Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge (2015): Design and Model Guide

Samsung Galaxy model archive · 2015

Galaxy S6 changed the feel of Samsung’s flagship with metal and glass, while S6 edge made the curved display a central design feature. The two launch models show how one generation can offer visibly different screen shapes.

Official Samsung archive image. Image source: Samsung.

Introduced 1 March 2015. Filed under the original announcement date. This retrospective was prepared in November 2026; shop availability may have followed later.

Generation at a glance

Metal-and-glass construction
5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED displays
16MP rear camera with optical stabilisation
Built-in wireless charging

The design shift that is visible at a glance

The S6 family is a useful dividing line in the archive. Materials and surface shape became a large part of the buying decision, alongside the camera and processor. A curved edge can look striking, but preference is personal: reflections, grip and the feel of a protective case are worth checking in the hand. The regular S6 is a valid choice within the family rather than simply a visually less ambitious placeholder.

Which version is which?

S6 and S6 edge were announced together in March 2015. The larger S6 edge+ arrived separately later that year; it is not merely an S6 edge with more storage. Samsung’s original edge+ announcement explains that distinction. Match the complete name before buying a case or display.

Looking at one today

Inspect both front and rear glass and pay particular attention to the edge model’s curved corners. Test camera focus, the physical home key, wired charging and wireless charging if you plan to use it. A glass back can hide a previous battery repair, so ask about replacement parts and repair history. Compare total restoration cost rather than assuming an inexpensive old flagship is automatically a bargain.

Before choosing an older phone, check the exact model on Samsung’s current security-update list and confirm local network compatibility.