Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge or S5 -- which do I choose?

Samsung Galaxy S6, S6 Edge or S5 -- which do I choose?

Samsung has a dizzying array of flagship smartphones. CNET's Marguerite Reardon helps you break down your options.

Lovers of Samsung Galaxy smartphones have a lot to be excited about. The latest flagship phone from Samsung is available for preorder starting this weekend.

With a sleeker design, a better camera and easier-to-use software, the new Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are being called Samsung's best smartphones to date. But truth be told, the Galaxy S5 was no slacker either, even though it didn't sell as well as expected. And for savvy smartphone consumers, it shouldn't be ruled out entirely when buying a new device.

In this edition of Ask Maggie, I help a reader decide which Galaxy S smartphone might be right for her.

Dear Maggie,

I have a Samsung Galaxy S4 that I need to replace. I know the Galaxy S6 is about to come out. Should I wait and upgrade to the S6? Or should I get the Galaxy S5? Also, is the Galaxy S6 Edge really worth paying extra for? I'm not even sure what the difference is.

Thanks,
Margaret S.

Dear Margaret,

A newly designed Samsung Galaxy S6 is just around the corner. All four major wireless operatorsstarted taking preorders for both the Galaxy S6 and its sexier sibling, the S6 Edge, on Friday. The devices will be on sale starting April 10.

Meet the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge. Samsung's latest flagship phones share very similar specs and designs, but a few key differences help them stand apart.Josh P. Miller

With this in mind, I think you should wait till the S6 and S6 Edge are available before you buy a new device, regardless of whether you decide to get one of the newer phones or opt for last year's model. By waiting, you'll have the option of getting one of the new devices, which comes with a brand-new design and a few upgrades over the Galaxy S5. Also, even if you decide to forgo one of the newer products, the Galaxy S5 will be offered at a reduced price once the S6 is available. So either way, it makes sense for you to wait a couple of weeks longer before upgrading your device.

If you can't wait to try the S6 and S6 Edge, both devices are already available in carrier and retail stores to check out.

Design, design, design

Samsung says that it's listened to customers when it comes to the design of this year's Galaxy S smartphones.

Even though the Galaxy S5 is loaded with great features, the phone wasn't a big hit with consumers. Why? Most Samsung fans complained that its plastic body felt too cheap in comparison with competing flagship devices from Apple and HTC, which both use premium materials like aluminum for device bodies. Up until the Galaxy S6, Samsung argued that the plastic casing was more durable, but the company finally relented in the latest version of its flagship. Gone is the plastic casing of the former Galaxy products.

Instead, the new Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge feature a glass back and matte metal frame, wrapped in glossy Gorilla Glass on the front. There's no question these are prettier and slicker smartphones than previous generations of the Galaxy family of smartphones. The new design makes these phones narrower and thinner than the S5. Samsung has also made them a smidge taller.

In terms of specifications, the S6 and S6 Edge are pretty much the same device. The big difference between the phones is the design and the price tag. The lower-priced S6 has straight edges, while the sexier S6 Edge has a curved edge on each side, creating an infinity-pool-like effect. Both devices look remarkably similar to the iPhone 6, but it's the S6 Edge that's likely to make even iPhone fanboys and -girls jealous.

CNET Reviews Senior Editor Jessica Dolcourt said in her review of the S6 Edge that its wraparound screen "transforms an already great phone into Samsung's best-looking handset. Ever."

But before I get too deep into offering advice on which S6 model you should choose, you should decide if you really want the newer design or whether you'd rather have the S5.