The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Note7 were both flagship powerhouses in their time, representing the pinnacle of Samsung's mobile technology. But with the Note7's infamous battery issues and both phones now aging, which device holds up better today? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Note7 boasts a superior chipset, display, and camera, and initially offered faster charging. However, its battery recall significantly impacted its legacy. The S6 remains a capable device, offering a more stable and reliable experience, though noticeably slower. The Note7 wins on specs, but the S6 wins on peace of mind.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - G920V, G920P | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 (dual-SIM model only) |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - G920V | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 13 - G920V | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps, EV-DO Rev.A 3.1 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (3CA) Cat9/Cat10 or LTE (3CA) Cat12 600/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 17, 25 - G920R | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2015, March. Released 2015, April | 2016, August. Released 2016, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 4), glass back (Gorilla Glass 4), aluminum frame | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), glass back (Gorilla Glass 5), aluminum frame |
| Dimensions | 143.5 x 70.6 x 6.9 mm (5.65 x 2.78 x 0.27 in) | 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm (6.04 x 2.91 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 140 g (4.94 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| | - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 30 mins)
Stylus |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 4 | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 |
| Resolution | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~576 ppi density) | 1440 x 2560 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~518 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.1 inches, 71.7 cm2 (~70.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.7 inches, 88.5 cm2 (~78.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | Super AMOLED | Super AMOLED, HDR10 |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Mongoose & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) | Exynos 8890 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T760MP8 | Mali-T880 MP12 |
| OS | Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop), upgradable to 5.1 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI | Android 6.0.1 (Marshmallow), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) - dual SIM model only |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.0 | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS | 12 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., OIS, gyro-EIS | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@240fps, stereo sound rec., HDR, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 5 MP, f/1.7, 22mm (wide)
2 MP (dedicated iris scanner camera) |
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) | - |
| Video | 1440p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | 24-bit/192kHz audio
| 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX | 4.2, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 3.1 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 | Iris scanner, fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, heart rate, SpO2 |
| | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired
Wireless | 15W wired, QC2
Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Music play | Up to 57 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 700 h (2G) / Up to 650 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 23 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 2550 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3500 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White Pearl, Black Sapphire, Gold Platinum | Blue Coral, Gold Platinum, Silver Titanium, Black Onyx |
| Models | SM-G920P, SM-G920V, SM-G920R, SM-G920W8, SM-G920R4, SM-G920T1, SM-G920AZ, SM-S907VL | SM-N930V, SM-N930A, SM-N930P, SM-N930T, SM-N930R4, SM-N930W8, SM-N930F, SM-N930G, SM-N930S |
| Price | About 410 EUR | About 850 EUR |
| SAR | 1.09 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.22 W/kg (head) 0.66 W/kg (body) | 0.25 W/kg (head) 1.28 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -92.9dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 90h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.247 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 69dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 72dB |
| Performance | - |
Basemark OS II 2.0: 2676Basemark X: 32648 |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -92.8dB / Crosstalk -92.9dB |
| Battery (old) | - | Endurance rating 90h |
| Camera | - | Photo / Video |
| Display | - | Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal), 4.247 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 69dB / Noise 69dB / Ring 72dB |
| Performance | - | Basemark OS II 2.0: 2676Basemark X: 32648 |
Samsung Galaxy S6 (USA)
- More reliable (no battery recall)
- Generally more affordable
- Compact size
- Good build quality
- Slower performance
- Older chipset
- Less impressive display
- Shorter battery life
Samsung Galaxy Note7
- Superior performance (Exynos 8890)
- Better display
- Improved camera
- S Pen stylus
- Battery recall history
- Potential battery safety concerns
- Difficult to find in good condition
- Higher price (if found)
Display Comparison
The Note7's display is noticeably superior. While both feature AMOLED panels, the Note7's higher resolution, slightly larger size, and improved contrast ratio (reported as 'Infinite' nominal, 4.247 in sunlight) provide a more immersive and vibrant viewing experience. The S6's display is still good, but lacks the Note7's visual punch.
Camera Comparison
Both phones have excellent cameras for their time, but the Note7 generally produces slightly better images, particularly in low light. The Note7's image processing algorithms were more advanced, resulting in more detailed and vibrant photos and videos. Both offer good video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Note7's Exynos 8890 chipset, featuring custom Mongoose cores, delivers significantly better performance than the S6's Exynos 7420. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and improved gaming performance on the Note7. The S6 can still handle everyday tasks, but will show its age with demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Note7 initially boasted an impressive endurance rating of 90 hours, significantly higher than the S6. However, the battery recall casts a shadow over this advantage. The S6's battery life is adequate for a day of moderate use, but the Note7's potential is hampered by concerns about battery safety and longevity.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 (USA)? Those seeking a budget-friendly, reliable Android phone for basic tasks and light usage. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy Note7? Only enthusiasts or collectors interested in experiencing a powerful, albeit historically problematic, flagship device – and who are comfortable with potential battery limitations and sourcing a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is it safe to use a Samsung Galaxy Note7 today?
Due to the battery recall, using a Galaxy Note7 is not recommended. Even with replacement batteries, there's a potential risk of battery failure and safety concerns. Proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful chipset and improved thermal management. The S6 will struggle with more demanding games.
❓ Can I still find a Samsung Galaxy Note7?
Yes, you can find them on the used market, but availability is limited and prices can vary. Exercise caution and thoroughly inspect the device and battery before purchasing.
