Iphone 6s Vs Samsung J7 Plus Is It Worth Upgrading In Current Year

The iPhone 6s, released in 2015, was a landmark device for Apple—introducing 3D Touch, a more durable aluminum body, and the powerful A9 chip. Fast forward nearly a decade, and users still clinging to this once-flagship model face mounting challenges: app incompatibility, sluggish performance, and no iOS updates beyond iOS 15. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy J7 Plus, launched in 2017, entered as a mid-tier Android contender with dual rear cameras and expandable storage. Today, both devices are well past their prime, but for someone still using an iPhone 6s, is switching to a used or budget-friendly J7 Plus a sensible upgrade? The answer depends on your needs, expectations, and how you use your phone.

Performance and Real-World Usability

At launch, the iPhone 6s outperformed most Android phones of its time thanks to Apple’s tight hardware-software integration. Even today, iOS 15 runs surprisingly well on the A9 chip for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. However, modern apps—especially social media platforms, banking apps, and streaming services—are increasingly optimized for newer architectures. Users report frequent crashes, long load times, and timeout errors on the 6s.

The Samsung J7 Plus, powered by an Exynos 7870 or Snapdragon 625 (depending on region), features an octa-core processor and 4GB of RAM—double the 2GB in the iPhone 6s. While neither chipset holds up to today’s standards, the extra RAM gives the J7 Plus an edge in multitasking. Apps stay open longer in the background, and switching between them feels smoother. Web browsing on Chrome is more stable, especially with multiple tabs open.

Tip: If you're holding onto an iPhone 6s, disable motion effects and reduce transparency in Accessibility settings to improve responsiveness.

Software Support and Security

This is where the iPhone 6s still holds surprising value. It received updates all the way up to iOS 15, which was supported until late 2023. That means security patches were available much longer than expected. However, iOS 16 and later dropped support for the 6s, leaving it vulnerable to unpatched exploits as new threats emerge.

The J7 Plus shipped with Android 7.1 Nougat and received one major update to Android 8.0 Oreo. Samsung provided limited security patches, mostly ending by 2019. In 2024, both devices are effectively unsupported—but the iPhone 6s benefits from Apple’s longer software lifecycle. Still, running outdated software on either device poses risks, especially if you access email, banking, or social media regularly.

“Devices without regular security updates become low-hanging fruit for phishing attacks and malware.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

Camera Comparison: Old vs. Older

The iPhone 6s featured a 12MP rear camera and a 5MP front shooter. For its time, it delivered excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. But it lacks optical image stabilization, slow-motion video above 1080p/120fps, and Portrait Mode. Low-light performance is poor by today’s standards.

The J7 Plus introduced Samsung’s early take on portrait photography with a dual-camera setup: 13MP main + 5MP depth sensor. The front camera is also 13MP, significantly higher than the 6s. While image processing is inconsistent—often oversharpening and over-saturating—the ability to blur backgrounds in selfies was a novelty in 2017. Video caps at 1080p/30fps on both devices.

In daylight, the J7 Plus can produce sharper images with better detail due to higher resolution sensors. But the iPhone 6s generally handles white balance and exposure more naturally. Neither excels in low light, but the 6s tends to preserve shadow detail better, even if it introduces more noise.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 6s	Samsung J7 Plus
Release Year	2015	2017
Processor	Apple A9	Exynos 7870 / Snapdragon 625
Ram	2GB	4GB
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB	32GB (expandable via microSD)
Rear Camera	12MP f/2.2	13MP + 5MP dual cam
Front Camera	5MP	13MP
Battery Capacity	1715 mAh	3000 mAh
Software Last Updated	iOS 15 (2023)	Android 8.0 (2018)
Biometric Security	Touch ID	Fingerprint sensor + Face Unlock
Expandable Storage	No	Yes (up to 256GB)

Real-World Scenario: Maria's Upgrade Dilemma

Maria has used her iPhone 6s since 2016. She relies on it for WhatsApp, Facebook, Google Maps, and mobile banking. Over the past year, she’s noticed her phone freezing during calls, failing to load Instagram stories, and draining battery within five hours of moderate use. Her son found a used Samsung J7 Plus online for $60 and suggested she switch.

After transferring her data, Maria noticed immediate improvements: apps launched faster, she could keep multiple tabs open without reloading, and the larger 3000mAh battery lasted a full day. However, she missed iMessage and seamless integration with her iPad. The J7 Plus’s interface felt cluttered, and ads occasionally popped up from preinstalled apps. While the selfie camera was sharper, facial recognition unlock was unreliable.

For Maria, the upgrade solved critical performance issues but introduced new frustrations. She concluded that while the J7 Plus was objectively more capable, it wasn’t a seamless transition. She began saving for a newer Android phone instead.

Step-by-Step: Is This Upgrade Right for You?

1. Evaluate Your Current Pain Points: Are you struggling with app crashes, slow performance, or battery drain on the iPhone 6s? If yes, change is needed.
2. Define Your Budget: If you’re considering a $60 J7 Plus, ask whether spending slightly more ($120–$150) on a newer refurbished phone (like a Galaxy A14 or iPhone SE 2020) would offer better longevity.
3. Check App Compatibility: Test essential apps (banking, messaging, navigation) on a demo unit or video reviews of the J7 Plus to ensure smooth operation.
4. Consider Ecosystem Lock-In: If you own other Apple devices, losing AirDrop, iCloud sync, and iMessage may outweigh hardware gains.
5. Assess Long-Term Viability: Neither device will receive updates. Ask yourself: Do I want to upgrade again in 6 months, or invest in something that might last 2 years?

FAQ

Can the Samsung J7 Plus run WhatsApp and Instagram smoothly in 2024?

It can run these apps, but performance varies. WhatsApp works reasonably well, though large group chats may lag. Instagram often crashes when uploading stories or using filters. Expect compromises, not seamless performance.

Is the iPhone 6s still secure to use?

Not fully. Without iOS updates since 2023, known vulnerabilities remain unpatched. Avoid entering sensitive information or downloading apps from outside the App Store. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication wherever possible.

Does the J7 Plus support modern charging standards?

No. It uses a micro-USB port and supports only 5W charging. A full charge takes over 2.5 hours. There’s no fast charging or wireless charging support.

Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?

Upgrading from an iPhone 6s to a Samsung J7 Plus in 2024 isn’t a leap forward—it’s a lateral move with trade-offs. You gain more RAM, better battery life, and a higher-resolution front camera. But you lose ecosystem cohesion, consistent software updates, and reliable app optimization.

If your priority is simply escaping the limitations of a nine-year-old iPhone, the J7 Plus will feel faster and more responsive—for now. But it’s already five years old itself and equally vulnerable to obsolescence. Spending a little more on a recent entry-level smartphone would provide better value, longer usability, and actual software support.

🚀 Ready for a real upgrade? Consider models like the iPhone SE (2020 or later) or Samsung Galaxy A14—devices that balance affordability with modern performance and multi-year update promises. Don’t settle for outdated tech; make your next phone your last for years to come.