Galaxy S6 Edge hit the market, its design was straight out of a sci-fi movie. The curved edges on the display weren't just for show; they made the phone feel incredibly sleek and futuristic. In 2024, while the novelty might have worn off a bit, the design still has a certain charm. It's like seeing a classic car – it might not be the fastest or most efficient, but it's got character. The compact size of the S6 Edge is also a plus for those who are tired of the ever-increasing size of modern smartphones. It fits comfortably in your hand and is easy to use with one hand, something that’s becoming rare these days. The build quality is also something to appreciate. With a glass back and metal frame, it feels premium, even by today's standards. It’s a reminder of a time when flagship phones were built with a certain level of craftsmanship. Of course, there are downsides. The glass back is a fingerprint magnet, and the lack of water resistance is a major drawback compared to modern phones. But overall, the design of the S6 Edge still manages to turn heads, even if it's for its retro appeal.

Now, let's talk about the display. The S6 Edge features a 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display, which was top-of-the-line back in the day. The colors are vibrant, the blacks are deep, and the resolution is sharp. Even in 2024, the display holds up surprisingly well. It's not as bright as modern OLED panels, and it doesn't have the high refresh rates that are all the rage now, but it's still a pleasure to look at. Watching videos and viewing photos on the S6 Edge is still an enjoyable experience. The curved edges add a unique visual flair, making content feel more immersive. However, the curved edges can also be a bit of a nuisance. Accidental touches are common, and the glare from the curved glass can be distracting in certain lighting conditions. But despite these minor issues, the display on the S6 Edge is still one of its strongest features. It's a testament to how good Samsung's display technology was, even years ago. So, if you're looking for a phone with a great display on a budget, the S6 Edge might still be worth considering.

Performance: Can It Keep Up?

Okay, let's get to the nitty-gritty. The Galaxy S6 Edge is powered by Samsung's Exynos 7420 processor, paired with 3GB of RAM. In 2015, this was a powerhouse, but in 2024, it's showing its age. Basic tasks like browsing the web, checking email, and social media are still manageable, but don't expect lightning-fast performance. Apps take a bit longer to load, and multitasking can be laggy at times. Gaming is also a mixed bag. Simple games run fine, but more demanding titles will struggle. You'll have to lower the graphics settings to get a playable frame rate, and even then, you might encounter stuttering. Let's be real, if you're a hardcore gamer, the S6 Edge is not going to cut it. It's like trying to run a modern video game on a computer from the early 2000s – it's just not going to happen. However, for casual users who don't need the latest and greatest performance, the S6 Edge can still be a decent option. It's fine for everyday tasks and light entertainment. Just don't expect it to keep up with the latest flagship phones.

Software is another area where the S6 Edge is showing its age. It originally launched with Android Lollipop and received updates up to Android Nougat. While Android Nougat is still usable, it's missing many of the features and security updates that are standard on modern Android versions. This means you'll be missing out on things like gesture navigation, improved battery management, and the latest security patches. Using an outdated operating system also poses a security risk. There are known vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, so you'll need to be extra careful about what you download and click on. Custom ROMs are an option for those who want to update to a newer version of Android, but this is not for the faint of heart. It requires technical knowledge and can be risky. If you're not comfortable flashing custom ROMs, you're better off sticking with a phone that receives regular software updates. Overall, the performance of the Galaxy S6 Edge is adequate for basic tasks, but it's not going to impress anyone in 2024. It's a reminder of how far smartphone technology has come in a relatively short amount of time.

Camera: Still a Decent Shooter?

The Galaxy S6 Edge sports a 16-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a 5-megapixel front camera. Back in 2015, this camera was considered one of the best on the market, but how does it hold up in 2024? Well, the answer is a bit of a mixed bag. In good lighting conditions, the S6 Edge can still capture some impressive photos. The images are sharp, the colors are accurate, and the dynamic range is decent. The OIS helps to reduce blur in low-light situations, but don't expect miracles. The camera struggles in very dark environments, producing noisy and grainy images. Compared to modern smartphone cameras, the S6 Edge lacks many of the advanced features that we've come to expect, such as portrait mode, night mode, and AI scene detection. These features can make a big difference in the quality of your photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. However, for basic photography, the S6 Edge is still a capable shooter. It's fine for taking snapshots of your friends and family, or for capturing memories on your travels. Just don't expect it to compete with the latest flagship phones.

The front camera is also decent for selfies and video calls. It captures reasonably sharp images in good lighting, but it struggles in low light. There's no autofocus, so you'll need to hold the phone at the right distance to get a clear image. Overall, the camera on the Galaxy S6 Edge is still usable in 2024, but it's not going to blow you away. It's a reminder of how much smartphone cameras have improved in recent years. If you're a serious photographer, you'll definitely want to upgrade to a more modern phone. But if you just need a basic camera for everyday use, the S6 Edge will suffice.

Battery Life: A Major Concern

Battery life is one of the biggest concerns when considering an older phone, and the Galaxy S6 Edge is no exception. It has a 2,600mAh battery, which was small even in 2015. In 2024, with years of use and degradation, the battery life is likely to be even worse. You'll be lucky to get through a full day of moderate use on a single charge. Heavy users will likely need to charge the phone multiple times a day. This can be a major inconvenience, especially if you're on the go. There are a few things you can do to improve the battery life, such as turning down the screen brightness, disabling background app refresh, and using battery saver mode. However, these measures will only make a marginal difference. The battery is simply too old and too small to keep up with modern usage patterns. Replacing the battery is an option, but it's not always easy or cheap. You'll need to find a reputable repair shop and pay for the cost of the battery and labor. Even with a new battery, the S6 Edge is unlikely to have stellar battery life. It's simply an old phone with an old battery. If battery life is a major concern for you, you're better off looking for a more modern phone with a larger battery.

The Galaxy S6 Edge does support fast charging, which is a plus. It can charge from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes, which is relatively quick. However, it doesn't support wireless charging, which is a common feature on modern phones. Overall, the battery life of the Galaxy S6 Edge is a major drawback. It's simply not good enough for most users in 2024. If you're considering buying an S6 Edge, be prepared to carry a charger with you at all times.

Is the Galaxy S6 Edge Worth It in 2024?

So, after all this, is the Galaxy S6 Edge worth it in 2024? The answer is... it depends. If you're on a very tight budget and you're looking for a phone with a unique design and a decent display, the S6 Edge might be worth considering. It's also a good option for those who want a small, compact phone that's easy to use with one hand. However, there are many drawbacks to consider. The performance is slow, the software is outdated, the camera is mediocre, and the battery life is poor. You'll also be missing out on many of the features and security updates that are standard on modern phones. For most users, the Galaxy S6 Edge is simply too old to be a viable option in 2024. There are many better phones available at similar prices. You're better off buying a newer budget phone or a used flagship phone from the past few years. These phones will offer better performance, a more modern software experience, a better camera, and longer battery life. The Galaxy S6 Edge is a classic phone with a unique design, but it's time to let it rest in peace.

In conclusion, while the Galaxy S6 Edge was a groundbreaking device in its time, its age significantly impacts its usability in 2024. The outdated hardware, software, and diminished battery life make it a difficult recommendation for anyone needing a reliable daily driver. Only those with specific nostalgic reasons or very limited needs should consider it, and even then, proceed with caution. There are far better options available that will provide a much more satisfying smartphone experience.