Is The Samsung A6 Plus Still Worth It Or Should I Just Get A Motorola G6 Plus

In 2024, choosing between older mid-range smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A6 Plus and the Motorola Moto G6 Plus isn't just about price—it's about longevity, software support, real-world usability, and whether either device can still meet your daily needs. Both phones launched in 2018, meaning they're now over six years old. While that might sound ancient in smartphone years, some users still rely on them due to budget constraints or brand loyalty. But is either model still a smart choice today?

This article breaks down key factors—performance, camera quality, software updates, battery life, and resale value—to help you decide whether to stick with the Samsung A6 Plus or make the switch to the Motorola G6 Plus.

Performance and Hardware: How Do They Hold Up?

The heart of any smartphone lies in its processor, RAM, and storage. The Samsung A6 Plus runs on an Exynos 7870—a 1.6 GHz octa-core chip—paired with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. In 2018, this was decent for casual use, but by today’s standards, it struggles with multitasking, modern apps, and even smooth navigation through social media feeds.

The Motorola G6 Plus, meanwhile, features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processor with the same 4GB RAM configuration. While not significantly faster than the Exynos chip, the Snapdragon 630 offers better optimization with Android, especially when running Google services. It also supports faster LTE speeds and improved graphics rendering, making it slightly more future-proof at launch.

Both devices support microSD expansion up to 256GB, which helps mitigate limited internal storage. However, neither handles heavy gaming or intensive applications well in 2024. Apps like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Zoom meetings may lag or crash unexpectedly.

Tip: If you’re holding onto either phone, disable background app refresh and reduce animation scales in Developer Options to improve responsiveness.

Camera Comparison: Photos That Still Matter

One area where these phones diverged at launch was photography. The Samsung A6 Plus features a single 16MP rear camera with f/1.7 aperture and LED flash. While capable in daylight, low-light performance is grainy and lacks detail. The front-facing 16MP selfie camera was marketed as a standout feature, ideal for social media enthusiasts.

The Motorola G6 Plus counters with a dual-camera setup: a primary 12MP sensor (f/1.8) and a 5MP depth sensor. This allows for basic portrait mode effects and slightly better dynamic range. Motorola’s near-stock Android experience also means faster shutter response and cleaner image processing.

In side-by-side tests conducted by tech reviewers in 2018, the G6 Plus consistently outperformed the A6 Plus in mixed lighting conditions and video recording (1080p at 30fps). Today, both cameras fall short compared to entry-level 2024 smartphones, but the G6 Plus retains a slight edge in consistency and color accuracy.

“Even mid-tier phones from 2018 weren’t built with long-term camera relevance in mind. By 2024, computational photography has changed the game entirely.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Use?

Battery degradation is inevitable after six years, but original capacity matters. The Samsung A6 Plus packs a 3500mAh battery, while the G6 Plus uses a slightly smaller 3200mAh unit. On paper, the A6 Plus should last longer—but real-world usage tells a different story.

Moto’s lightweight software and efficient Snapdragon chip allow the G6 Plus to deliver up to 12 hours of screen-on time when new. Samsung’s heavier TouchWiz UI (now One UI Core) consumes more power, reducing actual endurance despite the larger cell. Fast charging is supported on both models (15W), though replacements for damaged batteries are increasingly hard to find.

Feature	Samsung A6 Plus	Motorola G6 Plus
Battery Capacity	3500 mAh	3200 mAh
Charging Speed	15W Fast Charging	15W TurboPower
Expected Daily Use (2024)	4–6 hrs SOT*	5–7 hrs SOT*
Wireless Charging	No	No

*Screen-on time; varies based on battery health and usage patterns.

Software and Security: The Hidden Dealbreaker

This is where both phones fail dramatically by today’s standards. The Samsung A6 Plus shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo and received one major OS update to Android 9 Pie. Security patches ended in 2020. Similarly, the Motorola G6 Plus launched with Android 8.0 and was updated to Android 9, with security support discontinued in 2019.

Running outdated Android versions exposes users to unpatched vulnerabilities. Modern banking apps, messaging platforms, and even Google Play Services are beginning to phase out compatibility with pre-Android 10 devices. For example, WhatsApp dropped support for devices running Android 4.1–8.1 in 2023, affecting millions—including many A6 Plus users who never upgraded.

Tip: Avoid entering sensitive information (banking, emails) on phones without current security patches. Consider using such devices only in offline or secondary roles.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student in Buenos Aires, has used her Samsung A6 Plus since 2019. She relies on it for notes, YouTube lectures, and staying in touch via WhatsApp. Recently, she noticed the phone freezing during video calls and failing to load PDFs quickly. After researching alternatives, she considered buying a used Motorola G6 Plus for $80, hoping for better performance.

She purchased the device, only to discover that while it felt snappier initially, it couldn’t install the latest version of her university’s learning management system app, which requires Android 10+. Frustrated, she returned it and instead invested $140 in a new Redmi A3 with Android 13 Go Edition, which solved her problems immediately.

Maria’s experience highlights a critical truth: upgrading within the same generation of aging hardware rarely solves core limitations. Sometimes, stepping into newer budget tiers delivers far greater value.

Step-by-Step Guide: Should You Upgrade?

If you're still deciding, follow this practical evaluation process:

1. Assess Current Performance: Does your phone struggle with basic tasks like texting, calling, or loading maps?
2. Check App Compatibility: Try opening essential apps (Google Pay, banking, Zoom). Are they supported?
3. Evaluate Battery Health: Does the battery drain within 3–4 hours of use, even after a full charge?
4. Review Security Status: Is your phone running Android 9 or earlier? If yes, it's no longer secure.
5. Compare Replacement Cost: Factor in repair fees vs. investing in a newer model with warranty.

If three or more answers indicate serious limitations, it’s time to move on.

FAQ

Can I still buy accessories for the Samsung A6 Plus or Moto G6 Plus?

Yes, but availability is shrinking. Generic cases and chargers work, but OEM parts like batteries or screens are scarce and often sold by third-party sellers with questionable quality.

Will either phone get Android 10 or later?

No. Samsung and Motorola have officially ended software support for both models. No further updates will be released.

Are these phones safe to use in 2024?

They can function as secondary devices or offline tools, but should not be used for online banking, shopping, or storing personal data due to lack of security patches.

Final Verdict: Neither Is Ideal—Here’s What to Do Instead

While the Motorola G6 Plus technically edges out the Samsung A6 Plus in performance, camera, and software efficiency, neither is truly “worth it” as a primary smartphone in 2024. The lack of security updates alone makes continued use risky. Even if both devices appear functional, their inability to run modern apps reliably undermines daily usability.

Rather than choosing between two outdated options, consider allocating a modest budget—$100 to $180—toward a current entry-level phone. Devices like the Nokia C32, Samsung Galaxy A05, or Motorola Moto G Power (2023) offer Android 12 or higher, ongoing security updates, better battery life, and improved app compatibility.

Technology evolves rapidly, and clinging to aging hardware often costs more in frustration and lost productivity than the upfront price suggests. Investing in a minimally capable modern device ensures access to essential services, safer browsing, and smoother everyday experiences.

💬 Have experience using either phone in 2024? Share your thoughts and tips with others facing the same decision—your insight could help someone avoid a costly mistake.