Iphone 6 Vs Galaxy S8 Looking Back Was Upgrading Worth It

When the Samsung Galaxy S8 launched in 2017, many iPhone users—especially those still clinging to their iPhone 6 models—were tempted by its sleek design, edge-to-edge display, and Android flexibility. The iPhone 6, released in 2014, had become a cultural phenomenon, but by 2017, it was showing its age. So, for long-time Apple loyalists who made the jump to the Galaxy S8, was the upgrade truly worth it? Looking back, the answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about ecosystem shifts, usability changes, and long-term satisfaction.

Design Evolution: From Curved Edges to Infinity Display

The iPhone 6 marked Apple’s move toward larger screens and softer curves. Its aluminum unibody, rounded edges, and 4.7-inch display were revolutionary at the time, offering a comfortable grip and premium feel. However, by 2017 standards, its bezels were massive, and the screen-to-body ratio felt outdated.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 introduced Samsung’s “Infinity Display”—a 5.8-inch curved AMOLED screen with minimal bezels and an almost seamless front. This wasn't just an incremental upgrade; it redefined smartphone aesthetics. The glass-and-metal build felt more futuristic, though less pocket-friendly due to its taller form factor.

Tip: If you value one-handed use, the iPhone 6’s compact size may still appeal—even in 2024.

For users upgrading from the iPhone 6, the S8 represented a dramatic leap in visual immersion. Scrolling through web pages or watching videos felt more engaging. But the trade-off was a steeper learning curve for handling and increased fragility—glass backs are less forgiving than aluminum when dropped.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the difference was stark. The iPhone 6 ran on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM—a capable setup in 2014, but strained by 2017 as apps grew heavier. iOS updates slowed over time, and multitasking became sluggish.

The Galaxy S8, powered by either the Snapdragon 835 or Exynos 8895 (depending on region), came with 4GB of RAM and significantly faster processing. Apps launched quicker, background tasks were smoother, and high-end games ran without stutter. Android 7.0 Nougat (upgradable to Android 9) offered split-screen multitasking, better notifications, and deeper customization—features iOS didn’t fully embrace until years later.

“Switching from iOS to Android in 2017 felt like moving from a well-polished garden to a vast, open forest—you gain freedom but lose some simplicity.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Analyst

However, the software transition posed real challenges. iOS users accustomed to uniform app behavior and tight ecosystem integration found Android’s variability jarring. App permissions, default apps, and inconsistent UI patterns required adjustment. For some, this friction outweighed the performance gains.

Camera Comparison: Consistency vs Innovation

The iPhone 6’s 8MP rear camera was praised in its day for color accuracy and reliable performance in daylight. Low-light shots suffered, and video was limited to 1080p at 60fps. By 2017, it struggled with modern photography expectations.

The Galaxy S8 upgraded to a 12MP dual-pixel sensor with improved low-light performance, optical image stabilization, and 4K video recording. Samsung’s software enhancements—like HDR and real-time bokeh previews—gave it an edge in versatility. Selfies also improved dramatically thanks to the 8MP front camera and wider aperture.

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2	12MP Dual Pixel, f/1.7
Front Camera	1.2MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	1080p @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Poor	Good
Zoom & Features	Digital zoom only	Software-enhanced zoom, HDR, Pro mode

While the S8 clearly won on paper, longtime iPhone users often missed the consistency of Apple’s image processing. Samsung’s photos sometimes leaned too warm or oversharpened, whereas Apple’s tuning remained natural. For casual photographers, this subtlety mattered.

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Take Mark, a graphic designer who used his iPhone 6 from 2014 to 2017. He relied on iCloud, AirDrop, and iMessage daily. When he upgraded to the Galaxy S8, he gained a stunning display and faster performance—but lost seamless integration with his Mac and iPad. File transfers became clunky, and iMessage contacts appeared as green bubbles, causing confusion among friends.

He appreciated Android’s customization—themes, launchers, and sideloading apps—but spent hours tweaking settings to replicate iOS-like simplicity. After nine months, he switched back to the iPhone 8. His verdict? “The S8 was technically superior, but it didn’t fit my workflow. The ecosystem lock-in is real.”

Mark’s story reflects a broader trend: for users deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, switching to Android—even for a flagship device—often creates more friction than benefit.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

For pure hardware and innovation, the Galaxy S8 was unquestionably ahead of the iPhone 6. It offered a future-facing design, better screen, superior camera features, and stronger performance. On paper, upgrading made perfect sense.

But \"worth it\" depends on context. Consider these factors:

• Ecosystem dependency: Heavy iCloud, MacBook, or Apple Watch users faced disruption.
• Habit and muscle memory: Gestures, app layouts, and notification systems differ significantly.
• Long-term support: iPhones received iOS updates for 5+ years; the S8 stopped at Android 9.
• Resale value: iPhone 6 retained value longer than expected due to reliability.

Tip: Before switching platforms, test Android on a secondary device for two weeks to gauge comfort level.

Checklist: Was Upgrading from iPhone 6 to Galaxy S8 Right for You?

1. ✅ Did you prioritize screen quality and design innovation?
2. ✅ Were you frustrated with iPhone 6 performance or storage limits?
3. ✅ Were you open to learning a new operating system?
4. ✅ Did you rely heavily on iMessage, AirDrop, or Handoff?
5. ❌ If yes to #4, switching likely caused inconvenience.
6. ✅ Were you willing to give up long-term iOS update support?

Frequently Asked Questions

Could the iPhone 6 handle 2017 apps smoothly?

By 2017, the iPhone 6 struggled with newer versions of social media apps, games, and multitasking. While usable, loading times increased and crashes became more frequent—especially after iOS 10 updates.

Did the Galaxy S8 have any major drawbacks compared to the iPhone 6?

Yes. Despite its power, the S8 lacked water resistance certification initially (later confirmed IP68), had a non-expandable battery, and—critically—stopped receiving major OS updates after three years. In contrast, iPhone 6 received security patches until 2021.

Is it still practical to use either phone today?

As of 2024, both phones are obsolete for daily use. App compatibility is severely limited, security updates have ended, and modern services like Google Pay or banking apps may not function. They’re best suited for backup roles or retro collectors.

Final Thoughts: Weighing Innovation Against Practicality

Upgrading from the iPhone 6 to the Galaxy S8 in 2017 was a bold move—one that rewarded early adopters with cutting-edge technology and a glimpse into the future of smartphones. The S8’s design influenced nearly every high-end phone that followed, and its performance easily outclassed the aging iPhone 6.

Yet, the decision wasn’t purely technical. For users invested in Apple’s ecosystem, the cost of switching—both in convenience and continuity—often outweighed the benefits. The iPhone 6, while dated, remained functional, familiar, and surprisingly durable.

In hindsight, the upgrade made the most sense for tech enthusiasts eager to explore Android, users frustrated with iOS limitations, or those prioritizing multimedia experiences. For everyone else, waiting for the iPhone X—or even holding onto the iPhone 6 a little longer—might have been the smarter choice.

🚀 Still debating a platform switch? Reflect on your daily tools, ecosystem ties, and tolerance for change. Sometimes, the best upgrade isn’t the flashiest—it’s the one that fits your life.