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Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 17
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The same question pops up every year – should I buy the new Galaxy or the new iPhone? With Samsung and Apple the most dominant smartphone manufacturers in the industry today, their flagship phablets are always in the spotlight. They have the best features and the big displays, but which is better for you? Find out in this Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison.

AndroidPIT galaxy s7 vs galaxy s7 edge 6
The S7 Edge is hot right now. / © ANDROIDPIT

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: design and build quality

The Galaxy S7 Edge is arguably the best-looking phone you can buy right now. With a curve-edged display, rounded edges on the back and a glossy finish, it is something special to behold. There really isn’t anything that compares to it within the Android ecosystem at the moment.

Looking at its evolution from the Galaxy S6 Edge, the S7 Edge has a design character that is more refined. Both devices share a lot of similarities, but with the newer model’s larger display and flatter camera bump, the overall package is a finely honed improvement on what Samsung produced in 2015.

apple iphone 6s plus 3d touch 2
The iPhone 6s Plus has a great design. / © ANDROIDPIT

This brings us to the iPhone 6s Plus. Apple’s premium phablet is a beacon of premium smartphone design, as seen in the similarities some Android handsets share - or outright imitated - since the iPhone 6 Plus was released in 2014. Covered in aluminum and glass, with Apple’s distinctive camera bump in the top-left corner of the phone’s rear, you immediately know when you’re looking at one.

The same could also be said of the S7 Edge. Both phones share a quality of materials and build that make them stand out. But perhaps there is less to differentiate them than would’ve been the case when Galaxy devices were all-plastic a couple of years back. For its newness and for the eye-catching and immersive qualities that the edges bring to its design and user experience, I’d give the S7 Edge a point for a better overall design.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: display

There is quite a gap between the S7 Edge and iPhone 6s Plus displays. The gap is related to the different technologies they use, resolution and immersiveness. To start, the iPhone 6s Plus has one of the best-quality displays in the business. With a resolution of 1080p and pixel density of 401 ppi, this 5.5 inch display looks great at viewing media and playing games.

The iPhone also produces a rich and natural color palette and gets very bright, meaning that text or other content is easy to read in direct sunlight. The display also houses 3D Touch technology, allowing you to apply varying amounts of pressure to perform actions like previewing app content or making a phone call with fewer steps.

androidpit samsung galaxy s7 edge 1
The S7 Edge has a rich display. / © ANDROIDPIT

The S7 Edge, however, has the big hitter display. The Super AMOLED unit provides Samsung’s signature saturated colors for a more vivid, albeit slightly unnatural, viewing experience. This Quad HD unit provides a whopping 534 ppi pixel density. Also at 5.5 inches, website and app content seems to pop out from the screen and, coupled with the glossy edges which run off at each side of the device, this is certainly the more immersive and rewarding display.

The S7 Edge has the big hitter display

Ultimately, with the usefulness of 3D Touch still under debate, it’s difficult for this technology to give the iPhone 6s Plus an upper hand in a display comparison. And with the richer, more immersive qualities of the S7 Edge display, this round also goes to Samsung.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: processor and storage

Samsung is known for packing big power into its flagships. The S7 Edge is no exception here, packing the Snapdragon 820 or Exynos 8890 processor (depending on where you live). This gives it blazing performance and makes it virtually future proof. The Snapdragon 820 variant, which is sold in the US, is a quad-core chip and the Exynos 8890, which is available in Europe and other markets, is an octa-core unit.

In my time with the S7 Edge, I found it blazingly fast, as is to be expected from a new flagship. It was difficult to stress it or see a stutter running intensive games or loading it up with heavy multitasking duties. Coupled with the Adreno 530 GPU, it’s hard to fault the S7 Edge for processing grunt.

Its storage options are also better than what we experienced with its forbear, the S6 Edge. It comes with 32 GB and 64 GB storage options along with microSD card support, something which was lacking from last year’s Galaxies.

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The S7 Edge has microSD support. / © ANDROIDPIT

On paper, the iPhone 6s Plus has relatively underwhelming processing power by comparison. It packs only the dual-core A9 processor from Apple and is clocked at 1.84 GHz, which is significantly less than the S7 Edge, with its twin dual-core processors running at 2.15 GHz and 1.6 GHz depending on power demand.

But yet, thanks to an Apple engineering feat, the 6s Plus benchmarks well and generally punches well above its weight. Although the S7 Edge overpowers it, it shouldn’t be forgotten how well the A9 performs day-to-day. The iPhone comes with 16, 64 and 128 GB storage options but without any microSD support. If you want more memory, you’ll need to buy it up front.

