Is The Iphone 6 Still Worth It In 2025 Or Is The Galaxy S5 A Better Cheap Alternative

In 2025, smartphones are faster, smarter, and more integrated into daily life than ever before. Yet, some consumers still consider older models like the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy S5 due to their low price on secondhand markets. While both devices were flagship leaders in their time—Apple’s iPhone 6 launched in 2014 and Samsung’s Galaxy S5 in 2014—the question today isn’t just about cost. It’s about usability, security, app compatibility, and whether these aging devices can handle even basic modern tasks.

This article breaks down the practical realities of using either phone in 2025, comparing performance, software support, camera quality, battery longevity, and overall value. If you're considering one of these phones for a child, an elderly relative, or as a temporary backup, here’s what you need to know before spending even $30 on a used model.

Performance and Hardware: A Reality Check

The iPhone 6 runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the Galaxy S5 uses either a Snapdragon 801 or Exynos 5422 depending on region, paired with 2GB of RAM. On paper, the Galaxy S5 has more memory, but iOS historically manages lower RAM efficiently. However, by 2025 standards, both processors are severely underpowered.

Simple actions like opening multiple browser tabs, switching between apps, or loading social media feeds will feel sluggish. The iPhone 6 struggles with iOS 12—the last version it supports—and cannot upgrade to iOS 13 or beyond. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S5 maxed out at Android 6.0 Marshmallow, with no official updates since 2017.

App developers have optimized their software for newer hardware. Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google Maps now require background processing, push notifications, and location services that these older systems struggle to maintain. Crashes, freezes, and slow load times are common.

Tip: Avoid installing too many apps on these devices. Stick to one web browser and only essential tools like messaging and phone calls.

Software and Security: The Hidden Risks

Security is where both phones fail dramatically in 2025. Neither receives security patches. Apple stopped signing iOS 12 updates in 2022, meaning vulnerabilities discovered since then remain unpatched. Similarly, Samsung ended all firmware updates for the Galaxy S5 nearly eight years ago.

Without regular security updates, these devices are vulnerable to malware, phishing attacks, and data theft—especially when browsing the web or downloading apps from third-party stores. Even the App Store and Google Play may restrict installations of newer app versions on unsupported operating systems.

“Using a phone without security updates in 2025 is like leaving your front door unlocked in a high-crime neighborhood.” — David Lin, Cybersecurity Analyst at MobileShield Labs

iOS 12 does include basic protections like sandboxing and encryption, but modern exploits often bypass these through zero-day vulnerabilities. Android 6.0 lacks modern permission controls and secure boot features standard in current versions.

Camera and Multimedia Capabilities

In their prime, both cameras were impressive. The iPhone 6 featured an 8MP rear sensor with improved color accuracy and stabilization, while the Galaxy S5 had a 16MP shooter with HDR and panorama modes. But image processing has evolved significantly since then.

Modern smartphone photography relies heavily on computational imaging—multi-frame exposure, AI scene detection, night mode—which neither device supports. Low-light photos appear grainy, autofocus is slow, and video recording tops out at 1080p with noticeable lag and compression artifacts.

For casual snapshots or scanning documents, they may suffice. But don’t expect reliable results in dim lighting or fast-moving scenes. Front-facing cameras (1.2MP on iPhone 6, 2.1MP on S5) struggle with video calls, especially on platforms like Zoom or FaceTime, which now optimize for higher-resolution inputs.

Comparative Overview: iPhone 6 vs Galaxy S5 in 2025

Feature	iPhone 6	Galaxy S5
Last OS Version	iOS 12.5.7 (Jan 2023)	Android 6.0.1 (2017)
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2	16MP, f/2.2
Front Camera	1.2MP	2.1MP
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	~6–8 hours (with light use)	~5–7 hours (varies with battery health)
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB	16GB + microSD expandable
Fingerprint Sensor	Touch ID (first-gen)	Rear-mounted
Water Resistance	No	IP67 rated
Current App Compatibility	Limited; many apps no longer supported	Very limited; Google services degrade over time

Real-World Usage: A Mini Case Study

Consider Maria, a retiree looking for a simple phone for calls, texts, and checking weather updates. She bought a refurbished iPhone 6 for $25 online. Initially satisfied, she soon found issues: Safari crashes when loading news sites, her bank app refuses to launch, and she can't install WhatsApp because the iOS version is too old. After trying to update settings, the phone froze and entered recovery mode, requiring a computer to restore—a process she didn’t understand.

She switched to a Galaxy S5, hoping Android would be more flexible. While she could sideload WhatsApp via APK, the Google Play Store warned her the device wasn’t certified. Location services became unreliable, and the screen developed ghost-touch issues after two weeks. Ultimately, she spent $80 on a new Nokia C100—a modern entry-level phone with Android 12 Go Edition—and experienced smoother performance, better battery life, and access to updated apps.

This scenario reflects a growing trend: the true cost of ultra-cheap phones isn’t the purchase price—it’s frustration, lost time, and compromised functionality.

When Might These Phones Still Be Useful?

There are niche cases where either device might serve a purpose in 2025:

• Offline music player: Load songs via iTunes or SD card and use wired headphones.
• Dedicated GPS device: Pre-download maps in Google Maps or Apple Maps for car navigation.
• Wi-Fi-only tablet replacement: Use at home for YouTube, reading email, or monitoring smart devices—if connected to trusted networks.
• Child’s first phone: Only if strictly monitored, with parental controls and no app downloads.

But even in these roles, limitations persist. Battery degradation is widespread—most iPhone 6 units now have less than 70% capacity—and replacements are hard to find. Charging ports wear out, screens crack easily, and repair parts are increasingly scarce.

Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate an Old Phone for 2025 Use

1. Check the OS version: Can it run the latest compatible OS? If not, skip it.
2. Test core apps: Install WhatsApp, Gmail, and a major bank app. Do they open and function?
3. Assess battery health: On iPhone, check Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Below 80% means poor performance.
4. Verify connectivity: Test Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular signal strength.
5. Evaluate physical condition: Look for screen damage, swollen batteries, or loose charging ports.
6. Research known issues: Search forums for recurring bugs (e.g., “iPhone 6 green line issue” or “S5 random reboots”).

FAQ: Common Questions About Using Old Phones Today

Can I still get apps on the iPhone 6 in 2025?

Some older app versions work, but most major developers—including Meta, Google, and banking institutions—no longer support iOS 12. You’ll encounter frequent \"App Not Compatible\" messages.

Is the Galaxy S5 waterproof enough for everyday use?

While IP67-rated (survives 1m underwater for 30 minutes), seals degrade over time. After nine years, water resistance is likely gone. Don’t rely on it near sinks or rain.

Are these phones safe for kids?

Only with heavy restrictions. Without modern parental controls and app filtering, children may access inappropriate content or download malicious software. Modern budget phones offer far better safety tools.

Final Verdict: Neither Is Truly Worth It in 2025

The harsh truth is that neither the iPhone 6 nor the Galaxy S5 offers meaningful value in 2025. Their hardware is obsolete, software unsupported, and long-term reliability questionable. While they may seem like bargains at $20–$40, the hidden costs—frustration, insecurity, lack of functionality—outweigh any savings.

If you need a low-cost phone, consider modern alternatives like the Samsung Galaxy A04e, Nokia C100, or Apple’s own iPhone SE (1st gen, 2020 model), which starts around $150 used but runs iOS 15 with full app support and security updates until late 2025.

💬 Have experience using an old iPhone or Galaxy in recent years? Share your story in the comments—your insights could help others avoid costly mistakes.