Is The Samsung A51 Actually Better Than The Iphone 6 Plus Or Is It Just Hype

The smartphone market thrives on nostalgia, brand loyalty, and rapid innovation. When comparing a modern mid-range Android device like the Samsung Galaxy A51 to a once-iconic flagship such as the iPhone 6 Plus, questions arise: Is the newer phone genuinely superior, or are we simply swayed by the allure of new technology? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about how these devices perform in everyday use, how long they last, and what kind of user experience they deliver.

The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, was Apple’s first large-screen iPhone and a cultural milestone. It offered smooth iOS integration, strong build quality, and a loyal user base. Fast forward to 2020, and the Samsung Galaxy A51 emerged as a budget-friendly contender with modern features like a quad-camera setup, AMOLED display, and expandable storage. But does that make it “better”? Let’s break it down objectively.

Performance and Software Experience

At launch, the iPhone 6 Plus ran iOS 8 on an Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. For its time, this was powerful—iOS optimization allowed fluid multitasking, responsive apps, and excellent longevity. However, Apple eventually dropped support for the device; iOS 12 was the last version compatible with the A8, meaning no security updates or app compatibility beyond 2020.

In contrast, the Samsung A51 launched with Android 10 and Samsung’s One UI, powered by an Exynos 9611 processor and 4GB of RAM. While not a high-end chipset, it handles daily tasks smoothly—web browsing, social media, video streaming, and even light gaming. With four years of software updates promised (up to Android 14), the A51 remains functional and secure well into the 2020s.

“Software support is often the deciding factor in long-term usability. A phone two generations old can still be useful if it receives updates.” — David Lin, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse

Tip: Always check update history before relying on an older phone. Outdated software increases vulnerability to security threats.

Display and Design Comparison

The iPhone 6 Plus featured a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920x1080. At the time, it was praised for color accuracy and brightness. Today, however, LCD screens appear duller compared to modern OLED panels.

The Samsung A51 steps up with a 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display at the same Full HD+ resolution. The larger screen offers more immersive viewing, deeper blacks, and better outdoor visibility. Its slim bezels and punch-hole front camera reflect current design trends, making it feel significantly more modern.

Build-wise, the iPhone 6 Plus used aluminum and glass, giving it a premium feel but making it prone to bending under pressure (“Bendgate”). The A51 uses plastic throughout—lighter and less luxurious, but more durable against drops when paired with a case.

Display & Build Summary

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Samsung A51
Screen Size	5.5 inches	6.5 inches
Display Type	LCD	Super AMOLED
Resolution	1920x1080	1080x2400
Aspect Ratio	16:9	20:9
Build Material	Aluminum/Glass	Plastic
Fingerprint Sensor	Rear (Touch ID)	Side-mounted

Camera Capabilities: Then vs. Now

The iPhone 6 Plus had a single 8MP rear camera with optical image stabilization—a standout at launch. Photos were natural, colors accurate, and video recording solid at 1080p. But without computational photography or multiple lenses, zooming meant losing quality, and low-light performance was limited.

The A51 counters with a quad-camera array: 48MP main sensor, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro, and 5MP depth. This versatility allows wider shots, closer close-ups, and portrait effects. While pixel count doesn’t equal quality, Samsung’s processing enhances dynamic range and detail in daylight. Night mode improves dim lighting, though results vary.

Front cameras tell a similar story. The iPhone 6 Plus has a basic 1.2MP FaceTime camera, while the A51 offers a 32MP selfie shooter ideal for social media. Video maxes out at 1080p/30fps on both, so neither supports modern 4K standards.

Tip: If you take lots of photos in varied environments, multiple lenses give flexibility the iPhone 6 Plus simply can’t match.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 6 Plus came with a 2915mAh battery. In 2014, this provided around 10–12 hours of mixed use. By today’s standards, it struggles—especially after battery degradation over time. No fast charging or wireless options were included.

The A51 packs a 4000mAh battery and consistently delivers 1.5 to 2 days of moderate use. It supports 15W fast charging, getting from 0 to 50% in about 30 minutes. While not groundbreaking, this is a major upgrade in convenience.

“The shift from one-day batteries to multi-day endurance changed user expectations. The A51 meets modern needs where the 6 Plus now falls short.” — Lena Park, Senior Editor at MobileEdge Review

Real-World Example: Daily Use Scenario

Consider Maria, a college student who relies on her phone for notes, navigation, messaging, and entertainment. She inherited her dad’s iPhone 6 Plus in 2022. Within weeks, she noticed slow app launches, frequent crashes on Instagram, and the need to charge twice daily. After switching to a used Samsung A51, she gained faster responses, better multitasking, longer battery life, and reliable access to Google Workspace and Zoom. Her productivity improved—not because the A51 is a powerhouse, but because it runs current software efficiently.

Practical Checklist: Is the A51 Right for You?

• ✅ Need a phone that supports modern apps and services?
• ✅ Want longer battery life without constant charging?
• ✅ Value photo diversity (wide-angle, macro shots)?
• ✅ Prefer a larger, brighter screen for videos and reading?
• ✅ Require ongoing software and security updates?

If most answers are yes, the A51 is objectively better for contemporary usage—even if the iPhone 6 Plus once set the standard.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still be used in 2024?

Technically, yes—but with significant limitations. Many apps no longer support iOS 12 or earlier. Safari lacks critical security patches, and app stores may block downloads. It works for calls and texts, but not as a primary smartphone.

Is the Samsung A51 waterproof?

No, the A51 lacks official IP certification for water resistance. While minor spills might not damage it, submersion or heavy rain poses a risk. The iPhone 6 Plus also has no water resistance.

Does the A51 run iOS apps?

No. The A51 runs Android, which means access to the Google Play Store instead of the Apple App Store. Most popular apps have Android versions, but some niche or Apple-exclusive tools (like certain Final Cut Pro companions) are unavailable.

Conclusion: Beyond Hype, Real Utility Wins

The Samsung Galaxy A51 isn’t just “better” than the iPhone 6 Plus due to marketing or newer branding—it delivers measurable improvements in nearly every category that matters today: software support, screen quality, battery life, camera flexibility, and overall system responsiveness. While the iPhone 6 Plus was revolutionary in its era, it’s now functionally obsolete for anything beyond basic communication.

Choosing between them isn’t about brand allegiance or nostalgia. It’s about practicality. The A51 represents accessible modernity—proof that thoughtful mid-range engineering can outperform yesterday’s flagships. If you’re holding onto an aging iPhone for sentimental reasons, consider upgrading not because it’s trendy, but because your digital life deserves reliability, security, and ease of use.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your own device? Check your phone’s last update date, battery health, and app compatibility. If it hasn’t received updates since 2020, it might be time to move forward—just like the shift from the iPhone 6 Plus to the A51 shows us.