Iphone 6 Plus Vs Galaxy S5 Was The Bigger Screen Worth Switching To Apple

In 2014, smartphone users faced a pivotal decision: stick with Android’s dominant Samsung Galaxy S5 or take the leap to Apple’s newly introduced iPhone 6 Plus—the first truly large-screen iPhone. For years, Apple had resisted the trend toward larger displays, but the iPhone 6 Plus marked a turning point. With its 5.5-inch display, it directly competed with flagship Android devices like the Galaxy S5. But was that bigger screen enough to justify switching ecosystems? The answer depends on more than just size—it involves software, ecosystem loyalty, camera quality, battery life, and long-term usability.

Design and Build: Premium Feel vs Practical Durability

The iPhone 6 Plus introduced Apple’s sleek new design language: an aluminum unibody with softly curved edges and chamfered sides. It felt premium in hand, though some criticized its tendency to bend under pressure—dubbed “Bendgate.” At 6.2mm thick and weighing 172g, it was slim and light for its size, but the smooth metal made it prone to slipping.

In contrast, the Galaxy S5 leaned into practicality. Its plastic polycarbonate body wasn’t as luxurious as the iPhone’s metal, but it was lighter (145g) and featured an IP67 water and dust resistance rating—something the iPhone 6 Plus lacked. The S5 also included a fingerprint sensor and a heart rate monitor, features Apple had yet to integrate seamlessly.

While the iPhone 6 Plus looked and felt more upscale, the Galaxy S5 offered ruggedness and real-world durability that appealed to outdoor users and frequent travelers.

Tip: If you prioritize drop resistance and water protection, the Galaxy S5’s build may still outperform early iPhones—even with a less premium feel.

Display Comparison: Size vs Sharpness

The most obvious difference between the two phones was screen size. The iPhone 6 Plus boasted a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080 (401 PPI), while the Galaxy S5 had a slightly smaller 5.1-inch Super AMOLED panel at 1920x1080 (432 PPI).

Although the S5 technically had a sharper display due to higher pixel density and deeper blacks from AMOLED technology, the iPhone 6 Plus delivered excellent color accuracy and brightness. More importantly, iOS was optimized for the larger screen, introducing features like Reachability to make one-handed use easier.

For media consumption—reading, video, web browsing—the extra half-inch made a noticeable difference. Users upgrading from smaller iPhones found the 6 Plus transformative. However, those already accustomed to large Android screens saw less of a leap.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy S5
Screen Size	5.5 inches	5.1 inches
Resolution	1920 x 1080	1920 x 1080
Pixels Per Inch (PPI)	401	432
Display Type	LCD (Retina HD)	Super AMOLED
Water Resistance	No	Yes (IP67)

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the iPhone 6 Plus ran Apple’s custom A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S5 used either a Snapdragon 801 or Exynos 5422 depending on region, paired with 2GB of RAM. On paper, the S5 had the advantage in multitasking and raw specs.

But real-world performance told a different story. iOS 8 on the iPhone 6 Plus remained smooth and responsive, thanks to tight hardware-software integration. Apps launched quickly, animations were fluid, and background processes were efficiently managed. Meanwhile, TouchWiz—the Android skin on the S5—was often criticized for being bloated and slow to respond, despite the extra RAM.

Software updates also diverged sharply. Apple promised multi-year support for iOS updates, meaning the iPhone 6 Plus received upgrades up to iOS 12. In contrast, the Galaxy S5 only got two major Android version updates and limited security patches, leaving it outdated within three years.

“Apple’s control over both hardware and software gives it an edge in long-term performance consistency, even when specs appear weaker on paper.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst

User Transition: Was Switching Ecosystems Worth It?

For many Android users, switching to iPhone wasn’t just about screen size—it meant changing how they interacted with their digital lives. iCloud replaced Google Drive, iMessage replaced SMS and Hangouts, and the App Store replaced Google Play.

One of the biggest hurdles was iMessage. Once users switched, returning to Android became difficult because group messages would stop receiving replies, and blue bubbles turned green—a social stigma among some circles.

A mini case study illustrates this: Sarah, a long-time Galaxy user, upgraded to the iPhone 6 Plus after her S5 cracked. She loved the larger screen and smoother interface but struggled with data migration. Her Google Calendar didn’t sync properly at first, and she missed Google Now’s predictive alerts. After two weeks, she adapted, appreciating Handoff between her Mac and phone and the seamless AirDrop sharing. Over time, she found herself buying more Apple products—AirPods, Apple Watch—locking her further into the ecosystem.

The switch wasn’t just about the device; it was the beginning of a broader lifestyle shift.

Battery Life and Camera Quality

Battery life was another key consideration. The Galaxy S5 packed a 2800mAh battery, while the iPhone 6 Plus had a larger 2915mAh unit. In practice, both lasted around a full day with moderate use, but the S5 allowed battery replacement and supported Ultra Power Saving Mode—an emergency mode that extended life significantly.

Cameras were closely matched. The S5 featured a 16MP rear sensor with selective focus and HDR, while the iPhone 6 Plus had an 8MP camera with Focus Pixels and improved low-light performance. Despite the lower megapixel count, Apple’s image processing produced more natural colors and better dynamic range. Video stabilization on the iPhone was also superior, making it a favorite for casual filmmakers.

• iPhone 6 Plus strength: Natural color reproduction, reliable autofocus, excellent video.
• Galaxy S5 strength: Higher resolution stills, manual controls, faster burst shooting.

Checklist: Should You Have Switched in 2014?

If you were deciding between these phones back then, here’s what mattered most:

1. Did you value ecosystem integration (Mac, iPad, iCloud)? → iPhone favored
2. Did you need water resistance or removable battery? → Galaxy S5 favored
3. Were you invested in Google services (Drive, Gmail, Photos)? → Staying on Android made sense
4. Did you want longer software support? → iPhone won decisively
5. Was screen size the primary driver? → iPhone 6 Plus delivered, but only if you accepted iOS trade-offs

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 6 Plus fix Apple’s lack of big-screen phones?

Yes. After years of criticism for small displays, the iPhone 6 Plus finally gave Apple users a competitive phablet option. It set the standard for future Plus-sized models and influenced Apple’s design direction for years.

Could the Galaxy S5 compete with the iPhone 6 Plus in app quality?

Most major apps were available on both platforms, but iOS versions often launched first or had better optimization. Games and creative tools, in particular, tended to perform better on iOS due to tighter developer support.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus still usable today?

As of 2024, the iPhone 6 Plus no longer receives iOS updates and lacks support for modern apps. Most services require newer OS versions, making it impractical as a daily driver. The Galaxy S5 met a similar fate, underscoring the importance of long-term software support.

Conclusion: The Bigger Screen Was Just the Beginning

The iPhone 6 Plus wasn’t just about screen size—it represented Apple’s acknowledgment of market demands and its ability to adapt without sacrificing user experience. For Galaxy S5 owners, switching wasn’t solely about having more display space; it was about entering a tightly integrated ecosystem with long-term support, consistent performance, and a growing suite of accessories.

Was the bigger screen worth switching? For users who valued longevity, design refinement, and seamless integration across devices, yes. But for those who prioritized customization, durability, and immediate functionality, the Galaxy S5 remained a compelling choice.

Ultimately, the decision came down to philosophy: Do you want a device that works perfectly within a closed system, or one that offers flexibility and resilience at the cost of polish? The iPhone 6 Plus made Apple’s answer clear—and millions followed.

🚀 Thinking about switching platforms today? Reflect on what mattered in 2014—ecosystem, updates, design—and ask yourself: has your priority changed? Share your experience in the comments.