The iPhone 6s Plus punches well above its weight

If you want reliability, the iPhone’s processing and storage options are solid offerings. If you want the best processor on the market right now, go for Samsung’s latest and greatest here.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: camera

Every year, the competition between Apple and Samsung’s latest camera technology is always intense. This is because the cameras they use and the image quality that they provide are some of the best in the industry, if not the best overall.

The S7 Edge has a 12 MP sensor on the back with an aperture of f/1.7. Also new in this year’s Galaxies is ‘phase detection autofocus’, which allows the camera to focus incredibly fast. The Edge also has optical image stabilization, an LED flash and can shoot video in 4K. Its front camera has a 5 MP sensor with an aperture of f/1.7 and auto HDR. Very solid specs.

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 16 review
The S7 Edge has a fantastic camera. / © ANDROIDPIT

The iPhone 6s Plus is a similar affair, with a 12 MP rear camera providing an aperture of f/2.2. It also has phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash and also shoots 4K video. The rear camera has a 5 MP with an aperture of f/2.2 and offers similar fare, with HDR and panorama modes.

From my time using these phones, I have to say that it’s difficult to call an outright winner in the camera category. Regardless of which phone you might prefer to buy, you’ll have one of the best phone cameras in your pocket. It’s really as simple as that.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: software

There are big differences regarding the software of these two phones. Your personal platform preferences, or your design tastes, will almost certainly be the deciding factor in which you prefer. But let’s take a look at some of the details.

The S7 Edge runs Android Marshmallow out-of-the-box. That means you’ll have access to Google’s latest software enhancements, such as battery-saving Doze mode and Google Now on Tap. Of course, you can get these features on other Android devices as well, but there are a few more features thrown in. Samsung’s skin, TouchWiz, contains a bunch of new features, such as tweaked app icon design and more functionality with the edge panel, allowing you to perform more actions, such as selecting apps, than in the S6 Edge.

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iPhone software has never been better than on the 6s Plus. / © ANDROIDPIT

The iPhone 6s Plus comes with iOS 9. With a refreshed app switcher, better photo navigation and more Spotlight search functionality, such as Siri suggestions, Apple’s mobile OS has never been more complete. The design of iOS 9 is also typical fare for the iPhone with its simple, clean interface and smooth animations.

The choice of whether TouchWiz running over Android Marshmallow is better than iOS 9 is a subjective one. I would advise knowing what your preferences are, such as which platform you’re possibly already locked into, to help make the decision here.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: battery

Don’t expect more than a day of battery life from either the S7 Edge or the iPhone 6s Plus. They both have big displays to power and the batteries are up to the task when you stress them, but this is an area where neither phone excels.

The S7 Edge packs in a non-removable 3600 mAh unit which is larger than that of the S7. But bear in mind the extra pixels it has to power. The 6s Plus has a 2750 mAh battery which is also non-removable. We’ll continue to put the Edge through its paces with battery benchmarking, but at this early stage in the device’s life cycle, I can say that battery winner is Samsung, not Apple.

Battery is an area where neither phone excels

I hope a larger unit is in the works for the coming iPhone 7 Plus. This would perhaps give it the edge over the Edge.

AndroidPIT Samsung galaxy s7 edge 1
The S7 Edge has the larger battery. / © ANDROIDPIT

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: specs

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs. Apple iPhone 6s Plus technical specifications

  Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge Apple iPhone 6s Plus

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge vs iPhone 6s Plus comparison: verdict

Make no mistake - you’re getting a fantastic phablet whether you prefer to buy the Galaxy S7 Edge or the iPhone 6s Plus. They are standard-bearers and standard setters for both Samsung and Apple. But, ultimately, we need to pick a winner in this comparison.

With the iPhone’s well-crafted exterior and huge app store, it’s both a fashion statement and huge app platform. Once you’re in the ecosystem, you’re set. If you don’t mind the hefty price, you’ll be happy with this phone.

On the other hand, Samsung has had some time to ramp up its premium line and has outdone itself with the S7 Edge. It has more power, more pixels, more battery and the best design it has ever mustered. The race is close in many areas, but if I had to recommend one of these phones to you, I would say buy the S7 Edge.

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Omar Hamwi

Omar Hamwi
Head of Content

Omar has been a dedicated Android user since 2011. He began his career as a print journalist before a move into digital editing. He is passionate about technology and, since relocating from Sydney to Berlin, now shares his passion as part of the AndroidPIT team. His mission now is to help readers of AndroidPIT find the best hardware and software.

