Galaxy S5 vs Galaxy S6: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S6 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 63.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2014

Galaxy S5

Galaxy S5
63/ 100
Launch price$600
Samsung · 2015

Galaxy S6

Galaxy S6
64/ 100
Launch price$685
Head-to-head

Galaxy S6 wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S5
Galaxy S5
1 win
Galaxy S6
Galaxy S6
1 win
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S5Galaxy S6
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraGalaxy S6
    68
    72
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S5
    57
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S5 has the bigger battery2,800 mAh vs 2,550 mAh
  • Galaxy S6 charges faster15W vs 5W
  • Galaxy S6 is lighter138 g vs 145 g
  • Galaxy S5 launched cheaper$600 vs $685
  • Galaxy S6 has a sharper selfie camera5 MP vs 2 MP
  • Galaxy S6 has newer Bluetooth4.1 vs 4
  • Galaxy S6 has more RAM3 GB vs 2 GB
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S5
  • ✓$85 cheaper at launch ($600 vs $685)
  • ✓Bigger 2,800 mAh battery (+250 mAh)
  • ✓16 MP main camera
Reasons to buy Galaxy S6
  • ✓7 g lighter (138 g vs 145 g), easier to hold
  • ✓16 MP main camera
  • ✓5.1" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S5Galaxy S6
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDSuper AMOLED
Screen Size5.1"5.1"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (432 ppi)2560x1440 (577 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness698 nits peak784 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.4Android 5.0
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR3 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics🏆 Galaxy S6 Wins Camera
Primary Camera16 MP, f/2.216 MP, f/1.9, OIS
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.45 MP, f/1.9
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 Galaxy S6 Lightest Chassis
Dimensions142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm
Weight145 g138 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67Not listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,800 mAh2,550 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging15W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listed9W wireless charging
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.1
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0Micro-USB 2.0
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$600$685
Our verdict

Galaxy S6 wins — BeastScore 63.8/100

The Galaxy S6 is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (15W vs 5W) and lighter body (138 g vs 145 g). The Galaxy S5 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,800 mAh vs 2,550 mAh).

Buy Galaxy S5 if you want

Larger battery: 2,800 mAh vs 2,550 mAh · Lower launch price: $600 vs $685

Buy Galaxy S6 if you want

Faster wired charging: 15W vs 5W

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S5 or Galaxy S6?

The Galaxy S6 is the better pick for most people thanks to its faster charging (15W vs 5W) and lighter body (138 g vs 145 g). The Galaxy S5 is worth a look if you prefer its bigger battery (2,800 mAh vs 2,550 mAh). BeastScore: Galaxy S5 62.8/100, Galaxy S6 63.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6?

Galaxy S5 has a 5.1-inch display and 2800 mAh battery. Galaxy S6 has a 5.1-inch display and 2550 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S6 compare for speed?

Galaxy S5 scores 60/100 for performance; Galaxy S6 scores 60/100.

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