Samsung’s announced Australian pricing and availability details for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge today. Both phones will be available in 32, 64 and 128GB models, with retail pricing for the phones will range from AU $999 to $1449.
The Galaxy S6 pricing matches the details we revealed last week. Samsung is making a big effort to make the the Galaxy S6 Edge’s dual-sided edge display an affordable choice with it commanding a $150 premium over the equivalent Galaxy S6 model – that’s half the $300 premium of the 2014 Note Edge’s single edge display, a welcome change.
Pricing
Galaxy S6
- 32GB – $999
- 64GB – $1149
- 128GB – $1299
Galaxy S6 Edge
- 32GB – $1149
- 64GB – $1299
- 128GB – $1449
The prices are on the high side compared to last year’s flagships, but with the weak Australian dollar this is to be expected. Still, Samsung’s managed to undercut the base model of HTC’s One M9 by $100. Like most phones, you can expect the launch prices to drop fairly quickly in the coming months.
Disappointingly, it seems that Samsung will only bring the White Pearl and Black Sapphire colours to Australia, with no mention of the green and blue versions we saw at the MWC launch event. If (like me) you’re after those colours it looks like you might have to import a phone but watch out for support for Australia’s 4GX/4G+ network bands if you do so.
What’s hot on the Galaxy S6?
For me, it’s going to be the camera. Both front and back cameras feature F1.9 lenses, and you’ll find Samsung’s real-time High Dynamic Range (HDR) making a return on the rear camera along with the Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) we saw last year in the Galaxy Note 4. Put together this technology should make the S6 a force to be reckoned with for imaging, and I can’t wait to take it out for a spin.
Besides the camera, I’m interested to check out the S6’s battery technology. While Samsung’s made the controversial choice of sealing the battery into the unit this year, it’s offering wireless charging to make up for it and incredibly quick wired charging – the company says you’ll get 4 hours’ use from a 10-minute charge. Samsung’s also touting the updated fingerprint sensor on the front of the phone, along with its Knox security platform to make the Galaxy S6 ready for business.
Galaxy Gifts feature again on the Galaxy S6. The number and quality of gifts has taken a marked turn upward in the couple of years since their first appearance and this time around Samsung is offering gifts from Uber, Microsoft One Drive, Evernote, Kindle, The Australian newspaper, Quickflix and more. You’ll also get access to Samsung’s Milk Music service.
Pre-order today, available April 10
Samsung and selected carrier partners will open pre-orders for the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge online from 5pm this afternoon. The phones will go on sale in stores on April 10. We’re expecting carrier pricing to appear soon.
Will you be pre-ordering a Galaxy S6? Which model? Tell us in the comments!
