Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Philippines, Arriving in April 2015 : Two Key Features of the Curved Display, Green Emerald Version In The Flesh!

Aside from giving bloggers and members of the media a chance to play with the 'standard' SGS6 model, our friends from Samsung Philippines also showed us the sleek Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge variant during their exclusive media preview at the Bonifacio Global City last March 12, 2015.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

Both SGS6 and the Edge version create a new standard for design, craftsmanship and performance as they seamlessly blend premium materials with the most advanced Samsung technology to offer consumers an unmatched mobile experience.

According to Mr. Digs Dimagiba, Samsung Business Unit Director of IT and Mobile Communications here in the Philippines, "With the all new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, Samsung is offering what’s next in the smartphone technology, along with a new standard to shape the global mobile landscape. By listening to our customers, and applying learnings from the past, we continuously cross borders to take technologies to a greater level. With a reimagined design, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge offer users the ultimate experience in smartphone options."

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

Crafted From Premium Materials

For the first time in history, Samsung made use of both real metal and shatter-resistant glass as defining or distinguishing design elements of its flagship smartphones.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

This timeless design, highlighted by an anodized aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass 4 front and back panels, required first-of-its-kind glass crafting technology and unmatched quality control, setting both the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge apart from every other mobile device on the market. The premium device aesthetics deliver true value and are complemented by a totally new and lighter interface that greatly enhances usability and functionality. A refined and fully optimized user experience simplifies applications and offers features and settings in a more intuitive way.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

Holding the device in the flesh and meticulously checking its design details, I can honestly tell you that Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is the most handsome handset that the Korean Giant has crafted and released to date.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

Cameras That Perform Well Regardless of the Lighting Condition

Last year, I was impressed by the great looking photos that my Samsung Galaxy S5 gave me. At first, I wasn't sure if Samsung's very own ISOCELL sensor that debuted on that flagship release could deliver good shots -- but it performed surprisingly well.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

This year, both the SGS6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge will come with a similar sensor along with a handful of imaging hardware and software enhancements. "The F1.9 lenses and high resolution sensors on both front (5 MegaPixel) and rear (16 MegaPixel) cameras provide the most superior image quality in a smartphone, even in the dark. In addition, Auto Real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR), Smart Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) and IR Detect White Balance provide advanced light sensitivities and crisp camera solutions. Furthermore, a new 'Quick Launch' feature give users fast, direct access to the camera from any screen in just 0.7 seconds by simply double clicking the home key button. These advanced camera functions enable users to capture their most precious and personal moments in uncompromising quality, however and wherever they want," shared the company.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald
Now, regardless of which application you're in or whatever you're doing on your Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge, you just need to double click on the home button to launch the camera.

The Latest Mobile Security Features From Samsung

The SGS6 and SGS6 Edge are built on the upgraded Samsung KNOX, end-to-end secure mobile platform, offering defense-grade features for real-time protection from potential malicious attacks. According to Samsung, "Both of these new devices are also ready for immediate enterprise adoption, with market leading MDMs and KNOX enhancements enabled at launch to simplify and improve mobile device management. Additionally, the Find My Mobile feature secures lost devices and protects personal information through a number of services, including the all new remotely controlled 'Reactivation lock.' With an enhanced touch-type fingerprint scanner, it also provides quick authentication and saves encrypted data in secure device storage."

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

The Best Technical Specifications on Any Samsung Handset To Date

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge has top-notch internal hardware that are identical to that of the regular SGS6 model. The phone runs its TouchWiz-skinned Android 5.0.2 Lollipop operating system right out of the box with an Octa Core Exynos 7420 chipset incorporating four 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A53 cores, 2.1 GHz ARM Cortex A57 CPUs, and a Mali-T760 GPU. The device also handles multitasking with 3GB of DDR4 RAM, and comes with 32, 64, and 128 GB of non-expandable internal storage options.

Samsung notes that "The world’s first 14nm mobile processor with 64-bit platform, new LPDDR4 memory system and UFS 2.0 flash memory [that are all found inside Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge deliver] higher performance and enhanced memory speed with lower power consumption. Moreover, the world’s first mobile 1440P/VP9 hardware based decoder enables users to enjoy high resolution streaming video while also using less power. In addition, the 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen offers users the highest pixel density of 577ppi."

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

A Unique Display With Two Unique Software Features

Needless to say, the one design attribute that sets the S6 Edge from the regular SGS6 is its display that gently curves down its left and right sides. The resulting form in itself adds to the overall premium look and feel of the handset but it also serves a function beyond the physical.

Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Green Emerald

Right out of the box, there are two cool things that you can do with the curved edges of the 5.1 inch Quad HD 1440 x 2560 SuperAMOLED display panel. First, you can rub it when the display is turned off and it will show you the time as well as recent notifications so you won't have to turn on the display and use more resources. And second, you can customize it to give you quick access to your favorite contacts from the TouchWiz Home Screen and App Drawer; This is particularly useful for loved ones or workmates that you need to get in touch with regularly.

Is It The Right Flagship Model for You?

If you're a big Samsung fan and you don't mind spending more to get the very best device that the company has to offer, then I'd say go for it. In terms of raw power and imaging capabilities, SGS6 and SGS6 Edge are practically identity but when it comes to head-turning looks and 'wow' factor, I think the Edge has obvious superiority. So I think if you're the type of user who always wants to have the most gorgeous and premium handset around, the S6 Edge would be great for you. The company hasn't disclosed the official SRP of SGS6 Dual (the official model for the Philippines) as well as Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge but I'm guessing that the former should land here with price tag in the area of Php 35,000 to 36,000 while the latter should cost roughly Php 40,000 to Php 45,000.

Update as of March 19, 2015: Samsung Mobile Philippines has just confirmed that Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge will be launched in the Philippines on April 18, 2015 with price tag of Php 41,990 for the 32GB model and Php 47,990 for the 64GB version.

TechPinas Smartphone Technical Specs Table (TSTST)
Name Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Philippines
Type Slate Form Factor (Full Touchscreen)
Price Category High-End (Flagship Level)
Dimensions142.1 x 70.1 x 7 mm
Weight 132 grams
Available Colors White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Green Emerald
Operating System Android 5.0.2 Lollipop with TouchWiz Skin
Display 5.1 inches (~70.7% screen-to-body ratio) with Curved Edges, Quad HD 1440 x 2560 pixels (~577 ppi pixel density), Super AMOLED, Gorilla Glass 4 capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Processor, GPU, Chipset Octa Core: Quad Core 1.5 GHz ARM Cortex A53 + Quad Core 2.1 GHz ARM Cortex A57, Mali-T760 GPU, Exynos 7420 chipset
RAM 3 GB RAM
Internal Storage 32/64/128 GB options, non-expandable
Camera Main: 16 MegaPixels, 3456 x 4608 pixels, Optical Image stabilization, Autofocus, LED flash
Features: Quick Launch, Tracking AF, Auto Real-time HDR (Front and Rear), F1.9, Low Light Video (Front and Rear), High Clear Zoom, IR Detect White Balance, Virtual Shot, Slow Motion, Fast Motion, Pro Mode, Selective Focus
Front: 5 MegaPixels
Video Capture Main: 2160p @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps, Optical Image Stabilization, Auto HDR
Front: 1080p @ 30 fps, Auto HDR
Audio and Video Playback Video: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8,
HEVC, Full HD (1080p), UHD (depends on variant) Audio: MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(*), WAV(*)
(*) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support
Ports microUSB v2.0, TV-out (via MHL 3.0 A/V link), 3.5 mm audio jack
Connectivity, Sharing 4G LTE Cat6, 3G HSPA+, WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5GHz), HT80 MIMO(2x2) 620Mbps, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Mobile Hotspot, Bluetooth v4.1, A2DP, LE, apt-X, ANT+, NFC, IR Remote, S Beam, Samsung AllShare Play and Control, Samsung AllShare Cast (WiFi Display), Mirroring and Extension, Samsung AllShare Framework
Sensors Accelerometer, RGB Light, Digital Compass, Proximity, Gyro, Barometer, Temperature, Humidity, Gesture, Heart Rate Monitor, Touch-Type Finger Scanner, UV
GPS A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
Network 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, 3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, 4G Network LTE 800 / 850 / 900 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600
SIM Card Type Single nanoSIM
Battery Non-Removable Li-Ion 2,600 mAh battery, Wireless Charging ~ WPC1.1 (4.6W Output) and PMA 1.0 (4.2W) compatible
Uptime TBD
Value-Added Features Flagship Release with Curved Edges, All-New Design, Fingerprint Sensor (PayPal certified), Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified), Ultra Power Saving Mode, Download Booster, S Health 4.0, Samsung Pay, Smart Manager, Microsoft Apps(OneDrive 115GB for 2 years, OneNote), Sound Alive+, Themes, Quick Connect, Private Mode, S Finder, S Voice
Announcement Worldwide: March 1, 2015 at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona
Availability Official: Philippines - April 18, 2015
Price TP Guesstimate: Philippines - Php 40,000 to Php 45,000
(Update) Official SRP:
32GB - Php 41,990
64GB - Php 47,990