Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S6
Starting at
£81.32£399.00 new
iPhone 8
Starting at
£90.00£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the Galaxy S6 and iPhone 8?
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S6 starts at £81.32, £8.68 less than the iPhone 8. The iPhone 8 is the newer model, released in 2017.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy S6, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8.
- The Galaxy S6 has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy S6 has a bigger battery: 2550 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 specs
The Galaxy S6 and iPhone 8 differ in screen size, camera details, battery capacity and storage options, each suiting different needs. The Galaxy S6 offers a larger and higher resolution Super AMOLED screen for more detailed visuals, while the iPhone 8 has a smaller Retina IPS LCD screen that may appeal to those who prefer a compact device. The Galaxy S6 has a larger battery capacity, which may benefit those valuing longer use between charges. For photography, the Galaxy S6 has a higher resolution main camera, whereas the iPhone 8 has a higher resolution front camera for selfies. Storage options for the iPhone 8 are more varied and larger, fitting users who need more space for apps and media. Both devices are unlocked, support 4G, and run different operating systems, so your choice depends on your preferences for ecosystem and device size.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 price
Colour
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system shape how long each device lasts on a charge and the software experience you get.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S6 has a 2550 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone 8's 1821 mAh. This means the Galaxy S6 can offer longer use between charges, suiting users who prioritise battery life during the day.
Operating System
The Galaxy S6 runs Android and the iPhone 8 runs iOS. Your choice depends on which ecosystem you prefer and the apps you use most often.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 performance
Performance depends on the processor, memory and storage you choose. These affect how smoothly apps run and how much space you have for files and apps.
Processor
The Galaxy S6 uses the Exynos 7420 Octa chipset, while the iPhone 8 uses the Apple A11 Bionic. Both chipsets offer solid performance for everyday tasks, but the difference in brand aligns with the device's operating system.
RAM
The Galaxy S6 has 3 GB of RAM, which helps keep more apps active in the background. The iPhone 8 has 2 GB of RAM, which suits users who run fewer apps simultaneously.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S6 is available with 32 GB of storage. The iPhone 8 offers more choices with 64 GB, 128 GB and 256 GB options. This wider range suits users who need more space for apps, photos and media.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 screen
Screen size, resolution and type affect how clear images look and how much space you have for content like videos, games and reading.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S6 has a 5.1 inch screen, offering more room for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 8 has a smaller 4.7 inch screen, which suits those who prefer a compact device that fits easily in one hand.
Resolution
The Galaxy S6 features a 1440 x 2560 resolution, supporting sharper and more detailed images. The iPhone 8 has a 750 x 1334 resolution, which provides clear visuals but with less fine detail.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S6 uses a Super AMOLED screen, known for vibrant colours and deep blacks. The iPhone 8 has a Retina IPS LCD screen, which offers accurate colours and good visibility in different lighting.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 camera
Camera quality affects how detailed your photos and selfies look. Both devices offer unlocked versions, so you can use either on your preferred network.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S6 has a 16 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in your photos. This suits users who often take pictures and want higher resolution shots.
Front Camera
The iPhone 8 has a 7 megapixel front camera, higher than the Galaxy S6's 5 megapixels. This makes the iPhone 8 better suited for selfies and video calls with clearer detail.
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 size and design
Other details like size, weight and network compatibility affect daily comfort and use. Both phones support 4G and use physical SIM cards.
Dimensions and Weight
The Galaxy S6 measures 143.4 mm in height, 70.5 mm in width and 6.8 mm in depth, weighing 138 g. The iPhone 8 is 138.4 mm tall, 67.3 mm wide and 7.3 mm deep, weighing 148 g. The Galaxy S6 is slightly lighter and narrower, which may suit those who want a lighter phone.
Carrier Compatibility
Both the Galaxy S6 and iPhone 8 come unlocked and support 4G networks, so they work with a wide range of SIM providers.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S6 or iPhone 8: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S6 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £81.32, £8.68 less than the iPhone 8
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2550 mAh vs 1821 mAh)
Buy the iPhone 8 if
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
- you want the newer model (2017)
What our customers say
Customers say the Galaxy S6 often looks like new and works well once set up. Some note that the battery performs well and the phone runs brilliantly with a wireless charger. The screen size and clarity suit those who enjoy a larger display and detailed photos from the main camera. However, some users found issues with the device being locked to networks unexpectedly and with the wrong charging cables sent.
The iPhone 8 is praised for looking nearly new and having a battery health that supports all usual tasks. Users appreciate the variety of storage options, especially larger sizes like 256 GB that provide plenty of space for apps and photos. The front camera is noted for clear selfies. Some customers mention small marks on the phone but say performance and speed meet their needs well.
Overall, the Galaxy S6 suits those who want a larger, sharper screen and more RAM, with a higher resolution main camera. The iPhone 8 suits users who prefer a smaller device with a higher resolution front camera and more storage options. Both phones perform well for everyday use when chosen to match personal priorities.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 FAQs
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 8 comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy S6, Apple A11 Bionic on the iPhone 8. The Galaxy S6 has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy S6 is cheaper refurbished, from £81.32 compared with £90 for the iPhone 8.
The Galaxy S6 has a bigger battery: 2550 mAh vs 1821 mAh.
The Galaxy S6 has a higher-resolution main camera: 16 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S6 ended in Jun 2018. Updates for the iPhone 8 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 16.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S6 comes in 32GB, and the iPhone 8 in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
