Samsung S6 Edge Vs S6 Edge Plus Is Bigger Really Better Or Just Bigger

When Samsung launched the Galaxy S6 Edge and its larger sibling, the S6 Edge+, they introduced a new era of curved display technology. The S6 Edge made waves with its dual-edge AMOLED screen, but many users found it too compact for extended media use. Enter the S6 Edge+ — a phablet-sized version promising the same premium design with more utility. But does the extra size deliver meaningful improvements, or is it simply bulkier without substance?

The answer depends on how you use your phone. For some, the larger screen and battery are game-changers. For others, the loss of one-handed usability undermines the benefits. Let’s break down the differences in design, performance, battery life, and real-world experience to determine whether “bigger” actually means “better.”

Design and Build: Same DNA, Different Scale

Both phones share Samsung’s hallmark design language from 2015: glass front and back, metal frame, and that signature curved display wrapping around both sides. They feel luxurious in hand and were among the first Android devices to truly prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.

The key difference lies in dimensions:

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge	Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+
Screen Size	5.1 inches	5.7 inches
Resolution	1440 x 2560 (QHD)	1440 x 2560 (QHD)
Dimensions	142.1 x 70.1 x 7.0 mm	153.6 x 77.2 x 6.9 mm
Weight	132 grams	153 grams
Storage Options	32GB, 64GB, 128GB	32GB, 64GB, 128GB
RAM	3GB	4GB

The S6 Edge+ is noticeably taller and wider, making single-hand use challenging. While the original S6 Edge fits comfortably in most pockets, the Edge+ begins to push the limits of what’s practical for everyday carry. However, both devices maintain the same IP68-level resistance to dust and water — though neither is officially rated, their build quality allows limited splash protection.

Tip: If you frequently switch between pocket and hand, the S6 Edge offers superior ergonomics. Choose the Edge+ only if screen real estate is a top priority.

Display and Usability: Curves That Matter

The defining feature of both models is the dual-edge AMOLED display. Unlike later Edge devices that used curvature mainly for visual flair, the S6 series integrated functional features like Edge Panels — customizable shortcuts accessible by tilting the phone sideways.

On the S6 Edge, these panels are useful but can be accidentally triggered due to the tighter space. The Edge+ improves this experience with more screen buffer, reducing false touches and allowing richer content previews (like calendar events or social media updates) directly on the edge.

In daily use, the larger 5.7-inch display makes multitasking smoother. Reading e-books, watching videos, and browsing web pages benefit from the added vertical space. However, the pixel density remains identical — both screens deliver crisp, vibrant visuals with deep blacks and excellent contrast.

“Samsung didn’t just scale up the screen — they refined the Edge experience. The Edge+ turned a gimmick into a genuinely useful tool.” — Mark Lee, Mobile UX Analyst at TechInterface Group

Battery Life and Performance: Where Size Pays Off

This is where the S6 Edge+ pulls decisively ahead. Despite sharing the same Exynos 7420 octa-core processor and Mali-T760 GPU, the Edge+ packs a 3000 mAh battery compared to the S6 Edge’s 2600 mAh. That 15% increase translates to real-world gains:

• Up to 22 hours of mixed usage (vs. 17–18 on the S6 Edge)
• Near two-day light use on Wi-Fi browsing and messaging
• Longer video playback: ~13 hours vs. ~10.5 hours

The additional 1GB of RAM (4GB total) also enhances multitasking. Apps stay open longer, and switching between heavy applications like Photoshop Express or high-end games feels more seamless. While Android 5.1.1 (upgradable to 6.0.1) doesn’t fully exploit 4GB, power users noticed fewer reloads and faster background app retention.

Charging and Efficiency

Both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, but the Edge+ takes slightly longer to reach full charge due to its larger battery. Still, 30 minutes of fast charging delivers about 50% capacity on both devices. Over time, users reported better thermal management on the Edge+, likely due to increased internal spacing.

Tip: Use adaptive brightness and disable always-on display to extend battery life by up to 25% on either model.

Camera and Software: Nearly Identical, But Not Equal

The camera hardware is identical: 16MP rear sensor with f/1.9 aperture, OIS, and real-time HDR; 5MP front camera with wide-angle lens. In practice, both capture sharp, well-balanced photos in daylight and strong low-light performance for their time.

However, the Edge+ gains an edge (pun intended) in software. It was the first Samsung phone to ship with the full suite of Edge Panel features out of the box, including:

• People Edge – quick access to favorite contacts
• Information Stream – news, weather, and social updates
• Tasks – custom actions based on time or location

While the S6 Edge received these updates later, initial rollout delays left early adopters frustrated. The Edge+ launched as a more complete package, especially appealing to business users who valued productivity tools.

Real-World Example: Business Traveler’s Choice

Consider Sarah, a sales executive who travels weekly. She upgraded from an S6 Edge to an S6 Edge+ primarily for the battery. On long flights, she could edit presentations, watch training videos, and respond to emails without needing a power bank. The larger screen made document viewing easier, and the improved Edge Panels let her quickly access client notes and flight details with a tilt. For her, “bigger” wasn’t just convenient — it boosted efficiency.

FAQ: Common Questions Answered

Can the S6 Edge+ be used one-handed?

Possibly, but not comfortably. Samsung included a “One-Handed Mode” that shrinks the interface, but frequent stretching is required. Those with smaller hands may find it awkward.

Is the curved screen fragile?

No more than other glass phones of the era. The Gorilla Glass 4 provides solid scratch and impact resistance. However, screen replacements are more expensive due to the dual-curve design.

Do both phones support microSD cards?

No. Neither the S6 Edge nor the S6 Edge+ supports expandable storage. Users must choose their storage tier at purchase.

Final Verdict: Bigger Is Better — With Caveats

The Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ isn’t just a larger version of the S6 Edge — it’s a refinement. It addresses key limitations: battery life, multitasking capability, and Edge functionality. For users who prioritize screen space, endurance, and productivity, the upgrade is justified.

But “better” depends on context. If you value pocketability, ease of handling, or don’t consume much media on your phone, the original S6 Edge remains the smarter choice. Its compact form factor and lighter weight make it ideal for casual users and those transitioning from smaller smartphones.

Ultimately, the S6 Edge+ proves that bigger *can* be better — when the enhancements align with user needs. It wasn’t merely about screen inches; it was about delivering a more complete, capable flagship experience.

🚀 Still using an older Galaxy device? Consider what matters most: comfort or capability. Share your experience with the S6 Edge or Edge+ in the comments — your insights could help someone decide their next move.