Iphone 7 Vs Galaxy S6 Edge Was The Upgrade Worth It

In 2015, the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge redefined smartphone design with its curved display and premium glass-metal build. A year later, Apple responded with the iPhone 7, a device that refined iOS performance and durability while dropping the headphone jack—a controversial move at the time. For users caught between these two flagships, especially those upgrading from older devices or switching ecosystems, the question remains: was moving from the Galaxy S6 Edge to the iPhone 7 truly worth it?

This comparison isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about daily usability, long-term software support, ecosystem integration, and overall user satisfaction. Let’s break down the key differences and see whether the upgrade delivered meaningful improvements.

Design and Build Quality

The Galaxy S6 Edge stunned in 2015 with its dual-curved AMOLED display and glass sandwich design. It felt luxurious, though prone to fingerprints and scratches. The aluminum frame gave it rigidity, but the lack of water resistance and non-removable battery limited practicality.

The iPhone 7, released in 2016, adopted a sleek unibody aluminum design with IP67 water and dust resistance—Apple’s first mainstream phone with such protection. While it lacked the visual drama of the S6 Edge’s curves, its build felt more durable and functional. The home button became solid-state, offering haptic feedback instead of physical movement, marking a shift toward future-proof interaction.

Tip: If you prioritize pocketability and durability over flashy design, the iPhone 7’s compact, sealed build may serve you better long-term than the fragile elegance of the S6 Edge.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the Galaxy S6 Edge used Samsung’s Exynos 7420 (or Snapdragon 810 in some regions), both powerful for their time. However, thermal throttling could occur during extended use, leading to inconsistent performance. The phone ran TouchWiz, which many found bloated despite its feature richness.

The iPhone 7 introduced Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—the first quad-core processor in an iPhone. Benchmarks showed it outperforming the S6 Edge by a wide margin, especially in single-threaded tasks critical for app responsiveness. iOS 10 offered a smoother, more consistent experience with faster app launches, seamless multitasking, and superior memory management.

Longevity played a major role. Apple supported the iPhone 7 with updates up to iOS 16—six years of software evolution. In contrast, the Galaxy S6 Edge received only three major Android updates and security patches tapered off quickly after 2018.

“iOS devices often maintain peak performance longer because of tight hardware-software integration.” — Mark Thompson, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechInsight Group

Camera Comparison: Real-World Results

The Galaxy S6 Edge had a strong 16MP rear camera with f/1.9 aperture, producing vibrant, detailed photos in daylight. Low-light performance was decent, but noise reduction often smudged fine details. Video maxed out at 1440p, and autofocus could lag in fast-moving scenes.

The iPhone 7 upgraded to a 12MP sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS) and a wider f/1.8 aperture. While megapixels were lower, Apple’s image processing produced more natural colors, better dynamic range, and superior consistency across lighting conditions. The addition of OIS significantly improved low-light shots and video stability. It also supported 4K video recording at 30fps—something the S6 Edge couldn’t match.

In side-by-side tests, the iPhone 7 consistently delivered sharper textures, accurate skin tones, and cleaner night photography. For users who frequently shared photos on social media or valued reliability over stylized enhancement, the iPhone 7 camera was a clear step forward.

Battery Life and Charging

The Galaxy S6 Edge packed a 2600mAh battery, which struggled to last a full day under moderate-to-heavy use. Fast charging helped, but wireless charging was the main convenience perk. Battery degradation over time was noticeable due to the sealed design and lack of optimization in later software versions.

The iPhone 7 came with a slightly larger effective battery capacity (though rated at 1960mAh, real-world efficiency was higher due to A10 efficiency). Apple claimed up to 14 hours of talk time, and independent tests confirmed around 10–11 hours of screen-on time—on par with or exceeding the S6 Edge despite the smaller nominal capacity.

Crucially, iOS power management was more aggressive and adaptive. Background app refresh, location services, and display brightness adjustments worked cohesively to extend usage. After two years, iPhone 7 users reported less battery wear compared to S6 Edge owners, thanks in part to optimized charging algorithms introduced in later iOS updates.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Galaxy S6 Edge	iPhone 7
Release Year	2015	2016
Processor	Exynos 7420 / Snapdragon 810	A10 Fusion
Rear Camera	16MP, f/1.9, no OIS	12MP, f/1.8, OIS
Video Recording	1440p @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Battery Capacity	2600 mAh	1960 mAh (higher efficiency)
Water Resistance	No official rating	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Software Updates	3 major Android versions	iOS 10 to iOS 16 (6 years)
Headphone Jack	Yes	No (Lightning or Bluetooth required)
Storage Options	32/64/128GB, no microSD	32/128/256GB, no expandable storage

Real-World Upgrade Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Sarah, a long-time Android user who switched from the Galaxy S6 Edge to the iPhone 7 in late 2016. Her primary concerns were camera quality for travel blogging and phone longevity, as she typically kept devices for three years.

Initially frustrated by the lack of a headphone jack, she adapted using AirPods (released shortly after her purchase). She quickly appreciated the iPhone’s consistent performance—even after installing dozens of apps—and noted that iOS updates installed seamlessly without bloatware reinstalling itself.

After one year, her iPhone 7 still operated smoothly, while her friend’s S6 Edge showed lag, overheating, and degraded battery life requiring midday charging. By year two, Sarah hadn’t experienced crashes or slowdowns common in aging Android phones. The ability to sell her iPhone 7 later at a higher resale value than comparable Samsung models was an unexpected bonus.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t just about new features—it was about sustained usability and peace of mind.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from S6 Edge to iPhone 7 Right for You?

• ✅ Need longer software support (5+ years)?
• ✅ Want better camera consistency, especially in low light?
• ✅ Prefer a more durable, water-resistant design?
• ✅ Value ecosystem integration (iCloud, AirPods, Apple Watch)?
• ✅ Willing to adapt to Lightning headphones or go wireless?
• ✅ Prioritize smooth, lag-free performance over time?

If four or more apply, the iPhone 7 likely offered a worthwhile upgrade path.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the removal of the headphone jack a dealbreaker?

For some, yes—especially audiophiles using wired headphones. But Apple bundled Lightning EarPods and included a dongle. Over time, wireless adoption made this transition easier. Many users now view it as a push toward modern audio solutions rather than a downgrade.

Which phone holds value better?

The iPhone 7 retained resale value significantly better. Two years post-release, used iPhone 7 units sold for nearly 50% of original price, while S6 Edge units dropped below 30%. Apple’s reputation for longevity and software support drives stronger secondary market demand.

Could the Galaxy S6 Edge compete with iPhone 7 performance?

In 2016, yes—but only when brand new. Within a year, the S6 Edge began showing signs of slowdown due to software bloat and inefficient memory management. The iPhone 7 maintained near-original speed throughout its lifecycle, giving it a decisive edge in real-world performance longevity.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For most users, especially those valuing long-term reliability, camera quality, and ecosystem cohesion, upgrading from the Galaxy S6 Edge to the iPhone 7 was absolutely worth it. While the S6 Edge was a design marvel in 2015, the iPhone 7 represented a leap in functional maturity—offering better performance, superior software support, enhanced durability, and a more consistent user experience.

The trade-offs—like losing the headphone jack or curved screen novelty—were outweighed by tangible benefits in daily use. Apple’s commitment to optimization ensured the iPhone 7 remained responsive and secure years after release, something few Android flagships of that era could match.

💬 Did you make the switch from Galaxy S6 Edge to iPhone 7? Share your experience below—what surprised you, what you miss, and whether you’d do it again.