It’s been nearly a decade since the Nexus 6P and Galaxy S6 Edge+ dominated tech headlines. Back in 2015, they represented two very different philosophies in smartphone design: Google’s clean Android experience with raw performance, versus Samsung’s premium curves, flashy features, and polished hardware. At the time, many praised the S6 Edge+ for its elegance and innovation. Today, in 2024, revisiting these devices reveals a surprising truth — perhaps we celebrated the wrong one.
With modern eyes, and years of hindsight on software updates, build quality, and long-term usability, it's worth asking: did consumers and reviewers alike misjudge which phone offered better value and future-proofing?
The 2015 Landscape: Two Flagships, Two Visions
In mid-2015, flagship smartphones were rapidly evolving. The Nexus 6P, co-developed by Google and Huawei, launched as the first Nexus phone with a metal body and USB-C. It ran pure Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box and was positioned as the developer’s dream — fast, clean, and uncluttered. With a 5.7-inch AMOLED display, Snapdragon 810, and 3GB RAM, it was powerful but not quite luxurious.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy S6 Edge+, released just weeks earlier, was Samsung’s answer to phablet demand. Boasting a 5.7-inch dual-curved display, Exynos 7420 (or Snapdragon 810 in some regions), 4GB RAM, and wireless charging, it exuded premium craftsmanship. Its curved screen edges weren’t just aesthetic; they enabled unique features like quick contacts and ambient notifications.
At launch, the S6 Edge+ was widely seen as more refined. Tech reviewers swooned over its glass-and-metal design, while the Nexus 6P was often described as “utilitarian.” But appearances can be deceiving — especially when longevity is the metric.
Software Support: Where One Phone Outlived the Other
One of the most critical differences between the two phones lies in software longevity. The Nexus 6P received three major Android version updates — from Marshmallow to Oreo — and security patches until early 2019. While four years of support may seem modest by today’s standards, it was exceptional for 2015.
The Galaxy S6 Edge+, despite being a Samsung flagship, officially supported only two major OS upgrades: Nougat and Oreo. Security updates ceased by late 2018. Worse, Samsung’s rollout was notoriously slow — many users waited months for updates that arrived broken or incomplete.
“Nexus devices set the precedent for timely updates. They showed that fast, consistent patching isn’t about hardware — it’s about commitment.” — Linus Dsouza, Mobile Security Analyst
Hardware Longevity: Design vs Durability
The S6 Edge+ looked futuristic, but its design came at a cost. The curved glass front and back made it prone to cracking, even from minor drops. Replacement screens were expensive, and third-party repair options were limited due to proprietary components.
In contrast, the Nexus 6P had a sleek aluminum unibody. While not immune to damage, its flat display and sturdy frame made it easier to protect and repair. However, it wasn’t without flaws — some units suffered from battery degradation and USB-C port wear due to poor connector quality.
Fast forward to 2024: finding a working S6 Edge+ is rare. Most succumbed to battery failure, screen issues, or water damage. The Nexus 6P, while also aging, still has a niche community keeping it alive. Some users run custom ROMs like LineageOS, extending functionality far beyond official support.
Performance Comparison in 2024: Can Either Still Function?
To test real-world viability, consider daily use in 2024. Neither phone meets modern app requirements, but their usability differs dramatically.
| Feature | Nexus 6P | Galaxy S6 Edge+ |
|---|---|---|
| Latest Official OS | Android 8.1 Oreo | Android 8.0 Oreo |
| Custom ROM Support | Yes (LineageOS, crDroid) | Limited, unstable builds |
| Battery Life (Today) | 2–3 hours moderate use | 1–2 hours, if functional |
| App Compatibility | Fair (with debloating) | Poor (Google Play Services issues) |
| Repair Viability | Moderate (USB-C, battery) | Low (glass, adhesive assembly) |
The Nexus 6P benefits from an open development ecosystem. Developers continue to optimize lightweight Android versions for it. The S6 Edge+, meanwhile, lacks active community support — its Exynos variants complicate development, and Samsung’s closed bootloader policies deter modders.
Real-World Example: A Developer’s Journey
Take Mark Rivera, an indie app developer based in Portland. In 2015, he bought both phones — the S6 Edge+ for personal use, the Nexus 6P for testing apps. By 2018, his S6 Edge+ became sluggish, failed to receive critical security patches, and eventually bricked after a botched update. He replaced it with a mid-tier Android.
But the Nexus 6P? He installed LineageOS in 2020. Stripped of bloatware and running F-Droid apps, it became his minimalist email and note-taking device. “It’s slower than my current phone,” he says, “but it works. No ads, no tracking, no forced updates. I wish I’d gone all-in on Nexus back then.”
Why We May Have Chosen Wrong
In 2015, the S6 Edge+ won awards for design innovation. Magazines featured it on covers. It symbolized status. The Nexus 6P, though respected, was seen as a tool — not a trophy.
But in retrospect, the priorities were backward. Consumers favored aesthetics and short-term novelty over long-term utility. Samsung pushed gimmicks — curved screen tricks, heart rate sensors, floating touch — while Google focused on core performance, clean software, and developer accessibility.
Today, those choices have consequences. The S6 Edge+ is largely obsolete, trapped in outdated firmware with no path forward. The Nexus 6P, while discontinued, remains part of a legacy that influenced Pixel phones and Android’s direction toward faster updates and open ecosystems.
Checklist: Choosing a Future-Proof Phone (Even in 2015)
- ✅ Does the manufacturer commit to at least 4 years of OS updates?
- ✅ Is the device unlockable and compatible with custom recoveries?
- ✅ Are replacement parts readily available or repair-friendly?
- ✅ Does it run stock Android or a lightly skinned version?
- ✅ Is there an active developer community around the model?
- ✅ Are security patches delivered promptly and consistently?
FAQ
Can the Nexus 6P still be used in 2024?
Yes, but with limitations. It runs older apps well, especially with a custom ROM. Use it for basic tasks like notes, calls, or offline media. Avoid sensitive activities like banking due to outdated security protocols.
Why didn’t the Galaxy S6 Edge+ get more updates?
Samsung’s update policy in 2015 was limited to 2 major OS upgrades. Additionally, hardware fragmentation (Exynos vs Snapdragon) and heavy software skinning (TouchWiz) slowed development and testing.
Was the Nexus 6P truly better than the S6 Edge+?
Not necessarily at launch. The S6 Edge+ had superior screen quality, faster charging, and better cameras in good lighting. But over time, the Nexus 6P’s software agility and community support gave it a longer, more useful life.
Conclusion: Lessons Learned for Today’s Buyers
The Nexus 6P vs Galaxy S6 Edge+ debate isn’t just nostalgia — it’s a cautionary tale. In 2015, we rewarded flashiness over sustainability. We chose phones like we chose fashion: for immediate impact, not lasting value.
Today, with e-waste rising and upgrade cycles slowing, the lesson is clearer than ever. Longevity matters. Software support matters. Openness matters. The Nexus 6P may not have turned heads in 2015, but in 2024, it earns respect for enduring where others failed.
When you shop for your next phone, don’t just ask what it can do now. Ask how long it will keep doing it — securely, reliably, without becoming electronic waste in three years. The future isn’t shaped by who wins the review roundups. It’s shaped by what still works when the hype fades.
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