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13 comments
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  • 1
    no way Apr 3, 2016 Link to comment

    I think the samsung s7 camera beat iphone's clearly.The aperture differences between f/1.7 and f/2.2 are very huge.Might not be noticeable at normal night time shots but try it at darker places , s7 will clearly outshine the 6s plus.And about the phase-shift focus, while it is true that both phones have it but in iphone they use only 5% of the pixels while galaxy s7 use 100% of the pixels to focus the object (which function like a human eyes) so i thinks samsung win the camera comparison.Not to mention that this is the highlight of the reveal.


  • Kerry-Ann Dawson-Vermeulen 1
    Kerry-Ann Dawson-Vermeulen Mar 21, 2016 Link to comment

    Ive had an Iphone 6 for a year and half now and the housing is NOT aluminium.
    Its a soft cheap alloy that despite a case will be pitted on the edges. The screen cracks far too easily, another cost cutter! Yes the iphone 6 bends! and then you will have to replace it. for those who have had the iphone 5, remember how tough that was, and the sheik casing? well the present shape I find hideous, I mean bubble corners?? seriously. But I expected as much after Steve's passing. It an old trick to increase the margin on the products former reputation. The iphone 6 has definatly cut corners and will one day loose its place ...People just aren't as stupid as they used to be. Apple pull your finger out...


  • Biga 173rd (Biga173rd) 7
    Biga 173rd (Biga173rd) Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    No contest Edge is the clear winner. I think the only thing Apple has the advantage is exclusive apps and fast software updates that's it.

    Andreas H


  • 3
    haki er Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    Sorry, not yet available!


  • 4
    Andreas H Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    Is there really any point in comparing a smartphone released in 2014 (iPhone 6) with one released in 2016 (Samsung Galaxy S7) !? It is of course no surprise the Galaxy S7 easily beats the iPhone 6. Just by looking at the specs, this should be very easy to realise.

    And as mentioned in the review, buying an iPhone is "a fashion statement"; in my experience most people buying an iPhone buy it for precisely that reason. They do not really care that much (or at all) about the performance of the iPhone, they just want to show off and tell people they can afford the most expensive smartphone out there.

    sam pack


    • Omar Hamwi 17
      Omar Hamwi Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

      Thanks for your comment, Andreas. This comparison is between the S7 Edge and the iPhone 6s Plus. The Plus was released at the end of 2015. I hope you find the comparison useful and we always welcome more feedback!

      Andreas H


      • 4
        Andreas H Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

        Thanks for your answer! Maybe I got this wrong, but doesn't say in the review that iPhone 6 Plus was released in 2014?


      • Husni Adil Makmur 1
        Husni Adil Makmur Mar 20, 2016 Link to comment

        The following sentence in the article might make you upset, no?

        "This brings us to the iPhone 6s Plus. Apple’s premium phablet is a beacon of premium smartphone design, as seen in the similarities some Android handsets share - or outright imitated - since the iPhone 6 Plus was released in 2014."


  • 1
    Mohit Sharma Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    Samsung and Apple are nice. But there is this new startup in town and their video is all the craze!

    #ANewPhoneEveryMonth


  • James Roberts 2
    James Roberts Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    I'm by no means a apple fan, but I will give it to them for using old technology to the fullest and keeping up with the likes of Samsung that has the best and new technology but seems to only use 50% of it. But hands down the new s7 and s7 edge are amazing phones inside and out. I'm proud of how far Samsung has come, they've always been good phones, but now they are great and reliable phones even more. I can't wait to see the new NOTE 6 my mouth waters!

    Andreas H


  • Parvind Chahal 21
    Parvind Chahal Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    samsung s7 is way better thn apple.....s7 will outperform s6 plus........but there are few things which should be look after....1st is ram management...apps are using a lot of memory n that make a phone unstable.i think this prblm is with all android phones......2nd samsung touchwiz ui. having fingerprint is great feature but samsung did nt utilize it at best....finger print can be used as app lock n for other privacy but samsunga does nt care abt it...samsung should be more focused on permissions as i phone is


    • 1
      SoThunder Mar 18, 2016 Link to comment

      Check out this video on YouTube:

      youtu.be/10UBsSo6O4I


  • surya kumar 16
    surya kumar Mar 17, 2016 Link to comment

    A reasonable comparison.Because 6s and s7 are the latest phones of this brand not s7 and iPhone 6.Its astonishing that how a few month older iphone coping up with a newborn galaxy

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