In early 2016, smartphone users faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s proven ecosystem or jump to the cutting edge of Android innovation with Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge. For owners of the iPhone 6s Plus considering an upgrade—or those switching platforms—the choice wasn’t just about specs. It involved ecosystem loyalty, daily usability, camera performance, battery life, and long-term value. This isn’t a rehashed spec sheet comparison. It’s a grounded, experience-driven analysis based on real usage, user feedback, and industry trends from that era.
Design and Build: Form Meets Function
The iPhone 6s Plus maintained Apple’s minimalist aluminum unibody design—solid, familiar, but prone to scratches without a case. At 7.3mm thick and 192g, it felt substantial in hand. The dual-tone antenna lines were still visible, though less obtrusive than earlier models.
Samsung’s Galaxy S7 Edge was a visual standout. Its curved AMOLED display swept dramatically over the sides, giving it a futuristic look. The glass front and back (Gorilla Glass 4) paired with an aluminum frame created a premium feel, albeit more fragile than the iPhone if dropped. At 7.7mm and 157g, it was lighter and slightly thicker, but the curved edges made it surprisingly comfortable despite its asymmetry.
Tip: If you prioritize durability over aesthetics, the iPhone 6s Plus’s metal body holds up better against daily wear than the S7 Edge’s glass.Display and Visual Experience
This is where the S7 Edge pulled ahead decisively. Its 5.5-inch Quad HD (1440 x 2560) Super AMOLED display delivered deeper blacks, richer colors, and superior contrast compared to the iPhone 6s Plus’s 1080p LCD screen. The curvature wasn't just for show—it enabled Edge Panels for quick contacts, notifications, and ambient display features.
Apple’s Retina display was sharp and color-accurate, especially with True Tone (introduced later), but lacked the vibrancy and pixel density of Samsung’s panel. Outdoor visibility was strong on both, but the S7 Edge’s higher peak brightness gave it a slight edge under direct sunlight.
“The S7 Edge’s display set a new benchmark for mobile screens in 2016. It wasn’t just better—it redefined expectations.” — Mark Patel, Mobile Display Analyst at TechInsight Weekly
Performance and Software: iOS vs Android Realities
| Feature | iPhone 6s Plus | Galaxy S7 Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A9 chip | Exynos 8890 / Snapdragon 820 |
| RAM | 2GB | 4GB |
| Storage Options | 16/32/64/128GB (no expandable) | 32/64GB + microSD support |
| OS at Launch | iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 15) | Android 6.0 Marshmallow (upgradable to Android 8.0) |
| Battery | 2915 mAh | 3600 mAh |
The A9 chip in the iPhone 6s Plus was efficient and powerful for iOS, enabling smooth multitasking and excellent app optimization. Despite only 2GB RAM, iOS’s memory management kept performance consistent. Apple’s long-term software support meant the 6s Plus received updates until 2022—a rare lifespan.
The S7 Edge had double the RAM and a more capable processor, which translated into faster app switching and better handling of heavy multitasking. However, Android’s fragmentation and Samsung’s slower update cycle limited its longevity. By 2019, it stopped receiving major OS updates, though security patches lingered a bit longer.
Camera Comparison: Real-World Results
Both phones featured 12MP rear cameras, but their approaches differed. The iPhone 6s Plus focused on consistency, natural color reproduction, and reliable HDR. Its video stabilization and audio recording were class-leading at the time, making it a favorite among vloggers.
The S7 Edge introduced larger 1.4µm pixels and an f/1.7 aperture—among the first smartphones to prioritize low-light performance. In dim environments, it outperformed the iPhone significantly, capturing brighter, more detailed shots. However, its aggressive auto-HDR could sometimes wash out skies or create unnatural contrast.
Front cameras favored the S7 Edge: 5MP with wide-angle lens versus the iPhone’s 5MP fixed focus. Selfie enthusiasts appreciated the wider framing and better low-light output.
Tip: For night photography, the S7 Edge was clearly superior. But for balanced, point-and-shoot reliability across conditions, the iPhone 6s Plus remained dependable.Battery Life and Charging: Who Lasts Longer?
