Is The Galaxy S8 Still Worth It In 2024 Or Should I Just Get A Used Iphone 6s Plus

The Galaxy S8 and iPhone 6s Plus were flagship devices in their time, but we're now nearly a decade past their original releases. In 2024, choosing between them isn't about cutting-edge features—it's about practicality, longevity, and whether either device can still meet basic smartphone needs. While both are outdated by modern standards, they occasionally surface in secondhand markets at tempting prices. But is either worth your money today?

This decision hinges on more than nostalgia or screen size. It involves software support, app compatibility, security risks, battery health, and real-world usability. Let’s break down the realities of using these aging devices in the current mobile landscape.

Performance and Hardware in 2024

The Galaxy S8 launched in 2017 with a Snapdragon 835 (or Exynos 9810 in some regions), 4GB of RAM, and a 3000mAh battery. At the time, it was powerful and sleek, featuring a near-bezel-less Infinity Display that set design trends. The iPhone 6s Plus, released in 2015, came with Apple’s A9 chip, 2GB of RAM, and a 2750mAh battery. While both were fast in their era, today’s expectations have shifted dramatically.

Modern apps—especially social media platforms, messaging tools, and web browsers—are far more demanding. The S8’s 4GB of RAM gives it a slight edge over the 6s Plus, allowing smoother multitasking. However, both struggle with prolonged usage due to thermal throttling and degraded batteries. Even if hardware functions, battery wear is almost guaranteed after eight or nine years.

Tip: When buying any used phone older than five years, assume the battery will need replacement—or factor in poor battery life.

Software Support and Security Risks

This is where the critical differences emerge. Samsung ended major Android updates for the Galaxy S8 in 2020 and stopped security patches shortly after. As of 2024, the device runs Android 9 or 10 at best, with no further updates. That means known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, putting users at risk when browsing, logging into accounts, or downloading apps.

iOS support tells a different story. Apple’s update policy is famously long. The iPhone 6s Plus received iOS updates until 2023, with its final supported version being iOS 15. While it never got iOS 16, iOS 15 remained secure and functional through early 2024. Some security fixes trickled in via dependency updates from newer iPhones, indirectly benefiting older models for a time.

“Apple’s extended software lifecycle gives older iPhones a level of usability and safety unmatched in the Android world.” — David Chen, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Insights

For users concerned about privacy or account access, this distinction matters. An unsupported Android phone like the S8 could expose login credentials, messages, or financial data if compromised through an unpatched flaw.

App Compatibility and Daily Usability

Even if a phone powers on, app compatibility determines whether it’s truly usable. Google and developers increasingly require newer OS versions. By 2024, many apps—including banking, ride-sharing, and streaming services—no longer support Android 9 or earlier. For example, Google Play Services dropped support for pre-Android 10 devices in late 2023, meaning the S8 may fail to install or update essential apps.

The iPhone 6s Plus, running iOS 15, fares better. Most major apps continued supporting iOS 15 through 2023–2024. While performance lags in apps like Instagram or TikTok, core functionality—calls, messages, email, Safari, and even some banking apps—remains intact. However, new app features often skip older devices, and video playback may stutter on high-resolution content.

Feature	Galaxy S8 (2024)	iPhone 6s Plus (2024)
Last OS Version	Android 9/10	iOS 15.8
Security Updates	No (ended 2020–2021)	No (ended 2023)
Google Play Services	Limited or broken	Fully supported
App Store Access	Play Store may not function	App Store accessible
Battery Longevity	Poor (high degradation)	Poor (but replaceable)
Camera Quality	Decent for basics	Aged sensor, weak low-light

Real-World Example: Can Either Work as a Backup Phone?

Consider Maria, a college student who picked up a Galaxy S8 for $20 at a thrift store. She intended to use it as a dedicated e-reader and music player. Initially, it worked—she sideloaded a few APKs and loaded audiobooks. But within weeks, she noticed pop-up ads appearing outside apps, a classic sign of malware. After researching, she discovered her device had a known exploit in the Samsung keyboard app that allowed adware injection. With no patch available, she had to factory reset and disable most internet functions to make it safe.

Meanwhile, her friend Alex uses a refurbished iPhone 6s Plus as a car GPS and emergency contact device. It runs Apple Maps, gets SMS, and plays podcasts—functions that don’t demand heavy processing. He replaced the battery for $30 and keeps it updated to iOS 15. While slow, it remains stable and secure for limited tasks.

This contrast shows that while both phones can technically power on, their suitability depends heavily on use case and threat exposure.

Checklist: Is an Old Phone Right for You?

Before buying a Galaxy S8 or iPhone 6s Plus in 2024, ask yourself the following:

• Will I use it for sensitive activities (banking, shopping, social media)? → Avoid both.
• Do I need reliable app access and updates? → Neither is ideal, but iPhone has better app support.
• Is this a primary phone or backup device? → Only consider as a secondary phone.
• Can I accept frequent crashes or slow performance? → Yes, if used minimally.
• Am I willing to replace the battery? → Likely necessary for either model.
• Do I understand the security risks of outdated software? → Proceed only with caution.

What Should You Get Instead?

If your budget limits you to older devices, consider slightly newer models that still offer meaningful support. For around the same price as a Galaxy S8 or 6s Plus, you might find:

• iPhone SE (2020 or 2022): Runs iOS 17, supports iOS 18, A13/A15 chip, compact design, excellent app compatibility.
• Samsung Galaxy A14 5G or A23: Budget Android phones with guaranteed 2026+ updates and modern app support.
• Google Pixel 4a (used): Gets full Android updates until late 2024, clean software, strong camera.

These options provide real security, app functionality, and battery reliability—something neither the S8 nor 6s Plus can guarantee in 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use WhatsApp on a Galaxy S8 in 2024?

WhatsApp officially dropped support for Android 5.0 and older in 2023. While the S8 runs Android 9+, some users report it still works—but with instability. Future updates may block it entirely. Use at your own risk.

Is the iPhone 6s Plus faster than the Galaxy S8?

In raw efficiency with iOS apps, yes. Apple’s optimization allows the A9 chip to handle iOS 15 more smoothly than the S8 handles Android 10. However, neither compares to modern entry-level phones.

Which phone holds battery better today?

Neither. After 8+ years, lithium-ion batteries degrade significantly. Most units will hold less than 60% of original capacity. The iPhone’s battery is easier and cheaper to replace, giving it a practical advantage.

Final Verdict

The Galaxy S8 is not worth buying in 2024. Its lack of security updates, broken app ecosystem, and hardware age make it a liability rather than a tool. The iPhone 6s Plus, while also obsolete, remains marginally more usable due to its later software cutoff and stronger app support. However, it should only be considered for non-critical tasks—and only if the battery is fresh.

Smartphones are deeply integrated into our digital lives. Using a device without security updates risks personal data, login credentials, and online identity. If you’re on a tight budget, look for newer budget models or certified refurbished phones from 2020 onward. They offer vastly better value, safety, and longevity.

🚀 Upgrade wisely. Even modest investments in a slightly newer used phone can save you from frustration, security issues, and wasted time. Share your experience below—have you tried using an old phone in 2024?