Iphone 6 Vs Galaxy J7 In 2024 Is It Crazy To Still Buy Either

In 2024, the smartphone market is defined by AI-powered cameras, 5G connectivity, and near-instant app responsiveness. Against that backdrop, considering an iPhone 6 or a Samsung Galaxy J7—both released over eight years ago—might seem like technological nostalgia bordering on recklessness. Yet, for budget-conscious buyers or those seeking a secondary device, the question remains: is it actually crazy to buy either of these phones today?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your needs, expectations, and how you plan to use the device. These phones were once mainstream workhorses, but time has not been kind to their hardware and software ecosystems. Let’s break down what you’re really getting in 2024.

Performance and Hardware: A Reality Check

The iPhone 6, launched in 2014, featured Apple’s A8 chip and 1GB of RAM. The Galaxy J7 (2015 model) came with a mid-tier Exynos 7580 or Snapdragon 410 processor and 1.5GB–2GB of RAM, depending on region. By today’s standards, both are severely underpowered.

Modern apps—especially social media platforms, streaming services, and messaging tools—are far more resource-intensive. Even lightweight versions like Facebook Lite struggle with lag on these devices. Web browsing is slow, multitasking is nearly impossible, and app crashes are common.

Tip: If you must use an older phone, disable background app refresh and reduce animation effects to squeeze out minimal performance gains.

Battery degradation is another critical issue. After nearly a decade, even if a replacement battery was installed, lithium-ion cells lose capacity over time. Expect 3–4 hours of light usage at best, assuming the battery hasn’t already failed.

Software Support and Security: The Hidden Risks

This is where both phones fall off a cliff. The iPhone 6 topped out at iOS 12, which Apple stopped supporting in 2022. That means no security updates, leaving the device vulnerable to known exploits. Safari on iOS 12 can't render many modern websites correctly and lacks protection against phishing and malware now standard in newer iOS versions.

The Galaxy J7 originally ran Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and was updated to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or 7.0 (Nougat) in some regions. Samsung ended support years ago. Without Google Play Protect updates or OS-level patches, using this phone for anything involving personal data—banking, email, shopping—is risky.

“Devices without ongoing security updates are low-hanging fruit for attackers. In 2024, running unsupported software is like leaving your front door unlocked.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Cybersecurity Analyst at OpenShield Labs

App developers have also moved on. WhatsApp dropped support for iPhone 6 and earlier models in 2023. Instagram, TikTok, and most banking apps either won’t install or crash frequently. Even basic utilities like Google Maps may lack features or fail to load properly.

Comparative Overview: iPhone 6 vs Galaxy J7 in 2024

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy J7 (2015)
Release Year	2014	2015
Final OS Version	iOS 12.5.7	Android 7.0 (varies)
Security Updates	None since 2022	None since ~2018
RAM	1GB	1.5–2GB
Storage Options	16/32/64GB (non-expandable)	8/16GB (expandable via microSD)
Camera Quality Today	Poor (low light, no stabilization)	Fair (8MP rear, struggles in motion)
App Compatibility	Limited (no WhatsApp, TikTok, etc.)	Very limited (many apps won’t install)
Best Use Case in 2024	Offline music player, retro gaming	Emergency calls, FM radio (if supported)

When It Might Make Sense: Niche Use Cases

While neither phone is suitable as a primary device in 2024, there are narrow scenarios where purchasing one could be rational.

• As a dedicated music player: Both devices can play local audio files. With no notifications or distractions, they make decent offline MP3 players.
• For kids learning smartphone basics: If parental controls aren’t needed, a locked-down iPhone 6 could teach app navigation without internet risks.
• Retro gaming: Some classic mobile games run better on older iOS versions due to simpler UI demands.
• Emergency backup: A SIM-enabled J7 with a fresh battery might serve as a last-resort communicator during travel.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Second Phone Experiment

Maria, a freelance writer from Portland, bought a used Galaxy J7 for $25 in early 2023 hoping to use it as a distraction-free writing device. She installed a lightweight note-taking app and disconnected it from Wi-Fi. For three weeks, it worked well—until she tried to sync her notes via Bluetooth and the app crashed repeatedly. Eventually, the battery wouldn’t hold charge past two hours. She now uses it as a plant-watering reminder timer with pre-set alarms—its most stable function.

Her experience illustrates a key point: these phones can survive in highly constrained roles, but any expectation of modern functionality leads to frustration.

What You Should Do Instead: A Practical Checklist

If you're considering an iPhone 6 or Galaxy J7 due to budget constraints, here’s a better path forward.

1. Set a realistic budget: Even $50 can get you a functional modern Android with 2+ years of updates.
2. Check refurbished markets: Reputable sellers offer certified devices with warranties.
3. Look for Android Go editions: Phones like the Nokia C12 or Samsung Galaxy A04e run lightweight OS versions optimized for low RAM.
4. Avoid devices older than 5 years: Anything released before 2019 likely lacks security and app support.
5. Test before buying: If purchasing secondhand, verify app installation, browser speed, and battery health.

Tip: Always factory reset a secondhand phone immediately and check for activation locks (especially on iPhones).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on an iPhone 6?

No. As of February 2023, WhatsApp officially discontinued support for all iPhones running iOS 12 or earlier. The app will not install or function properly.

Is the Galaxy J7 safe to use for online banking?

No. Without security updates, the device is vulnerable to malware and man-in-the-middle attacks. Never enter sensitive credentials on an unsupported Android device.

Are these phones good for kids?

Only in very limited cases. Without parental controls, app filtering, or update support, they pose privacy and exposure risks. A supervised, Wi-Fi-only tablet with restricted profiles is a safer choice.

Conclusion: Know What You’re Buying Into

Buying an iPhone 6 or Galaxy J7 in 2024 isn’t inherently “crazy”—but it is highly impractical for anyone needing reliable communication, security, or modern app access. These devices belong in museums or repair shops, not pockets.

If your goal is affordability, consider that even entry-level smartphones today offer secure operating systems, usable cameras, and multi-year software support. Spending slightly more upfront saves frustration, risk, and eventual replacement costs.

However, if you’re buying one for nostalgia, tinkering, or a hyper-specific offline task, go ahead—just don’t expect it to function like a real smartphone. Understand its limits, accept its flaws, and never use it for anything involving personal data.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Share your experience with old smartphones or leave a comment with your best tip for budget-friendly, secure mobile use in 2024.