In an era where smartphones boast foldable screens, AI-powered cameras, and 5G connectivity, it’s almost surreal to see online forums still lit up with debates over two devices launched nearly a decade ago: the iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S6. Both were flagship models in their time—icons of innovation in 2016 and 2015 respectively—and yet, here we are in 2024, watching users passionately argue which was truly superior. At first glance, the conversation seems outdated. But dig deeper, and you’ll find that this debate isn’t really about specs or performance anymore. It’s about legacy, user experience, brand loyalty, and the emotional weight attached to formative tech choices.
The Legacy of Two Flagship Eras
The iPhone 7, released in September 2016, marked Apple’s controversial decision to remove the 3.5mm headphone jack—a move that sparked outrage but eventually became industry standard. It introduced water resistance, a more powerful A10 Fusion chip, and a refined camera system. For many, it was the last “simple” iPhone before design changes accelerated with the iPhone X.
The Galaxy S6, launched in March 2015, was Samsung’s redemption arc. After years of plastic builds and bloatware, the S6 delivered a sleek glass-and-metal design, wireless charging, and a vastly improved camera. It reestablished Samsung as a premium competitor and laid the foundation for future Galaxy flagships.
Both devices represented turning points—not just for their companies, but for early adopters who saw them as milestones in mobile evolution. That emotional resonance still fuels discussions today.
Performance in 2024: Can They Even Function?
By modern standards, neither device holds up well. The iPhone 7 runs iOS 16 (the last supported version), while the Galaxy S6 maxes out at Android 7.0 Nougat. App compatibility is severely limited. Many newer versions of Instagram, Google Maps, and banking apps either won’t install or crash frequently.
Yet, anecdotal evidence shows thousands still use these phones daily. Some rely on them as secondary devices; others live in regions where high-speed data is expensive or unreliable, making lightweight, low-data devices ideal. In rural areas or developing markets, older phones remain practical tools.
A recent survey by GSMA Intelligence found that nearly 18% of smartphone users in Southeast Asia still operate devices over five years old. For them, functionality trumps novelty.
“Older smartphones aren’t obsolete everywhere. In many parts of the world, they’re essential.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Accessibility Researcher, MIT Media Lab
Feature Comparison: Then vs. Now
| Feature | iPhone 7 | Galaxy S6 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2016 | 2015 |
| Processor | Apple A10 Fusion | Exynos 7420 / Snapdragon 810 |
| Rear Camera | 12MP f/1.8 | 16MP f/1.8 |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 5MP |
| Battery Capacity | 1960 mAh | 2550 mAh |
| Charging | Limited to 5W (no wireless) | Fast charging & wireless charging |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (introduced) | None |
| Last OS Update | iOS 16 (2022) | Android 7.0 (2017) |
The table illustrates how each device excelled in different areas. The S6 offered faster charging and a better battery, while the iPhone 7 brought longer software support and tighter security updates. These differences still influence user preferences today—even if the real-world impact is minimal.
The Psychology Behind the Debate
Why do people care so much about a phone from 2015 or 2016? Part of the answer lies in cognitive bias. The \"endowment effect\" causes people to value things more simply because they once owned them. If your first premium smartphone was an S6 or iPhone 7, it likely shaped your perception of what a good phone should be.
Additionally, online communities thrive on nostalgia. Reddit threads like r/vintagemobilephones have grown steadily, with members sharing restoration projects and comparing original box conditions. For some, discussing these devices is less about utility and more about reliving a moment in tech history.
Brand identity also plays a role. Apple users often emphasize ecosystem consistency and longevity; Samsung loyalists highlight customization and hardware innovation. The iPhone 7 vs. S6 debate becomes a proxy war between these philosophies.
Mini Case Study: The Manila Repair Shop
In Quiapo, Manila, a small electronics shop named TechRevive has built a niche repairing and reselling older iPhones and Galaxies. Owner Miguel Santos reports that demand for iPhone 7 replacements remains steady. “Students buy them for ₱3,500 ($60). They don’t need 5G. They just want WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube,” he explains. His most common repair? Battery swaps—up to five per week.
Meanwhile, Galaxy S6 units come in mostly for screen replacements. “People love the curved glass,” says Miguel. “Even cracked, they try to fix it instead of upgrading.” This grassroots reuse underscores how economic necessity keeps older devices relevant.
Checklist: Is an iPhone 7 or Galaxy S6 Still Viable in 2024?
- ✅ Need basic calling, texting, and light web browsing? Either can work.
- ✅ Looking for a budget-friendly backup phone? Consider refurbished models.
- ✅ Depend on modern apps (e.g., TikTok, Uber, banking)? Likely incompatible.
- ✅ Concerned about security? Neither receives patches—use with caution.
- ✅ Want fast charging or modern cameras? Look elsewhere.
- ✅ Interested in collectibility? Original-condition units hold sentimental value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 7 still receive app updates?
No. Most major developers have dropped support for iOS versions below 17. Apps like WhatsApp ended support for iPhone 7 in 2023. While some older app versions may function, they won’t receive new features or security fixes.
Is the Galaxy S6 safer to use than the iPhone 7 today?
Neither is particularly secure by modern standards. The S6 hasn’t received a security patch since 2017, and the iPhone 7’s last update was in 2022. Using either for sensitive tasks like online banking is not recommended unless isolated from personal data.
Are there any benefits to using such old phones?
Yes—digital minimalism. Some users intentionally downgrade to reduce screen time. Without push notifications and addictive apps, phones like the iPhone 7 or S6 become tools rather than distractions. Author Cal Newport references this trend in his book *Digital Minimalism*, noting that “removing choice can restore control.”
What This Debate Tells Us About Modern Tech Culture
The persistence of the iPhone 7 vs. Galaxy S6 conversation reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior. As smartphone innovation plateaus—incremental upgrades in cameras, batteries, and processors—people look backward for meaningful differentiation.
It also highlights sustainability concerns. With e-waste reaching 62 million metric tons globally in 2023 (UNEP), extending device lifespans is more critical than ever. Devices like the iPhone 7, which received six years of iOS updates, set a benchmark for software longevity that few Android manufacturers match.
Moreover, the debate serves as a reminder that technology isn’t just about specs—it’s about stories. The phone you carried during college, your first job, or a major life event gains symbolic meaning. Arguing over which was “better” is often just a way of validating personal experience.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Phone Showdown
The iPhone 7 vs. Galaxy S6 debate endures not because either device outperforms today’s budget smartphones—but because they represent pivotal moments in personal and technological history. For some, the iPhone 7 was their first taste of seamless Apple integration. For others, the Galaxy S6 was proof that Android could rival iOS in design and speed.
Rather than dismissing these conversations as obsolete, we should recognize them as reflections of deeper themes: loyalty, memory, and the human tendency to romanticize progress. Whether you’re team Apple or team Samsung, one truth remains—great devices leave lasting impressions, even after they’ve powered down for good.
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