Iphone 6 Plus Vs Galaxy S3 Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2014, Apple’s release of the iPhone 6 Plus marked a turning point in smartphone design. For millions of Android users still loyal to earlier flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S3, the question wasn’t just about switching ecosystems—it was whether the upgrade delivered meaningful improvements. The Galaxy S3, launched in 2012, had been a benchmark for Android excellence. By 2014, many users were still holding onto it, thanks to its solid build and reliable performance. So when the iPhone 6 Plus arrived with its larger screen, sleek design, and new iOS features, was making the jump truly worth it?

This article breaks down the real-world differences between these two devices—not just on paper, but in daily use. We’ll compare hardware, software longevity, camera quality, battery life, and overall user satisfaction to help answer whether the upgrade justified leaving behind a beloved device.

Design and Build: A Shift in Philosophy

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6 Plus and Galaxy S3 lies in their design language. The Galaxy S3, released in May 2012, featured a plastic body with a textured back panel meant to mimic brushed metal. At the time, it felt premium, and its 4.8-inch display was considered large. However, by 2014, the “plasticky” feel had started to show its age compared to newer metal-and-glass competitors.

In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus introduced a minimalist aluminum unibody design with chamfered edges and a smooth finish. Its 5.5-inch display was significantly larger, catering to the growing demand for phablets. While some criticized the phone for being prone to bending under pressure (dubbed “Bendgate”), the overall craftsmanship signaled a shift toward premium materials and refined aesthetics.

Tip: If you valued durability and grip, the Galaxy S3’s removable back and replaceable battery offered practical advantages over the sealed iPhone 6 Plus.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

Under the hood, the gap between these phones was substantial—especially two years after the S3’s launch. Here's how they stacked up:

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy S3
Processor	Apple A8 chip (64-bit)	Exynos 4 Quad / Snapdragon S4
RAM	1GB	1GB
Storage Options	16/64/128GB (non-expandable)	16/32/64GB (expandable via microSD)
Display Size & Resolution	5.5\", 1920x1080 (401 PPI)	4.8\", 1280x720 (306 PPI)
Battery Capacity	2915 mAh	2100 mAh
Operating System (Launch)	iOS 8	Android 4.0 (upgradable to 4.3)

The A8 chip in the iPhone 6 Plus brought 64-bit architecture, which improved multitasking efficiency and future-proofed app development. Although both phones had 1GB of RAM, iOS’s memory management gave the iPhone smoother long-term performance. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S3, even with updates, began showing lag in navigation and app switching by 2014 due to heavier OS demands.

Storage flexibility remained a win for Samsung. The ability to expand storage via microSD was crucial for media-heavy users—a feature Apple still doesn’t offer today.

Camera Quality: Daylight vs Software Optimization

On paper, the Galaxy S3 had an 8MP rear camera, while the iPhone 6 Plus upgraded to 8MP as well—but with critical enhancements: optical image stabilization (OIS), larger sensor pixels, and better low-light processing.

In practice, daylight photos from both devices were comparable in clarity. However, the iPhone pulled ahead in consistency. iOS’s image processing produced more balanced colors and dynamic range without aggressive sharpening—common in Samsung’s TouchWiz interface at the time.

Night photography was where the iPhone clearly outperformed. Thanks to OIS and longer exposure capabilities, it captured brighter, less grainy images. Video recording also saw a major leap: the iPhone 6 Plus supported 1080p at 60fps and improved audio filtering, whereas the S3 maxed out at 1080p/30fps with average sound capture.

“Even with similar megapixel counts, Apple’s focus on sensor quality and software tuning gave them a tangible edge in real-world photo performance.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst, 2014 Tech Review

User Experience and Ecosystem Transition

Moving from Android to iOS in 2014 wasn’t trivial. The Galaxy S3 user likely relied on Google services—Gmail, Google Maps, Chrome—and third-party apps optimized for larger screens. Switching to iPhone meant relearning gestures, adapting to different notification systems, and dealing with fewer customization options.

