Samsung S6 Vs S5 Neo Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Is The S5 Neo Still Good

When Samsung released the Galaxy S5 Neo in 2015 as a mid-tier refresh of the popular S5, many users found it to be a solid device with decent specs at a lower price point. But just months later, the Galaxy S6 arrived — a complete redesign with premium materials, a powerful processor, and a vastly improved camera. For owners of the S5 Neo considering an upgrade, the question remains: is moving from the S5 Neo to the S6 actually worthwhile, or can the Neo still hold its own in today’s mobile landscape?

This isn’t just about numbers on a spec sheet. It’s about real-world performance, longevity, user experience, and value. Let’s break down the key differences and determine whether the jump makes sense for your needs.

Design and Build Quality: A Clear Step Up

The most immediate difference between the S6 and the S5 Neo is design. The S5 Neo retains the plastic body, removable back cover, and micro-textured finish of the original S5. It’s functional and durable, but undeniably dated compared to what followed.

In contrast, the Galaxy S6 introduced Samsung’s first glass-and-metal flagship since the Note 3. With an aluminum frame and Gorilla Glass on both front and back, the S6 feels premium in hand. It’s thinner, more compact, and far more modern in appearance. While the non-removable battery and lack of expandable storage were controversial at the time, the trade-off was a sleeker, more refined build.

Tip: If aesthetics and build quality matter to you, the S6 offers a significantly more satisfying unboxing and daily-use experience.

Performance: Where the S6 Pulls Ahead

Under the hood, the gap between these two devices is substantial. The S5 Neo runs on Samsung’s Exynos 7 Octa 7580 — an octa-core processor built on a 14nm process, paired with 2GB of RAM. On paper, that sounds respectable, but in practice, it struggles with multitasking and sustained loads.

The Galaxy S6, however, uses the Exynos 7420 — one of the first high-end 14nm chips in smartphones. Coupled with 3GB of LPDDR4 RAM, it delivers noticeably faster app launches, smoother animations, and better gaming performance. Apps like Instagram, Chrome, and YouTube run more fluidly, and switching between them rarely results in reloads.

Benchmarks tell the story clearly: the S6 scores nearly double the S5 Neo in multi-core performance on tools like Geekbench. Real-world usage confirms this — the S6 simply feels faster and more responsive.

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Difference

The camera is where the S6 truly outshines the S5 Neo. The Neo uses the same 16MP rear sensor as the original S5 — a capable shooter in daylight but underwhelming in low light. It lacks optical image stabilization (OIS) and has a slower f/2.2 aperture.

The S6, meanwhile, features a 16MP sensor with OIS and a wider f/1.9 aperture. This means more light capture, sharper images in dim environments, and less blur from hand movement. Samsung also overhauled the image processing software, resulting in richer colors, better dynamic range, and faster autofocus.

Front-facing cameras show a similar disparity. The S5 Neo’s 5MP shooter is adequate for selfies, but the S6’s 5MP front camera includes an f/1.9 aperture and improved low-light algorithms, making video calls and selfies noticeably clearer.

“Even in 2024, the Galaxy S6’s camera holds up surprisingly well for casual photography — especially indoors.” — TechReviewer Weekly, Mobile Photography Analysis (2023)

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	Samsung Galaxy S6	Samsung Galaxy S5 Neo
Release Year	2015	2015
Processor	Exynos 7420 (14nm, Octa-core)	Exynos 7580 (14nm, Octa-core)
RAM	3GB	2GB
Storage	32/64/128GB (non-expandable)	16/32GB (expandable via microSD)
Rear Camera	16MP, f/1.9, OIS	16MP, f/2.2, no OIS
Front Camera	5MP, f/1.9	5MP, f/2.2
Battery	2550mAh (non-removable)	2800mAh (removable)
Charging	Fast charging, wireless charging	Standard charging only
Display	5.1” Quad HD Super AMOLED	5.1” Full HD Super AMOLED
Build	Glass front/back, aluminum frame	Plastic body, removable back
Water Resistance	No official IP rating	IP67 certified

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria had been using her S5 Neo since 2016. It still turned on, held a charge reasonably well, and could manage basic tasks like messaging and browsing. But she noticed apps taking longer to load, photos looking grainy in evening light, and social media feeds frequently stuttering.

She considered buying a newer budget phone but found a used Galaxy S6 online for $70. After switching, she immediately noticed the difference: apps opened instantly, videos streamed without buffering, and her Instagram posts got more likes because her photos looked sharper. Even though the S6 battery was smaller, fast charging meant she could top it up quickly during breakfast.

For Maria, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing specs — it was about regaining a smooth, frustration-free experience. The S6 gave her that, even years after release.

Is the S5 Neo Still Good in 2024?

The short answer: for very light use, yes — but with major caveats.

The S5 Neo can still handle calls, texts, simple web browsing, and offline music playback. However, modern apps are increasingly demanding. Google services, social media platforms, and even email clients now require more RAM and processing power than the S5 Neo comfortably provides.

Security is another concern. The S5 Neo stopped receiving official Android updates years ago. Without security patches, it’s vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks, especially when downloading apps or visiting unsecured sites.

If you’re using the S5 Neo as a backup phone or for a child with limited access, it might suffice. But as a primary device in 2024, it falls short.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the S6?

• ✔️ Sluggish performance? If apps take more than 3 seconds to open, consider upgrading.
• ✔️ Poor photo quality? Especially in low light — the S6 will make a visible difference.
• ✔️ Frustrated by slow charging? The S6 supports fast and wireless charging.
• ✔️ Want a premium feel? The glass-and-metal build elevates daily use.
• ❌ Need expandable storage? The S6 doesn’t support microSD — plan accordingly.
• ❌ Depend on water resistance? The S5 Neo’s IP67 rating is a feature the S6 lacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Galaxy S6 still run modern apps smoothly?

Yes, for basic to moderate use. Apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Spotify run well. Heavy multitasking or modern games may cause slowdowns, but overall performance remains usable for everyday tasks.

Is the S6 battery life better than the S5 Neo?

Despite having a smaller battery (2550mAh vs 2800mAh), the S6 often lasts just as long due to its more efficient processor and display. Fast charging also compensates for capacity — 15 minutes gets you several hours of use.

Should I upgrade if I’m on a tight budget?

If you can find a used S6 in good condition for under $100, it’s a worthwhile upgrade from the S5 Neo. The improvements in speed, camera, and charging justify the cost for most users.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

The Galaxy S6 represents a generational leap over the S5 Neo. While the Neo was a modest update to an aging design, the S6 was a bold step forward — in materials, performance, camera quality, and software experience.

If you're still clinging to the S5 Neo in hopes it will last “just a bit longer,” ask yourself how much time you’re losing to lag, blurry photos, and inconvenient charging. The S6 restores responsiveness and reliability, even by today’s standards.

It won’t match a 2024 mid-range phone, but for a second-hand upgrade path, few devices from that era offer as balanced a package as the S6. The combination of fast performance, excellent camera, and premium design makes it a compelling choice — even now.

🚀 Ready to breathe new life into your mobile experience? Track down a used Galaxy S6, transfer your data, and rediscover what a smooth, capable Android phone should feel like. Share your upgrade story in the comments!