The smartphone landscape is filled with choices, especially in the budget segment. Today, we're pitting the modern Umidigi F1 against the aging but still-relevant Samsung Galaxy S6 Plus. Can a newer, budget-friendly device truly compete with a former flagship?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy S6 Plus, despite its age, offers a smoother experience thanks to its better CPU architecture and optimized software. However, the Umidigi F1 provides a more modern feature set and potentially longer software support. Ultimately, the S6 Plus wins for performance, but the F1 offers better value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE-A (2CA) Cat13 600/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2018, December | Exp. announcement 2015, Q3 |
| Status | Available. Released 2019, January | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 156.7 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.17 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) | - |
| SIM | Hybrid Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by) | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 186 g (6.56 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | To be confirmed |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2340 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~409 ppi density) | 1080 x 1920 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 97.4 cm2 (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.5 inches, 83.4 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | Super AMOLED |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A73 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.1 GHz Cortex-A57 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6771 Helio P60 (12 nm) | Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G72 MP3 | Mali-T760MP8 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop), TouchWiz UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | To be confirmed |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.0 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/1.7, 1/2.8", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 16 MP, f/1.9, 28mm (wide), 1/2.6", 1.12µm, AF, OIS |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., OIS, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.0µm | 5 MP, f/1.9, 22mm (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1440p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | - | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | 24-bit/192kHz audio
|
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.1, A2DP, LE | 4.1, A2DP, LE, aptX |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| | - | ANT+
S-Voice natural language commands and dictation
Samsung Pay (Visa, MasterCard certified) |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired
Wireless (Qi) (market dependent) |
| Type | Li-Ion 5150 mAh, non-removable | Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Gold | White Pearl, Black Sapphire |
| Price | About 200 EUR | - |
Umidigi F1
- Larger Display
- Potentially Longer Software Support
- Modern Features
- Likely Better Camera
- Less Powerful CPU
- 18W Charging
- Build Quality May Not Be Premium
Samsung Galaxy S6 Plus
- Smoother Performance (due to CPU architecture & optimization)
- Compact Size
- AMOLED Display
- Wireless Charging (market dependent)
- Smaller Battery
- Older Technology
- Limited Software Updates
- Battery Degradation
Display Comparison
The Umidigi F1 boasts a larger display, likely with a more modern panel technology (e.g., IPS LCD). The Galaxy S6 Plus has a smaller AMOLED display, known for its vibrant colors and deep blacks. While the S6 Plus's AMOLED offers superior image quality, the F1's larger size might be preferable for media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera quality is difficult to definitively declare a winner. The S6 Plus had a good camera for its time, but modern sensors and image processing are generally superior. The Umidigi F1 likely has a higher resolution sensor and more advanced features. Expect the F1 to produce more detailed images, especially in good lighting conditions.
Performance
Here's where the S6 Plus holds a slight edge. The Exynos 7420's Cortex-A57 cores are more powerful than the F1's Cortex-A73 cores, even if the F1 has a slightly higher clock speed overall. The S6 Plus's software optimization also contributes to a smoother experience. The F1's Helio P60 is still capable, but it won't match the S6 Plus in demanding tasks.
Battery Life
The Umidigi F1 likely has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering longer battery life. The S6 Plus's battery is smaller and older, and its performance will degrade over time. However, the S6 Plus supports wireless charging (market dependent), a feature the F1 lacks.
Buying Guide
The Umidigi F1 is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize modern features like a larger screen and potentially longer software updates. The Samsung Galaxy S6 Plus is a good choice for those seeking a compact, premium feel and a generally smoother experience, understanding its age and limited future support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy S6 Plus still worth buying?
It can be for those who prioritize a compact size and AMOLED display, but be aware of its age and limited software support. It's not a long-term investment.
❓ Will the Umidigi F1 receive software updates?
Umidigi's update track record is mixed. While it's likely to receive some updates, don't expect the same level of support as a Samsung device.