However, iOS 8 introduced features that appealed to productivity users: Handoff, iCloud Drive, and enhanced Spotlight search. These integrations worked seamlessly across Macs and iPads, creating a cohesive ecosystem. For professionals or families invested in Apple products, this connectivity made the transition worthwhile.

On the other hand, Android offered widgets, customizable launchers, and file system access—freedoms absent on iOS. Users who enjoyed tweaking their home screens or managing files directly often found the iPhone restrictive.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a graphic designer in Chicago, used her Galaxy S3 for nearly three years. She appreciated its expandable storage for storing design drafts and loved the AMOLED screen’s color vibrancy. But by late 2014, she noticed apps crashing, slow boot times, and poor battery retention.

After joining a collaborative project requiring iMessage and AirDrop sharing with team members using MacBooks, she switched to the iPhone 6 Plus. Initially frustrated by the lack of widgets and file manager, she quickly adapted. Within weeks, she praised the seamless syncing with her MacBook, consistent performance, and superior camera for documenting client work.

“It wasn’t just the phone,” she said. “It was how everything worked together. My workflow got faster, even if I missed some Android flexibility.”

Longevity and Software Support

This is where the iPhone 6 Plus demonstrated a decisive advantage. Apple provided iOS updates for this model until 2019—five full years of support. It ran iOS 12 smoothly, which included modern security patches and performance optimizations.

In contrast, the Galaxy S3 received its final major OS update in 2013 (Android 4.3) and limited security patches thereafter. By 2015, many new apps either didn’t support the outdated OS or performed poorly. This shortened its functional lifespan significantly.

Tip: When evaluating upgrades, consider software support length. iPhones typically receive 5–6 years of updates; flagship Android phones average 3–4.

Step-by-Step: Was Your Upgrade Justified?

If you were considering the switch in 2014, here’s a practical timeline to evaluate your decision:

1. Assess current device health: Is your Galaxy S3 lagging, overheating, or failing to install app updates?
2. Evaluate ecosystem needs: Do you use other Apple devices or collaborate with iOS users frequently?
3. Test camera and display: Compare sample photos and screen clarity side by side in natural light.
4. Check battery performance: Replace the S3’s battery first—if it still performs well, delay the upgrade.
5. Determine budget impact: The iPhone 6 Plus launched at $299 (16GB, contract). Was the cost offset by long-term reliability?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the Galaxy S3 keep up with daily tasks in 2014?

Yes, for basic use—calls, messaging, light browsing—but power users experienced slowdowns with multitasking, gaming, and newer social media apps. Heavy app usage revealed aging hardware limitations.

Was the iPhone 6 Plus camera better than the S3’s?

In most conditions, yes. While both had 8MP sensors, the iPhone’s larger pixels, OIS, and superior image processing resulted in sharper, more consistent photos—especially in low light and video.

Did switching from Android to iOS cause data loss?

Not necessarily. Apple’s Move to iOS app (released later) simplified transfers, but in 2014, manual backup of contacts, photos, and emails via Google or iCloud was required. Music and files needed direct syncing through iTunes or cloud services.

Conclusion: Was Upgrading Worth It?

For many Galaxy S3 owners, upgrading to the iPhone 6 Plus wasn’t just about getting a newer phone—it was about entering a more integrated, future-ready ecosystem. The iPhone delivered noticeable improvements in build quality, performance longevity, camera capability, and software support.

That said, the value depended on individual priorities. If you valued customization, expandable storage, and control over your device, staying with the S3—or upgrading to a newer Android flagship—made more sense. But if seamless integration, long-term updates, and consistent performance mattered most, the iPhone 6 Plus was a justified step forward.

Technology evolves rapidly, but smart upgrades aren’t just about specs—they’re about how well a device fits your life. Whether you stayed loyal or made the switch, understanding these trade-offs helps make better decisions next time.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Evaluate your needs against modern alternatives. Sometimes, the best upgrade isn’t the newest model—but the one that aligns with how you actually use your device.