Iphone 6s Plus Vs Galaxy S8 Plus Why Are People Still Debating This In Current Year

It’s 2024, and smartphones have evolved dramatically—foldable screens, AI-powered cameras, 5G connectivity, and processors that rival laptops. Yet, in tech forums, Reddit threads, and social media comment sections, a curious debate persists: iPhone 6s Plus versus Galaxy S8 Plus. Two devices launched nearly a decade apart (2015 and 2017, respectively), both long discontinued, yet still compared with surprising passion. Why does this comparison endure when newer flagships dominate the market?

The answer isn’t about raw specs or camera megapixels. It’s rooted in user experience, longevity, emotional attachment, and how these phones defined eras of mobile computing. To understand the staying power of this debate, we need to look beyond benchmarks and examine cultural relevance, software support, and the psychology of digital loyalty.

The Legacy Factor: Why Old Phones Still Matter

The iPhone 6s Plus and Galaxy S8 Plus weren’t just popular—they were pivotal. The 6s Plus marked Apple’s shift toward larger screens and introduced 3D Touch, a feature many still miss. It was also the last iPhone to include a headphone jack before Apple’s controversial removal in the iPhone 7. For Android users, the S8 Plus represented Samsung’s design renaissance after the Note 7 setback. Its edge-to-edge display, Bixby assistant debut, and IP68 rating set new standards for premium Android devices.

Both phones enjoyed extended software support. The iPhone 6s Plus received updates all the way up to iOS 15—six years of OS upgrades. The Galaxy S8 Plus got four major Android updates and security patches for five years. This longevity built trust. People didn’t just buy a phone; they bought reliability.

“Devices from this era struck a balance between hardware capability and software simplicity. They worked well without trying to do everything at once.” — David Lin, Mobile Historian & Tech Archivist

Performance Comparison: How Do They Hold Up Today?

On paper, the Galaxy S8 Plus had superior hardware. Its Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 depending on region) outperformed the iPhone 6s Plus’s A9 chip in multitasking and graphics. It featured 4GB of RAM compared to the iPhone’s 2GB. However, Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software often made the 6s Plus feel faster in daily use, especially within iOS’s optimized ecosystem.

In 2024, neither device runs modern apps smoothly. Apps like Instagram, Google Maps, and even web browsers struggle with loading times and crashes. But surprisingly, both can still handle basic tasks: calls, texts, light browsing, and offline music playback. Some users keep them as secondary phones or emergency devices.

Tip: If using either phone today, disable background app refresh, reduce animations, and avoid heavy social media apps to extend usability.

Detailed Feature Breakdown

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	Galaxy S8 Plus
Release Year	2015	2017
Display	5.5\" LCD, 1920x1080	6.2\" Quad HD+ AMOLED, 2960x1440
Processor	Apple A9	Snapdragon 835 / Exynos 9810
Ram	2GB	4GB
Storage Options	16/32/64/128GB (non-expandable)	64GB (expandable via microSD)
Battery	2915 mAh	3500 mAh
Charging	5W wired only	Fast charging, Wireless charging
OS Support Ended	iOS 15 (2022)	Android 10 + Security Patches (2022)
Headphone Jack	Yes	No
Fingerprint Sensor	Rear-mounted, reliable Touch ID	Rear-mounted, often criticized placement

The Nostalgia Economy and Digital Minimalism

One reason this debate continues is the rise of digital minimalism. As smartphones become more intrusive—with constant notifications, addictive algorithms, and bloated interfaces—some users seek simpler alternatives. The iPhone 6s Plus and Galaxy S8 Plus represent a time when phones felt more controllable.

A growing number of people are “downgrading” intentionally. They want devices that don’t demand attention, aren’t tied to cloud ecosystems, and allow them to disconnect. Both phones, especially when used with basic apps or jailbroken/rooted setups, offer a stripped-down experience.

This trend is reflected in online communities like r/dumbphones and r/minimalism, where users share stories of switching back to older models. For them, it’s not about performance—it’s about reclaiming autonomy.

Mini Case Study: Mark’s Return to the iPhone 6s Plus

Mark, a 34-year-old graphic designer from Portland, replaced his iPhone 14 Pro with a refurbished iPhone 6s Plus six months ago. “I was spending three hours a day on social media,” he said. “Notifications were constant. I felt anxious checking my phone every few minutes.” After installing a lightweight launcher, disabling app permissions, and removing most social platforms, he found the 6s Plus limited enough to break his addiction.

“It doesn’t run TikTok well. Instagram crashes if I scroll too fast. That’s the point,” Mark explained. “I use it for calls, messages, and occasional emails. My focus has improved dramatically.”

Software Ecosystem and User Loyalty

Another layer of the debate lies in ecosystem allegiance. Apple users praise the 6s Plus for its seamless integration with iCloud, Messages, and FaceTime—even today. Despite aging hardware, iMessage remains a key retention tool. Meanwhile, Samsung fans appreciate the S8 Plus’s customization options, expandable storage, and early adoption of features like Always-On Display and DeX mode.

Interestingly, both devices were among the first to support modern biometrics—Touch ID and facial recognition (though the S8’s face unlock was less secure). These early implementations shaped expectations for future devices.

• The iPhone 6s Plus popularized the “tap-and-hold” interaction model.
• The S8 Plus helped normalize curved displays and gesture navigation.
• Both supported USB OTG and HDMI output via adapters, enabling desktop-like functionality.

Checklist: Is an Older Phone Right for You in 2024?

Before considering a return to devices like the 6s Plus or S8 Plus, evaluate your needs with this checklist:

1. Do you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and basic apps?
2. Are you trying to reduce screen time or social media usage?
3. Do you value physical buttons or headphone jacks?
4. Can you accept slower performance and outdated security protocols?
5. Are you comfortable troubleshooting compatibility issues?
6. Will you use it as a backup or dedicated device (e.g., music player)?
7. Have you considered privacy-focused alternatives like Light Phone or PinePhone?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, an older flagship might serve you better than a high-end modern phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s Plus or Galaxy S8 Plus still get security updates?

No. Apple ended major updates with iOS 15 in 2022. Samsung stopped Android version updates at Android 10 and ceased security patches in 2022. Using either device online carries increased risk due to unpatched vulnerabilities.

Why do some people say the iPhone 6s Plus feels faster than newer iPhones?

This perception stems from iOS optimization during that era. With fewer background processes and lighter UI animations, the A9 chip handled core tasks efficiently. Modern iOS versions prioritize features over speed, which can make even powerful new phones feel sluggish in certain interactions.

Is it safe to use these phones as daily drivers in 2024?

For basic offline tasks, yes. However, avoid entering passwords, using banking apps, or logging into sensitive accounts. Outdated operating systems lack protections against current threats. Consider them best suited for offline use or as nostalgic collectibles.

Conclusion: More Than a Spec Sheet Showdown

The continued debate between the iPhone 6s Plus and Galaxy S8 Plus isn’t really about which phone was better. It’s a reflection of shifting values in technology. In an age of planned obsolescence and relentless innovation, these devices symbolize durability, simplicity, and user control.

People aren’t clinging to the past out of ignorance—they’re reacting to the present. As smartphones become more complex, invasive, and expensive, revisiting older models offers a form of resistance. Whether it’s for digital detox, environmental concerns, or pure nostalgia, the conversation endures because it touches on deeper questions: What do we want from our devices? And at what cost?

💬 Still using a 6s Plus or S8 Plus? Or did one shape your smartphone journey? Share your story in the comments—your experience might inspire someone to rethink their relationship with technology.