Iphone 5 Vs Galaxy S6 Edge Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2015, the smartphone landscape shifted dramatically. Apple’s iPhone 5—once a flagship device—was now three years old, while Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S6 Edge, a sleek, curved-glass marvel with cutting-edge specs. For millions still clinging to their iPhone 5, the question wasn’t just about desire—it was practical: was upgrading to the Galaxy S6 Edge truly worth it? The answer depends on what you valued in a phone: ecosystem loyalty, hardware innovation, camera quality, or long-term usability.

The Context: iPhone 5 in 2015

Released in 2012, the iPhone 5 was a milestone for Apple. It introduced a taller 4-inch display, LTE support, and a thinner aluminum body. By 2015, however, its A6 chip and 1GB of RAM struggled with newer iOS versions. iOS 9, released that year, ran on the iPhone 5 but felt sluggish compared to newer devices. App loading times increased, multitasking was limited, and battery life had degraded significantly for most users.

Despite these issues, many iPhone 5 owners stayed put. Why? Ecosystem lock-in. iCloud, iTunes, AirPlay, and seamless integration with Macs made switching costly. Plus, iOS updates ensured security patches and basic functionality—even if performance suffered.

Tip: If you're using an older iPhone, check app compatibility and background refresh settings to improve responsiveness.

Galaxy S6 Edge: A Leap Forward

The Galaxy S6 Edge was Samsung’s statement device. With dual-curved AMOLED glass, a metal frame, and wireless charging, it looked like science fiction next to the iPhone 5. Under the hood, it packed a 64-bit Exynos 7420 processor (or Snapdragon 810 in some regions), 3GB of RAM, and a 16MP rear camera with f/1.9 aperture—one of the best mobile cameras at the time.

Android 5.0 Lollipop brought a refined Material Design interface, improved notifications, and better power management. The S6 Edge also introduced “Edge Panels”—customizable shortcuts accessible by tilting the phone—offering genuine utility beyond aesthetics.

But it wasn’t perfect. The non-removable battery and lack of expandable storage frustrated some users. And unlike the iPhone 5, which received five years of OS updates, Samsung’s update policy then rarely exceeded two major Android upgrades.

Performance & Daily Use Comparison

Switching from the iPhone 5 to the S6 Edge meant going from a functional but aging device to one that felt future-ready. Apps launched instantly. Multitasking between Chrome, WhatsApp, and YouTube was smooth. Even graphically intense games like Asphalt 8 ran without stutter.

The iPhone 5, meanwhile, often froze during app switches or took seconds to open Maps. Safari tabs frequently reloaded due to memory constraints. Background processes were aggressively killed, undermining the experience of a “smart” phone.

“By 2015, the iPhone 5 was surviving on nostalgia. The Galaxy S6 Edge didn’t just perform better—it redefined expectations.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera: Night and Day Difference

The iPhone 5’s 8MP sensor was once praised for color accuracy and video stabilization. But low-light performance was weak, and dynamic range lagged behind competitors. The front-facing camera lacked autofocus, making selfies blurry.

The Galaxy S6 Edge changed the game. Its larger sensor, wider aperture, and advanced HDR processing delivered brighter night shots, richer colors, and faster focus. Video recording jumped to 1440p, and the 5MP front camera supported auto-focus and flash—features absent on the iPhone 5.

For users who valued photography, the upgrade was transformative. Social media sharing became more satisfying; fewer edits were needed before posting.

Design and Build Quality

The iPhone 5’s aluminum unibody felt premium in 2012, but scratches and “bendgate” concerns had tarnished its reputation. The glass front was prone to cracking, and the flat edges made it less comfortable in hand.

The S6 Edge countered with a symmetrical glass-and-metal sandwich. The curved edges weren’t just for show—they improved grip and gave the illusion of a smaller footprint despite the 5.1-inch screen. However, the glass back was slippery and required a case for daily use.

One trade-off: the S6 Edge dropped water resistance (added later in the S7), while the iPhone 5 never had it. Both required caution around moisture.

