Samsung A6 Vs A6 Plus Is The Plus Worth The Extra Money

When Samsung launched the Galaxy A6 and A6+ in 2018, they positioned both devices as mid-range contenders with sleek designs and solid camera performance. While they share many similarities, the A6+ comes at a higher price point. For budget-conscious buyers, the key question becomes: does the upgrade justify the additional cost? To answer this, we need to look beyond marketing claims and examine real differences in display, battery life, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience.

Design and Build: Subtle Differences, Similar Feel

At first glance, the Galaxy A6 and A6+ appear nearly identical. Both feature glass-like polycarbonate backs, metal frames, and a minimalist aesthetic with slim bezels. However, size is where the divergence begins. The A6 measures 149.9 x 70.8 x 7.9 mm and weighs 152g, making it compact and comfortable for one-handed use. In contrast, the A6+ is larger at 159.1 x 75.7 x 7.9 mm and heavier at 166g—closer to today’s standard smartphone dimensions.

The larger body of the A6+ isn’t just about size—it accommodates a bigger battery and slightly larger display. But from a usability standpoint, if you prefer smaller phones or have smaller hands, the A6 may be more appealing despite its lower specs.

Tip: Try holding both models in-store if possible. Size comfort can outweigh technical advantages for daily use.

Display Quality: Bigger Isn’t Always Better, But Here It Helps

The A6 features a 5.6-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 1480 x 720 pixels (HD+), while the A6+ ups the ante with a 6.0-inch Full HD+ (2220 x 1080) Super AMOLED panel. Both screens deliver vibrant colors and deep blacks typical of Samsung’s AMOLED technology, but the difference in sharpness is noticeable.

On paper, pixel density drops only slightly—from ~295 PPI on the A6 to ~411 PPI on the A6+—but the jump to Full HD+ makes text crisper and images clearer, especially when watching videos or reading long articles. The larger screen also enhances multitasking and media consumption.

“Screen quality often has a greater impact on perceived value than raw processing power.” — TechRadar Mobile Analyst

Performance and Hardware: Shared Core, Different Experience

Under the hood, both phones use different chipsets, which significantly affects performance. The Galaxy A6 relies on the Exynos 7870—a capable but aging octa-core processor built on a 14nm process, paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage. The A6+, however, steps up with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 450, also an octa-core chip but clocked slightly higher and more efficient in day-to-day tasks. It too comes with 3GB or 4GB RAM options depending on region.

In real-world usage, the difference isn’t night and day, but it’s consistent. The A6+ handles app switching, gaming, and background processes more smoothly. Apps like Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp open faster, and there’s less stutter during prolonged use. Storage is expandable via microSD in both models, so that’s not a deciding factor.

Battery life is where the A6+ truly pulls ahead. It packs a 3500mAh battery compared to the A6’s 3000mAh. In practical terms, this translates to roughly 1.5 to 2 extra hours of screen-on time. With moderate use, the A6+ can easily last a full day and a half, whereas the A6 often needs a recharge by evening.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature	Samsung Galaxy A6	Samsung Galaxy A6+
Display	5.6” HD+ (1480 x 720) Super AMOLED	6.0” FHD+ (2220 x 1080) Super AMOLED
Processor	Exynos 7870	Snapdragon 450
RAM	3GB	3GB or 4GB
Storage	32GB (expandable)	32GB or 64GB (expandable)
Battery	3000 mAh	3500 mAh
Rear Camera	16MP f/1.7	16MP f/1.7 + 5MP depth sensor
Front Camera	8MP f/1.9	16MP f/1.9 with LED flash
Audio	3.5mm jack	3.5mm jack + Dolby Atmos support
Price at Launch	$349	$399

Camera Capabilities: Dual Lenses Make a Difference

Photography is another area where the A6+ clearly outperforms its sibling. Both devices feature a 16MP rear camera with an f/1.7 aperture, excellent for low-light shots. However, the A6+ adds a secondary 5MP depth sensor, enabling live bokeh effects and better portrait mode accuracy.

The front-facing camera is where the gap widens most. The A6 has an 8MP selfie shooter, while the A6+ boasts a 16MP front camera with an LED flash—ideal for nighttime selfies or poorly lit environments. Combined with software enhancements and beauty filters, the A6+ delivers noticeably sharper and more detailed self-portraits.

In daylight, both phones produce accurate colors and good dynamic range. But in challenging lighting, the A6+’s superior hardware and processing yield cleaner results with less noise.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Weekend Trip

Maria, a college student and social media enthusiast, bought the Galaxy A6 for its lower price. During a weekend trip to the mountains, she struggled with blurry night photos and ran out of battery by Saturday evening. Her friend Ana, using the A6+, captured crisp low-light shots and didn’t charge until Sunday morning. Though both enjoyed their phones, Ana’s device handled extended use and photo-heavy days far better. Maria later admitted she’d pay the extra $50 for the improved camera and battery.

Is the Plus Worth the Extra Money? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Deciding whether the A6+ is worth the premium depends on your priorities. Follow this decision path to find your answer:

1. Evaluate your daily usage: Do you stream videos, play casual games, or spend hours on social media? If yes, the larger, sharper screen and longer battery life of the A6+ are valuable.
2. Assess your photography needs: If you take frequent selfies or enjoy portrait photography, the A6+’s dual rear cameras and 16MP front sensor offer tangible benefits.
3. Consider longevity: The Snapdragon 450 in the A6+ is more future-proof than the Exynos 7870. Over time, updates and newer apps will run better on the Plus.
4. Test ergonomics: If pocketability and one-handed control matter more than specs, the smaller A6 might suit you better—even with trade-offs.
5. Check current pricing: Today, both phones are available secondhand or refurbished. If the price difference is under $30, the A6+ is almost certainly the smarter buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can both phones run modern Android apps smoothly?

The A6+ handles most current apps adequately, though heavy games or multitasking may cause lag. The A6 struggles more with newer apps, especially after OS updates. Neither supports Android 12 or later officially, limiting long-term usability.

Does the A6+ support fast charging?

No, neither phone supports fast charging. Both use standard 5W charging, so the A6+ takes longer to fully charge due to its larger battery.

Is the build quality durable?

Both phones use plastic bodies with glass-like finishes. They feel premium but are prone to scratches and scuffs. Using a case is highly recommended for either model.

Action Checklist Before Buying

• ✅ Determine your primary use: calls, photos, browsing, or media
• ✅ Compare used/refurbished prices between A6 and A6+
• ✅ Test screen clarity and brightness in person if possible
• ✅ Check battery health if buying secondhand
• ✅ Prioritize A6+ if camera, screen, or battery life matters

Final Verdict: When the Plus Makes Sense

The Samsung Galaxy A6 is a decent entry-level option with strong basics: a good main camera, AMOLED display, and clean software. But the A6+ improves on nearly every front—larger, sharper screen, better front camera, dual rear sensors, longer battery, and slightly better processor—all for around $50 more at launch.

That price gap was small enough to make the A6+ the logical choice for most buyers even back in 2018. Today, with both models discontinued and available at similar discounted rates, the decision is even clearer. Unless you specifically need a smaller phone, the A6+ offers significantly better value for only a marginal increase in cost.

💬 Have experience with either the A6 or A6+? Share your thoughts on performance, battery, or camera quality in the comments—your insights could help someone make their decision!