Iphone 6 Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In 2024

The iPhone 6 Plus was a landmark device when it launched in 2014—Apple’s first true large-screen smartphone. The Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus followed four years later in 2017, representing the cutting edge of Android innovation with its edge-to-edge display and refined design. Fast forward to 2024, and both devices are long past their prime. Yet, there are still users clinging to the iPhone 6 Plus, wondering if jumping to a used Galaxy S8 Plus is a meaningful upgrade. The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends on your needs, expectations, and how you use your phone.

Performance and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 6 Plus runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. By modern standards, this is underpowered even for basic tasks. Apps load slowly, multitasking is nearly impossible, and iOS updates stopped at iOS 12, which lacks support for many current apps. In contrast, the Galaxy S8 Plus features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), paired with 4GB of RAM—four times more than the iPhone 6 Plus. This alone makes the S8 Plus significantly faster in day-to-day operations.

In 2024, app demands have increased. Even lightweight social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok struggle on older hardware. The S8 Plus can handle most current apps reasonably well, though not flawlessly. It supports Android 9 out of the box, and while official updates ended years ago, custom ROMs like LineageOS extend its life into Android 11 or 12, giving it far greater longevity than the iPhone 6 Plus.

“Even a five-year-old flagship from 2017 outperforms most budget phones today in raw CPU power.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Tip: If you're upgrading from an iPhone 6 Plus, prioritize devices with at least 3GB of RAM and a recent processor—even if used—to avoid constant lag.

Display and Design: Night and Day Difference

The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 1920x1080. While acceptable in 2014, it now feels dated. Colors lack vibrancy, brightness is limited, and bezels are massive by today’s standards.

The Galaxy S8 Plus, however, introduced Samsung’s Infinity Display—a 6.2-inch Quad HD+ (2960x1440) curved AMOLED panel. The difference is dramatic. Blacks are true, colors pop, and the screen-to-body ratio feels futuristic even now. For media consumption, reading, or browsing, the S8 Plus offers a vastly superior experience.

Design-wise, the S8 Plus is thinner, lighter, and more ergonomic despite its larger screen. Its glass back and metal frame give it a premium feel that the aluminum iPhone 6 Plus can’t match—especially after years of wear.

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Time

The iPhone 6 Plus features an 8MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no optical image stabilization (OIS). Low-light performance is poor, and video caps at 1080p. By 2024 standards, it produces soft, noisy images even in good lighting.

The Galaxy S8 Plus boasts a 12MP dual-pixel rear sensor with OIS, phase-detection autofocus, and advanced processing. It captures sharper images with better dynamic range and excels in low light. The front-facing 8MP camera also supports auto-focus, making selfies significantly clearer.

While neither camera matches modern mid-range phones, the S8 Plus delivers noticeably better photo quality. For someone upgrading from the 6 Plus, the jump in clarity, color accuracy, and low-light capability is immediately apparent.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Galaxy S8 Plus
Processor	A8	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
RAM	1GB	4GB
Display	5.5\" LCD, 1080p	6.2\" AMOLED, QHD+
Rear Camera	8MP, no OIS	12MP, OIS, Dual Pixel
Front Camera	1.2MP	8MP with AF
Battery	2915 mAh	3500 mAh
Software Support (2024)	None (iOS 12 max)	Limited (custom ROMs possible)
Water Resistance	No	IP68 rated

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing, messages failing to send, and her phone overheating during simple tasks. She considered buying a new iPhone but found the cost prohibitive. Instead, she purchased a refurbished Galaxy S8 Plus for $80.

Her experience transformed overnight. WhatsApp loaded instantly. Google Maps didn’t freeze. She could finally join her grandchildren’s video calls without lag. “It felt like getting my first smartphone all over again,” she said. “The screen is so much bigger, and I don’t have to restart it every few hours.”

However, she did face a learning curve switching from iOS to Android. Features like iMessage and FaceTime were gone, and syncing photos took time. But overall, she called it “the best $80 I’ve spent in years.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

For anyone still on an iPhone 6 Plus, moving to a Galaxy S8 Plus is absolutely worth it—if you’re okay with a secondhand device and limited future support. The improvements in speed, screen quality, camera, and battery life are substantial. You’ll gain access to modern apps, better security, and a smoother user experience.

But consider the limitations: Both phones are outdated. The S8 Plus no longer receives security patches from Samsung, making it vulnerable to emerging threats. Battery degradation is common, and replacements are harder to find. App developers are increasingly optimizing for newer hardware, so even the S8 Plus may struggle in 2025.

If your budget allows, consider going further—look at used iPhone XR, Google Pixel 4a, or Samsung Galaxy A52. These offer better long-term viability, ongoing software support, and stronger performance.

Tip: Always check battery health before buying any used phone. A degraded battery will ruin even the best hardware.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Switch Successfully

1. Backup Your iPhone Data: Use iCloud or iTunes to save contacts, photos, and messages.
2. Prepare for Android: Create a Google account if you don’t have one.
3. Transfer Data: Use Samsung Smart Switch to migrate content from iPhone to Galaxy S8 Plus.
4. Install Essential Apps: Download WhatsApp, Gmail, Google Photos, and any banking or productivity tools.
5. Adjust Settings: Customize navigation gestures, dark mode, and privacy permissions.
6. Test Performance: Open multiple apps, take photos, and test internet speed to ensure smooth operation.
7. Replace the Battery (Optional): If performance lags, consider a professional battery replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S8 Plus run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Most everyday apps like WhatsApp, Chrome, YouTube, and Gmail run well. However, heavy apps like TikTok or high-end games may lag or crash. Performance depends heavily on battery health and background processes.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus still secure to use?

No. Without security updates since 2019, the iPhone 6 Plus is vulnerable to known exploits. Using it for banking, shopping, or messaging puts your data at risk. Upgrading is strongly recommended for safety.

Will apps stop working on the Galaxy S8 Plus soon?

Some apps already require Android 10 or higher. While many still support Android 8–9, the trend is clear: compatibility will shrink. Expect increasing issues through 2025.

Final Verdict and Action Plan

Yes, upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the Galaxy S8 Plus is worth it in 2024—but only as a short-to-mid-term solution. You’ll gain years of improved usability, better photos, and access to modern digital life. However, treat this as a bridge, not a destination.

If you rely on your phone for work, communication, or security-sensitive tasks, aim for a device with at least two more years of software support. But if you’re on a tight budget and just need a reliable step up, the Galaxy S8 Plus remains one of the best secondhand upgrades from the iPhone 6 era.

💬 Have you made the jump from an old iPhone to an Android device? Share your experience in the comments—your story could help someone decide their next move.