You look familiar
Why the Galaxy S6 makes Samsung look stupid
Samsung unveiled its new Galaxy S6 smartphone at MWC 2015, surprising us with its many similarities to Apple. Now, I love the iPhone, but I don’t love everything about it. I love the design, for example, but I don’t love the non-removable battery or the lack of microSD card slot, or the fact that it’s not waterproof. Weirdly, Samsung seems to have taken several steps backwards with the S6, and those aforementioned Apple similarities are things we don’t like about the iPhone, all of which the S6’s predecessor boasted. What’s going on, Samsung?
Yes, that’s right, the S6 doesn’t have a microSD card slot, so you’ll have to pick from 32-, 64- or 128GB when you buy it in the same way that you have to with the iPhone 6. You won’t be able to replace the battery easily, so if something goes wrong it’s not a simple case of popping the back off and slotting in a new battery.
Additionally, damaging the horribly shiny glass back is worse than ever because you won’t be able to simply buy a new one and pop it on. What’s worse is that if you were used to the stress-free waterproof factor that came with the S5 you’ll have to readjust to the fact that if you drop the S6 down the toilet or into a puddle, it’s probably going to be a costly mistake.
It seems that these sacrifices have been made in favour of a more premium design that does away with the plastic and introduces an iPhone 4/4s-like glass front and back, combined with sides that have an uncanny resemblance to the iPhone 6/6 Plus, complete with drilled speaker holes along the bottom and even a protruding camera on the rear. I think the new design is quite ugly, and the glass portions have a mirrored effect that take bling to a new level.
Samsung has been attacking Apple in its adverts for years, but this backtrack highlights one of the reasons its Applebashing ads were a mistake. When the S3 came out, for example, Samsung published its “it doesn’t take a Genius” print ad comparing the new smartphone with the iPhone 5. Some of the qualities it mentioned about the S3 included the microSD card slot and the removable battery – looks like you’ll need to cross those off the list now Samsung.
What’s even weirder is how Samsung has backtracked when it comes to software, highlighting that the company has actually taken away 40 percent of its software features as if that’s something to brag about. If it was so unnecessary why was it there in the first place?
The S6 does still have a lot going for it. It has an amazing 577ppi screen, the powerful processor and that improved fingerprint scanner (one of the only qualities that we’re glad it copied from Apple). The S6 Edge also offers additional option for those looking for something a bit more innovative, even if the edge doesn’t actually do an awful lot.
But I’m not sure it’s enough to stop Samsung’s fans feeling let down by the decisions it’s made with the S6. They have always had pride in being different from Apple, but now it’s more difficult, and while it doesn’t mean they’ll suddenly become Apple fans, there are plenty of great Android competitors that have just become more appealing than ever.