Is The Google Pixel Xl Still Worth It Over A Samsung Galaxy S6 In Current Year

In 2024, comparing two smartphones released nearly a decade ago might seem like an academic exercise — but for some users, especially those on tight budgets or with niche preferences, older devices still enter the conversation. The Google Pixel XL (released in 2016) and the Samsung Galaxy S6 (launched in 2015) were flagship phones in their day. Today, neither receives updates or official support, yet they occasionally surface in secondhand markets or personal upgrades. So, is the Pixel XL still worth it over the Galaxy S6 now?

The short answer: yes, but only under very specific conditions. While both phones are obsolete by modern standards, the Pixel XL holds up better in key areas like software experience, camera quality, and long-term usability. However, “better” doesn’t mean “usable.” This article breaks down the realities of using either device today, focusing on practicality, performance, and user expectations.

Performance and Hardware: A Tale of Two Generations

The Galaxy S6 was powered by Samsung’s Exynos 7420 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 (depending on region), paired with 3GB of RAM and 32/64/128GB of storage. At the time, it was a powerhouse — sleek metal-and-glass design, fast performance, and wireless charging. But its Mali-T760 GPU and aging architecture struggled with thermal throttling, especially under load.

The Pixel XL arrived a year later with the more refined Snapdragon 821, 4GB of RAM, and base storage starting at 32GB. Though not dramatically faster, the 821 offered better power efficiency and sustained performance. More importantly, the Pixel ran stock Android with minimal bloat, which translated to smoother responsiveness even as hardware aged.

Tip: When buying used older phones, always check if the battery has been replaced — degraded batteries cripple performance and safety.

Feature	Google Pixel XL	Samsung Galaxy S6
Release Year	2016	2015
Processor	Snapdragon 821	Exynos 7420 / Snapdragon 810
RAM	4GB	3GB
Storage Options	32GB / 128GB	32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Battery Capacity	3450 mAh	2550 mAh
Charging	Fast charging (USB-C)	Fast charging (Micro-USB), Wireless
OS Launch Version	Android 7.1 Nougat	Android 5.0 Lollipop
Last Supported OS	Android 10	Android 7.0 Nougat

On paper, the Pixel XL has the edge: newer chipset, more RAM, larger battery, and USB-C. But in 2024, raw specs matter less than real-world functionality. Both devices will struggle with modern apps, multitasking, and background processes. Chrome tabs crash, social media apps lag, and app launches can take seconds. The S6, with its smaller battery and older SoC, tends to die within half a day even with light use — assuming the battery hasn’t degraded further.

Software and Security: The Critical Gap

This is where the Pixel XL pulls significantly ahead — not because it's secure today, but because it had a longer supported lifecycle. Google guaranteed three years of major Android updates and monthly security patches. The Pixel XL received updates up to Android 10 and security fixes through early 2020.

The Galaxy S6, despite being a flagship, stopped receiving major updates after Android 7.0 Nougat and security patches ended around 2017. That means the S6 has been exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities for over six years.

“Using any phone without security updates after 2019 is inherently risky — especially for banking, messaging, or email.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at CyberShield Labs

In practice, this makes the S6 unsafe for daily use. Public Wi-Fi, suspicious links, or even compromised ads could exploit known vulnerabilities. The Pixel XL, while also out of support, was patched more recently and runs a cleaner version of Android, reducing attack surface.

Camera Quality: Where the Pixel Still Shines

If there’s one area where the Pixel XL remains impressive, it’s photography. Despite having a single 12.3MP rear sensor, Google’s computational photography — HDR+, noise reduction, and image processing — delivered results that rivaled (and often beat) dual-camera flagships of 2017–2018.

The Galaxy S6, while excellent for its time, relied more on hardware: an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. But without advanced software tuning, its photos suffer in low light, dynamic range, and consistency. By 2024 standards, both cameras are limited, but the Pixel XL produces noticeably clearer, more balanced images in mixed lighting.

Tip: If using an old phone for photos, avoid low-light scenes and stick to daylight — processing limitations become obvious otherwise.

Real Example: A Week with the Pixel XL in 2024

Journalist Maria Tran used a refurbished Pixel XL for one week as her only phone, relying on public transit, mobile banking, and messaging apps. She reported that WhatsApp and Signal worked intermittently, Gmail loaded slowly, and Google Maps frequently recalculated routes due to delayed location updates. The camera impressed her when taking outdoor photos, but video recording stuttered beyond 1080p. Battery lasted about 14 hours with airplane mode enabled and screen brightness at 50%. Her conclusion: “It’s functional for emergencies or as a backup, but not viable as a primary device.”

Practical Use Cases: Who Should Consider These Phones?

Neither the Pixel XL nor the Galaxy S6 should be anyone’s main phone in 2024. But there are rare scenarios where one might still have value:

• Emergency backup phone: For car glove compartments or travel kits, where calls and texts are the only needs.
• Media player: Loaded with music or podcasts for workouts, disconnected from accounts.
• Smart home controller: Mounted on a wall to manage lights or thermostats via Wi-Fi (not cellular).
• Learning tool: For students studying Android development or rooting practices.

In these cases, the Pixel XL is the better choice due to its larger battery, cleaner software, and better app compatibility. The S6’s smaller battery and outdated OS make it less reliable even in passive roles.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Evaluate an Old Phone for Light Use

1. Check battery health: If the battery holds less than 70% of its original capacity, replace it or avoid purchase.
2. Boot and test core functions: Make a call, send a text, connect to Wi-Fi, open a browser.
3. Install essential apps: Try downloading WhatsApp, Google Maps, and your bank’s app — see if they install and run.
4. Test camera and audio: Take a photo, record a short video, play audio through speaker and headphone jack.
5. Assess update status: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update. If no updates available since 2020 or earlier, assume no future patches.
6. Evaluate personal risk tolerance: Are you comfortable using a device with known security flaws?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use either phone with a modern SIM card and carrier?

Most carriers still support LTE bands used by both devices, so basic service may work. However, VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling may not function reliably, and 5G is unsupported. T-Mobile has phased out 3G, which affects older fallback capabilities.

Is the Google Pixel XL waterproof?

No. Neither the Pixel XL nor the Galaxy S6 has an official IP rating. The S6 has some splash resistance due to sealed ports, but neither should be exposed to water.

Can I upgrade the operating system with custom ROMs?

Possibly. Developers have ported LineageOS and other custom firmware to both devices. However, this requires technical knowledge, voids any warranty, and may introduce instability or security risks.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The Google Pixel XL is objectively better than the Galaxy S6 in 2024 — but “better” doesn’t mean “recommended.” If forced to choose between the two, the Pixel XL wins for its superior camera, longer software support, and slightly more usable hardware. Yet both phones are well past their prime.

For less than $50, you can buy a certified refurbished smartphone from 2020 or later — such as a Pixel 4a or Galaxy A32 — that supports modern apps, offers all-day battery, and includes recent security updates. These provide a dramatically better experience than either vintage option.

🚀 Bottom line: The Pixel XL is worth it over the S6 only if you're choosing between two non-functional relics. In any real-world scenario, invest in a slightly newer used phone. Your time, data, and daily convenience are worth more than saving a few dollars on outdated tech.