Hey there, fellow tech lovers! Smartphones are no longer just a cool gadget – they’re practically an extension of ourselves! But with so many amazing options hitting the shelves, how do you choose the one that’s truly the best? Well, that’s where I come in. I’ve been exploring the cutting edge of smartphone technology, and I’m here to guide you through the epic battle of the flagships.
What Makes a Flagship Phone in 2015?
When we talk about “flagship” phones, we’re talking about the best of the best. These are the phones that push the boundaries of what’s possible, packing the fastest processors, the most vibrant displays, and the most innovative features. Think premium materials, sleek designs, and of course, a price tag that reflects their top-tier status.
We’ll be taking a close look at the titans clashing for the top spot, including the Samsung Galaxy S6 with its stunning new look and the iPhone 6s with its groundbreaking 3D Touch technology. But don’t worry, we won’t forget about the other contenders looking to steal the show.
Flagship Face-Off
Let’s meet our contenders:
- Samsung Galaxy S6: Samsung’s stylish flagship with a stunning AMOLED display and a premium metal-and-glass design.
- Apple iPhone 6s: The latest iPhone with a revolutionary new feature – 3D Touch – and a powerful new processor.
- LG G4: A photographer’s dream with a fantastic camera and a unique leather back option.
- Sony Xperia Z5: A stylish and water-resistant phone with a focus on camera technology and long battery life.
- HTC One M9: Known for its beautiful all-metal design and impressive BoomSound speakers.
Here’s a quick rundown of each phone:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S6 | iPhone 6s | LG G4 | Sony Xperia Z5 | HTC One M9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Samsung’s stylish flagship with a stunning AMOLED display. | Apple’s latest with 3D Touch and a powerful processor. | A photographer’s delight with a top-notch camera. | A water-resistant phone with a focus on camera and battery. | A stylish phone with a premium design and great audio. |
| Target Audience | Android users seeking a premium experience and a beautiful design. | Apple enthusiasts and those seeking a smooth, user-friendly experience. | Photography enthusiasts and those who appreciate a unique design. | Users who prioritize a good camera and long battery life. | Users who value design and audio quality. |
| Processor | Exynos 7420 Octa | Apple A9 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 |
| RAM | 3GB | 2GB | 3GB | 3GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB |
| Display | 5.1-inch Super AMOLED, 1440 x 2560 | 4.7-inch Retina HD, 750 x 1334 | 5.5-inch IPS LCD, 1440 x 2560 | 5.2-inch IPS LCD, 1080 x 1920 | 5.0-inch Super LCD3, 1080 x 1920 |
| Camera Setup | 16MP rear, 5MP front | 12MP rear, 5MP front | 16MP rear, 8MP front | 23MP rear, 5.1MP front | 20.7MP rear, 4MP UltraPixel front |
| Battery | 2550 mAh | 1715 mAh | 3000 mAh | 2900 mAh | 2840 mAh |
| Standout Features | Premium design, wireless charging, fast charging | 3D Touch, Live Photos, improved Touch ID | Excellent camera with manual controls, optional leather back | Water resistance, dedicated camera button, Hi-Res audio | All-metal design, BoomSound speakers, Sense 7 UI |
| Pros | Beautiful display, powerful performance, great camera | Smooth performance, easy to use, great app ecosystem | Fantastic camera, unique design, removable battery | Water-resistant, good battery life, expandable storage | Premium design, excellent audio, solid performance |
| Cons | No expandable storage, relatively small battery | Expensive, limited storage options | Can be bulky, processor can overheat | Average display, can be expensive | Average camera, can get hot |
| Price (AUD) | From $999 | From $1079 | From $899 | From $999 | From $899 |
Feature Focus
Let’s dive deeper into the features that matter most:
- Camera:
- The LG G4 truly shines here, with its 16MP sensor, wide f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance, and manual controls that give you DSLR-like flexibility.
- The Samsung Galaxy S6 and Sony Xperia Z5 also boast impressive cameras, with the S6 offering a fast f/1.9 aperture and the Z5 packing a whopping 23MP sensor.
- The iPhone 6s makes a significant jump to a 12MP sensor (from 8MP in the iPhone 6), capturing more detail and offering improved image quality.
- Performance:
- All these phones pack powerful processors for their time. The Samsung Galaxy S6 with its Exynos 7420 chip and the iPhone 6s with its A9 chip are particularly speedy, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding games.
- Display:
- The Samsung Galaxy S6 boasts a stunning 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display with a Quad HD resolution (1440 x 2560 pixels). It’s incredibly sharp, vibrant, and offers excellent viewing angles.
- The LG G4 also has a Quad HD display, but it uses IPS LCD technology, which offers good colour accuracy and viewing angles.
- The iPhone 6s sticks with its Retina HD display, which, while not as high-resolution as the others, still offers good image quality.
- Battery Life:
- Battery life is a key consideration, and in this area, the LG G4 and Sony Xperia Z5 have an edge with their larger battery capacities.
- The Samsung Galaxy S6 and HTC One M9 have decent battery life, but heavy users might need to top up during the day.
- The iPhone 6s has the smallest battery of the bunch, but Apple’s iOS optimization helps it achieve respectable battery life.
- Software:
- Android: The Samsung, LG, Sony, and HTC phones all run on Android, offering a customizable experience with a wide range of apps.
- iOS: The iPhone 6s runs on iOS, known for its simplicity and smooth performance.
- Design and Build:
- All these phones boast premium designs. The Samsung Galaxy S6 stands out with its sleek metal-and-glass construction.
- The HTC One M9 continues HTC’s tradition of beautiful all-metal designs.
- The Sony Xperia Z5 offers a stylish and water-resistant design.
Choosing Your Champion
To help you make your decision, here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S6 | iPhone 6s | LG G4 | Sony Xperia Z5 | HTC One M9 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camera | Excellent, fast f/1.9 aperture | Improved, 12MP sensor | Best in class, manual controls | High-resolution, 23MP sensor | Decent, UltraPixel technology |
| Performance | Top-notch, Exynos 7420 | Very fast, A9 chip | Good, Snapdragon 808 | Good, Snapdragon 810 | Good, Snapdragon 810 |
| Display | Best in class, Super AMOLED | Good, Retina HD | Sharp, Quad HD LCD | Decent, Full HD LCD | Good, Full HD LCD |
| Battery Life | Decent | Decent (iOS optimization) | Best in class | Very good | Decent |
| Special Feature | Wireless charging | 3D Touch | Manual camera controls, leather back | Water resistance | BoomSound speakers |
Guidance:
- If you’re a photography enthusiast: The LG G4 is the clear winner with its exceptional camera, manual controls, and impressive low-light performance.
- If you want the most cutting-edge design and features: The Samsung Galaxy S6 is a strong contender with its beautiful metal-and-glass design, wireless charging, and vibrant AMOLED display.
- If you prioritize a smooth and user-friendly experience: The iPhone 6s with its new 3D Touch technology and powerful A9 chip is an excellent choice.
- If you need a phone with a long-lasting battery: The LG G4 and Sony Xperia Z5 offer the best battery life in this group.
- If you’re on a tighter budget: Consider the HTC One M9, which offers a premium design and good performance at a slightly lower price point.
Where to Buy
You can find these flagship phones at major Australian retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, and Telstra stores. You can also check with mobile carriers like Telstra, Optus, and Vodafone for plans and deals.
Remember, the best smartphone for you depends on your individual needs and priorities. Consider what features are most important to you, read reviews, compare specs, and try out the phones in person before making your final decision. Happy phone hunting!