The Samsung Galaxy S6, released in 2015, was a flagship device that marked a significant shift in the company’s design philosophy. With its sleek glass and metal body, the S6 was a departure from the plastic-clad devices that Samsung was known for. But is the Samsung Galaxy S6 discontinued? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the device, its features, and its current status in the market.
A Brief History of the Samsung Galaxy S6
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was announced on March 1, 2015, at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The device was released on April 10, 2015, in 20 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. The S6 was available in two variants: the standard S6 and the S6 Edge, which featured a curved screen.
Design and Display
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a significant departure from its predecessors in terms of design. The device featured a glass and metal body, which gave it a premium look and feel. The S6 had a 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels, making it one of the sharpest displays on the market at the time.
Key Features
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was packed with features that made it a top-of-the-line device in 2015. Some of the key features included:
- A 64-bit octa-core processor
- 3GB of RAM
- A 16-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilization
- A 5-megapixel front camera
- A 2550mAh battery
- Android 5.0.2 Lollipop operating system
Is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Discontinued?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a flagship device in 2015, but it has been several years since its release. As with any device, the S6 has undergone a lifecycle, and its availability has changed over time.
Production and Sales
Samsung stopped producing the Galaxy S6 in 2016, about a year after its release. The device was still available for purchase from various retailers and carriers, but the production had ceased. As the device aged, its sales declined, and it was eventually phased out of the market.
Current Status
The Samsung Galaxy S6 is no longer available for purchase from Samsung’s official website or from most carriers. However, it’s still possible to find the device from third-party retailers, such as Amazon or eBay, although the availability and prices may vary.
Software Updates
The Samsung Galaxy S6 received several software updates during its lifecycle, including Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat. However, the device did not receive any further updates beyond Android 7.0 Nougat.
Security Updates
Although the Samsung Galaxy S6 is no longer receiving major software updates, it’s still eligible for security updates. Samsung has committed to providing security updates for the device until 2020, but it’s unclear whether the device will receive any further security patches.
Alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S6
If you’re looking for a device similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6, there are several alternatives available in the market. Some of the options include:
- Samsung Galaxy S8: The S8 is a more recent flagship device from Samsung, featuring a larger display, improved cameras, and a more powerful processor.
- Samsung Galaxy S9: The S9 is another flagship device from Samsung, featuring a larger display, improved cameras, and a more powerful processor.
- Google Pixel 3: The Pixel 3 is a flagship device from Google, featuring a 5.5-inch display, improved cameras, and a more powerful processor.
Comparison Table
| Device | Display | Processor | RAM | Rear Camera | Front Camera | Battery |
| — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Samsung Galaxy S6 | 5.1 inches | Octa-core | 3GB | 16MP | 5MP | 2550mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S8 | 5.8 inches | Octa-core | 4GB | 12MP | 8MP | 3000mAh |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | 5.8 inches | Octa-core | 4GB | 12MP | 8MP | 3000mAh |
| Google Pixel 3 | 5.5 inches | Octa-core | 4GB | 12.2MP | 8MP | 2915mAh |
Conclusion
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a flagship device in 2015, but it has been several years since its release. The device is no longer available for purchase from Samsung’s official website or from most carriers, and its production has ceased. Although the device is still available from third-party retailers, its availability and prices may vary. If you’re looking for a device similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6, there are several alternatives available in the market, including the Samsung Galaxy S8, Samsung Galaxy S9, and Google Pixel 3.
Final Thoughts
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a significant device in Samsung’s history, marking a shift in the company’s design philosophy. Although the device is no longer available for purchase, it’s still a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly device with premium features. However, if you’re looking for a more recent device with improved features and security updates, it’s recommended to consider alternative options.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S6 still available for purchase?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was officially discontinued by Samsung in 2016, shortly after the release of its successor, the Galaxy S7. However, it is still possible to purchase the device from third-party retailers, both online and offline. Some retailers may still have stock of the device, while others may offer refurbished or used models. Additionally, online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Craigslist may have listings for the Galaxy S6 from various sellers.
