Samsung S6 Price: 7 Surprising Factors That Affect It
Updated: 5 Jul 2025
At under $100, the Samsung Galaxy S6 price makes it a tempting budget buy, but is it still worth it? While its premium glass/metal build and sharp Quad HD display outperform many modern budget phones, its aging hardware struggles with today’s app demands. Let’s break down who should consider this 2015 flagship at its current used Samsung S6 price, and who should avoid it.
Why Consider the S6 at Today’s Prices?
The Samsung S6 2024 price offers unmatched value for specific users. While outdated in some areas, its premium features still impress:
- Extremely affordable: Just
- 50−100 for used models
- Flagship materials: Gorilla Glass 4 + aluminium frame
- Vibrant 5.1” Quad HD AMOLED: sharper than new budget phones
- Wireless charging: rare at this Samsung Galaxy S6 price point
- Compact size: perfect for one-handed use
S6 vs. New Budget Phones: Key Tradeoffs
Where the S6 Wins
✓ 16mp IOS camera: better than new $150 phone cameras
✓ 1440p display: crisper than 720p/1080p competitors
✓ Premium vibration motor: better haptic feedback
✓ Brighter screen (577 nits): great for outdoor use
✓ Faster UFS 2.0 storage: quicker app launches
Where Modern Phones Win
✓ 4000mAh+ batteries vs. S6’s weak 2550mAh
✓ Android 13+ support vs. S6’s stuck-on Android 7
✓ Multi-camera systems with night mode
✓ 18W+ fast charging vs. S6’s slow 15W
✓ 2+ years of security updates included
Who Should Buy the S6?
✔ Ideal for:
- Minimalists need just calls/texts
- Parents wanting a first phone for their kids
- Secondary devices for work/business
- Retro tech enthusiasts
- DIY repair beginners (cheap parts)
❌ Avoid if you need:
- All-day battery life
- Latest mobile games
- New app support
- Strong security updates
- Lots of storage space
Key Factors Affecting S6 Value
- Battery health: Most used units need replacement
- Storage size: 32 GB fills fast (64 GB/128 GB better)
- Color rarity: Emerald Green adds 20% value
- Carrier status: Unlocked models cost more
- Accessories: The Original charger adds
- 10−15 value
3. Where to Buy the Samsung Galaxy S6 (Trusted Sources)
Online Marketplaces: eBay, Amazon, or Facebook?
Finding the best Samsung Galaxy S6 price requires comparing platforms. While eBay offers the lowest used Samsung S6 price, Amazon provides warranty-backed refurbished units. Facebook Marketplace has local deals but higher risks.
- eBay:
- Search for Samsung S6 refurbished price to find certified units
- Filter by S6 32 GB price or 64 GB variants
- Check seller ratings (98%+ preferred for cheap Samsung Galaxy S6)
- Use S6 2024 price trends to spot overpriced listings
- Review return policies before buying used Samsung S6 price units
Local Stores: Better for Testing Before Buying?
Physical stores let you inspect the Samsung Galaxy S6 price versus condition. While prices may be higher than online, you avoid shipping risks and can test battery health immediately.
- Pawn Shops:
- Negotiate Samsung S6 price drop on older inventory
- Test the touchscreen and cameras before paying
- Ask about the Samsung S6 battery replacement cost if needed
- Compare to Samsung S6 vs. S7 price in same store
- Verify IMEI isn’t blacklisted
Refurbished Sellers: Who’s Reliable?
Certified sellers offer the best balance of Samsung Galaxy S6 price and quality. These units typically include new batteries and warranties, addressing commonly used Samsung S6 price concerns.
- Back Market:
- Samsung S6 refurbished price starts at $100 with a warranty
- Battery health guaranteed above 85% capacity
- Free returns within 30 days
- Compare the S6 2024 price across conditions
- Includes original charger at higher Samsung Galaxy S6 price tiers
4. Key Features of the Samsung Galaxy S6
Display: Still Sharp or Outdated?
The S6’s Quad HD screen remains a standout at its current Samsung Galaxy S6 price point. While smaller than modern phones, its pixel density beats many budget devices today.