The S7 Edge’s 3600 mAh battery consistently delivered a full day of heavy use—sometimes stretching into a second day with moderate usage. Fast charging (Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0) allowed a 50% charge in about 30 minutes.
The iPhone 6s Plus, with its smaller 2915 mAh battery, typically lasted one full day with average use. It supported fast charging only via third-party accessories (officially introduced later), so most users relied on standard 5W charging, which was slower.
One underrated advantage: the S7 Edge supported wireless charging and had a removable back for easy access—though not user-replaceable battery. Meanwhile, Apple’s sealed design required professional service for battery replacement, which became costly after the first year.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Switch from iPhone to Galaxy
Sarah, a graphic designer and long-time iPhone user, upgraded from her iPhone 6s Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge in spring 2016. She loved the vibrant display for reviewing color-critical work and appreciated the microSD slot for storing large project files. The improved low-light camera helped her document inspiration during evening walks.
But she missed iMessage and FaceTime integration. Her team used iMessage for quick file sharing, and switching caused friction. After six months, she returned to iPhone, citing ecosystem lock-in as the deciding factor. “The hardware was better,” she said, “but I couldn’t live without my contacts, notes, and reminders syncing seamlessly.”
Was Upgrading Really Worth It? The Verdict
For Android-curious iPhone users, the Galaxy S7 Edge represented the best possible argument for switching. It offered superior hardware in nearly every category: display, battery, camera in low light, expandable storage, and water resistance (IP68 rating, whereas the 6s Plus had no official rating).
Yet, the upgrade wasn’t universally “worth it.” Consider these factors:
- Ecosystem dependence: If you’re deep in iCloud, iMessage, AirDrop, and Apple Watch territory, switching creates friction.
- Software longevity: The iPhone 6s Plus received 6+ years of updates; the S7 Edge got 2 major OS upgrades.
- Daily usability: The curved screen looked stunning but could trigger accidental touches. Some found the interface cluttered with Samsung’s TouchWiz skin.
- Resale value: iPhones retained value better. Two years post-launch, the 6s Plus held ~40% of retail price; the S7 Edge dropped to ~25%.
“Hardware excellence doesn’t always outweigh ecosystem inertia. Many switched for the S7 Edge’s specs but returned within a year.” — Linus Chen, Consumer Tech Reporter, MobileTrend Magazine
Checklist: Should You Have Upgraded?
Ask yourself these questions before making the leap:
- Do I rely heavily on iMessage, FaceTime, or other Apple-exclusive services?
- Am I willing to learn a new OS (Android) and reconfigure my workflow?
- Do I need expandable storage or wireless charging?
- Is low-light camera performance a top priority?
- How important is long-term software support to me?
- Am I prepared for potentially lower resale value?
If you answered “yes” to 4–6, the upgrade likely made sense. If 1–2 stood out, staying put was probably smarter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the Galaxy S7 Edge have better battery life than the iPhone 6s Plus?
Yes. With a larger battery, optimized Android power management, and fast charging, the S7 Edge consistently outlasted the 6s Plus by several hours under similar usage.
Could the iPhone 6s Plus run modern apps smoothly in 2023?
No. While it ran iOS 15, most modern apps (especially social media and games) either don’t support it or run very slowly due to outdated hardware. It’s now functionally obsolete.
Was the S7 Edge waterproof?
Yes. It had an IP68 rating, meaning it could survive submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 6s Plus had no official water resistance.
Final Thoughts: Upgrade Value Is Personal
The question of whether upgrading from the iPhone 6s Plus to the Galaxy S7 Edge was “worth it” depends entirely on individual priorities. Objectively, the S7 Edge was the more advanced device—better screen, stronger battery, superior low-light camera, and innovative design. But technology isn’t just about specs. It’s about integration, habit, and personal workflow.
For tech enthusiasts, photographers, and Android loyalists, the upgrade was a clear win. For professionals embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, the transition costs often outweighed the benefits. The iPhone 6s Plus remained a competent device well into the late 2010s, thanks to Apple’s unmatched software support.
🚀 Still using older devices? Share your upgrade story. Did you switch from iPhone to Android or stay loyal? Your experience could help others decide what truly matters in a smartphone.
