Comparing Smartphones: Samsung vs iPhone

Choosing a smartphone is a large investment. What's most important to you: cost? Ease of use? We compare Samsung vs iPhone to see which brand is best.
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Written by Staff Writer • Posted on Jan 13, 2016

Choosing a smartphone represents a large investment. Since most people use their phones every day--or even every few hours--you want to choose a user-friendly phone that functions well but still fits your budget.

Below, we'll tell you about two of the most popular smartphone options: Samsung vs iPhone. This comparison (updated from our previous post a couple years ago) will give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision.

iPhone Pros & Cons

Apple is one of the most popular and respected brands in the world. Here are some benefits you can expect from an iPhone:

  • In general, iPhones have longer-lasting batteries. The built-in battery on the iPhone 6s can last you up to 14 hours.
  • The iPhone 6s is slightly slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy, a feature which makes it more comfortable for some users to operate.
  • Apple has a reputation for creating intuitive, easy-to-use products. If you've never used a smartphone before, an iPhone won't overwhelm you with a confusing interface.

Like any product, the iPhone has a few downsides:

  • iPhones are usually more expensive than Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy.
  • Since iPhones are a little bit smaller than Galaxy smartphones, you might have a more difficult time seeing movies or images on the screen.
  • iPhones have slightly poorer resolution than Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

If you don't mind the higher price and lower resolution, an iPhone could be the perfect choice for your first smartphone.

Samsung Galaxy Pros & Cons

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the iPhone 6s look fairly similar. However, there are a few key differences that set Samsung apart:

  • Unlike with an iPhone, you can charge your Samsung Galaxy S6 wirelessly.
  • The camera on the Samsung Galaxy S6 produces slightly better pictures than the iPhone's camera.
  • If you have an iPhone, you can only purchase apps from Apple's official App Store. If it isn't on the store, you can't buy it. But a Samsung Galaxy is an "open-source" phone, so you can download any app, even if it isn't on Google's app store.
  • Samsung phones are usually cheaper than iPhones.

Here are some of the phone's downsides:

  • The Samsung Galaxy's look has improved over the last few smartphone generations, but it still doesn't look as sleek or use the same high-quality materials as an iPhone.
  • While iPhones are fairly easy to operate, the Samsung Galaxy's operating system can take some time and energy for new users to decipher.

However, if you're already used to Microsoft operating systems, the Samsung Galaxy's lower cost and higher resolution can make this phone the perfect pick.

Which One Should You Choose: S6 or 6s?

No product is perfect--both of these phones have their upsides and downsides. In the end, though, both serve the same functions: they'll help you stay connected to your friends and family, enjoy interactive apps, and browse the Internet whenever you want to. No matter which smartphone you choose in the Samsung vs iPhone debate, you'll end up with a helpful appliance that connects you with the modern world.

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