Iphone 6 Vs Galaxy S6 In 2024 Is The Iphone 6 Still Worth It Or Should You Finally Upgrade

Released just under a decade ago, the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S6 represented peak smartphone innovation for their time. The iPhone 6 introduced a larger display to Apple’s lineup, while the Galaxy S6 brought premium materials and wireless charging to Android users. Fast forward to 2024, and both devices are relics of a bygone era in mobile technology. Yet, surprisingly, some users still rely on these phones daily. The question isn’t whether they were good back then—it’s whether either device holds up today.

For those clinging to an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6, the decision to upgrade isn’t always about desire but necessity. App compatibility, battery degradation, and lack of software support have quietly eroded the functionality of these once-flagship devices. This article breaks down the real-world viability of both phones in 2024, compares their current limitations, and helps determine if holding on is practical—or if it's long past time to move on.

Performance and Software: How Do They Hold Up?

In 2024, software demands far exceed what the iPhone 6 and Galaxy S6 were designed to handle. The iPhone 6 launched with iOS 8 and received updates through iOS 12, its final supported version. That means no security patches since 2020, no access to modern app features, and increasing incompatibility with newer versions of essential apps like banking, social media, and messaging platforms.

The Galaxy S6 fared slightly better in terms of update duration, receiving Android 7 Nougat as its last major OS update. However, Samsung ended security patches for the device in 2019. Like the iPhone 6, it now runs outdated software with known vulnerabilities. Neither phone supports current versions of Google Play Services or Apple’s ecosystem services like iMessage enhancements or Find My improvements.

Tip: If you're still using either device, avoid entering sensitive information on public Wi-Fi—lack of security updates makes them prime targets for data interception.

Beyond software, hardware performance is severely limited. The iPhone 6’s A8 chip and 1GB of RAM struggle with multitasking, web browsing, and even launching apps smoothly. Similarly, the Galaxy S6’s Exynos 7420 processor and 3GB of RAM were impressive in 2015 but now lag behind budget smartphones costing under $150.

Camera and Multimedia Capabilities

In their prime, both cameras delivered excellent photos for their generation. The iPhone 6 featured an 8MP rear camera with Focus Pixels and improved low-light performance over its predecessor. The Galaxy S6 upgraded to a 16MP sensor with an f/1.9 aperture, optical image stabilization, and 4K video recording—features that were cutting-edge at the time.

Today, neither camera meets modern expectations. Low-light performance is poor, autofocus is slow, and dynamic range is limited. Video stabilization is non-existent by today’s standards, and editing footage on-device is nearly impossible due to processing constraints. Modern apps like Instagram and TikTok often crash when trying to upload or edit videos from these older devices.

Additionally, screen quality has aged poorly. The iPhone 6’s 4.7-inch 750p LCD lacks brightness and color accuracy compared to modern OLED panels. The Galaxy S6’s 5.1-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED screen still looks decent in direct sunlight, but burn-in and pixel degradation are common after years of use.

Comparison Table: iPhone 6 vs Galaxy S6 in 2024

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy S6
Last OS Version	iOS 12 (2018)	Android 7 Nougat (2017)
Last Security Update	2020	2019
Processor	Apple A8	Exynos 7420
RAM	1GB	3GB
Rear Camera	8MP, 1080p video	16MP, 4K video
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	3–4 hours screen-on time	4–5 hours screen-on time
Current App Compatibility	Limited; many apps no longer supported	Moderate; some apps still functional
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi standard)
Repairability & Parts Availability	Moderate (third-party parts)	Poor (rare components)

Real-World Example: Still Using an iPhone 6 in 2024

Consider Mark, a 68-year-old retiree who bought an iPhone 6 in 2015 and never saw a reason to upgrade. He uses his phone mainly for calls, texts, and checking weather and news. For years, this setup worked fine. But in early 2023, his banking app stopped functioning after an update. His email client began crashing regularly, and Safari could no longer load modern websites without freezing.

He tried switching to lighter browsers and third-party email apps, but without iOS 13+ support, two-factor authentication became unreliable. By late 2023, he missed a critical medical appointment reminder because his calendar failed to sync. After spending $40 on a battery replacement that only lasted three months, Mark finally upgraded to an iPhone SE (2022). The difference was immediate: faster performance, secure app access, and reliable notifications restored his confidence in using a smartphone daily.

“Devices don’t need to be ‘broken’ to become obsolete. When core functions like communication and security start failing, it’s not about nostalgia—it’s about risk.” — Lena Park, Mobile Usability Analyst at TechReliability Labs

Should You Upgrade? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

If you’re still using an iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6, follow this timeline to assess whether an upgrade is necessary:

1. Week 1: Monitor App Behavior – Track how often apps crash, fail to load, or refuse login. Note any missing features (e.g., dark mode, biometric login).
2. Week 2: Test Battery Performance – Charge to 100%, then use normally. If battery drops below 20% within 4 hours of light use, replacement may not be cost-effective.
3. Week 3: Check Security & Updates – Verify if your OS receives updates. If not, assume all new vulnerabilities remain unpatched.
4. Week 4: Evaluate Replacement Cost vs. New Device – A new battery and screen might cost $80–$120. Compare that to entry-level smartphones like the iPhone SE (2022/2023) or Samsung Galaxy A14, which offer years of support.
5. Decision Point – If more than two issues persist (slow performance, app incompatibility, poor battery, security risks), upgrading is the smarter long-term choice.

Checklist: Signs It’s Time to Retire Your iPhone 6 or Galaxy S6

• Apps frequently crash or won’t install
• Unable to update operating system
• Charging takes significantly longer or battery drains rapidly
• Missing important notifications due to background process limits
• Difficulty accessing online banking, healthcare portals, or government services
• Camera fails to focus or produce clear images
• You’ve replaced the battery multiple times

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on an iPhone 6 in 2024?

No. As of May 2023, WhatsApp requires iOS 12.4 or later. While the iPhone 6 supports iOS 12, it does not support 12.4, making it incompatible. Users are blocked from re-verifying accounts if they log out.

Is the Galaxy S6 safer than the iPhone 6 in 2024?

Neither is truly safe. Both lack security patches. However, Android’s open nature allows some users to install custom ROMs with updated security layers. This is not recommended for average users due to complexity and potential data loss.

What’s the cheapest viable upgrade option?

The iPhone SE (2022 or 2023) offers full iOS support and excellent performance starting around $429 refurbished. On Android, the Samsung Galaxy A14 ($199) or Google Pixel 6a (used, ~$250) provide years of updates and modern features.

Final Verdict: Letting Go in 2024

The iPhone 6 and Galaxy S6 were groundbreaking in their day, but technology moves fast. In 2024, keeping either device as a primary phone introduces tangible risks—security flaws, communication breakdowns, and digital exclusion from essential services. While sentimentality is understandable, functionality must come first.

Modern entry-level smartphones outperform these legacy devices in every way: speed, battery life, camera quality, and long-term support. Upgrading doesn’t mean abandoning simplicity—it means gaining reliability, safety, and peace of mind.

🚀 It’s time to move forward. Even a modest upgrade can transform your daily digital experience. Share your story—when did you finally let go of your old phone? Your journey might help someone else take that step.