New Android phone - Which one?

[Vargen]

So I will be starting work at a new employer in January, and they were nice enough to say I could have any phone and laptop I'd like.

So I've been thinking of the Samsung S6 or S6 Edge, though I do realize the Edge version is mostly gimmicy, I'm not paying for it in the end. The S7 isn't expected until March/April I guess, so that kinda rules that one out for me.

What would you go for, and why?

My primary use of the phone will be email and music while commuting, and some camera and chat functions outside of work.

[TeaLeaf]

I'd still go for the Nexus 5X or, if you like a slightly bigger phone, the Nexus 6P.   And the Android Doze benefits for the battery are enormous.

[Gandalf]

I've just received my Nexus 6P today. First glance, fantastic. Nice being back on stock android again. Transferring from old phone to new is simple. Just waiting for the apps to reinstall then to test.

[OldBloke]

In many money-no-object reviews the SG6 usually comes out on top. You will eventually get the Marshmallow goodies but obviously not as quickly as the Nexus devices.

[ReddFour]

Save some money and get the oneplus 2.

Released in the UK next week I think.

[OldBloke]

Save some money and ...

He's not spending any money.

[BrotherTobious]

Got a point but I would go nexus over Samsung less bloatware

Sent from my Nexus 5

[albert]

I have the Asus Zenfone 2. It's a 64BG phone with 2 sim slots, takes up to a 128GB microSD and is a quad core 2.3GHz Intel phone running Android.

It cost me 300 Euro. I use it primarily for music and reading books on the train but it runs games amazingly well and the screen is very nice.

[Chaosphere]

Although most of you vote for the nexus because of the stock android (which I won't deny is very nice and simple) and the instant updates from google for future android versions etc, I will counter that and put a vote in for the S6

I have a standard S6 and it is an incredible phone. Lightning quick, very easy to use (thanks mainly to improvements in Samsung's android flavour), gorgeous screen (seriously, it is beautiful to look at), and the camera is phenomenal. For what you said you need it for, I wouldn't ever suggest anything but the S6 / Edge... I love mine to bits, it is a joy to use.

As for what I can personally compare it to, I have used (extensively) a Nexus 5, LG G2, and LG G3. The one thing I wish the S6 had? The LG phone's knock on feature (double tap the screen, it wakes up). Otherwise I can't fault the S6.

[Vargen]

Great feedback guys. I have looked at the Nexus and LG as well, but for some reason I still keep leaning towards the S6. The only reason I can see not to go with the S6 is the bloatware. Battery time isn't really an issue, due to my short commute, and I understand the S6 Edge even has a marginally larger battery than the rest. I guess you trade some of the features for battery time and performance with the Nexus. But seeing I'm still pretty happy using my S4, will I even notice?

I don't have to decide until January though, but I don't know if any other options will pop up before that.

[ReddFour]

He's not spending any money.

Sorry I was skim reading on my phone. In that case don't get the OnePlus 2