- Resolution: 1440p, sharper than Samsung S6 vs. S7 price competitors
- Brightness: 577 nits works well outdoors
- Burn-in: Check for AMOLED degradation in used Samsung S6 price units
- Colour: 100% sRGB coverage for vibrant media
- Size: 5.1 compact form fits cheap Samsung Galaxy S6 budgets
Storage: Is 32 GB Enough Today?
The base 32 GB model affects the overall value of any Samsung Galaxy S6 price. Heavy users should consider paying more for 64 GB refurbished units.
- Usable Space: Only ≈24 GB after system files
- Apps: Fits 15-20 average apps comfortably
- Photos: Stores ≈3,000 12mp images
- Workarounds: Cloud storage essential for S6 32 GB price buyers
- Upgrade: 64 GB adds
- 10−15 to Samsung S6 refurbished price
Design: Metal & Glass vs. Modern Phones
The S6’s premium 2015 design explains why the used Samsung S6 price remains stable. However, practical limitations exist compared to newer models.
- Materials: Gorilla Glass 4 back scratches easily
- Colours: Emerald Green adds 20% to the Samsung Galaxy S6 price
- Missing: No water resistance or expandable storage
- Battery: Slim design means factoring Samsung S6 battery replacement cost
- Ergonomics: 138g weight beats heavier modern phones
Everyday Tasks: Calls, Social Media, YouTube
The Exynos 7420 chipset still handles basics smoothly at its current Samsung S6 price. While not lightning-fast, it manages light usage better than many budget phones in the same used Samsung S6 price range.
- Calls/Messaging: No lag, even with multiple apps open
- Social Media: Instagram/TikTok load slowly, but they work
- YouTube: Streams 1080p smoothly (no 4K support)
- Multitasking: 3-4 apps max before reloading
- Weakness: Chrome struggles with heavy websites
Gaming: Can It Run Popular Mobile Games?
Modern 3d games push this 2015 flagship to its limits. The Samsung Galaxy S6 price only makes sense for casual gamers.
- Runs Well: Candy Crush, Subway Surfers, Clash Royale
- Struggles With: Genshin Impact, COD Mobile, Fortnite
- Settings: Low graphics + 30fps required for most games
- Heating Issue: Throttles after 15–20 minutes of gameplay
- Alternative: Samsung S6 vs. S7 price difference (~$30) gets better GPU
Software Updates: Is Android 7.0 a Dealbreaker?
Stuck on Android 7 (Nougat), the S6 misses critical security patches. This significantly impacts its S6 2024 price value for privacy-conscious buyers.
- App Support: 85% of apps still work (WhatsApp, Netflix)
- Security Risk: No patches since 2018: avoid banking on the device
- Workaround: Use lightweight apps (Firefox Lite, Spotify Lite)
- No Custom ROMs: Bootloader locks limit upgrade options
- Alternative: Refurbished Samsung S6 price with Knox reset
6. Camera Quality: Can It Compete With Modern Phones?
Daylight Photos: Still Decent?
The 16mp IOS rear camera holds up surprisingly well in good light, justifying its cheap Samsung Galaxy S6 price for photography enthusiasts.
- Details: Crisp shots comparable to $200 phones
- Colours: Slightly oversaturated (typical Samsung)
- HDR: Basic but effective for landscapes
- Zoom: Digital zoom turns muddy past 2x
- Pro Tip: Use manual mode for best results
Low-Light & Selfies: Major Weaknesses
The S6 shows its age in challenging lighting. This explains many used Samsung S6 price listings, highlighting daylight samples only.
- Noise: Grainy photos above ISO 800
- Flash: Washes out colours unnaturally
- Selfie Cam: 5mp struggles in all conditions
- No Night Mode: Unlike modern budget phones
- Alternative: Google Pixel 3a for low-light at a similar Samsung S6 refurbished price
Video Recording: HD or 4K?
While technically capable of 4K, the S6’s thermal throttling makes HD more practical today.
- 4K: Overheats after 5–7 minutes
- 1080p: Stable 30fps with decent stabilization
- Slow Motion: 720p@120fps only
- Mic Quality: Poor noise cancellation
- Storage Note: 1 minute 4K = 350 MB (hurts S6 32 GB price value)
7. Battery Life: The Biggest Downside?
Average Screen-On Time in 2024
Ageing 2550mAh batteries deliver disappointing runtime. This is the #1 reason the Samsung Galaxy S6 price stays low.
