The Galaxy S6 is easily Samsung’s most advanced smartphone to date. Does this mean it’s perfect? It definitely is not.
Fans have applauded Samsung for introducing on the Galaxy S6, features such as a premium glass and metal design and a simpler unlocking mechanism. But critics note the device’s lack of a removable back and in turn expandable storage among some of the worst Galaxy S6 features.
However, once users spend some time with the Galaxy S6, they may notice that certain aspects about the device that may not be complete deal breakers, but that they wish were different. Here are some features on the Galaxy S6 that may just irk users a bit.
Apple-esque Design
Many have applauded Samsung for the design upgrade on the Galaxy S6, but not everyone is enamored with the glass and metal unibody look, because it takes a large bite out of Apple’s playbook.
Prior to the Galaxy S6 launch many reports and leaks indicated that the Galaxy S6 would have a design similar to the iPhone 6. The device was announced in March with a rounded metal frame, which makes it look very much like the latest iPhone. Keep in mind that Apple also updated its design from a more rectangular look with sharp angles.
The basic shape of the Galaxy S6 is very much a standard Samsung style; it resembles the Galaxy S4. But there is something about the design of the S6 that makes it not quite feel like a Samsung device. Perhaps it’s the lack of the back removable back panel.
The bottom line is: Android fans want an Android phone, not an Android phone masquerading around as an iPhone.
Samsung’s Stock Keyboard
Another feature that may be a little too Apple-like for a diehard Samsung or Android fans is stock keyboard on the Galaxy S6. Previous Galaxy S devices have had three keyboard options: The Samsung keyboard, the Google keyboard and the Swype keyboard. The Galaxy S6; however, has only the Samsung keyboard and Swype keyboard as native options.
Many savvy smartphone users may already opt for a third party keyboard. We recommend the same for the Galaxy S6. Pulling up the keyboard on the S6 feels like you’ve just logged into an iPhone. The tiny, chiclet-like keys are near identical to the iOS keyboard and can make typing a chore.
Certain Apps Cannot Be Disabled
In an effort to appease fans’ complaints about the bulky, bloatware heavy Touch Wiz user interface, Samsung removed several of its special features indented to make its smartphones smarter and users’ lives easier. Users won’t find features on the Galaxy S6, like the one which allows them to scroll a page with their eyes, or the one that allows them to stop a video when they’re not looking at the screen.
Samsung also advertises with the Galaxy S6 -- that users can customize their device by disabling applications they don’t intend to use. Users can simply access the app tray, then the “Edit” option in the top right corner. Then users can disable applications by pressing the minus sign next to the apps.
But users will notice they are unable to disable several apps in the app tray. There are at least 14 apps users cannot disable. Many understandably so, such as the phone app and camera app, but some such as Email and Internet will likely go unused by many users.
Apps among those that cannot be disabled include Music, Calendar, Email, Internet, Clock, Contacts, Galaxy Apps, Gallery, Messages, Phone, Settings, Video, Usage manager and Camera.
Accessing Themes Requires A Samsung Account
Samsung advertises that the Galaxy S6 includes themes outside of the default interface design, which users can install to customize their devices. But if users want to install a theme, they must first have a Samsung account.
What’s annoying about this? First, users have to stop and log into or create an account instead of getting right to applying a theme. If a user is creating an account, they must verify the account before proceeding.
But more so, Samsung’s accounts are a way for the manufacturer to collect information about users habits on their devices. Users will find that a Samsung account is required for many features on the phone, like S-health (if users want to back up their health data), for example.
Battery Life
Battery life has suffered on the Galaxy S6 – full stop. There are many culprits to this issue, including the fact that Samsung designed the Galaxy S6 with a unibody and decreased the battery capacity to 2,550mAh (2,600mAh on the Edge) in comparison to older Galaxy S models (like the Galaxy S5, which has a 2800mAh battery).
The Galaxy S6 also has a high-powered Quad HD display, which is quite the energy hog. And while Samsung developed the new TouchWiz user interface to be minimal and easier to navigate, its applications and other functions also take a toll on how long the Galaxy S6 battery will last.
This is apparent in that the more applications that are disabled on the Galaxy S6, the more its battery life improves.
While Samsung as improved quick charging on the Galaxy S6 and has also implemented wireless charging, we’ve found that users will likely have to plug in their devices to take advantage of the quick charge feature.
Verdict
Should users let these features deter them from purchasing the Samsung Galaxy S6? Likely not. The smartphone has several redeeming qualities, such as more internal storage on board and extensive camera improvements. Many of these annoying features are easy to overlook, but hopefully Samsung take into consideration addressing them in future devices.
Questions, comments or issues? Email me at f.agomuoh@idigitaltimes.com.
