Iphone 6 Plus Vs Galaxy J7 Plus Is The Older Iphone Still A Good Deal Or Is It Time To Upgrade

The smartphone market moves fast. Devices that once felt cutting-edge can quickly become outdated. The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, was a game-changer with its large screen and premium build. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy J7 Plus, launched in 2017, entered as a mid-range contender with dual cameras and modern Android features. Today, both are far from new—but they’re still found in secondhand markets and budget-conscious households. So, which one holds up better in 2024? Is the older iPhone still a smart buy, or has the time finally come to move on?

Performance and Hardware: A Tale of Two Eras

The iPhone 6 Plus runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. At launch, this combination delivered smooth performance for iOS 8 and early versions of iOS 9. However, as Apple rolled out newer operating systems—iOS 10 through iOS 15—the device began to show its age. While it technically supports up to iOS 15, real-world usage reveals lag during app switching, slow loading times, and limited support for current apps.

In contrast, the Galaxy J7 Plus uses Samsung’s Exynos 7870 or Snapdragon 625 (depending on region), paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. This configuration was considered solid for mid-tier Android phones in 2017. On Android 8.0 Oreo (its original OS), it handled multitasking well and supported most mainstream apps at the time. Even today, it runs lighter versions of social media apps and web browsing more reliably than the iPhone 6 Plus—especially under Android 9 if updated.

Tip: If buying used, always check whether the device can receive security updates—even basic ones make a big difference in safety and functionality.

Camera Quality: Portrait Mode vs Legacy Sensors

One area where the Galaxy J7 Plus clearly pulls ahead is photography. It features a dual rear camera setup: a 13MP primary sensor and a 5MP depth sensor, enabling portrait mode effects with background blur. While not on par with flagship devices, this system produces decent photos in daylight and usable low-light shots with manual adjustments.

The iPhone 6 Plus, meanwhile, has an 8MP rear camera without optical image stabilization (OIS) in the base model. Its photos were excellent in 2014 but now lack dynamic range, detail, and low-light performance compared to even entry-level smartphones. No front-facing flash and only digital zoom limit selfie quality too.

Apple’s software processing once gave it an edge in color accuracy and video stabilization, but those advantages have faded. The Galaxy J7 Plus captures sharper images, offers more shooting modes, and includes LED flash on both front and back cameras.

“Hardware longevity isn’t just about how long a phone lasts—it’s about how well it adapts to evolving user needs.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The iPhone 6 Plus packs a 2915mAh battery, which was generous for its time. Under moderate use—calls, messaging, light browsing—it could last a full day. But after years of charge cycles, most units now suffer from degraded capacity. iOS power management also becomes aggressive on older batteries, leading to unexpected shutdowns.

The Galaxy J7 Plus comes with a slightly larger 3000mAh battery and benefits from Android’s more granular battery optimization tools. With adaptive brightness and Doze mode, it often exceeds a full day of mixed use. More importantly, its removable software restrictions allow users to monitor battery health and replace the battery easily—a major advantage over the sealed iPhone design.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy J7 Plus
Processor	Apple A8	Exynos 7870 / Snapdragon 625
RAM	1GB	4GB
Rear Camera	8MP (single)	13MP + 5MP (dual)
Front Camera	1.2MP	13MP
Battery	2915mAh (non-removable)	3000mAh (user-replaceable)
OS Support (Latest)	iOS 15 (2021)	Android 9 (2019–2020)
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (up to 256GB microSD)
Software Updates	No longer receiving security patches	Likely none since 2020

User Experience and Ecosystem Fit

Here’s where personal preference plays a role. iOS on the iPhone 6 Plus remains simple and intuitive. For users who primarily make calls, send messages, and use a few core apps like WhatsApp or Safari, it still functions adequately—if expectations are managed. However, many modern apps either don’t install or run poorly due to minimum OS requirements.

The Galaxy J7 Plus offers greater flexibility. With Google Play Services fully functional and support for lightweight apps (like Facebook Lite or YouTube Go), it handles daily tasks more efficiently. Its expandable storage means you can add music, photos, or offline maps without worrying about running out of space. The larger RAM allows smoother background app retention, which matters when switching between email, browser, and navigation.

Another consideration is ecosystem integration. iPhone users invested in iCloud, AirPods, or Apple Watch may find staying within iOS convenient, even on older hardware. But without update support, features like iMessage encryption improvements or Find My enhancements are missing. On Android, Samsung’s ecosystem is less tightly integrated, but third-party services like Google Photos and Drive work seamlessly.

When the iPhone 6 Plus Still Makes Sense

There are niche scenarios where the iPhone 6 Plus remains viable:

• As a secondary device: Ideal for kids, elderly relatives, or as a dedicated music/player or GPS unit.
• For minimalists: Users who avoid social media apps and rely only on phone, SMS, and camera.
• Within tight budgets: If acquired for free or under $30, and battery is recently replaced.

However, these cases assume technical maintenance. You’ll likely need to replace the battery ($50–$70 at third-party shops), reset settings regularly, and disable animations to maintain responsiveness.

Step-by-Step: Reviving an Old iPhone 6 Plus

1. Back up data via iCloud or iTunes before making changes.
2. Replace the battery at a certified repair shop to restore capacity.
3. Erase all content and settings to clear software clutter.
4. Reinstall iOS and set up as new (avoid restoring old backups full of bloat).
5. Install only essential apps—messaging, calling, browser, camera.
6. Enable Low Power Mode and reduce motion/visual effects in Accessibility.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still get security updates?

No. Apple ended security patch support for the iPhone 6 series with iOS 15.4.1 in 2022. Using it online poses increasing risks, especially for banking or login activities.

Is the Galaxy J7 Plus better than newer budget phones?

Not significantly. Phones like the Samsung Galaxy A14 or Redmi Note 12 offer faster processors, modern displays, 5G, and ongoing updates. The J7 Plus may be cheaper secondhand, but new options provide far better long-term value.

Can either phone run WhatsApp in 2024?

WhatsApp dropped support for iOS 10 and earlier in 2023. Since the iPhone 6 Plus maxes out at iOS 15 (which supports newer WhatsApp), it *can* run the app—but performance will be sluggish. The Galaxy J7 Plus runs current WhatsApp versions without issue, provided sufficient storage.

Tip: Before relying on any old phone, test critical apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and your bank’s mobile site to ensure compatibility.

Final Verdict: Time to Upgrade?

The answer depends on your needs. If you're using either device as your primary smartphone in 2024, upgrading is strongly recommended. Both phones lack modern security, app compatibility, and performance needed for seamless digital life. The Galaxy J7 Plus performs better than the iPhone 6 Plus overall, but neither should be considered a long-term solution.

For under $100, you can purchase a current-generation entry-level phone with twice the RAM, modern chipsets, improved cameras, and at least two years of guaranteed updates. These include models like the Nokia C12, Motorola Moto E, or Samsung Galaxy A04e.

If cost is the main barrier, consider refurbished flagships from 2020–2021, such as the iPhone SE (2nd gen) or Galaxy S10e. They offer flagship-grade performance, better build quality, and longer software support than either the iPhone 6 Plus or J7 Plus ever will again.

Conclusion

The iPhone 6 Plus was iconic, and the Galaxy J7 Plus offered solid mid-range value. But technology waits for no one. Holding onto aging devices out of habit or frugality can end up costing more in frustration, security risks, and missed functionality. While both phones can still turn on and make calls, their limitations in speed, software, and safety make them poor choices for everyday use.

🚀 Ready for a smarter experience? Explore affordable modern alternatives and reclaim speed, security, and peace of mind. Your next upgrade might be closer—and cheaper—than you think.