In 2024, comparing the iPhone 6 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S4 might seem like a trip down memory lane. Both devices were flagship smartphones in their time—Apple’s 2014 phablet and Samsung’s 2013 Android powerhouse. But nearly a decade later, do either of these phones still hold up? And if you’re considering using one as a backup or budget device, is the iPhone 6 Plus still worth it compared to the Galaxy S4?
The answer isn’t just about hardware specs. It’s about longevity, software updates, app compatibility, battery health, and real-world usability in today’s digital ecosystem. Let’s break it down.
Performance and Hardware: A Reality Check
The iPhone 6 Plus launched with Apple’s A8 chip and 1GB of RAM. The Galaxy S4 came with either an Exynos 5 Octa or Snapdragon 600, depending on region, and 2GB of RAM. On paper, the S4 had more RAM and a higher clock speed, but raw numbers don’t tell the full story.
In 2024, neither phone can run modern apps smoothly. Most applications—from social media platforms to banking apps—require at least Android 8 or iOS 12, both of which are beyond what these devices can officially support. The iPhone 6 Plus topped out at iOS 12, while the Galaxy S4 maxed out at Android 5.0.1 (Lollipop) with most carriers.
Even simple tasks like loading a webpage or switching between apps feel sluggish. The lack of modern GPU support means no smooth scrolling, poor video rendering, and frequent app crashes. Neither device handles multitasking effectively by today’s standards.
Software Support and Security
This is where the iPhone 6 Plus gains a significant edge. Despite being released in 2014, it received software updates until 2019, ending with iOS 12.5.7—the final security patch rolled out in January 2023. That means, for a brief moment, this device was protected against critical vulnerabilities years after its launch.
In contrast, the Galaxy S4 stopped receiving updates shortly after Android 5.0. No official security patches have been issued since 2015. This makes the S4 extremely vulnerable to malware, phishing, and insecure network connections—especially on public Wi-Fi.
“Devices without ongoing security updates become liability points in your digital life.” — David Lin, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileShield Labs
Using the Galaxy S4 for anything involving personal data—like logging into email or social accounts—is strongly discouraged. The iPhone 6 Plus, while also outdated, benefits from Apple’s longer update cycle, making it slightly safer for minimal use.
Comparison Table: iPhone 6 Plus vs Galaxy S4 (2024 Relevance)
| Feature | iPhone 6 Plus | Galaxy S4 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2014 | 2013 |
| Final OS Version | iOS 12.5.7 | Android 5.0.1 |
| Last Security Update | January 2023 | July 2015 |
| App Compatibility (2024) | Limited (some apps still work) | Nearly none |
| Battery Health (Typical Today) | Poor (replaceable) | Very Poor (hard to replace) |
| Camera Quality (Daylight) | Marginal (8MP, decent color) | Fair (13MP, oversharpened) |
| Best Use Case in 2024 | Emergency phone, music player | Offline toy, parts donor |
Real-World Example: Can These Phones Still Function?
Consider Mark, a college student who inherited his uncle’s old iPhone 6 Plus. He wanted a secondary device for gym use—just music and calls. After resetting the phone and setting it up as new, he found that Spotify worked intermittently, Apple Music streamed fine over Wi-Fi, and phone calls were clear. However, Google Maps crashed repeatedly, Instagram wouldn’t install, and even WhatsApp failed verification due to API incompatibility.
He tried the same tasks on a Galaxy S4 he found at a thrift store. The device struggled to connect to modern Wi-Fi networks due to outdated WPA3 support issues. Even after sideloading APKs, most apps refused to open. The touchscreen, affected by digitizer degradation, registered phantom touches.
Mark concluded that the iPhone 6 Plus could serve as a basic offline device—but only if expectations were drastically lowered.
Step-by-Step: How to Maximize Usability in 2024
If you insist on using either device, follow this guide to get the most out of it:
- Reset the device to factory settings – Removes old data and may improve responsiveness.
- Disable animations and background app refresh – On iPhone, enable Reduce Motion; on Android, turn off transitions.
- Install only essential apps – Stick to offline tools like Notes, Calendar, and music players.
- Avoid logging into sensitive accounts – Never enter banking or social media credentials.
- Use airplane mode when possible – Reduces battery drain and prevents unwanted background activity.
- Replace the battery if possible – Fresh batteries can restore partial functionality.
- Keep it offline – Use it as a digital photo frame or MP3 player instead of a connected device.
Is the iPhone 6 Plus Still Worth It in 2024?
Worth it for what purpose?
If you’re looking for a functional smartphone capable of running modern apps, browsing securely, or using GPS navigation—no, the iPhone 6 Plus is not worth it. Even budget Android phones under $100 today outperform it significantly.
However, if you need a dedicated offline device—for playing music during workouts, storing emergency contacts, or reading downloaded eBooks—the iPhone 6 Plus can still serve in a limited capacity. Its build quality remains sturdy, the screen is still readable in daylight, and iOS 12 offers a cleaner interface than the aging TouchWiz on the S4.
The Galaxy S4, by comparison, has almost no redeeming value in 2024. Outdated hardware, poor software support, and fragile components make it impractical even as a backup. Its microUSB port wears out easily, and replacement parts are increasingly scarce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use WhatsApp on an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024?
No. As of late 2023, WhatsApp dropped support for all devices running iOS 12 and earlier. The iPhone 6 Plus cannot upgrade beyond iOS 12, so WhatsApp will no longer function—even if previously installed.
Is the Galaxy S4 usable as a kid’s tablet?
Not recommended. Without app updates or security patches, any internet-connected use poses risks. Even offline games may crash due to compatibility issues. Modern low-cost tablets offer far better safety and performance.
Can I upgrade the storage on either phone?
No. Neither device supports expandable storage in a meaningful way. The iPhone 6 Plus has no SD card slot, and while some Galaxy S4 models have microSD support, the internal storage bottleneck limits overall performance.
Conclusion: Practicality Over Nostalgia
The iPhone 6 Plus vs Galaxy S4 debate in 2024 isn’t really a competition—it’s a lesson in technological obsolescence. While the iPhone edges ahead due to Apple’s extended software support, neither phone meets the basic demands of modern mobile usage.
If you’re holding onto one of these devices for sentimental reasons, consider repurposing it: turn it into a retro gaming console using emulators, use it as a smart home remote, or frame it as a tech keepsake. But if you need a working phone, even the most basic current-gen budget model will provide a vastly superior experience.
Technology moves fast. Respect these devices for what they were—a milestone in mobile evolution—but don’t rely on them in 2024.
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