Is The Samsung Galaxy A7 Actually Better Than The Iphone 6 Why Are People Still Using Iphone 6 In 2024

The iPhone 6, released in 2014, was a landmark device that defined Apple’s smartphone design for years. Over a decade later, some users still rely on it daily. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2015 model) entered the market around the same time as a mid-tier Android contender. On paper, comparing these two phones seems like an easy verdict — but real-world usage, ecosystem loyalty, and practical needs complicate the answer. Is the Galaxy A7 actually better? And more surprisingly, why does anyone still use the iPhone 6 in 2024?

Performance and Hardware: A Clear Winner?

When evaluating raw hardware, the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2015) holds a noticeable edge over the iPhone 6. It featured a 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display with 720p resolution, compared to the iPhone 6’s 4.7-inch LCD at 750x1334. While the iPhone had slightly sharper pixel density, the A7 offered a larger screen, which many users preferred for media consumption.

Under the hood, the Galaxy A7 used a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 or Exynos 7580 (depending on region), an octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM. The iPhone 6, by contrast, ran on Apple’s A8 chip with only 1GB of RAM. Despite lower specs on paper, Apple’s tight hardware-software integration allowed iOS to run smoothly even with less memory. However, by modern standards, both chips struggle with multitasking and newer apps.

Battery life is another differentiator. The A7 came with a 2600mAh removable battery, while the iPhone 6 had a non-removable 1810mAh unit. In practice, the A7 lasted longer under moderate use, especially given Android’s ability to manage background processes differently.

Tip: If you're still using either device, disable background app refresh and reduce screen brightness to extend usable battery life.

Software Support and Security: Where the iPhone Shines

One of the most critical factors in long-term usability is software updates. Apple supports its devices with major iOS updates for up to six years after release. The iPhone 6 received updates from iOS 8 all the way to iOS 12, officially ending in 2019. Even today, some security patches were backported through 2020 for older systems.

Samsung, at the time, offered far shorter support cycles. The Galaxy A7 launched with Android 5.1 (Lollipop) and received one major update to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow). After that, no further OS upgrades were provided, leaving it vulnerable to emerging security threats.

“Long-term software support is what separates legacy devices that remain functional from those that become obsolete.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Insights

This disparity explains part of why the iPhone 6 has lingered: even without new features, its last supported OS version remained stable and secure longer than the A7’s outdated Android build.

Why Are People Still Using the iPhone 6 in 2024?

At first glance, continuing to use a phone over ten years old seems irrational. Yet, several real-world factors explain its persistence:

• Familiarity and Simplicity: Many users, particularly older adults or those who resist change, find the iPhone 6 interface intuitive and sufficient for calls, texts, and basic apps.
• Cost Avoidance: Replacing a working phone feels unnecessary when it still powers on and connects to Wi-Fi.
• iOS Ecosystem Lock-in: Users invested in iCloud, iTunes libraries, and Apple ID services may hesitate to switch due to data migration concerns.
• Limited Usage Needs: For someone who only checks email, uses WhatsApp, or makes occasional calls, the iPhone 6 still functions — albeit slowly.

A mini case study illustrates this well: Maria, a 68-year-old retiree in Portland, continues using her iPhone 6 because she “doesn’t need all those fancy cameras or apps.” She texts her grandchildren, checks weather, and uses FaceTime weekly. Her carrier still supports 4G LTE, and she avoids downloading new apps. To her, upgrading isn’t worth $800 for features she won’t use.

Comparative Overview: Galaxy A7 vs. iPhone 6

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A7 (2015)	iPhone 6 (2014)
Display	5.5\" HD Super AMOLED	4.7\" Retina LCD
Processor	Snapdragon 615 / Exynos 7580	Apple A8
RAM	3GB	1GB
Storage Options	16GB (expandable via microSD)	16/64GB (no expansion)
Battery	2600mAh (removable)	1810mAh (non-removable)
Software Updates	1 major OS upgrade	4 major iOS versions
Current Usability (2024)	Limited; app compatibility issues	Basic functionality; slow performance

While the Galaxy A7 technically had superior hardware and expandable storage, its lack of long-term software support ultimately limited its lifespan. The iPhone 6, despite weaker specs, benefited from Apple’s extended update policy, making it more resilient in everyday use — even today.

Practical Checklist: Should You Still Be Using Either Phone?

If you’re considering holding onto your Galaxy A7 or iPhone 6, ask yourself the following:

1. Can the device install essential apps like banking, messaging, or ride-sharing?
2. Does it connect reliably to Wi-Fi and cellular networks?
3. Have you experienced frequent crashes or freezes recently?
4. Are security warnings appearing during web browsing?
5. Is the battery life less than 4 hours under light use?

If you answered “no” to three or more, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Continuing to use unsupported devices exposes you to phishing risks, unpatched vulnerabilities, and loss of access to critical services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transitioning from Legacy Devices

Moving from an iPhone 6 or Galaxy A7 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Follow this timeline:

1. Week 1: Back up your current device. Use iCloud for iPhone or Google Drive/Samsung Cloud for the A7.
2. Week 2: Research affordable modern alternatives (e.g., iPhone SE 2022, Samsung Galaxy A14).
3. Week 3: Purchase and set up the new phone. Restore from backup.
4. Week 4: Test core apps and transfer any remaining data (photos, contacts).
5. Month 2: Recycle the old device responsibly through carrier programs or e-waste centers.

Tip: Before recycling, perform a factory reset and remove SIM/microSD cards to protect personal data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 still get security updates in 2024?

No. Apple ended all official support for the iPhone 6 with the discontinuation of iOS 12. No further security patches are being issued, making it vulnerable to modern threats.

Is the Galaxy A7 faster than the iPhone 6?

In multi-tasking and app loading (at launch), yes — thanks to more RAM and a larger screen buffer. But over time, iOS optimization gave the iPhone 6 smoother day-to-day performance, especially before app bloat became widespread.

Why hasn’t my iPhone 6 stopped working completely?

Apple’s build quality and component longevity are high. As long as the battery hasn’t degraded fully and the NAND storage remains intact, the device can continue functioning — though not securely or efficiently.

Conclusion: Time to Move On — But Upgrade Smartly

The Samsung Galaxy A7 was objectively better in hardware than the iPhone 6 at launch, but Apple’s long-term software support gave the iPhone a much longer functional life. That’s why, paradoxically, the iPhone 6 remains in use today while the Galaxy A7 has nearly vanished from circulation.

Still relying on either device in 2024 means accepting significant trade-offs: poor app compatibility, security risks, and frustrating slowness. For less than $200, modern budget smartphones offer vastly superior performance, camera quality, battery life, and — crucially — ongoing security updates.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Start by backing up your data today. Choose a device that offers at least three years of OS updates, and reclaim speed, safety, and peace of mind in your digital life.