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Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S

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Galaxy A5 (2017)

Starting at

£72.10£309.00 new
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iPhone 6S

Starting at

£32.09£149.00 new
See options
(107 reviews)
(507 reviews)

What's the difference between the Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone 6S?

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £40.01 less than the Galaxy A5 (2017). The Galaxy A5 (2017) is the newer model, released in 2017.

Refurbished from

£72.10£32.09

Chipset

Exynos 7880Apple A9 APL0898

RAM

3 GB2 GB

Battery

3000 mAh1715 mAh

Screen size

5.2 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDIPS LCD
  • Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S.
  • The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
  • The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1715 mAh.

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S specs

The Galaxy A5 (2017) and iPhone 6S differ in several key areas that suit different users. The Galaxy A5 offers a larger and higher-resolution Super AMOLED screen, a bigger battery, and more RAM, making it well suited for those who want a more vivid display and longer battery life. It also supports dual SIM cards and expandable storage via microSD. The iPhone 6S has a more compact screen and runs iOS, appealing to users who prefer a smaller device and Apple's ecosystem. Both phones are unlocked and support 4G, but neither can be updated to the latest operating system. Camera resolution is higher on the Galaxy A5, which may appeal to selfie and photo enthusiasts.

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S price

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S battery life and software updates

Durability covers battery capacity, operating system, and basic physical features. These affect how long you can use the phone between charges and what software you experience.

Battery Capacity

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 3000 mAh battery, offering more capacity than the iPhone 6S's 1715 mAh. This means the Galaxy A5 is likely to last longer between charges, which benefits users who need extended battery life for all-day use without frequent recharging.

Operating System

The Galaxy A5 runs on Android, while the iPhone 6S uses iOS. Your choice here depends on which software environment you prefer or are more familiar with, as each offers a different app ecosystem and user experience.

Battery

3000 mAh1715 mAh

Foldable

NoNo

Ip rating

IP68N/A

Software updates

Ended Apr 2019Ended Mar 2025, last iOS 15

Year of release

20172015

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S performance

Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options, which affect speed, multitasking, and capacity for apps and files.

Processor and RAM

The Galaxy A5 (2017) uses the Exynos 7880 chipset with 3 GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone 6S's Apple A9 APL0898 chipset with 2 GB of RAM. More RAM on the Galaxy A5 supports smoother multitasking and keeping more apps open simultaneously, while the iPhone 6S's chipset delivers a solid experience within its iOS environment.

Storage Options

The Galaxy A5 offers 32GB and 64GB storage variants, while the iPhone 6S adds a 16GB option alongside 32GB and 64GB. If you prefer more built-in storage at a lower starting point, the iPhone 6S provides a 16GB choice. The Galaxy A5's higher minimum storage might better suit users who keep more files or apps.

Chipset

Exynos 7880Apple A9 APL0898

RAM

3 GB2 GB

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S screen

Screen quality affects how you see content, including size, resolution, and display technology.

Screen Size and Resolution

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 5.2 inch screen with 1080 x 1920 resolution, while the iPhone 6S has a smaller 4.7 inch screen with 750 x 1334 resolution. The Galaxy A5's larger and sharper screen offers more room and detail for videos and browsing, suitable for users who want a more immersive viewing experience.

Screen Type

The Galaxy A5 uses a Super AMOLED display, which typically provides deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone 6S has an IPS LCD screen, known for accurate colour reproduction and wide viewing angles. Your preference may depend on how you value colour vibrancy versus colour accuracy.

Resolution

1080 x 1920750 x 1334

Screen size

5.2 inch4.7 inch

Screen type

Super AMOLEDIPS LCD

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S camera

Audiovisual features include cameras that capture photos and videos, important if you use your phone for selfies or photography.

Front Camera

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a 16 megapixel front camera, compared to 5 megapixels on the iPhone 6S. This higher resolution on the Galaxy A5 is likely to capture more detail in selfies and video calls, appealing to users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.

Main Camera

The Galaxy A5's main camera offers 16 megapixels, while the iPhone 6S has a 12 megapixel main camera. This difference may benefit users who take many photos and want higher resolution images.

Camera type

N/ASingle (1x)

Front camera

16 megapixels5 megapixels

Main camera

16 megapixels12 megapixels

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S size and design

Miscellaneous features cover aspects like network compatibility, card slots, size, and weight, which affect daily convenience and flexibility.

SIM and Storage Expansion

The Galaxy A5 supports dual physical SIM cards and includes a microSDXC slot for extra storage. The iPhone 6S has a single physical SIM and no microSD slot. People who need two phone numbers or want to expand storage with a memory card will find the Galaxy A5 more suitable.

Size and Weight

The Galaxy A5 measures 146.1 mm tall, 71.4 mm wide, and 7.9 mm deep, weighing 157 g. The iPhone 6S is 138.3 mm tall, 67.1 mm wide, and 7.1 mm deep, weighing 143 g. The iPhone 6S is more compact and lighter, which suits users looking for a smaller, easier-to-handle device.

Carrier and Network

Both devices are unlocked and support 4G connectivity, giving you freedom to choose your mobile network and enjoy fast data where available.

Carrier compatibility

UnlockedUnlocked

Connector

N/ALightning + Jack 3.5mm

Depth

7.9 mm7.1 mm

Height

146.1 mm138.3 mm

Mobile network

4G4G

Release date

N/A25 September 2015

SD card slot

microSDXCNo

SIM card

Dual Physical SIMPhysical SIM

Weight

157 g143 g

Width

71.4 mm67.1 mm

Galaxy A5 (2017) or iPhone 6S: which should you buy?

Buy the Galaxy A5 (2017) if

  • you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
  • you want a bigger battery (3000 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
  • you want a bigger screen (5.2 inch vs 4.7 inch)

Buy the iPhone 6S if

  • you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £40.01 less than the Galaxy A5 (2017)
  • you want a lighter build (143 g vs 157 g)

What our customers say

Customers who bought the Galaxy A5 (2017) often mention that it looks and operates well, with many recommending it for its condition and price. Some users experienced issues with SIM locking, but overall the device is praised for being like new and functioning reliably. The battery life and screen quality are appreciated, and several customers say they would buy from this supplier again. The Galaxy A5 suits those wanting a larger screen and good value in a refurbished phone.

Reviews of the iPhone 6S highlight its excellent condition and simple, good quality smartphone experience. Customers mention that the phone feels like new and is a good choice for those wanting a compact device. Battery health can vary, with some noting excellent battery life on certain units and others experiencing low battery. The camera and size are well liked, especially for users preferring iOS. Many buyers recommend the iPhone 6S for its reliability and value.

Both phones attract buyers who want dependable refurbished devices. The Galaxy A5 appeals to those looking for a bigger display and more features like dual SIM and expandable storage. The iPhone 6S fits users who prefer a smaller phone and the iOS experience.

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S FAQs

Galaxy A5 (2017) vs iPhone 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7880 on the Galaxy A5 (2017), Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S. The Galaxy A5 (2017) has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.

The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £72.10 for the Galaxy A5 (2017).

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a bigger battery: 3000 mAh vs 1715 mAh.

The Galaxy A5 (2017) has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.

Updates for the Galaxy A5 (2017) ended in Apr 2019. Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.

Refurbished, the Galaxy A5 (2017) comes in 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone 6S in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.

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