Iphone 6 Plus Vs Galaxy S5 Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

In 2014, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s newly launched iPhone 6 Plus or go with Samsung’s established powerhouse, the Galaxy S5. Both devices represented the peak of their respective ecosystems at the time. But for users considering an upgrade—especially from older models like the iPhone 5 or Galaxy S3—the real question wasn’t just about specs. It was whether the investment paid off in daily usability, longevity, and overall satisfaction.

This analysis dives deep into that decision, revisiting the core differences between the iPhone 6 Plus and Galaxy S5 two years after their release. We’ll assess not just how they performed on launch day, but whether upgrading to either device truly delivered lasting value.

Design and Build: Form Meets Function

The iPhone 6 Plus marked a dramatic shift in Apple’s design language. For the first time, Apple embraced larger screens with its 5.5-inch display, responding to consumer demand for phablet-sized devices. The aluminum unibody gave it a premium feel, though early concerns about “bendgate” raised eyebrows about durability under pressure.

Meanwhile, the Galaxy S5 took a more utilitarian approach. Its polycarbonate body wasn’t as sleek as the iPhone’s metal finish, but it offered practical advantages: water and dust resistance (IP67 rating), a removable back panel, and expandable storage via microSD. These features made it a favorite among users who valued customization and ruggedness over minimalist elegance.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors or near water, build quality and environmental protection matter more than aesthetics.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier hardware for their platforms. The iPhone 6 Plus ran on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S5 used either Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 801 or Samsung’s Exynos 5422, depending on region, paired with 2GB of RAM.

On paper, the Galaxy S5 had an edge in raw memory, but iOS optimization often closed the gap. In real-world usage, the iPhone 6 Plus delivered smooth animations, fast app launches, and excellent multitasking—especially with iOS 8’s introduction of widgets and improved notifications. However, Android 4.4 KitKat on the S5 offered deeper customization, split-screen support in select apps, and greater file system access.

Where the iPhone pulled ahead significantly was software longevity. Apple provided five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 6 Plus, meaning it received iOS 12. In contrast, the Galaxy S5 officially stopped at Android 6.0 Marshmallow, leaving users exposed to security risks and missing out on major feature upgrades.

“Long-term software support is where Apple consistently wins. Even mid-cycle iPhones get longer update cycles than most Android flagships.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Photos That Last

Both phones featured 16MP rear cameras, but execution differed greatly. The Galaxy S5’s higher resolution didn’t translate to better image quality. Its photos often suffered from oversharpening, inconsistent white balance, and poor low-light performance due to aggressive noise reduction.

The iPhone 6 Plus, with its 8MP sensor, prioritized pixel quality over quantity. Larger pixels captured more light, resulting in cleaner images, accurate colors, and superior dynamic range. Its optical image stabilization (OIS) on the Plus model also reduced blur in motion or dim lighting—making it one of the best mobile cameras of 2014.

For video, the iPhone supported 1080p at 60fps and steady stabilization, while the S5 maxed out at 1080p/30fps. Slow-motion video debuted on the iPhone at 240fps, giving creators more flexibility.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy S5
Rear Camera	8MP with OIS	16MP, no OIS
Front Camera	1.2MP	2.1MP
Video Recording	1080p@60fps, slow-mo 240fps	1080p@30fps
Low-Light Performance	Strong, natural tone	Noisy, washed out

Battery Life and Charging Realities

The iPhone 6 Plus packed a 2915mAh battery—large for Apple at the time—while the Galaxy S5 came with a slightly smaller 2800mAh unit. Yet, real-world endurance favored the iPhone. Users regularly reported 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use on the 6 Plus, thanks to efficient hardware-software integration.

The S5, despite having similar capacity and a power-saving mode, drained faster under heavy loads. Its AMOLED screen helped in dark themes, but background processes in TouchWiz (Samsung’s UI layer) consumed extra resources.

One advantage the S5 held was replaceable batteries. Users could carry spares and swap them without tools—a boon for travelers or field workers. The iPhone required external battery packs or charging cables, limiting mobility.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 5 to the Galaxy S5 in early 2014, lured by its high-resolution camera and SD card slot. She appreciated the ability to offload photos directly to external storage and liked the waterproof feature during outdoor shoots.

But within a year, she noticed her phone slowing down, apps crashing, and the interface feeling clunky. When Android Lollipop arrived late and buggy, she lost trust in Samsung’s update reliability. By 2016, her S5 couldn’t run newer editing apps efficiently.

She switched to the iPhone 6 Plus later that year and found the ecosystem smoother, updates timely, and camera consistency far better—even if the megapixel count was lower. “I learned,” she said, “that real-world performance beats spec sheets every time.”

Was Upgrading Really Worth It?

For many, the answer depended on priorities.

• Choose the iPhone 6 Plus if: You wanted a clean OS, long-term updates, reliable camera performance, and strong resale value.
• Choose the Galaxy S5 if: You needed expandable storage, waterproofing, removable battery, or preferred Android’s openness.

However, two years post-launch, the iPhone 6 Plus emerged as the more future-proof choice. It maintained app compatibility, received critical security patches, and retained functionality longer. The Galaxy S5, while impressive at launch, began showing its age by late 2015—struggling with newer games, social media apps, and multitasking demands.

Checklist: Evaluating Long-Term Smartphone Value

1. Does the manufacturer commit to at least 3 years of OS updates?
2. Is the device still usable after 18 months of regular use?
3. Are essential apps optimized for this platform?
4. Can you easily transfer data to future devices?
5. Is repair or replacement accessible and affordable?

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 6 Plus fix the bending issue?

Apple reinforced later units with stronger alloys, reducing—but not eliminating—bending under extreme pressure. Most users never experienced it in normal use.

Could the Galaxy S5 run modern apps in 2016?

By 2016, many apps like Instagram, Snapchat, and Google Maps became sluggish or incompatible. Heavy reliance on background services strained the aging hardware.

Which phone held better resale value?

The iPhone 6 Plus retained up to 40% of its value after two years; the Galaxy S5 dropped below 20%, partly due to shorter software support.

Final Verdict: Looking Back with Clarity

With the benefit of hindsight, upgrading to the iPhone 6 Plus in 2014 proved more worthwhile for most users. While the Galaxy S5 offered compelling features on paper, its limitations in software support and long-term performance made it less sustainable. The iPhone’s ecosystem strength, consistent updates, and superior camera experience delivered tangible benefits over time.

That said, the “worth it” factor ultimately hinged on personal needs. Power users who valued modularity and control found genuine utility in the S5. But for the average consumer seeking reliability, simplicity, and longevity, the iPhone 6 Plus was the smarter investment.

🚀 Still using a legacy device? Evaluate your next upgrade not by specs alone, but by how long it will stay useful. Prioritize software support, build quality, and ecosystem fit—and you’ll make a choice that lasts.