It’s essential to note that purchasing a discontinued device may have its drawbacks. For instance, Samsung may no longer provide software updates or security patches for the device, which could leave it vulnerable to security threats. Moreover, the device may not be compatible with the latest apps or services. Therefore, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to purchase a Galaxy S6.
What are the key features of the Samsung Galaxy S6?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a flagship device when it was released in 2015, and it boasted several impressive features. The device had a 5.1-inch Quad HD display, a 64-bit octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and a 16-megapixel rear camera. It also had a 5-megapixel front camera, a 2550mAh battery, and support for wireless charging. The device ran on Android 5.0 Lollipop out of the box and had a sleek, premium design with a metal frame and glass back.
The Galaxy S6 also had several innovative features, such as a fingerprint sensor, heart rate monitor, and built-in wireless charging. It also had a range of storage options, including 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB models. The device was available in several colors, including white, black, gold, and blue. Overall, the Galaxy S6 was a powerful and feature-packed device that was well-received by critics and consumers alike.
How does the Samsung Galaxy S6 compare to its successor, the Galaxy S7?
The Samsung Galaxy S7 was released in 2016, a year after the Galaxy S6, and it offered several significant upgrades. The Galaxy S7 had a larger 5.1-inch Quad HD display, a faster 64-bit octa-core processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 12-megapixel rear camera. It also had a larger 3000mAh battery, improved water and dust resistance, and support for expandable storage. The device ran on Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box and had a similar design to the Galaxy S6, but with a more rounded edge.
In comparison, the Galaxy S6 had a smaller battery, less RAM, and a lower-resolution rear camera. However, the Galaxy S6 had a more compact design and a lower price point. The Galaxy S7 also had several new features, such as always-on display, improved low-light camera performance, and enhanced gaming capabilities. Overall, the Galaxy S7 was a more powerful and feature-rich device than the Galaxy S6, but the latter still had its strengths.
Can I still get software updates for the Samsung Galaxy S6?
Samsung typically provides software updates for its devices for two to three years after their release. The Galaxy S6 was released in 2015, and it received several software updates, including Android 6.0 Marshmallow and Android 7.0 Nougat. However, Samsung stopped providing software updates for the device in 2017, and it is no longer supported by the company.
Although Samsung is no longer providing software updates for the Galaxy S6, some carriers may still offer updates for the device. Additionally, some custom ROMs may be available for the device, which can provide newer versions of Android. However, installing custom ROMs can be complex and may void the device’s warranty. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh the risks and benefits before deciding to install a custom ROM.
Is the Samsung Galaxy S6 still a good choice for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 was a powerful device when it was released, and it was well-suited for gaming. The device had a fast 64-bit octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and a high-resolution Quad HD display. It also had a range of gaming features, including a Game Launcher app and support for Samsung’s Game Tools.
Although the Galaxy S6 is no longer a flagship device, it can still handle casual gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding games, especially those that require high-end graphics processing. Additionally, the device’s battery life may not be sufficient for extended gaming sessions. Therefore, if gaming is a top priority, it may be worth considering a more recent device with more powerful hardware and better battery life.
Can I use the Samsung Galaxy S6 with the latest apps and services?
The Samsung Galaxy S6 can still run many of the latest apps and services, including social media, productivity, and entertainment apps. However, some apps may not be optimized for the device’s older hardware and software, which could result in compatibility issues or poor performance.
Additionally, some apps may require newer versions of Android, which the Galaxy S6 can no longer receive. In such cases, the app may not be available for download or may not function properly. Therefore, it’s essential to check the compatibility of apps before purchasing the device. Moreover, some services, such as Google Pay, may not be supported on the device due to its older hardware and software.
What are the alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S6?
If you’re looking for alternatives to the Samsung Galaxy S6, there are several options available. Some of the latest Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, and Galaxy Note 20, offer more powerful hardware, better cameras, and newer software. Other Android devices, such as the Google Pixel 6, OnePlus 9, and Huawei P40, also offer impressive features and performance.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you could consider older devices like the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S9, or Galaxy Note 8. These devices may not have the latest hardware or software, but they still offer impressive features and performance at a lower price point. Ultimately, the best alternative to the Galaxy S6 will depend on your specific needs and budget.