September 6th 2015
So I just got my new S6 Edge Plus 32 GB! This is my upgrade from the Note 4. In the box, Verizon Get to Know Your Phone book, Pin to access simcard, charger, and a pair of those awesome headphones that I just love with the microphone.
As of now, the S6 Edge + comes in Gold and a dark blue, the Gold finish on mine is shinny and amazing to look at! For being nearly the same size as Note 4, it feels surprisingly comfortable and light. However I have small hands, so it tends to feel top heavy at times and I feel like it may fall backwords if I don't hold it high enough. This can be challenging while typing. There are no sharp or pointed edges, however the camera sticks out in the back further than I'd like, which has me concerned about damaging the lense.
Starting from the top, the micro SIM goes at the top left, simply use the included pin to remove. To the left, on the front is 2 circles, one of which is for notifications and the other I have yet to figure out. The ear piece speaker is next with the Samsung label below and the 5mp front facing camera. (A nice upgrade from my note 4's 3.7mp) On the left side is the volume buttons, they are two separate buttons vs. Note 4's single button. To the right is the power button about 2/3 from the botfront. On the bottom front is your typical home button with new touch finger print technology. To the left, the hidden double squares that light up on touch and show all open apps. To the right is the back button. Press and hold to bring up the menu for the current app. The very bottom holds the headphone jack, microphone(?), charge port, and external speaker. Last of all the all glass backing holds the camera, flash, and S health finger scanner.
The new look is sharp, sleek, and well built. Not at all cheap looking for the hefty price. This design does however remind me of the newer Apple phones which I left behind a few years back for the Samsung series. I also see many new "Apple" features, but I'm not complaining on this part because I have to admit that I have missed some of them and they make a great add to these phones.
So since I am coming from Note 4 and am unfamiliar with the S5 model, I am unsure of the upgrades from the previous phone. So sadly for some of you, I will be spending a lot of time comparing Note 4 instead. I had intended to go with note 5, but the Edge feature has had my interest and I am inpatient to wait and see if the edge will appear soon for note 5.
Ok, on to the lock screen. First thing I noticed was the clock in upper left corner has shadow and depth and looks quite nice. The phone and camera buttons are small and extremely easy to use! The best part is that you can swipe in any direction from the button and nearly instantly you are there. I think I may finally enjoy this feature! I don't know about you, but I just love to take pictures everywhere I go and there is nothing more frustrating than having to wait for the camera. So Samsung added another amazing short cut by pressing the home button twice quickly and instantly your camera is there, ready to go! This works both in the home screen and lock screen, and of course it may be turned off if you are not camera savvy.
I have to mention my most favorite thing so far about this phone is the edge screen. The wrap around look is a bit strange at first and I think my eyes are still adjusting, but it is amazing! I love that the screen is across the entire width of the phone. The edge has an awesome feature accessed both from the home and lock screens. A tab is seen to the right of the phone (can be changed to the left) drag it to see 5 favorite apps and edge settings. Swipe for 5 favorite contacts. Simply tap contact, choose call or message and you're there. Another sweet feature that I hope to use a lot, is while the phone is turned off, rub the edge to activate, time, alarm, and battery percentage. Swipe to see notifications and news. Top on square in the notification section to get a list of notification options. Also, you can set the clock to be turned on at all times or at certain times of the day or night. Who needs an alarm clock anyway these days!
The home screen seems to be brighter, smaller, and more rounded than the Note 4. The apps have completely changed shape and color, most of them anyway. Still tons of widgets to choose from. Finally a set up I can quickly figure out! Slide left for flipboard. Useless in my eyes, so to turn off, hold back button or press and hold the screen to reveal pages, wall paper, widgets, themes and grid size. Here there is a page showing flipboard and a simple check box to turn it off. Press and hold the home button for the google page, this includes search, weather, news, and more.
A few sweet things I have found so far, in no particular order, calendar app finally changes by the day to show real time date, whohoo! Current temperature is in the upper left corner of upper status bar. By holding an app over another, it creates a folder. (Thank you Apple) In the pull down menu, the upper settings bar holds quick settings. The WiFi button shows which wifi you are connected to. There is an option to change the grid size of your pages. This means you can change between having 4x4 apps, 4x5 apps, or 5x5 apps. This also can make widgets look a little funny, but hey I want to utilize that room! The background on the home screen has an option to have a 3D type effect. Just a cool looking feature when you move the phone in your hand. Making calls and texting is extremely simple with the Edge features. This is much easier on the go!
A few disappointments! So far, in no particular order, no touch sensitivity setting. I am finding the screen not to be as sensitive as I'd like. Surprisingly I kinda do miss my stylus! It was handy for quickly copying and pasting any text. Smart stay doesn't seem to be working, so I set screen timeout longer. Typing is slightly difficult from the awkward weight and thinner width. I have found it easiest to hold the phone steady in my left hand and type with my right thumb. It is a bit slower, but my fingers feel cramped holding both hands at the bottom. It is also a bit long to reach from bottom to top with one hand. I wanted the smaller version, but also wanted the most features, so I took a chance on this one without even researching! The calendar app seems to be more simple than Note 4. I miss the picture icons for events. I had a nice system going on the old phone for female tracking purposes. Perhaps a new app will simplify that. No added storage, probably my number 1 complaint! Best Buy didn't have any 64GB models, so I settled on the 32 with the understanding that if a 64 shows up in the next 14 days, I can swap it out. Likely I will need to do that. I have less than 20GB left and I haven't even downloaded any pics or videos. Not that I need them all, but it is reassuring to be able to access and manage them at any time. And why put them in a "cloud" where anyone could have access. I can not say for sure, but typing here in the Blogger app, I have run into an issue of the cursor jumping a couple times. Has been a bit annoying. It is difficult to hear using the speaker phone. My bluetooth kept disconnecting with the phone in my pocket while listening to music. When the phone was on the table, it was very clear with no disruption.
Over all, the S6 EDGE + is an amazing and beautiful phone. If I were to rate it, I'd likely give it 4/5 stars. Simply because it lacks a few needs, but is truly the phone for the person who doesn't need a stylus. (And no, the Note 4 stylus won't work on this phone, I had to try it :)
If you are in the market, this is a must try phone! I can't wait to continue testing this model. I will update in a week or two to let you all know what else I've discovered!
