iPhone 6 Vs Galaxy S5 Review: Apple Gatecrashes Samsung

iPhone vs Galaxy is arguably the smartphone sector’s biggest rivalry, but in 2014 it has been taken to a new level. Apple finally enlarged the iPhone to compete with the Galaxy range head on and it has been a technological bloodbath. My iPhone 6 Plus vs Galaxy Note 4 review proved incredibly close and now it is time to pitch the two companies’ biggest sellers head-to-head.

Design – Style vs Practicality

In recent years Apple and Samsung have been criticised for doing little to overhaul the design of their ranges while the likes of HTC, LG and Motorola have significantly upped their game. 2014 was the year Apple finally made major changes while Samsung didn’t. So this should be an easy win – right? Not so fast.

While looks are always subjective, based purely on visuals, the iPhone 6 certainly easily has the edge. I’m not a big fan of the large top and bottom bezels that still reside on the iPhone 6, but its beautifully chamfered edges and matt aluminium unibody back and edges really stand out compared to the glossy metal edges on the Galaxy S5 and its controversial faux leather plastic back.

Galaxy S5 is not that much bigger than the iPhone 6

iPhone 6 – 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.27 in) and 129 g (4.55 oz)
Galaxy S5 – 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm (5.59 x 2.85 x 0.32 in) and 145 g (5.11 oz)
Read more – iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus Review: Which Is Best?


But look more closely and it isn’t quite the cakewalk it might appear. The protruding camera on the back of the iPhone 6 clearly isn’t loved at Apple HQ as it was Photoshopped off official press shots and here the equally protruding, but centrally aligned Galaxy S5 camera looks more balanced.

Furthermore the Galaxy S5 remains the far more practical handset. Being smaller, the iPhone 6 doesn’t suffer from its slippery finish and lack of palm-friendly ergonomics as much as the iPhone 6 Plus but – despite being larger and thicker – the Galaxy S5’s grippy texture and more accentuated curves actually make it nicer and easier to hold.

iPhone 6 has the more premium finish

Then comes the Galaxy S5’s trump card: it is both water and dust resistant with IP67 certification. Most usefully this means the Galaxy S5 can be left in up to one metre of water for up to 30 minutes. An ugly plastic flap on the power port must be shut for this, but it remains a major feather in the cap for the S5. Not only is it great for protecting against water damage that would kill the iPhone 6, but it is remarkably liberating being able to answer a phone call or adjust your music in the shower!

Ultimately most people picking up both phones in a shop are likely to favour the iPhone 6, but when it comes to living with both long term it is an extremely close call.