Samsung Galaxy S4 vs. S5 vs. S6: What’s the Real Difference?

Published: 09/04/2025

Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, and S6 represent three major generations of Samsung’s flagship lineup, launched in 2013, 2014, and 2015 respectively. Each model marked a leap in design, performance, and features—from the S4’s plastic body and removable battery to the S6’s premium glass-metal build and wireless charging. While the S4 focused on smart gestures and compact design, the S5 introduced water resistance, and the S6 transformed the series with faster performance and a sleeker look. In this comparison, we’ll explore how they differ in display, performance, camera, battery, and more to help you decide which one best suits your needs today.

Table of Content

Comparison Table: Galaxy S4 vs. Galaxy S5 vs. Galaxy S6
Design and Build
Display Quality
Performance and Hardware
Camera Capabilities
Battery Life and Charging
Software and Features
Which One Should You Choose?
Final Tip:
Conclusion
FAQs

So, guys, without wasting time, let’s jump into the article to learn the samsung Galaxy S4 vs. S5 vs. S6

Comparison Table: Galaxy S4 vs. Galaxy S5 vs. Galaxy S6

Feature	Galaxy S4	Galaxy S5	Galaxy S6
Release Year	2013	2014	2015
Display	5.0″ Super AMOLED, 1920×1080	5.1″ Super AMOLED, 1920×1080	5.1″ Super AMOLED, 2560×1440
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 600	Qualcomm Snapdragon 801	Samsung Exynos 7420
RAM	2 GB	2 GB	3 GB
Storage Options	16/32/64 GB, expandable via microSD	16/32 GB, expandable via microSD	32/64/128 GB, no microSD slot
Rear Camera	13 MP	16 MP	16 MP with OIS
Front Camera	2 MP	2 MP	5 MP
Battery Capacity	2,600 mAh, removable	2,800 mAh, removable	2,550 mAh, non-removable
Operating System	Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean	Android 4.4.2 KitKat	Android 5.0.2 Lollipop
Dimensions	136.6 x 69.8 x 7.9 mm	142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm	143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm
Weight	130 g	145 g	138 g

Design and Build

Galaxy S4: Featured a plastic body with a removable back cover, allowing battery replacement and microSD expansion.
Galaxy S5: Introduced a textured plastic back for improved grip and maintained the removable battery and microSD slot. It also added IP67-rated water and dust resistance.
Galaxy S6: Marked a significant shift with a premium glass back and metal frame. However, this design change led to the removal of the removable battery and microSD slot, and it lacked the water resistance of its predecessor.

Display Quality

Galaxy S4 and S5: Both offered 5.0″ and 5.1″ Full HD Super AMOLED displays, respectively, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Galaxy S6: Upgraded to a 5.1″ Quad HD (2560×1440) Super AMOLED display, resulting in a higher pixel density and sharper visuals.

Performance and Hardware

Galaxy S4: Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 600 processor with 2 GB of RAM, suitable for everyday tasks.
Galaxy S5: Upgraded to the Snapdragon 801 processor, offering improved performance and efficiency.
Galaxy S6: Utilized Samsung’s in-house Exynos 7420 chipset with 3 GB of RAM, providing significant performance enhancements and better energy efficiency.

Camera Capabilities

Galaxy S4: Equipped with a 13 MP rear camera capable of 1080p video recording.
Galaxy S5: Featured a 16 MP rear camera with improved autofocus speed and 4K video recording capabilities.
Galaxy S6: Maintained the 16 MP resolution but introduced Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for better low-light performance and video stability.

Battery Life and Charging

Galaxy S4 and S5: Offered removable batteries (2,600 mAh and 2,800 mAh, respectively), allowing users to carry spares.
Galaxy S6: Transitioned to a non-removable 2,550 mAh battery but introduced fast charging and wireless charging support.

Software and Features

Galaxy S4: Launched with Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean, featuring Samsung’s TouchWiz UI and various gesture-based controls.
Galaxy S5: Shipped with Android 4.4.2 KitKat and introduced features like Ultra Power Saving Mode and a heart rate sensor.
Galaxy S6: Came with Android 5.0.2 Lollipop and a refined TouchWiz UI, offering a cleaner and more responsive user experience.

Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Galaxy S4, S5, and S6 depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences. Each model brought unique upgrades in design, performance, and user experience.

Choose Galaxy S4 if you want:
- A more affordable legacy Samsung phone
- Expandable storage and removable battery
- Lightweight and compact design
Choose Galaxy S5 if you want:
- Water and dust resistance (IP67)
- Slightly improved camera and display
- Heart rate sensor and Ultra Power Saving Mode
- Removable battery and microSD support
Choose Galaxy S6 if you want:
- A more premium and modern design (glass + metal)
- Higher resolution Quad HD display
- Improved camera with OIS
- Fast and wireless charging
- Better overall performance with the Exynos 7420

Final Tip:

If you prefer performance and design over older features like a removable battery, the Galaxy S6 is a stronger choice. But if battery swap and expandability matter to you, the Galaxy S5 offers a perfect middle ground.

Conclusion

The progression from the Galaxy S4 to the S6 showcases Samsung’s commitment to innovation and design evolution. Each model brought notable enhancements, catering to the changing demands of users and setting new standards in the smartphone industry.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Galaxy S4 vs. Galaxy S5 vs. Galaxy S6.

What is the difference between Samsung S5 and S6?

The S6 has a premium metal-glass design, while the S5 is plastic.
S6 removed the removable battery and microSD slot found in S5.
S6 has a better display, faster processor, and wireless charging.
S6 camera performs better in low light.

S5 is water-resistant; S6 is not.

Is S6 better than S5?

Yes, in terms of performance, display quality, and build design, the S6 is better. However, the S5 offers more practicality with features like expandable storage and water resistance.

How old is a Samsung S5 phone?

The Samsung Galaxy S5 was released in April 2014, making it over 10 years old as of 2025.

What is the difference between Samsung S7 and S6?

S7 reintroduced water resistance and microSD card slot missing in the S6.
S7 has a better battery, camera, and improved low-light performance.
S7 uses newer hardware and offers always-on display.
Overall, S7 is a refined upgrade over S6.

Which series is best, S or A in Samsung?

S Series is Samsung’s premium flagship line—better performance, camera, display, and build.
A Series is mid-range, more budget-friendly, but lacks high-end features.

If budget isn’t a concern, the S Series is the best.