Iphone 6 Vs Galaxy S7 Edge Looking Back Was The Upgrade Really Worth It 2

It’s been nearly a decade since Apple released the iPhone 6 and Samsung answered with the Galaxy S7 Edge—a device that redefined what a flagship smartphone could be. At the time, both phones represented the peak of mobile innovation, but from today’s vantage point, their differences in design philosophy, software longevity, and hardware resilience tell a story worth revisiting. For users caught between ecosystems or considering long-term value, the question remains: Was upgrading from the iPhone 6 to the Galaxy S7 Edge—or vice versa—truly worth it?

The Design Divide: Curves vs Corners

The iPhone 6 marked a shift for Apple toward sleeker, more refined aluminum unibody construction. Its rounded edges and minimalist aesthetic appealed to fans of understated elegance. In contrast, the Galaxy S7 Edge introduced a bold new form factor: dual-curved AMOLED display that wrapped around the sides, giving it a futuristic silhouette.

While the iPhone 6 felt familiar and pocket-friendly, the S7 Edge offered a dramatic visual upgrade. The curved screen wasn’t just cosmetic—it enabled Edge Panels for quick access to contacts, apps, and notifications. However, this design came with trade-offs. The glass front and back made the S7 Edge more prone to cracking, while the iPhone 6’s durability, though not exceptional, was more predictable.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed usability, the iPhone 6’s compact size still holds up better than the wide, curving S7 Edge.

Performance and Software Longevity

Beneath the surface, the two devices diverged significantly in long-term performance. The iPhone 6 ran on Apple’s A8 chip, which, while capable in 2014, began showing its limits by 2016—especially as iOS updates grew more demanding. By iOS 12, many iPhone 6 users reported sluggishness, app crashes, and delayed camera launches.

The Galaxy S7 Edge, powered by either the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 (depending on region), launched in 2016 with stronger initial specs. It handled multitasking, gaming, and high-resolution media with ease. Samsung delivered three major Android OS updates (from Marshmallow to Oreo), plus regular security patches for about three years—standard for Android at the time.

Apple, however, outpaced Samsung in software support. The iPhone 6 received five full iOS updates—from iOS 8 to iOS 12—spanning four years. This allowed users to stay secure and compatible with modern apps longer than most Android counterparts of its era.

“Apple’s control over hardware and software gives older iPhones staying power that few Android phones can match.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

Camera Comparison: Practicality vs Innovation

Both phones were praised for their cameras, but they approached photography differently. The iPhone 6 featured an 8MP rear sensor with improved low-light performance over its predecessor. Its strength lay in consistency: accurate colors, reliable autofocus, and excellent video stabilization. Apple prioritized processing over megapixels, producing natural-looking images even in mixed lighting.

The Galaxy S7 Edge stepped up with a 12MP Dual Pixel sensor and an f/1.7 aperture—one of the widest available at the time. This meant significantly better low-light capture. In dim environments, the S7 Edge often produced brighter, more detailed photos than the iPhone 6, which struggled with noise and slower shutter speeds.

However, image processing preferences split users. iPhone photos tended to be cooler and more balanced; Samsung leaned into warmer tones and higher saturation, which some found artificial. Video quality also favored Apple, with smoother stabilization and better audio recording.

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy S7 Edge
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/1.7 (Dual Pixel)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate, grainy in dark	Excellent, minimal noise
Front Camera	1.2MP	5MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	1080p at 60fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps
Software Updates	iOS 8 → iOS 12 (5 versions)	Android 6 → Android 9 (3 versions)

User Experience: Ecosystem Lock-In and Daily Use

One of the biggest factors influencing whether the upgrade was “worth it” came down to ecosystem loyalty. iPhone users enjoyed seamless integration with iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and later, AirPods and Apple Watch. Switching to Android meant losing end-to-end encryption in messaging, inconsistent backup behavior, and fragmented app continuity.

Conversely, Android offered greater customization. The S7 Edge allowed users to change launchers, default apps, and even tweak system behaviors. Features like Always-On Display, expandable storage (via microSD), and waterproofing (IP68 rating) gave it tangible advantages in flexibility and utility.

A real-world example illustrates this divide: Sarah, a long-time iPhone user, upgraded to the S7 Edge in 2016 for its camera and water resistance. She loved the screen and battery life but grew frustrated with Google Photos’ backup delays and the lack of iMessage. After 18 months, she switched back to iPhone, citing ecosystem fatigue despite preferring the hardware.

Tip: Evaluate your digital habits—messaging, cloud sync, wearable use—before switching platforms. Hardware gains may not outweigh ecosystem disruption.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Step-by-Step Evaluation

Determining whether moving from the iPhone 6 to the Galaxy S7 Edge paid off requires assessing several personal priorities. Follow this timeline-based reflection:

1. Month 1–3: Assess initial excitement. Did the curved screen, faster performance, or water resistance deliver immediate value?
2. Month 4–6: Monitor daily friction points. Were there issues with app compatibility, syncing, or missing iOS features?
3. Month 7–12: Evaluate battery degradation and software updates. Did the phone slow down or stop receiving patches earlier than expected?
4. Year 2: Consider resale value and repair costs. The iPhone 6 held value better in secondary markets, while the S7 Edge’s fragile glass drove up replacement costs.
5. Year 3+: Reflect on long-term satisfaction. Did the upgrade extend your mobile experience meaningfully, or did you feel pressured to upgrade again sooner?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 6 handle 2016 apps as well as the S7 Edge?

No. By 2016, newer apps optimized for faster processors and more RAM began to strain the iPhone 6. While it remained functional for basics, multitasking and graphics-heavy apps performed noticeably better on the S7 Edge.

Did the Galaxy S7 Edge last longer than the iPhone 6?

In raw hardware lifespan, yes—many S7 Edge units functioned well into 2019. But due to Android’s shorter update cycle, they became less secure and compatible earlier. The iPhone 6, while weaker in performance, stayed in official support longer.

Is the S7 Edge still usable today?

Possibly, but not recommended for daily use. Without security updates since 2019 and limited app compatibility, it poses risks for banking, messaging, and browsing. It may serve as a backup or offline device.

Final Verdict: Value Over Hype

Looking back, the upgrade from iPhone 6 to Galaxy S7 Edge was objectively impressive on paper. The S7 Edge offered superior specs, a groundbreaking display, and innovative features that pushed the industry forward. For tech enthusiasts and Android loyalists, it was absolutely worth it.

But for average users—especially those embedded in Apple’s ecosystem—the practical benefits were less clear. The iPhone 6 continued to receive updates and maintain app compatibility longer than expected. Meanwhile, the S7 Edge, despite its brilliance, faced a steeper decline in relevance after 2018.

The lesson isn’t about which phone was “better,” but which aligned with long-term needs. Upgrades should be measured not just by novelty, but by sustainability, support, and fit within your digital life.

💬 Still using either of these phones? Share your experience—was the switch worth it for you? Join the conversation below.