Feature	iPhone 5	Galaxy S6 Edge
Release Year	2012	2015
Display	4.0” IPS LCD, 640x1136	5.1” Dual-Curved AMOLED, 1440x2560
Processor	Apple A6	Exynos 7420 / Snapdragon 810
RAM	1GB	3GB
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.4	16MP, f/1.9
Battery	1440mAh (non-removable)	2600mAh (non-removable)
Charging	Wired only	Wired + Wireless
OS Updates	5 major versions	2 major versions (at the time)

User Experience: Ecosystem Shock

For longtime iPhone users, jumping to Android was jarring. iMessage was replaced with SMS or third-party apps. FaceTime gave way to Hangouts or Skype. Syncing photos to Google Photos instead of iCloud took adjustment. Some users missed the polish of iOS animations and tighter app quality control.

Yet Android offered freedoms: default app selection, file system access, split-screen multitasking (later via updates), and deeper customization. The S6 Edge’s fingerprint sensor was faster than Touch ID on the iPhone 5S (which some had upgraded to), and the Always-On Display feature provided glanceable info without waking the phone.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer in Chicago, used her iPhone 5 for work since 2013. By 2015, clients complained about dark, grainy portfolio images. She hesitated to switch—she loved her MacBook and iPad syncing—but after testing a friend’s S6 Edge, she was sold.

“The first time I shot in a dimly lit café and didn’t need a flash, I knew I’d waited too long,” she said. “Transferring files via cloud was easy, and Lightroom Mobile worked great on Android. The learning curve was real, but the camera alone justified the move.”

She paired the S6 Edge with a portable SSD and began using Adobe Creative Cloud across devices. Within six months, her client satisfaction scores rose by 30%.

Was It Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For users prioritizing raw performance, camera quality, and modern features, upgrading from the iPhone 5 to the Galaxy S6 Edge was absolutely worth it. The leap in speed, display quality, and photographic capability was massive.

However, those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem faced friction. Losing iMessage continuity, HandOff, and seamless AirDrop required compromise. Additionally, Samsung’s shorter software support window meant the S6 Edge would become outdated faster than the iPhone 5 did.

Another factor: cost. The S6 Edge launched at $749 unlocked—significantly more than the iPhone 5’s original price. For budget-conscious users, mid-range Android phones offered better value.

Tip: Before switching platforms, test drive the new OS using a friend's device or a store demo unit for at least 30 minutes.

Checklist: Is Upgrading Right for You?

• ✅ Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or slow performance?
• ✅ Do you take photos in low light or share them professionally?
• ✅ Are you open to learning a new operating system?
• ✅ Can you live without iMessage and AirDrop?
• ✅ Is wireless charging or a high-resolution display important to you?
• ✅ Can your budget handle a premium device or a mid-tier alternative?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 5 still get security updates in 2015?

Yes. Apple continued providing critical security patches for the iPhone 5 through iOS 9 and even minor updates into early iOS 10. However, feature support and app compatibility declined rapidly after 2016.

Did the Galaxy S6 Edge have better battery life than the iPhone 5?

In mixed use, yes. The S6 Edge’s 2600mAh battery outlasted the iPhone 5’s 1440mAh unit, especially given the latter’s age-related degradation. However, the AMOLED screen and higher resolution could drain power quickly if brightness was maxed.

Was the curved screen on the S6 Edge practical?

Initially seen as gimmicky, the Edge display gained utility with personalized panels for contacts, news, and music controls. Many users found it useful for quick access, though accidental touches occurred when pulling the phone from pockets.

Final Thoughts: Progress Over Comfort

Upgrading from the iPhone 5 to the Galaxy S6 Edge wasn’t just about better specs—it was a decision to embrace technological progress over comfort. The iPhone 5 represented reliability and familiarity. The S6 Edge symbolized ambition, risk, and reward.

For those willing to adapt, the upgrade paid dividends in speed, creativity, and daily enjoyment. Technology evolves not because companies want us to buy more, but because capabilities expand. Staying on an aging platform out of habit may save short-term effort but limits long-term potential.

💬 Have you made a similar cross-platform switch? What surprised you most? Share your story in the comments—your experience could help someone decide their next move.