In 2016, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s ecosystem or leap into the bold new world of Android innovation. The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, had already redefined Apple’s approach to large-screen devices. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge arrived as a technological marvel—curved display, water resistance, and a camera that excelled in low light. For users debating an upgrade from the iPhone 6 Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge, the question wasn’t just about specs—it was about whether the switch delivered real-world improvements worth the cost and learning curve.
This comparison dives deep into design, performance, camera quality, battery life, software experience, and long-term satisfaction to answer one critical question: Was upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge truly worth it?
Design and Build: Form Meets Function
The iPhone 6 Plus represented Apple’s minimalist elegance—aluminum unibody, clean lines, and a familiar home button. It felt solid but lacked premium flair compared to flagship competitors. At 7.1mm thick and weighing 172g, it was manageable but not particularly sleek.
In contrast, the Galaxy S7 Edge turned heads. Its dual-edge AMOLED display curved dramatically on both sides, giving it a futuristic silhouette. The glass front and back (Gorilla Glass 4) framed by aluminum gave it a luxurious feel, though it was more prone to fingerprints and scratches. At 7.7mm and 157g, it was slightly thicker but lighter than the iPhone 6 Plus, offering better one-handed comfort despite the same 5.7-inch screen size.
One major advantage the S7 Edge held was IP68 water and dust resistance—a feature absent from any iPhone until the iPhone 7. This alone made it more resilient for daily use, especially near water or in unpredictable weather.
Display Quality and Usability
The iPhone 6 Plus featured a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1920x1080 (401 PPI). While color accuracy was excellent and brightness sufficient, it couldn’t match the vibrancy and contrast of Samsung’s Super AMOLED panel.
The Galaxy S7 Edge’s 5.7-inch Quad HD (1440x2560, 534 PPI) display offered deeper blacks, richer colors, and superior outdoor visibility. The curved edges weren’t just aesthetic—they enabled Edge Panels, a customizable sidebar for quick access to contacts, apps, and notifications. Users could wake the screen to view time and alerts without unlocking the phone—a small but meaningful convenience.
For media consumption and visual immersion, the S7 Edge was clearly ahead. However, iOS fans appreciated the consistency and app optimization on the iPhone’s screen, where every interface element felt crisp and intentional.
Performance and Software Experience
Under the hood, the iPhone 6 Plus ran Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. By 2016, this hardware showed its age—multitasking was sluggish, app reloads were frequent, and newer iOS updates strained performance.
The Galaxy S7 Edge, powered by either the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 (depending on region), came with 4GB of RAM. This allowed smoother multitasking, faster app switching, and better handling of graphics-intensive games. Benchmarks consistently showed the S7 Edge outperforming the iPhone 6 Plus in CPU and GPU tasks.
Software-wise, iOS offered simplicity, security, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. But Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the S7 Edge introduced useful features like Always-On Display, expandable storage (via microSD), and deeper customization. Samsung’s TouchWiz had been refined into a more intuitive interface, reducing bloat and improving responsiveness.
“Switching from iPhone to Galaxy felt like moving from a well-organized office to a smart, high-tech command center.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetPulse
Camera Comparison: Low Light vs Consistency
The iPhone 6 Plus camera (8MP rear, f/2.2 aperture) produced reliable, natural-looking photos in daylight. However, low-light performance was weak—images often appeared grainy and underexposed.
The Galaxy S7 Edge introduced a revolutionary 12MP Dual Pixel sensor with an f/1.7 aperture—the widest in any smartphone at the time. This let in significantly more light, producing brighter, clearer night shots with accurate colors. Its autofocus was faster, and dynamic range was improved thanks to HDR and noise reduction algorithms.
| Feature | iPhone 6 Plus | Galaxy S7 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/1.7 |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 5MP, f/1.7 |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 60fps | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps |
| Low-Light Performance | Poor | Excellent |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
While the iPhone delivered consistent color science and excellent video stabilization, the S7 Edge won in versatility and adaptability across lighting conditions. For photography enthusiasts, the upgrade was transformative.
Battery Life and Charging Innovations
The iPhone 6 Plus had a 2915mAh battery, which provided all-day use for moderate users. However, heavy usage often required midday charging. It supported only standard charging—no fast or wireless options.
The Galaxy S7 Edge packed a slightly smaller 3600mAh battery but optimized power management through Doze mode and efficient hardware. In real-world tests, it lasted longer than the iPhone 6 Plus, even with the higher-resolution screen. Crucially, it supported both fast charging and wireless charging—an enormous convenience.
Users upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus found these features game-changing. Being able to drop the phone on a charging pad or regain hours of use in 30 minutes reduced daily friction significantly.
Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Mini Case Study
Take the example of Sarah M., a digital marketer who used her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By early 2016, she noticed slowing performance, poor photo quality in dimly lit restaurants, and constant anxiety about rain damaging her phone.
After switching to the Galaxy S7 Edge, she immediately appreciated the responsive interface, vibrant screen, and confidence in using her phone near water. She began taking more photos, especially at events, and relied on the Edge Panel to quickly access her calendar and messages during meetings. Within weeks, she no longer missed iOS—customization and hardware superiority outweighed ecosystem loyalty.
“I didn’t realize how much I was compromising until I upgraded,” she said. “The S7 Edge just felt like the future.”
Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Evaluation
To determine if upgrading was worthwhile, consider these key factors:
- Assess Your Current Device’s Limitations: Was your iPhone 6 Plus lagging, crashing, or struggling with modern apps?
- Evaluate Daily Pain Points: Did you lack water resistance, fast charging, or a better camera?
- Test the Ecosystem Shift: Can you live without iMessage, FaceTime, and iCloud sync? Are Google services sufficient?
- Compare Long-Term Value: The S7 Edge launched at $750—similar to the iPhone 6s Plus—but offered features Apple wouldn’t adopt for years.
- Consider Resale and Support: iPhones hold value better, but Samsung provided three years of major OS updates and timely security patches.
For most power users, creatives, or those frustrated with iOS constraints, the answer was clear: yes, the upgrade was worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Could I transfer my data easily from iPhone to Galaxy S7 Edge?
Yes. Samsung’s Smart Switch app allowed seamless transfer of contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and even app data over Wi-Fi or cable. Many users completed the migration in under 20 minutes.
Did the Galaxy S7 Edge receive timely software updates?
Samsung improved its update track record with the S7 series. Most regions received Android Nougat and Oreo updates, along with monthly security patches for two years—competitive with Apple’s support window at the time.
Was app compatibility an issue when switching from iOS?
Virtually all major apps (Instagram, WhatsApp, Uber, etc.) were available on Android. Some niche apps or games were iOS-exclusive, but the gap was minimal for average users.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Leap Forward
Upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge in 2016 wasn’t just about getting a new phone—it was about accessing a new level of mobile technology. The S7 Edge offered tangible improvements: a superior display, best-in-class camera, water resistance, fast and wireless charging, and a more flexible operating system.
While iOS loyalists may have valued ecosystem cohesion and long-term resale value, the Galaxy S7 Edge delivered a more advanced, future-ready device. For users ready to explore beyond Apple’s walled garden, the upgrade wasn’t just worth it—it was overdue.
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