The smartphone landscape has shifted dramatically since the Galaxy S6 edge+ launched in 2015. Now, we pit Samsung’s former flagship against the modern budget offering, the HTC A103, to determine if an older premium device still holds value in today’s market. This isn't about raw specs; it's about usability and what each phone delivers in 2024.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user in 2024, the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Duos offers a more refined experience despite its age. The Exynos 7420’s octa-core architecture and faster charging outweigh the A103’s newer, but significantly less powerful, Mediatek Helio A22. However, the A103’s modern software support is a key consideration.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - G9287 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 25, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - G9287 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps/ LTE (3CA) Cat9 450/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, July | 2015, August. Released 2015, August |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 244 x 162.6 x 8.5 mm (9.61 x 6.40 x 0.33 in) | 154.4 x 75.8 x 6.9 mm (6.08 x 2.98 x 0.27 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 440 g (15.52 oz) | 153 g (5.40 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~515 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~74.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 89.6 cm2 (~76.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761B Helio A22 (12 nm) | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-T760MP8 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 5.1.1 (Lollipop), upgradable to 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | No |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps (gyro-EIS), 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., OIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | No | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, gyro | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired
Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | - | Up to 66 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 20 h (3G) |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Silver | Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum, Silver Titan, White Pearl |
| Models | - | SM-G9287C, SM-G9287, SM-G928A, SM-G928F |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 450 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.22 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 0.66 W/kg (body) |
HTC A103
- Modern software support (potentially longer updates)
- Lower price point
- More power efficient chipset (12nm)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Inferior display technology
- Slower charging
Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Duos
- Faster and more capable processor
- Superior display quality (AMOLED)
- Faster charging and wireless charging support
- Older device with limited software support
- Potentially degraded battery health
- Higher price (even used)
Display Comparison
While display specs aren't provided for the A103, it's likely a standard LCD panel. The S6 edge+ boasts a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display with dual curved edges. This difference is significant; AMOLED offers superior contrast and color accuracy compared to LCD. The S6 edge+'s higher resolution (2560x1440) translates to a sharper image. The S6 edge+ also supported wireless charging via Qi, a feature absent on the A103. The curved edges, while aesthetically pleasing, weren't always practical, but they contribute to a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited for the A103, but budget phones typically feature lower-resolution sensors and less sophisticated image processing. The S6 edge+ featured a 16MP rear camera with OIS and a 5MP front camera. The Exynos 7420’s ISP (Image Signal Processor) was capable of producing detailed and vibrant photos, especially in good lighting conditions. While not competing with modern flagship cameras, the S6 edge+’s camera is a substantial upgrade over what the A103 likely offers. The S6 edge+ also offered more manual control options.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ utilizes the Exynos 7420, an octa-core processor built on a 14nm process. This means four Cortex-A57 cores for performance and four Cortex-A53 cores for efficiency. The HTC A103, conversely, features the Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core Cortex-A53 processor fabricated on a 12nm node. While the 12nm process *should* be more efficient, the A22’s simpler architecture is significantly less powerful. The Exynos 7420 will handle multitasking and demanding applications far more smoothly. The S6 edge+ also benefits from potentially faster RAM, though specifics aren't provided. The A103 will struggle with anything beyond basic app usage.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for the A103, but budget phones often prioritize cost savings over large batteries. The S6 edge+ packs a 3000mAh battery and supports 15W wired charging, and wireless charging (Qi). The A103 is limited to 10W wired charging. While the S6 edge+'s battery life isn't exceptional by today's standards, the faster charging speed is a significant advantage. The A103 will likely require longer charging times and may not last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the HTC A103 if you need a phone with guaranteed software updates and a very low price point for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ Duos if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, faster charging, and a premium build quality, and are comfortable with an older device and potentially limited software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 7420 in the S6 edge+ overheat during prolonged use, like gaming?
The Exynos 7420 was known to experience some thermal throttling under sustained heavy load, particularly in warmer environments. While it won't shut down immediately, performance will decrease over time during extended gaming sessions. The A103's Helio A22 is less powerful and therefore generates less heat, but also offers significantly lower performance to begin with.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ still receiving security updates in 2024?
No, Samsung officially ended software support for the Galaxy S6 edge+ several years ago. This means it's vulnerable to security exploits and won't receive the latest Android features. While custom ROMs are an option for advanced users, they come with their own risks and complexities.
❓ How does the Helio A22 handle common apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing?
The Helio A22 is sufficient for basic tasks like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing, but expect noticeable lag and slowdowns when multitasking or loading complex web pages. It's not designed for demanding applications or heavy usage.
❓ Is the curved screen of the S6 edge+ prone to accidental touches?
Yes, the curved edges of the S6 edge+ were often criticized for accidental palm rejections and unintended touches. While Samsung implemented software mitigations, it remained a common complaint among users.
