Galaxy S5 vs iPhone 6s: Which One Should You Buy?

Galaxy S5 edges ahead with a BeastScore of 62.8/100 — but the right choice depends on what matters to you.

Head-to-head
Comparing 2 devicesSwipe ⇄
Samsung · 2014

Galaxy S5

Galaxy S5
63/ 100
Launch price$600
Apple · 2015

iPhone 6s

iPhone 6s
63/ 100
Launch price$649
Head-to-head

Galaxy S5 wins 1 of 7 categories

Here's exactly where each phone is stronger.

Galaxy S5
Galaxy S5
1 win
iPhone 6s
iPhone 6s
0 wins
At a glance

Bigger shape = better phone.

SpeedCameraSelfieBatteryDisplayConnectivityValue
Galaxy S5iPhone 6s
Category winners

Scores out of 100. How we score

  • SpeedTie
    60
    60
  • CameraTie
    68
    68
  • VideoNot enough data
  • SelfieTie
    40
    40
  • BatteryTie
    58
    58
  • DisplayTie
    62
    62
  • ConnectivityGalaxy S5
    57
    45
  • SecurityNot enough data
  • ValueTie
    68
    68
Key differences
  • Galaxy S5 has the bigger battery2,800 mAh vs 1,715 mAh
  • Galaxy S5 has a sharper main camera16 MP vs 12 MP
  • Galaxy S5 has the bigger screen5.1" vs 4.7"
  • iPhone 6s is lighter143 g vs 145 g
  • Galaxy S5 launched cheaper$600 vs $649
  • iPhone 6s has a sharper selfie camera5 MP vs 2 MP
  • iPhone 6s has newer Bluetooth4.2 vs 4
See all specs ↓

Why buy each phone

Swipe ⇄
Reasons to buy Galaxy S5
  • ✓$49 cheaper at launch ($600 vs $649)
  • ✓Bigger 2,800 mAh battery (+1,085 mAh)
  • ✓16 MP main camera
Reasons to buy iPhone 6s
  • ✓2 g lighter (143 g vs 145 g), easier to hold
  • ✓12 MP main camera
  • ✓4.7" display at 60 Hz

Full specifications

Swipe ⇄
SpecificationGalaxy S5iPhone 6s
1. Display & Screen
Screen typeSuper AMOLEDLED-backlit IPS LCD Retina HD
Screen Size5.1"4.7"
Resolution & Density1920x1080 (432 ppi)1334x750 (326 ppi)
Refresh Rate60 Hz60 Hz
Brightness698 nits peak500 nits peak
Screen ProtectionNot listedNot listed
2. Platform & Performance
Chipset / ProcessorNot listed Not listed
CPU CoresNot listedNot listed
GPU GraphicsNot listedNot listed
Operating SystemAndroid 4.4iOS 9
3. Memory & Storage
RAM Memory2 GB LPDDR2 GB LPDDR
Internal Storage16GB / 32GB16GB / 32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Storage SpeedNot listedNot listed
Card SlotNoNo
4. Main Camera Optics
Primary Camera16 MP, f/2.212 MP, f/2.2
Telephoto ZoomNone (digital zoom only)None (digital zoom only)
Ultrawide CameraN/AN/A
LiDAR / DepthNoneNone
5. Video
Main Camera Video
Not listed
Not listed
Front Video
Not listed
Not listed
6. Selfie Camera
Selfie Lens2 MP, f/2.45 MP, f/2.2
7. Body & Dimensions🏆 iPhone 6s Lightest Chassis
Dimensions142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm
Weight145 g143 g
Build MaterialsNot listedNot listed
SIM TypeNot listedNot listed
Water ResistanceIP67Not listed
8. Battery & Charging
Battery Capacity2,800 mAh1,715 mAh
Wired Fast Charging5W wired fast charging5W wired fast charging
Wireless ChargingNot listedNot listed
Reverse ChargingNot listedNot listed
9. Sound & Audio
LoudspeakerNot listedNot listed
3.5mm Headphone JackNoNo
10. Connectivity
Wi-Fi StandardWi-Fi 5Wi-Fi 5
Bluetooth4.04.2
USB Port & SpeedMicro-USB 3.0Lightning
NFCYes (contactless payment)Yes (contactless payment)
11. Sensors & Security
SensorsNot listedNot listed
Satellite FeaturesNot listedNot listed
12. Colors & Overview
ColorsNot listedNot listed
Launch Price$600$649
Our verdict

Galaxy S5 wins — BeastScore 62.8/100

The Galaxy S5 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,800 mAh vs 1,715 mAh) and sharper main camera (16 MP vs 12 MP). The iPhone 6s is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (143 g vs 145 g).

Buy Galaxy S5 if you want

Larger battery: 2,800 mAh vs 1,715 mAh

Buy iPhone 6s if you want

Reliable all-round performance.

Common questions

Which is better: Galaxy S5 or iPhone 6s?

The Galaxy S5 is the better pick for most people thanks to its bigger battery (2,800 mAh vs 1,715 mAh) and sharper main camera (16 MP vs 12 MP). The iPhone 6s is worth a look if you prefer its lighter body (143 g vs 145 g). BeastScore: Galaxy S5 62.8/100, iPhone 6s 62.8/100.

What are the main battery and display differences between Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6s?

Galaxy S5 has a 5.1-inch display and 2800 mAh battery. iPhone 6s has a 4.7-inch display and 1715 mAh battery.

How do Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6s compare for speed?

Galaxy S5 scores 60/100 for performance; iPhone 6s scores 60/100.

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