- Light Use: 2.5-3 hours SOT (just calls/messaging)
- YouTube: ~2 hours of continuous playback
- Gaming: Drops to 1-1.5 hours
- Standby: Loses 15-20% overnight
- Comparison: New $150 phones last 6+ hours
Replacing the Battery: Costs & Tips
Factor the Samsung S6 battery replacement cost into your total budget for usable performance.
- DIY Kits:
- 15−25 (requires heat gun + patience)
- Professional:
- 40−60 at repair shops
- OEM vs. Third-Party: Genuine batteries add 30% cost
- Warning: Poor replacements swell quickly
- Best Practice: Request 90 %+ health on refurbished Samsung S6 price listings
Battery-Saving Hacks for the S6
Extend usability between charges with these tricks:
- Dark Mode: AMOLED saves power (use Samsung browser)
- Disable: Always-On Display, GPS, Bluetooth
- Brightness: Keep below 50%
- Essential Apps Only: Uninstall Facebook/Instagram (use web)
- Nuclear Option: Enable Ultra Power Saving Mode
8. Pros and Cons of Buying the S6 in 2024
Pros: Cheap, Compact, Good for Basics
The Samsung S6 price in 2024 makes it one of the most budget-friendly ways to own a former flagship. Its compact size and reliable performance for basic tasks keep it relevant.
- ✅ Affordable: Often under $100 for used models
- ✅ Premium Build: Glass/metal design still feels high-end
- ✅ Decent Display: Sharp Quad HD screen for media
- ✅ Wireless Charging: Rare at this price point
- ✅ Lightweight: Easy one-handed use (138g)
Cons: Old Tech, No Updates, Weak Battery
The used Samsung S6 price comes with major trade-offs. Ageing hardware and a lack of software support limit its usefulness.
- ❌ Outdated Software: Stuck on Android 7 (Nougat)
- ❌ Poor Battery Life: 2–3 hours screen time (new battery helps slightly)
- ❌ No Security Updates: Risky for banking/personal data
- ❌ Limited Storage: 32 GB isn’t enough for most users
- ❌ Slow Performance: Chokes on modern apps/games
The Verdict: When to Say Yes or No
✔ Buy If: You need a cheap backup phone, a kid’s first device, or a minimalist burner.
✖ Avoid if: You rely on all-day battery, new apps, or mobile gaming.
9. Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy the Samsung S6?
Best For: Kids, Seniors, Minimalists
The Samsung Galaxy S6 price suits those who prioritise simplicity over specs.
- 👶 Kids: Durable enough for a first phone (add a case!)
- 👵 Seniors: Simple interface for calls/texts
- ✌️ Minimalists: Only need basics (no social media/games)
- 📱 Secondary Device: Dedicated work/business line
- 🎥 Media Remote: Great for streaming on a budget TV
Avoid If: You Need Speed, Storage, or New Apps
The S6 2024 price isn’t worth it for power users.
- 🚫 Heavy Users: Multitasking is sluggish
- 📸 Photo Hoarders: 32 GB fills fast (no SD card)
- 🎮 Gamers: Can’t run Fortnite/COD smoothly
- 🔒 Privacy-Conscious: No security updates since 2018
- 🌍 Travelers: Weak battery dies quickly
Middle Ground: A Temporary Phone?
If you’re between devices, the refurbished Samsung S6 price could be a short-term fix.
- ⏳ Stopgap Phone: Use while saving for an upgrade
- 📲 Test Device: Try Android before investing
- 💸 Resell Later: Holds some value if kept in good shape
Conclusion:
At its current Samsung Galaxy S6 price of 50−100, this 2015 flagship remains a cheap Samsung Galaxy S6 option for minimalists, kids, or backup use. While the used Samsung S6 price reflects its age, especially for 32 GB models needing battery replacements, its Quad HD display and premium build still outshine modern budget phones. However, the S6 2024 price comes with compromises: no software updates, weak battery life, and limited storage.
