Iphone 6 Vs Galaxy S5 In 2024 Was The Switch Worth It Looking Back

In 2014, choosing between the Apple iPhone 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S5 wasn’t just about brand preference—it was a philosophical decision about mobile computing. One prioritized seamless integration and long-term support; the other offered customization and hardware flexibility. Fast-forward to 2024, and that choice carries new weight. With both devices now obsolete by modern standards, we can assess not just their performance at launch, but how well they aged, how their ecosystems held up, and whether the “switch” from iOS to Android (or vice versa) delivered lasting value.

This isn’t a comparison of specs or camera quality in isolation. It’s a retrospective grounded in real-world usage, upgrade cycles, app compatibility, and user experience over a decade. For those who made the leap back then—or are considering similar cross-platform decisions today—this analysis offers insight into what really matters when evaluating a smartphone beyond its first year.

The Launch Context: Two Visions of Mobile Excellence

The iPhone 6 marked a turning point for Apple. After years of criticism for small screens, Apple finally adopted a larger 4.7-inch display. The device introduced a thinner, curved aluminum body, Touch ID, and an improved camera with optical image stabilization. More importantly, it launched alongside iOS 8, which deepened integration across Apple devices—a strategy that would define the company’s ecosystem dominance in the coming decade.

Samsung’s Galaxy S5, released just months earlier, took a different approach. It featured a 5.1-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, a fingerprint sensor (though less reliable), heart rate monitoring, IP67 water resistance, and expandable storage via microSD. Running Android 4.4 KitKat, it showcased Android’s openness: users could customize nearly every aspect, install apps from third-party sources, and swap batteries (with some effort).

At launch, the S5 appeared more advanced on paper. But early adopters quickly noticed trade-offs: plastic build, inconsistent software updates, and bloatware. Meanwhile, the iPhone 6 felt premium and cohesive, even if less flashy.

Tip: When choosing between platforms, consider long-term software support more than initial features. A phone that receives updates for five years will outlast one with better specs but one-year support.

Ecosystem Longevity: Where They Stand Today

Ten years later, neither device functions as a primary smartphone. But their fates diverge sharply based on ecosystem resilience.

iOS support for the iPhone 6 ended with iOS 12 in 2023. While limited, this allowed the device to run modern apps until around 2021. Crucially, iCloud integration means photos, contacts, and messages from 2014 may still be accessible on current iPhones. Even now, an old iPhone 6 can serve as a dedicated music player, smart home controller, or backup device thanks to backward compatibility within Apple’s ecosystem.

The Galaxy S5 stopped receiving official updates after Android 5.0 Lollipop. By 2017, most major apps—including Google services—began dropping support. Without security patches, using the S5 online today poses risks. While rooted versions of newer Android ROMs exist, they require technical expertise and compromise stability. Unlike Apple, Samsung did not prioritize backward compatibility, leaving many older devices stranded.

“Apple’s update policy has quietly become one of its strongest retention tools. Devices stay functional longer, reducing friction for users staying in the ecosystem.” — David Liu, Mobile Industry Analyst at TechInsight Group

Performance Over Time: Speed, Updates, and App Compatibility

Both phones used processors considered top-tier in 2014—the Apple A8 and Qualcomm Snapdragon 801. Initially, performance differences were minimal. However, over time, iOS’s tight hardware-software integration gave the iPhone 6 an edge in sustained responsiveness.

By 2018, the iPhone 6 could still handle basic tasks like email, web browsing, and WhatsApp, albeit slowly. In contrast, the Galaxy S5 struggled with newer versions of Android due to memory limitations and inefficient background processes common in early Android iterations.

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy S5
Final OS Version	iOS 12.5.7 (2023)	Android 5.0 (2015)
Mainstream App Support Until	~2021	~2017
Security Updates	Monthly until 2023	Irregular, ended ~2016
Battery Replaceability	No (officially)	Yes (user-accessible)
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (microSD up to 128GB)

Real Example: Sarah’s Cross-Platform Journey

Sarah, a graphic designer in Portland, switched from iPhone 5 to Galaxy S5 in 2014 seeking more screen space and file system access. She appreciated the ability to move large project files directly via USB and use external SD cards for client backups. However, by 2016, her S5 began lagging on Adobe Creative Cloud apps, and she missed seamless Handoff functionality with her Mac. In 2018, she returned to iPhone with the iPhone XR. Looking back, she says: “The S5 gave me freedom in 2014, but cost me continuity. I lost years of unbacked-up notes and old iMessages. If I’d known how much ecosystem lock-in mattered, I might have stayed.”

Was the Switch Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For users prioritizing short-term flexibility and hardware control, the Galaxy S5 was a compelling choice. Its water resistance, removable battery, and expandable storage addressed real pain points. Enthusiasts enjoyed rooting and installing custom ROMs, extending usability slightly beyond official support.

But for the majority of users focused on reliability, app compatibility, and multi-device workflows, the iPhone 6 proved the wiser long-term investment. Its extended software support meant fewer forced upgrades, better resale value, and smoother transitions to newer models. The consistency of iOS updates reduced fragmentation issues that plagued Android at the time.

Moreover, Apple’s ecosystem grew stronger post-2014 with AirPods, Apple Watch, and Continuity features—all of which worked poorly or not at all with Android. This created increasing friction for anyone who later wanted to return.

Tip: Evaluate not just the phone, but how it fits into your existing tech stack. A device that integrates well with your laptop, tablet, and wearables will save time and frustration over years.

Checklist: Questions to Ask Before Switching Platforms

• Do my essential apps (banking, productivity, health) sync across platforms?
• Am I locked into cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, OneDrive) that don’t transfer easily?
• How important is long-term software support for my usage pattern?
• Will accessories (earbuds, smartwatch) work seamlessly with the new platform?
• Is there a clear migration path for messages, photos, and passwords?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can either the iPhone 6 or Galaxy S5 still be used safely in 2024?

Only in limited, offline roles. Neither receives security updates, making them vulnerable to malware if connected to public Wi-Fi or used for banking/email. They can function as media players, alarm clocks, or retro gaming devices—but never as primary phones.

Did Samsung improve long-term support since the S5 era?

Yes. Since 2020, Samsung committed to four years of major Android updates and five years of security patches for flagship models. This aligns closely with Apple’s model and reflects lessons learned from the S5’s rapid obsolescence.

Why does iOS support older devices longer than Android?

Apple controls both hardware and software, enabling optimized updates without reliance on third-party manufacturers or carriers. Android’s fragmented ecosystem—multiple OEMs, chipsets, and carrier requirements—makes uniform updates technically and logistically complex.

Conclusion: Lessons Beyond the Phones

The iPhone 6 vs. Galaxy S5 debate in 2024 isn’t about which was faster or had a better camera. It’s a case study in how platform philosophy shapes long-term user experience. The S5 represented peak Android ambition in 2014—feature-rich, open, and customizable. The iPhone 6 was more restrained but built for endurance.

In hindsight, the switch from iPhone to S5 offered immediate gains but diminishing returns. The reverse—moving from S5 to iPhone—often brought relief from instability and upgrade fatigue. What seemed like a simple hardware decision became a decade-long commitment shaped by ecosystem inertia.

Today’s buyers face similar choices: Pixel vs. iPhone, foldables vs. traditional flagships. The lesson from 2014 remains relevant: look beyond the spec sheet. Prioritize software support, ecosystem integration, and upgrade patterns. Because in ten years, it won’t matter how many megapixels you had—it’ll matter whether your data survived, your apps worked, and your transition was seamless.

🚀 Reflect on your own tech journey: Have past device choices aged well? Share your story and help others make smarter long-term decisions.