In 2015, two smartphones dominated the premium market: the Apple iPhone 6s and the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. Both devices were technological marvels of their time, offering sleek designs, powerful processors, and advanced camera systems. Even today, users who still rely on these phones—or collectors comparing vintage flagships—often ask: when it comes to photography, which one actually takes better photos?
This isn’t just a nostalgic debate. For those upgrading from older devices, reselling classic phones, or exploring mobile photography history, understanding the real-world differences between these cameras matters. We’ll break down sensor specs, image processing, low-light performance, video capabilities, and user experience to determine once and for all which device captures superior photos.
Sensor Specs and Hardware Comparison
The foundation of any camera lies in its hardware. The iPhone 6s and Galaxy S6 Edge took different approaches to mobile imaging, reflecting their manufacturers’ philosophies at the time.
The iPhone 6s featured a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS)—a first for Apple’s mainline iPhones. While megapixels increased from the 8MP sensor in the iPhone 6, Apple emphasized larger pixels (1.22µm) and improved dynamic range over sheer resolution.
In contrast, the Galaxy S6 Edge packed a 16-megapixel rear shooter with a wider f/1.9 aperture and OIS as well. Samsung also implemented a faster phase-detection autofocus system and used an RGB-IR sensor to improve white balance accuracy under mixed lighting.
| Feature | iPhone 6s | Galaxy S6 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 MP | 16 MP |
| Aperture | f/2.2 | f/1.9 |
| Pixel Size | 1.22µm | 1.12µm |
| Image Stabilization | Optical (OIS) | Optical (OIS) |
| Autofocus | Contrast-detect | Phase-detect |
| Flash | Dual-LED True Tone | Single LED |
On paper, the S6 Edge appears stronger: higher resolution, wider aperture, and faster autofocus. However, megapixels alone don’t define photo quality. Image signal processing, software tuning, and sensor efficiency play equally important roles.
Image Quality in Real-World Conditions
When tested side by side in daylight, both phones produce sharp, color-accurate images. But their styles differ significantly.
The iPhone 6s favors natural tones and balanced exposure. Apple’s image processing prioritizes consistency across scenes, avoiding oversaturation. This makes skin tones appear lifelike and skies retain detail without blowing out highlights. Dynamic range is impressive for its era, especially when shooting backlit subjects.
The Galaxy S6 Edge, meanwhile, applies a more aggressive processing style. Colors are noticeably richer—greens pop, reds deepen, and blues intensify. While pleasing to some, this can result in less accurate representations, particularly in complex lighting. The higher resolution allows for greater cropping flexibility, but fine details sometimes suffer due to noise reduction algorithms.
In low-light conditions, the S6 Edge’s f/1.9 lens gives it an early advantage. It captures brighter images in dim environments, such as indoor restaurants or evening streets. However, the smaller pixel size leads to grainier results compared to the iPhone 6s, which handles noise more gracefully thanks to Apple’s noise suppression and OIS synergy.
“Smartphone photography isn’t about who has the most megapixels—it’s about how well the entire system works together.” — David Young, Mobile Imaging Analyst, 2016
Video Performance and Autofocus Speed
For videographers, both phones supported 4K recording—a major leap forward in 2015. However, real-world usability differs.
The iPhone 6s delivers smooth 4K video with excellent stabilization, consistent color grading, and clear stereo audio. Autofocus during video is reliable, though contrast-based detection means occasional hunting in low-contrast scenes. Exposure transitions are gradual, avoiding sudden jumps in brightness.
The Galaxy S6 Edge also records 4K, but thermal throttling was a known issue. Extended 4K clips could cause the phone to overheat, forcing resolution drops or shutdowns. Its phase-detection autofocus performs better in fast-moving scenarios, locking onto subjects quickly. However, color reproduction in video tends toward oversaturation, and stabilization—while present—is less refined than Apple’s implementation.
For everyday use, the iPhone 6s offers a more dependable video experience, especially for longer recordings or casual vlogging.
Checklist: Choosing Based on Your Photography Needs
- Choose the iPhone 6s if: You prefer natural colors, shoot often in low light, value consistent video quality, or prioritize ease of use.
- Choose the Galaxy S6 Edge if: You want higher-resolution stills, enjoy vibrant (stylized) colors, need faster autofocus, or appreciate cutting-edge design.
- Consider third-party apps: Both platforms support manual controls via apps like ProCamera (iOS) or ProShot (Android), allowing deeper customization.
- Check battery health: Older units may struggle with sustained camera use due to degraded batteries.
- Evaluate lens condition: Scratches or smudges on either device will degrade image quality regardless of sensor capability.
Mini Case Study: Street Photography in Barcelona
In 2017, travel photographer Marc Alvarez embarked on a month-long project documenting street life in Barcelona using only legacy smartphones. He alternated between an iPhone 6s and a Galaxy S6 Edge, capturing markets, alleyways, and candid portraits.
In his notes, Marc praised the S6 Edge’s autofocus speed when photographing moving subjects like cyclists and dancers. “I could tap and capture in less than a second,” he wrote. “The phase-detect system felt ahead of its time.”
However, in the narrow, shadowed streets of the Gothic Quarter, the iPhone 6s consistently produced cleaner images. “The S6 Edge would brighten the scene aggressively, but introduce grain in the shadows,” Marc observed. “The iPhone kept noise under control and preserved texture in stone walls.”
Ultimately, he leaned on the iPhone for 60% of his final portfolio, citing reliability and tonal accuracy as deciding factors—even though he admired the S6 Edge’s boldness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can either phone compete with modern smartphones in photography?
No. While both were leaders in 2015, today’s mid-range phones surpass them in dynamic range, AI enhancement, night modes, and computational photography. These devices are best suited for casual use or retro enthusiasts.
Does the S6 Edge’s curved screen affect photo composition?
Not directly. The display curves at the edges, but the viewfinder adjusts to avoid critical UI elements. Some users reported accidental touches on the edge during shooting, but this rarely impacts photo quality.
Which has better front-facing camera quality?
The iPhone 6s wins here with its 5MP FaceTime HD camera featuring Retina Flash (using the screen as a flash). The S6 Edge has a 5MP front camera too, but lacks software optimization for selfies in dark environments.
Final Verdict: Which Camera Wins?
The Galaxy S6 Edge boasts superior hardware on paper: more megapixels, a faster lens, and quicker autofocus. It excels in well-lit environments where its vibrant rendering enhances visual impact. For users who edit photos later or enjoy stylized looks, it’s a compelling choice.
Yet, the iPhone 6s delivers more consistent, natural-looking photos across diverse conditions. Its image processing, larger effective pixels, and seamless integration between hardware and software result in fewer surprises. In low light, the difference becomes clearer—the iPhone maintains clarity while the S6 Edge struggles with noise.
When evaluating overall photographic performance—not just peak capability—the iPhone 6s emerges as the winner for most users. It represents Apple’s philosophy of holistic optimization over spec sheet dominance.
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