Galaxy S6 Edge Vs Iphone 6 Plus Was The Curved Screen Worth Switching From Apple

In 2015, smartphone users faced a pivotal choice: stick with Apple’s refined ecosystem or take a leap into Samsung’s bold new design language. The Galaxy S6 Edge introduced a dramatic curved display that captured headlines, while the iPhone 6 Plus offered polished reliability and seamless integration. For many long-time iPhone users, the allure of innovation clashed with loyalty to a familiar platform. Was the Galaxy S6 Edge’s curved screen enough to justify switching from Apple? The answer depends on what you value—innovation and visual flair, or consistency and long-term usability.

Design and First Impressions

The most immediate difference between the two phones was their physical presence. The Galaxy S6 Edge featured dual-curved glass that flowed seamlessly from screen to frame, creating an almost floating effect. This wasn’t just cosmetic—it redefined how users interacted with notifications and quick actions via the “Edge Panel.” In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus maintained Apple’s minimalist aesthetic: flat glass, aluminum unibody construction, and a clean, symmetrical layout.

While the S6 Edge felt futuristic in the hand, it also came with trade-offs. The curved edges made the phone more prone to accidental touches and were harder to protect with standard screen protectors. Meanwhile, the iPhone’s design prioritized durability and ease of use. It didn’t turn heads like the S6 Edge, but it rarely caused issues during daily handling.

Tip: If switching to a curved-screen device, invest in a case designed specifically for edge protection to prevent screen lift and scratches.

Display and Usability Comparison

The S6 Edge’s 5.1-inch Quad HD (1440p) AMOLED display delivered richer blacks, higher brightness, and deeper contrast than the iPhone 6 Plus’s 5.5-inch 1080p LCD panel. Colors popped, especially in dark environments, and the curved sides allowed for ambient lighting effects and shortcuts when the phone was face-down.

However, practical benefits were limited. While Samsung marketed the Edge Panel as a productivity tool—offering quick access to contacts or apps—many users found it more of a novelty than a necessity. On the other hand, the iPhone 6 Plus leveraged its larger screen for better multitasking, especially in Safari and email, and iOS optimized app layouts more consistently across the board.

One key advantage of the iPhone was its software stability. Notifications, gestures, and third-party app behavior were predictable. The S6 Edge, while powerful, occasionally suffered from inconsistent app support for the curved interface, leaving the feature underutilized.

Screen Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge	Apple iPhone 6 Plus
Display Size	5.1 inches	5.5 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2560 (Quad HD)	1080 x 1920 (Full HD)
Panel Type	AMOLED	LCD (IPS)
PPI	577	401
Curved Display	Yes	No

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both devices packed flagship hardware. The S6 Edge used Samsung’s Exynos 7420 processor with 3GB of RAM, delivering snappy performance and excellent gaming capability. The iPhone 6 Plus ran Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM—but iOS optimization meant it performed on par with, and sometimes better than, Android counterparts with higher specs.

Where the divide became apparent was in long-term software support. Apple guaranteed several years of iOS updates, ensuring security patches and new features well beyond the phone’s release. Samsung, at the time, offered only two major Android upgrades. By 2017, the S6 Edge had stopped receiving updates, while the iPhone 6 Plus continued to receive critical updates until 2018.

“Hardware innovation means little if the software experience degrades quickly. Longevity is often more valuable than initial flash.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Group

A Real Switcher’s Experience: Sarah’s Transition

Sarah, a graphic designer and longtime iPhone user, switched to the Galaxy S6 Edge in early 2015 after being captivated by tech reviews showcasing the curved screen. She appreciated the vibrant colors and the ability to assign her top five clients to the Edge Panel for quick contact access.

But within weeks, she noticed inconsistencies. Some apps didn’t recognize edge gestures properly, and she accidentally triggered the night clock mode while pulling the phone from her pocket. After six months, she missed iMessage and FaceTime integration with her MacBook. When her S6 Edge stopped receiving Android updates in 2017, she switched back to an iPhone.

“The curve looked amazing in photos,” she said, “but I didn’t actually *need* it. What I did need—iCloud sync, reliable messaging, long-term updates—I had taken for granted.”

Charging, Battery, and Ecosystem Considerations

Battery life was another point of divergence. The iPhone 6 Plus, despite a modest 2915mAh battery, delivered solid all-day performance thanks to efficient hardware-software integration. The S6 Edge’s 2600mAh cell struggled to keep up, especially with the high-resolution display and curved screen animations enabled.

Fast charging was available on the S6 Edge—a feature Apple wouldn’t introduce until years later—but it required a compatible charger not included in the box. Wireless charging, also supported by the S6 Edge, added convenience but contributed to faster battery degradation over time.

Most importantly, switching from Apple meant leaving behind an ecosystem. iCloud backups, AirDrop, Handoff, and seamless Apple Watch pairing were difficult to replicate on Android. Google’s ecosystem was robust, but not as tightly integrated for creative professionals who relied on Mac workflows.

Tip: Before switching platforms, test how your essential apps and services transfer. Sync calendars, notes, and cloud storage to avoid post-switch frustration.

Checklist: Is Switching from iPhone to Galaxy S6 Edge Right for You?

• ✅ Do you prioritize cutting-edge design over proven reliability?
• ✅ Are you willing to sacrifice iMessage and FaceTime for Android flexibility?
• ✅ Will you actively use the Edge Panel for contacts, apps, or alerts?
• ✅ Can you live with shorter software update support (2 years vs. 5+ on iPhone)?
• ✅ Do you have non-Apple devices that integrate better with Android?

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the curved screen improve usability significantly?

No, not for most users. While visually striking, the curved display offered limited functional advantages. The Edge Panel was customizable but inconsistently supported by apps, and accidental touches were common. It was more of a design statement than a productivity upgrade.

Was the Galaxy S6 Edge faster than the iPhone 6 Plus?

In raw benchmarks, yes—the S6 Edge often outperformed the iPhone 6 Plus in multitasking and graphics tests. However, real-world usage felt similar due to iOS efficiency. Over time, the iPhone maintained smoother performance as software updates were better optimized.

Can you still use either phone today?

Technically, yes—but neither is recommended for daily use. Both lack modern security updates, app compatibility, and performance for current software demands. They serve best as backup devices or nostalgic collectibles.

Conclusion: Was the Curve Worth the Leap?

The Galaxy S6 Edge was a landmark device—a daring experiment in smartphone design that pushed boundaries. Its curved screen turned heads and inspired future innovations across the industry. But for most iPhone users considering a switch, the novelty didn’t outweigh the costs: loss of ecosystem cohesion, shorter software lifespan, and marginal real-world benefits from the curve itself.

If you valued innovation for innovation’s sake, the S6 Edge was thrilling. But if you prioritized reliability, long-term usability, and seamless integration across devices, staying with the iPhone 6 Plus—and Apple’s ecosystem—was the smarter move.

Today, the S6 Edge stands as a symbol of ambition, while the iPhone 6 Plus represents enduring practicality. Whether the curve was worth it depends not on specs, but on what kind of user you are: one drawn to the future, or one who values what works now.

💬 Were you a switcher? Did the curved screen win you over—or drive you back to Apple? Share your story and help others weigh the trade-offs of design versus function.