In early 2016, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s proven ecosystem or leap into Samsung’s cutting-edge Android flagship. The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, had defined Apple’s big-screen era. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S7 Edge arrived as a bold evolution of Samsung’s design language—curved displays, water resistance, and a camera that redefined low-light photography. But with time as the ultimate judge, was switching from the iPhone 6 Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge truly an upgrade worth making?
The Context: Two Flagships, Two Philosophies
The iPhone 6 Plus represented Apple’s shift toward larger devices, offering a 5.5-inch display, Touch ID, and iOS 8’s refined interface. By 2016, it was aging but still capable. The Galaxy S7 Edge, unveiled at MWC 2016, brought premium materials, IP68 rating, expandable storage, and a dual-edge AMOLED display that turned heads.
At launch, the S7 Edge wasn’t just competing—it was setting benchmarks. Its hardware pushed boundaries while the iPhone 6 Plus relied on software polish and ecosystem cohesion. For users considering a switch, the question wasn’t just about specs—it was about experience, longevity, and value over time.
Hardware Comparison: Design and Build
The iPhone 6 Plus featured an aluminum unibody with chamfered edges and a minimalist aesthetic. It was sturdy but prone to “bendgate” concerns under pressure. In contrast, the S7 Edge used Gorilla Glass 5 on both front and back with a metal frame, delivering a more luxurious feel. Its curved screen wasn’t just for show—it enabled Edge Panels for quick access to contacts, apps, and notifications.
Water resistance was another key differentiator. While the iPhone 6 Plus lacked any official rating, the S7 Edge offered IP68 protection—meaning it could survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. This alone made it more resilient in daily use.
“Samsung finally matched Apple in build quality while adding features that felt genuinely innovative.” — James Lee, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly (2016)
Performance and Software Experience
Under the hood, the iPhone 6 Plus ran Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB RAM. By 2016 standards, it was showing its age—multitasking lagged, and newer iOS versions slowed it down. The S7 Edge, equipped with either Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 (depending on region), paired with 4GB RAM, delivered smoother animations and better app retention.
iOS offered simplicity and tight integration with iCloud, iMessage, and FaceTime. However, Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the S7 Edge introduced granular app permissions, native Doze for battery optimization, and always-on display—a feature absent from iPhones until years later.
For power users, the S7 Edge provided deeper customization: themes, icon packs, split-screen multitasking, and microSD support up to 256GB. These weren’t just conveniences—they expanded how people used their phones day-to-day.
Camera Showdown: Real-World Results
The iPhone 6 Plus camera was reliable—8MP sensor, optical stabilization, excellent color accuracy. But in low light, it struggled with noise and slower shutter response. The S7 Edge changed the game with its 12MP Dual Pixel sensor, larger f/1.7 aperture, and advanced image processing. Night shots were significantly brighter and clearer, often outperforming the iPhone without flash.
In head-to-head tests conducted by DXOMark in 2016, the S7 Edge scored 88, then the highest ever recorded, citing superior dynamic range and autofocus speed. The iPhone 6 Plus trailed behind with a score closer to 78.
| Feature | iPhone 6 Plus | Galaxy S7 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.5\" IPS LCD, 1920x1080 | 5.5\" Dual Edge AMOLED, 2560x1440 |
| Processor | Apple A8 (20nm) | Snapdragon 820 / Exynos 8890 (14nm) |
| Ram | 1GB | 4GB |
| Storage | 16–128GB (non-expandable) | 32–64GB + microSD support |
| Water Resistance | None | IP68 rated |
| Battery | 2915mAh | 3600mAh |
| Charging | 5W (no fast charging) | Fast charging & wireless charging |
| Camera (Rear) | 8MP, f/2.2, OIS | 12MP, f/1.7, Dual Pixel AF |
| OS at Launch | iOS 8 (upgradable to iOS 12) | Android 6.0 (upgradable to Android 8.0) |
User Experience: Was the Switch Worth It?
To answer this, consider Sarah, a graphic designer who upgraded from an iPhone 6 Plus to a Galaxy S7 Edge in May 2016. Her workflow involved heavy photo editing, cloud syncing, and frequent travel.
She found the S7 Edge’s higher-resolution screen invaluable for color grading on the go. The ability to expand storage via microSD meant she could carry RAW files without relying on cloud uploads. Wireless charging became a daily convenience, and the improved battery life reduced her dependency on portable chargers.
However, she missed iMessage and AirDrop initially. Transitioning contacts and messages took effort, and some niche creative apps weren’t available on Android. After three months, though, she adapted—using Google Messages, Samsung DeX Lite (via third-party tools), and cross-platform Adobe apps.
Her verdict? “The hardware leap was undeniable. Once I got past the ecosystem shift, the phone simply performed better in every tangible way.”
Longevity and Ecosystem Impact
Software updates tell a crucial part of the story. The iPhone 6 Plus received iOS updates until 2019 (iOS 12), giving it five years of support. The S7 Edge officially stopped at Android 8.0 Oreo in 2018—just two major OS updates after launch.
Despite Samsung’s shorter update cycle, the S7 Edge remained fluid due to its superior hardware buffer. Even in 2019, many units operated smoothly with lightweight launchers and minimal bloatware. In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus became sluggish by iOS 11, limiting usability despite continued security patches.
Ecosystem loyalty also played a role. Users invested in Apple Watches, MacBooks, or AirPods (launched in 2016) had strong incentives to stay within Apple’s walled garden. Conversely, those prioritizing flexibility, hardware innovation, and multimedia capabilities leaned toward Samsung.
Checklist: Key Factors When Deciding on the Upgrade
- ✅ Assess your need for water resistance and ruggedness
- ✅ Evaluate camera performance in low-light conditions
- ✅ Consider storage expansion options
- ✅ Test battery endurance under real usage
- ✅ Weigh ecosystem lock-in (iCloud, iMessage, AirPlay vs Google Photos, Samsung DeX)
- ✅ Determine importance of fast and wireless charging
- ✅ Research long-term software update policies
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Galaxy S7 Edge last longer than the iPhone 6 Plus?
In terms of peak performance and hardware durability, yes. The S7 Edge maintained high responsiveness longer due to its more powerful processor and greater RAM. However, Apple’s longer software support gave the iPhone 6 Plus extended relevance in messaging and app compatibility.
Was the curved screen on the S7 Edge practical?
Initially seen as gimmicky, the curved display proved useful over time. Edge Panels allowed one-handed access to alarms, music controls, and favorite contacts. The design also enhanced grip and visual immersion, especially in media consumption.
Could you easily transfer data from iPhone to Galaxy S7 Edge?
Samsung’s Smart Switch app simplified the process, transferring contacts, photos, messages, and even app data wirelessly or via cable. While iMessage threads didn’t convert perfectly, most personal data migrated seamlessly.
Conclusion: A Worthy Upgrade—With Caveats
Looking back, upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge in 2016 was objectively a significant leap in hardware, display technology, camera capability, and daily functionality. For users open to Android and seeking innovation beyond what Apple offered at the time, the S7 Edge delivered a future-proof experience that aged gracefully.
Yet, the decision wasn’t purely technical. Emotional attachment to iOS, reliance on iMessage, and seamless integration with other Apple devices made staying put equally valid. The true measure of “worth” depended on individual priorities: raw performance versus ecosystem harmony.
Today, both devices are relics of a transformative era in mobile tech. But the S7 Edge stands out as a high point in Samsung’s history—one that pushed boundaries and forced competitors to respond. If you valued cutting-edge engineering and versatility, the upgrade wasn’t just worth it. It was a glimpse into the future.
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