Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016)
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S6
Starting at
£81.32£399.00 new
iPhone SE (2016)
Starting at
£192.40What's the difference between the Galaxy S6 and iPhone SE (2016)?
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the Galaxy S6 starts at £81.32, £111.08 less than the iPhone SE (2016). The iPhone SE (2016) is the newer model, released in 2016.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy S6, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016).
- The Galaxy S6 has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The Galaxy S6 has a bigger battery: 2550 mAh vs 1624 mAh.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) specs
The Galaxy S6 and iPhone SE (2016) differ in several key areas suited to different needs. The Galaxy S6 offers a larger, higher resolution Super AMOLED screen and more RAM, which benefits those who enjoy media and multitasking on a bigger display. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch IPS LCD screen and less RAM, making it suitable for users who prefer a compact phone for everyday use. The Galaxy S6 has a larger battery, which may appeal to those wanting longer use between charges. Storage options differ too, with the iPhone SE (2016) available in 64GB, ideal for more apps and media, compared to 32GB in the Galaxy S6. Camera resolution and operating systems also vary, catering to different preferences and priorities.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) price
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) battery life and software updates
Durability includes battery size, operating system, and software updates. These factors influence daily usability and how long each device can go between charges or receive new features.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S6 has a 2550 mAh battery, which is larger than the iPhone SE (2016) battery of 1624 mAh. A bigger battery can provide longer usage time between charges, suitable for users who rely on their phone throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Operating System
The Galaxy S6 runs Android while the iPhone SE (2016) uses iOS. Your choice may depend on which ecosystem you prefer or are already familiar with, as both systems offer different interfaces and app experiences.
Battery
Foldable
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) performance
Performance is shaped by chipset, RAM, and storage capacity. These affect how smoothly apps run, multitasking ability, and how much data you can store on the device.
Chipset
The Galaxy S6 features the Exynos 7420 Octa chipset, while the iPhone SE (2016) uses the Apple A9 chipset. Both are built on 14 nm technology, so each device offers solid performance for everyday tasks, with differences mainly felt depending on app optimisation for Android or iOS.
RAM
With 3 GB of RAM, the Galaxy S6 can keep more apps open and handle multitasking with ease. The iPhone SE (2016) has 2 GB of RAM, which suits lighter multitasking and simpler daily use.
Storage Options
The Galaxy S6 is stocked with 32GB of storage, while the iPhone SE (2016) comes with 64GB. More storage on the iPhone SE (2016) allows room for more apps, photos, and media without relying on cloud storage.
Chipset
RAM
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) screen
Screen quality affects how you view content, from watching videos to browsing apps. Size, resolution, and screen type all contribute to the visual experience.
Screen Size
The Galaxy S6 has a 5.1 inch screen, offering more space for videos and browsing. The iPhone SE (2016) has a smaller 4 inch screen, which suits users who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand or a pocket.
Resolution
With a resolution of 1440 x 2560, the Galaxy S6 shows sharper and more detailed images compared to the iPhone SE (2016) resolution of 640 x 1136. This higher resolution benefits users who consume a lot of visual content or appreciate crisp text.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S6 features a Super AMOLED screen, known for vivid colours and deep blacks, enhancing media viewing. The iPhone SE (2016) uses IPS LCD, which offers accurate colours and good visibility in various lighting conditions.
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) camera
Audiovisual features cover the cameras, which impact photo and video quality. Megapixel counts give an idea of the level of detail each device can capture.
Main Camera
The Galaxy S6 has a 16 megapixel main camera, which captures more detail in photos compared to the 12 megapixel camera of the iPhone SE (2016). This suits users who take many photos or want clearer pictures.
Front Camera
For selfies and video calls, the Galaxy S6 offers a 5 megapixel front camera. The iPhone SE (2016) has a 1.2 megapixel front camera, which fits users with simpler selfie needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) size and design
Other factors include dimensions, weight, carrier compatibility, network support, and storage expandability. These affect comfort, usability, and flexibility on networks.
Size 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 SE (2016) is more compact at 123.8 mm height, 58.6 mm width, and 7.6 mm depth, weighing 113 g. The smaller and lighter iPhone SE (2016) fits well in pockets and one-handed use.
Carrier and Network
Both devices are unlocked and support 4G networks, offering good flexibility to use with different carriers across the UK.
Storage Expandability
Neither the Galaxy S6 nor the iPhone SE (2016) has an SD card slot, so storage capacity is fixed at purchase.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
Galaxy S6 or iPhone SE (2016): which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S6 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £81.32, £111.08 less than the iPhone SE (2016)
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2550 mAh vs 1624 mAh)
Buy the iPhone SE (2016) if
- you want a lighter build (113 g vs 138 g)
- you want the newer model (2016)
What our customers say
Customers of the Galaxy S6 often say the phone feels like new and works well once set up. Many are satisfied with the phone's performance and appearance. The larger screen and camera are appreciated by those who use the phone for media and photos. Some users note that the phone works brilliantly with wireless charging and that it is ready to go with a SIM card.
For the iPhone SE (2016), customers generally highlight its good value and solid performance for everyday use. Many praise its battery life as sufficient for daily needs and its compact size as comfortable to carry. The 64GB storage is valued by those who want more space. Some buyers mention light scratches but find the phone works as expected. The iPhone SE (2016) appeals to users who want a reliable, smaller iPhone for basic tasks and a smooth iOS experience.
Overall, the Galaxy S6 suits those who want a larger, sharper screen with more RAM and camera detail. The iPhone SE (2016) fits users who prefer a smaller device with more storage and the iOS ecosystem. Both phones meet the needs of buyers seeking affordable refurbished options that cover everyday smartphone functions.
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) FAQs
Galaxy S6 vs iPhone SE (2016) comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Exynos 7420 Octa (14 nm) on the Galaxy S6, Apple A9 (14 nm) on the iPhone SE (2016). The Galaxy S6 has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The Galaxy S6 is cheaper refurbished, from £81.32 compared with £192.40 for the iPhone SE (2016).
The Galaxy S6 has a bigger battery: 2550 mAh vs 1624 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 SE (2016) ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S6 comes in 32GB, and the iPhone SE (2016) in 64GB.
