Samsung unpacks the Galaxy S6 edge+

Samsung has unveiled its two new Galaxy smartphones at its Unpacked event – and while there’s no real surprises, the new Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+ continue the trend of big devices with brilliant screens.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ retains the original design and side ‘edge screen’ of the S6 Edge, but features a screen and hardware on par with the super-sized Galaxy Note 5. The S6 edge+ comes with a 5.7-inch display (as opposed the the S6 Edge’s 5.1-inches), with a curved QHD Super AMOLED Dual Edge screen.

The S6 edge+ screen functions similarly to the curved screen found on S6 Edge, with improved features for easier use. You’ll be able to launch your favorite apps with a quick swipe of the customizable edge display, and the popular People edge allows owners to find, text and call contacts directly from any screen.

Cameras and Samsung Pay

Camera-wise, the S6 edge+ comes with a 16-megapixel rear shooter with included Optical Image Stabilization, phase detection auto-focus, and 4K video. In the front, you’ll find 5-megapixels for taking that on-point selfie.

Excitingly, the edge+ will be compatible with the much-anticipated Samsung Pay function when it eventually launches in the US and Canada. Like competing system Apple Pay, Samsung Pay will allow Galaxy owners to use their phone to make contactless purchases.

Samsung Pay uses fingerprint identification to authorize transactions, and is protected by Samsung’s KNOX security platform. Your identity is kept safe by digital tokenization and Magnetic Secure transmission.

OS, battery, size and power

Spec-wise, the device runs on an octa-core Exynos processor, and includes a 3000 mAh battery with Adaptive Fast Charging and Qi and Powermat wireless charging compatibility. The S6 edge+ is powered by Android's 5.1.1 Lollipop operating system with TouchWiz, and although there’s once again no expandable memory option, you can select between 32GB or 64GB storage sizes.

While colors will vary between carriers and retailers, so far it’s available in black sapphire, white pearl, gold platinum and emerald green.