Iphone 7 Plus Vs Galaxy S6 Is The Newer Iphone Worth The Upgrade Even Now

When comparing smartphones across generations, it’s easy to assume that newer always means better. But when evaluating devices like the iPhone 7 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S6—both released within two years of each other—the real question isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about actual user experience, longevity, software support, and whether an upgrade still makes sense years after release.

The iPhone 7 Plus launched in 2016 as Apple’s first dual-camera smartphone, introducing portrait mode and enhanced zoom capabilities. The Galaxy S6, released a year earlier in 2015, was Samsung’s flagship at the time, boasting premium design, wireless charging, and a high-resolution display. While neither device is current by today’s standards, some users may still be using them or considering secondhand purchases. So, is upgrading from a Galaxy S6 to an iPhone 7 Plus worthwhile—even now?

Performance and Hardware Longevity

At launch, both phones represented top-tier engineering for their respective brands. The Galaxy S6 ran on Samsung’s Exynos 7420 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (depending on region), with 3GB of RAM and 32/64/128GB storage options. The iPhone 7 Plus used Apple’s A10 Fusion chip with 3GB of RAM and similar storage tiers.

In real-world usage, the A10 Fusion proved more efficient over time. iOS optimizations allowed the iPhone 7 Plus to maintain smooth performance through multiple OS updates, supporting up to iOS 15—nearly five years after release. In contrast, the Galaxy S6 stopped receiving major Android updates after Nougat (Android 7), limiting its software lifespan significantly.

Tip: For older devices, consistent app updates and minimal background processes can extend usable life by up to 18 months.

Benchmarks show the A10 Fusion outperforming the Exynos 7420 in multi-core tasks and graphics rendering. This advantage becomes apparent when running modern apps or multitasking. Even in 2024, a well-maintained iPhone 7 Plus handles basic tasks like web browsing, email, and social media more reliably than a Galaxy S6 under similar conditions.

Camera Capabilities: Dual-Lens Advantage

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-lens rear camera system: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens. This setup enabled 2x optical zoom and, more importantly, Portrait Mode—a feature absent on the Galaxy S6, which had only a single 16MP rear sensor.

In practical photography, especially in mixed lighting, the iPhone delivers more consistent color accuracy and dynamic range. Its image signal processor and computational photography algorithms, though primitive by today’s standards, were ahead of Samsung’s processing at the time. Low-light performance also favors the iPhone due to larger pixel sizes and better noise reduction.

“Even without AI enhancements, the iPhone 7 Plus’s camera pipeline was built for consistency—critical for users who rely on their phone as their primary camera.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst

The Galaxy S6 does have a slight edge in front-facing video quality thanks to its Quad HD display enabling sharper self-recordings. However, its lack of optical stabilization and slower shutter response make it less reliable in motion or dim environments.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

Battery degradation affects all aging smartphones, but original capacity and charging flexibility matter. The iPhone 7 Plus has a 2,900mAh battery compared to the Galaxy S6’s 2,550mAh. Despite iOS’s tighter power management, real-world usage shows the iPhone lasting about 1–2 hours longer per charge under moderate use.

However, the Galaxy S6 supports both fast charging and wireless charging—features the iPhone 7 Plus lacks. Apple didn’t introduce fast charging until the iPhone 8, meaning the 7 Plus charges slowly unless using third-party accessories. Wireless charging remains unavailable entirely.

Feature	iPhone 7 Plus	Galaxy S6
Battery Capacity	2,900 mAh	2,550 mAh
Fast Charging	No (without adapter hacks)	Yes
Wireless Charging	No	Yes
Estimated Daily Use (2024)	4–6 hrs screen time	2–4 hrs screen time
Charging Port	Lightning	Micro USB

While the S6 technically offers more charging options, Micro USB is now outdated and less durable than Lightning connectors. Many users report failing ports on older S6 units, whereas Lightning cables remain widely supported.

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the iPhone gains a decisive edge. Apple provided five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 7 Plus, ending with iOS 15 in 2022. That includes critical security patches, privacy tools, and compatibility with modern apps.

Samsung offered only two major Android upgrades for the Galaxy S6 (from Lollipop to Nougat). By 2017, it no longer received official security updates. As of 2024, most banking, messaging, and productivity apps either don’t install or run poorly on outdated Android versions.

For anyone concerned about digital safety or app functionality, this difference is not trivial. Running an unsupported operating system exposes users to malware, phishing, and data leaks—especially on devices still connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth daily.

Tip: Always check if your device receives regular security patches before using it for online banking or shopping.

Real-World Example: Upgrading After Years

Consider Maria, a freelance photographer who used her Galaxy S6 as a backup phone until early 2022. She relied on it for quick notes, GPS navigation, and occasional snapshots. Over time, she noticed apps crashing, maps failing to load offline, and her Instagram account getting locked due to “unsupported device” errors.

She upgraded to a used iPhone 7 Plus for $80. Immediately, she gained access to iOS 15, updated versions of Google Maps, WhatsApp, and mobile banking apps. Though the phone showed signs of age—slight lag in camera startup and reduced battery health—it remained functional for over a year with light use.

Maria’s experience reflects a broader trend: iOS devices depreciate more gracefully than their Android counterparts from the same era, primarily due to extended software support.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from Galaxy S6 to iPhone 7 Plus?

• ✅ Need longer software support and security updates?
• ✅ Want better camera features like optical zoom and portrait mode?
• ✅ Prefer consistent iOS app compatibility?
• ✅ Accept slower charging and no wireless charging?
• ✅ Plan to use the phone lightly for 1–2 more years?
• ❌ Require cutting-edge performance or 5G connectivity?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first five and “no” to the last, then yes—the iPhone 7 Plus remains a sensible upgrade path from the Galaxy S6, even today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still run modern apps in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. Basic apps like Safari, Gmail, WhatsApp, and Spotify work, though some newer features may be disabled. Apps requiring ARKit or advanced machine learning won’t function. Performance depends heavily on available storage and battery health.

Is the Galaxy S6 safer to use now than the iPhone 7 Plus?

No. The Galaxy S6 hasn’t received security updates since 2017, making it vulnerable to known exploits. The iPhone 7 Plus received patches through 2022, offering better protection against common threats—even if now outdated.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 7 Plus holds value significantly better. Due to Apple’s brand consistency and longer update cycles, used iPhones retain higher prices in secondary markets. A functional iPhone 7 Plus typically sells for $50–$90, while a Galaxy S6 fetches $20–$40, if anything.

Final Verdict: Yes, With Caveats

Upgrading from a Galaxy S6 to an iPhone 7 Plus is still justified—not because the iPhone is powerful by today’s standards, but because it aged better. Its combination of sustained software support, superior camera system, and stronger ecosystem integration gives it lasting utility.

That said, this recommendation applies only to users seeking a temporary, budget-friendly solution. Neither phone should be considered for heavy usage, gaming, or professional tasks in 2024. But for light users, seniors, secondary devices, or those in emerging markets relying on affordable tech, the iPhone 7 Plus offers a more secure, functional, and future-ready experience.

🚀 Still using an old smartphone? Evaluate its update status and app compatibility. Even small upgrades can improve security and usability. Share your experience—what kept your old device going, or what finally made you switch?