Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge go on sale amid stock shortages starting at £600

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 edge have gone on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £600.

After years of producing smartphones with bags of features and high performance, but lacking the refined design and quality of handsets from Apple and HTC, Samsung is back in the game with the S6 range. Featuring aluminium bodies and an all-new design, these Android phones are being praised by many as the best on the market.

Starting on 10 April, customers can buy the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge from Samsung online and physical stores, as well as through the networks and other mobile retailers. Those who pre-ordered should start to receive their deliveries today, too.

Samsung has drafted in James Corden and his alter ego Wilf to promote the new phones.

Competing with Apple and HTC at the very top of the smartphone food chain means giving the S6 a high-end price. The regular S6 starts at £600 for the 32GB model, rising to £660 for 64GB of storage; the price of the range-topping 128GB model has not yet been announced; and remember, like the iPhone 6, the Galaxy S6 does not have a microSD card slot for increasing the storage.

The Galaxy S6 edge, which has a screen curving over the left and right edges of the phone, costs even more. The entry-level 64GB model is £760 and there is not yet a price for the 128GB version.

Samsung is selling the S6 and S6 edge in Black Sapphire, White Pearl and Gold Platinum, while the S6 also comes in Blue Topaz and the edge comes in Green Emerald. A special platinum handset is available exclusively at Harrods.