Iphone 6s Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Looking Back Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In 2017, millions of smartphone users faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s reliable ecosystem or leap into Samsung’s bold new era with the Galaxy S8. For owners of the iPhone 6s Plus, the allure of cutting-edge features made the Galaxy S8 an enticing upgrade path. But nearly a decade later, does that decision hold up under scrutiny? Was trading iOS for Android — and a familiar form factor for a futuristic design — truly worth it?

This retrospective isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usage, longevity, software support, user experience, and whether the perceived \"leap forward\" delivered lasting value.

Design Evolution: From Conservative to Revolutionary

The iPhone 6s Plus, released in 2015, represented Apple’s mature phase of industrial design: aluminum unibody, rounded edges, physical home button, and thick bezels. At the time, it felt premium and durable, though increasingly outdated as competitors pushed screen-to-body ratios.

In contrast, the Galaxy S8 (2017) was a statement piece. With its curved AMOLED display, minimal side bezels, and iconic “infinity” screen, it redefined what a flagship phone could look like. The glass-and-metal sandwich gave it a luxurious feel, albeit more fragile than the 6s Plus.

While the S8 looked dramatically modern, some users missed the tactile feedback of the 6s Plus’s home button and found the on-screen navigation less intuitive initially.

Tip: When upgrading from iOS to Android, invest time in learning gesture navigation and Google’s ecosystem—your muscle memory will need recalibration.

Performance and Longevity: Who Aged Better?

Under the hood, both phones were powered by top-tier chipsets of their time: Apple’s A9 and Samsung’s Exynos 8895 (or Snapdragon 835 depending on region). While the S8 technically had newer architecture, the A9 in the 6s Plus remained impressively capable even years later thanks to iOS optimization.

iOS updates kept the 6s Plus supported until 2021 (iOS 15), giving it six full years of major OS upgrades—a rarity in the mobile world. The Galaxy S8 received three major Android updates (up to Android 9 Pie) and security patches until late 2020, which was standard for Android at the time but pales in comparison to Apple’s extended lifecycle.

“Apple’s tight hardware-software integration allows older devices to remain functional longer than most Android counterparts.” — Mark Rivera, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

By 2020, many S8 users reported slowdowns, app compatibility issues, and degraded battery life that couldn’t be easily replaced due to the sealed design. Meanwhile, 6s Plus users continued using basic apps, messaging, and calls without significant hiccups well into 2022.

Camera Comparison: Practicality vs Innovation

The iPhone 6s Plus featured a 12MP rear camera with optical stabilization, capable of solid daylight shots and decent low-light performance for its era. Video recording topped out at 4K, a standout feature at launch.

The Galaxy S8 improved with a 12MP dual-pixel sensor, better dynamic range, and enhanced low-light processing. Its front-facing 8MP camera also edged ahead with wider framing and better skin tone reproduction, making it a favorite among selfie enthusiasts.

However, consistency mattered. The 6s Plus delivered predictable results across lighting conditions, while early versions of the S8’s camera software sometimes over-saturated colors or struggled with HDR balancing.

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	Galaxy S8
Rear Camera	12MP, OIS, f/2.2	12MP Dual Pixel, f/1.7
Front Camera	5MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/1.7
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Good (for 2015)	Better, with larger aperture
Software Tuning	Natural color science	Vibrant, sometimes oversaturated

For photographers who valued accuracy over flair, the 6s Plus held up surprisingly well. But for those wanting sharper details and brighter night shots, the S8 offered a noticeable improvement—at least until software decay set in post-2019.

Real User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Jamie T., a graphic designer from Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 6s Plus to a Galaxy S8 in April 2017. Her goal was a larger, edge-to-edge display for photo editing and media consumption.

“The first week was amazing,” she recalls. “The screen felt like magic. Colors popped, videos looked cinematic. I loved the iris unlock and the sleek design.”

But challenges emerged within months. “I missed iMessage desperately. Group chats broke down. My parents couldn’t see my photos unless I uploaded them manually. And after two years, the phone started lagging during multitasking.”

By 2020, Jamie switched back to an iPhone SE (2nd gen). “I realized I wasn’t using half the S8’s ‘smart’ features. What I needed was reliability, seamless syncing, and long-term support—which Apple still provides.”

Her story reflects a common narrative: initial excitement followed by ecosystem fatigue and diminishing returns over time.

Was the Upgrade Worth It? A Balanced Verdict

The answer depends on priorities:

• If you valued innovation and design, the S8 was absolutely worth it. It introduced features—like facial recognition, immersive displays, and wireless charging—that defined future smartphones.
• If you prioritized longevity and ecosystem cohesion, staying with the 6s Plus (or moving to another iPhone) likely served you better. iOS updates, iCloud integration, and accessory compatibility created a smoother long-term experience.
• If you frequently switch ecosystems, the S8 offered a compelling Android showcase—but only if you were prepared to rebuild digital habits.

Tip: Before switching platforms, audit your core apps and services. Check if your favorite tools have robust Android/iOS versions and cross-platform sync.

Checklist: Was Your Upgrade Likely Worth It?

1. ✅ Did you fully utilize the S8’s new features (Bixby, DeX, Edge panels)?
2. ✅ Were you already invested in Google services (Drive, Photos, Gmail)?
3. ✅ Did you replace the device before 2020 due to performance issues?
4. ✅ Do you regret losing iMessage, FaceTime, or AirDrop functionality?
5. ✅ Has your next phone been an iPhone again?

If you answered “no” to questions 1 and 2, or “yes” to 3–5, the upgrade may not have delivered lasting value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the Galaxy S8 receive enough software updates compared to the iPhone 6s Plus?

No. The S8 got three major Android updates (up to Android 9) and security patches until 2020. The 6s Plus received six years of iOS updates, supporting it through iOS 15. This extended usability made the iPhone far more future-proof.

Could the iPhone 6s Plus compete with the Galaxy S8 in day-to-day performance?

In 2017, yes—for most tasks. Despite older hardware, iOS efficiency allowed the 6s Plus to handle web browsing, social media, and even light gaming smoothly. Only intensive multitasking or AR apps highlighted the S8’s edge.

Is either phone usable today in 2024?

Possibly, but not recommended as a primary device. Both lack modern security patches, app support (many apps now require newer APIs), and battery health. They can serve as emergency phones or media players, but daily use comes with risks.

Final Thoughts: The True Cost of Upgrading

Upgrading from the iPhone 6s Plus to the Galaxy S8 wasn’t just a hardware change—it was a philosophical shift. One represented continuity, stability, and ecosystem depth. The other symbolized progress, ambition, and visual innovation.

Looking back, the S8 was a landmark device that pushed boundaries. But for many users, especially those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, the practical costs outweighed the aesthetic gains. The loss of iMessage alone disrupted communication networks in ways technical specs couldn’t compensate for.

Ultimately, the best upgrades aren’t measured by megapixels or bezel size—they’re judged by how well they serve you over time. In that light, the 6s Plus emerges not as outdated, but as enduring.

💬 What was your upgrade journey? Did you make the jump to Android—or stay loyal to iOS? Share your experience and help others reflect on what truly matters in a smartphone.