In 2015, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: go with Apple’s refined but familiar iPhone 6s Plus, or take a leap into Samsung’s bold design language with the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus. At the time, both devices were positioned as premium flagships, each pushing boundaries in their own way. Now, nearly a decade later, we can assess not just which device offered better specs on paper, but which one delivered lasting value, user satisfaction, and long-term usability.
This retrospective isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about understanding how real-world performance, software support, ecosystem integration, and durability shaped consumer experiences. Was the iPhone 6s Plus truly the smarter buy, or did the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus offer compelling advantages that have aged just as well?
Design and Build: A Clash of Philosophies
The iPhone 6s Plus continued Apple’s minimalist aluminum unibody design introduced with the iPhone 6. It featured chamfered edges, rounded corners, and a clean aesthetic. While functional and comfortable to hold, its large size (5.5 inches) made it unwieldy for some users. The build quality was solid, though early concerns around \"bendgate\" lingered in public perception—even if actual cases of bending were rare.
In contrast, the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus stood out immediately with its dual-curved display cascading down the sides. This wasn’t just cosmetic; the edge screen enabled quick access to contacts, notifications, and ambient lighting effects. Constructed with glass front and back framed by aluminum, it exuded luxury—but came with trade-offs. The glass was prone to smudges and scratches, and unlike the iPhone, it lacked water resistance and was non-expandable in storage.
Performance and Longevity: Where the Real Battle Was Fought
Beneath the surface, these phones diverged significantly. The iPhone 6s Plus ran on Apple’s custom A9 chip paired with 2GB of RAM. Despite lower RAM than many Android counterparts, iOS optimization allowed smooth multitasking and app responsiveness. More importantly, Apple provided five years of iOS updates—supporting the device through iOS 15—making it one of the longest-supported smartphones ever.
The Galaxy S6 Edge Plus used either an Exynos 7420 or Snapdragon 810 processor (depending on region), both powerful for their time. However, the Snapdragon 810 had thermal throttling issues, leading to inconsistent performance under load. Samsung offered only two major Android OS upgrades (from Lollipop to Nougat), cutting off feature updates far earlier than Apple. By 2018, the S6 Edge Plus felt sluggish compared to newer models.
“Software longevity is often more important than raw hardware. The iPhone 6s Plus stayed relevant longer because Apple kept improving it after purchase.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechHorizon
Camera Comparison: Still Photos vs Real-World Use
Both devices featured 12-megapixel rear cameras, but processing philosophy differed sharply. The iPhone 6s Plus prioritized natural color reproduction, consistent dynamic range, and strong low-light performance thanks to larger pixels and optical image stabilization (OIS). Its video capabilities were superior, offering 4K recording—a rarity at the time.
Samsung’s S6 Edge Plus produced brighter, more saturated images that looked impressive initially but often appeared oversharpened or unnatural. Low-light performance suffered due to smaller pixel size and lack of OIS. Front-facing camera quality favored Samsung slightly, especially with its wider-angle lens ideal for group selfies—a novelty enhanced by the curved display.
However, long-term photo consistency gave the edge to Apple. As computational photography evolved, iOS updates improved camera intelligence across older devices. Meanwhile, Samsung’s camera software stagnated post-Nougat, leaving the S6 Edge Plus behind in automatic scene detection and HDR improvements.
Feature Showdown: What Each Phone Offered Beyond Specs
| Feature | iPhone 6s Plus | Galaxy S6 Edge Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 9 → iOS 15 (5 major updates) | Android 5.1 → 7.0 (2 major updates) |
| Storage Options | 16/32/64/128GB (no expandable) | 32/64GB + microSD support |
| Battery Life | ~12 hours mixed use | ~10–11 hours mixed use |
| Charging | 5W charging, no fast charging | Fast charging supported |
| Fingerprint Sensor | Touch ID (second-gen, very responsive) | Swipe-based sensor (less reliable) |
| Water Resistance | No official rating | No official rating |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
While the Galaxy offered expandable storage and faster charging, the iPhone countered with a vastly superior ecosystem. Seamless integration with iCloud, Macs, Apple Watch, and AirPods created a cohesive experience unmatched by Samsung’s fragmented accessory lineup at the time.
Real-World Example: Two Users, Five Years Later
Consider two hypothetical users from 2015: Mark bought the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus for its futuristic look and media appeal. He loved showing off the edge panel and appreciated the crisp Super AMOLED display. But by 2017, he noticed apps crashing more frequently, security patches stopped arriving, and new versions of WhatsApp and Instagram began running poorly. He upgraded in 2018.
Jessica chose the iPhone 6s Plus despite preferring Android’s flexibility. She valued reliability and planned to keep her phone long-term. Over five years, she received every new iOS feature—from Dark Mode to Siri Shortcuts—even as her hardware aged. Her phone remained secure and functional until she voluntarily upgraded in 2020.
This illustrates a broader trend: while the S6 Edge Plus dazzled at launch, the iPhone 6s Plus offered steady, dependable evolution.
Checklist: What Made the iPhone 6s Plus a Better Long-Term Investment
- ✅ Received five full operating system updates
- ✅ Consistent app and security patch support until 2020
- ✅ Superior video recording and stable camera performance
- ✅ Tight integration with Apple’s ecosystem (iCloud, Messages, Handoff)
- ✅ Resale value held stronger over time
- ✅ Touch ID was faster and more secure than Samsung’s swipe sensor
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Galaxy S6 Edge Plus have any advantages over the iPhone 6s Plus?
Yes. It offered microSD card expansion, faster charging, a higher-resolution Quad HD display, and unique edge-panel features like Night Clock and Quick Contacts. For users who wanted customization and visual flair, it was compelling at launch.
Why did the iPhone 6s Plus receive so many more updates?
Apple controls both hardware and software, allowing tighter optimization and longer support cycles. Unlike Android OEMs that depend on Google, carriers, and chipset vendors for updates, Apple rolls out iOS updates directly to all compatible devices simultaneously.
Is either phone usable today?
As of 2024, neither is suitable as a primary smartphone. App compatibility has eroded, especially on iOS 15 (the last version for the 6s Plus). Modern web standards, banking apps, and streaming services may not function properly. They remain viable as emergency phones or music players, but daily use is discouraged.
Final Verdict: Was the iPhone 6s Plus Worth It?
Looking back, yes—the iPhone 6s Plus was objectively the better long-term investment. Not because it was more innovative or visually striking, but because it delivered sustained performance, extended software relevance, and deeper ecosystem value. It exemplified Apple’s philosophy: refine relentlessly rather than reinvent constantly.
The Galaxy S6 Edge Plus was a technological marvel in 2015. Its curved display influenced future designs, including the eventual shift toward bezel-less screens. But innovation without endurance has limited practical benefit. Once software support ended and battery degradation set in, its appeal faded quickly.
If your priority was getting the most out of your $700+ investment over several years, the iPhone 6s Plus was clearly the wiser choice. It proved that in the smartphone market, longevity often trumps novelty.
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