Iphone 6 Plus Vs Galaxy A10e Is The Older Iphone Still Worth It In 2024

In 2024, smartphone technology has advanced rapidly, making even devices from just five years ago feel outdated. Yet, some users still rely on older models due to budget constraints or personal preference. The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, and the Samsung Galaxy A10e, launched in 2019, represent two different generations of mobile tech. One runs iOS, the other Android, and both are now far beyond their prime support cycles. But for someone looking for an ultra-budget phone today, is the iPhone 6 Plus still a viable option compared to the more modern-feeling Galaxy A10e?

This comparison dives into real-world performance, software support, camera quality, battery longevity, and overall usability to determine whether Apple’s decade-old flagship still holds up against Samsung’s entry-level offering.

Performance and Hardware: A Generation Apart

The hardware gap between these two phones is stark. The iPhone 6 Plus features an Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the Galaxy A10e uses a modest Exynos 7884B processor with 2GB of RAM. On paper, the A10e has better specs — double the RAM and a more recent chipset — but real-world experience tells a more nuanced story.

iOS is famously optimized for older hardware, allowing even dated iPhones to run basic tasks smoothly. However, by 2024, the iPhone 6 Plus is stuck on iOS 12, which lacks support for countless modern apps. Many newer versions of popular apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and banking services no longer support iOS 12, severely limiting functionality.

The Galaxy A10e, while not powerful by current standards, runs Android 11 (upgradable from its original Android 9) and supports most mainstream apps available today. It handles light browsing, messaging, and streaming video adequately, though multitasking can be sluggish.

Tip: If you're considering either device, verify app compatibility first—especially for essential services like email, banking, and social media.

Software and Security: The Hidden Cost of Obsolescence

One of the most critical factors in 2024 is security. The iPhone 6 Plus hasn’t received a security update since 2019. Apple ended all support after iOS 12.5.7, leaving the device vulnerable to known exploits. Without regular patches, using it for sensitive tasks like online banking or shopping poses a real risk.

The Galaxy A10e fared slightly better. Samsung provided security updates until mid-2022, meaning it’s also out of support—but only by about two years, compared to five for the iPhone. Android 11 includes modern encryption, improved permissions, and safer default settings, giving it a clear edge in digital hygiene.

“Using an unsupported phone in 2024 is like driving a car without brakes—you might get by, but one wrong move could be costly.” — Lena Torres, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Additionally, many websites now require modern TLS protocols and JavaScript features that older browsers can't handle. Safari on iOS 12 struggles to load secure pages correctly, leading to frequent errors and blocked content.

Camera Comparison: Clarity vs. Convenience

The iPhone 6 Plus has an 8MP rear camera with optical image stabilization—a standout feature for its time. In good lighting, it captures decent photos with natural color tones and reliable autofocus. However, low-light performance is poor, and there’s no front-facing flash or advanced processing to enhance selfies.

The Galaxy A10e comes with a single 13MP rear sensor and a 5MP front camera. While the megapixel count is higher, the smaller sensor and lack of stabilization result in inconsistent shots. Photos often appear oversharpened or noisy, especially indoors. That said, the A10e benefits from modern software enhancements like scene optimization and HDR, which help compensate for hardware limitations.

For video recording, the iPhone 6 Plus maxes out at 1080p at 60fps, which still holds up reasonably well. The A10e records at 1080p too, but stabilization is minimal, leading to shaky footage.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy A10e
Rear Camera	8MP, OIS	13MP, no OIS
Front Camera	1.2MP	5MP
Video Recording	1080p @ 60fps	1080p @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Poor	Fair
Software Enhancements	None	HDR, Scene Optimizer

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The iPhone 6 Plus packs a 2915mAh battery, which was large for its era. With iOS 12’s efficient power management, it can last a full day under light use—calls, texts, occasional browsing. However, as lithium-ion batteries degrade over time, most units today have significantly reduced capacity. Swapping the battery is possible but requires technical skill or third-party service.

The Galaxy A10e has a smaller 3000mAh battery but benefits from a more efficient 14nm processor and lighter software demands. In practice, it delivers similar endurance to the aged iPhone, especially since newer Android versions include aggressive background app restrictions.

Neither phone supports fast charging. The iPhone uses 5W charging via Lightning, while the A10e supports standard 5V/1A micro-USB. Expect 2–3 hours for a full charge on either device.

Tip: Replace the battery before relying on any used phone long-term. A fresh battery can restore up to 80% of original performance.

Real-World Use Case: Can Either Phone Handle Daily Tasks?

Meet James, a retiree on a fixed income who wanted a simple phone for calls, texting, and checking weather updates. He inherited an iPhone 6 Plus from his son and tried using it in early 2024. Initially satisfied with the familiar interface, he soon ran into problems: Gmail wouldn’t sync properly, YouTube videos failed to load, and Facebook crashed repeatedly. After switching to a used Galaxy A10e purchased for $40, he found that WhatsApp worked reliably, web pages loaded faster, and he could even stream music on Spotify without constant buffering.

James’s experience reflects a broader trend: while the iPhone 6 Plus once offered a premium experience, its inability to run modern web standards and apps makes it functionally obsolete. The Galaxy A10e, though basic, operates within acceptable limits for essential smartphone tasks in 2024.

Checklist: Is This Phone Right for You?

Before choosing either device, consider this checklist:

• ✅ Will you only use offline or lightweight apps?
• ✅ Do you need access to modern banking or government services via apps?
• ✅ Are you comfortable with potential security risks?
• ✅ Is the device intended for a child, elderly user, or backup?
• ✅ Have you tested core apps (WhatsApp, Google, Email) beforehand?
• ✅ Is the battery recently replaced or verified healthy?

If you answered “no” to most of these, neither phone may be suitable. But if you’re seeking a temporary solution or a dedicated device for calls and messages, the Galaxy A10e is the safer bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still receive iMessages in 2024?

Yes, iMessage still functions on iOS 12, so sending and receiving messages between Apple devices works. However, group chats with rich features or reactions may not display correctly, and syncing across devices is unreliable.

Is the Galaxy A10e compatible with 5G networks?

No. The Galaxy A10e only supports 4G LTE and older network standards. It will continue working on most carriers, but future network sunsets (like 3G shutdowns) may eventually affect connectivity.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, iPhones retained value better, but the iPhone 6 Plus has virtually no resale market in 2024. The Galaxy A10e, being newer and more functional, may fetch $20–$30 used, compared to $5–$10 for the iPhone.

Final Verdict: The Galaxy A10e Wins by Default

The iPhone 6 Plus was revolutionary in 2014. Its build quality, display clarity, and ecosystem integration set benchmarks. But ten years later, it’s no longer a practical daily driver. Lack of app support, security vulnerabilities, and degraded hardware make it a liability rather than an asset.

The Galaxy A10e isn’t impressive—it’s slow, has a dim display, and average cameras—but it runs modern software, supports current apps, and connects securely to today’s internet. For anyone needing a functional smartphone on a tight budget, it’s the better choice in 2024.

That said, both phones highlight a larger issue: digital obsolescence. Five years is now the effective lifespan of a consumer smartphone. If possible, consider refurbished mid-range models like the iPhone SE (2020) or Galaxy A32, which offer modern performance at reasonable prices.

💬 Have you used either of these phones recently? Share your experience in the comments—your insights could help others decide what really works in 2024.