Samsung Compares Galaxy S9 to Very Slow iPhone 6 in Frivolous Ad

[LordVic]

At least it's getting something. I've heard that's not the case for many Android phones.

Hit or miss. many have made an effort in the last couple years to get better. Samsung was notorious for devices earlier than the S5 getting about a year worth of "sparatic" updates. By the time of the S6, they had a bit of an "awakening". They stopped with the plastic. and promised that they'd support their devices for two product generations after. (S6 would get updates until the S9).

The updates are still somewhat inconsistent in the timing of delivery. I'm not on a carrier branded phone so this is even coming directly from Samsung. But compared to any OS, security updates aren't released on a regular schedule. Although I had been getting them around once a month.

If being on the latest OS version with the latest "coolness", than iOS or a Pixel running stock android is really the only choices. If you're not particularly picky about the latest Anrdoid version itself, then the playing field opens up to a few dozen manufacturers, all with their own policy and routines for delivery. It's always recommended that if you're an update fanatic (I used to be), than it's better to investigate before buying what sort of update history that manufacturer has.

This is of course, because we're us talking about this. I'm pretty confident the average consumer doesn't really give a crap about the OS version on their phone. they just care that it works, and that they don't run into limitations trying to run the apps fo their choice. This is where however iOS and Android truly seperate in how they do things.

iOS updates are incredibly important because iOS updates are both security and feature updates bundled in one release, including major applications that are baked into the core of the platform. Many iOS apps cannot be updated independantly of the OS such as Safari.

Google has done this differently, where Google's service platform is not baked into Android itself, but run as apps on top. This allows Google to update every single application independently of the OS. Android can deliver it's core apps and services on devices that run older OS's so many users new modern apps and old legacy apps generally still run, even on older devices who don't get Android updates.

 

[macduke]

Android phones don't need the same kind of updates that iOS devices need.

E.g. iOS 10 brought updates to Siri, Apple Maps, Home, iMessage, Photo, News and other core Apple apps... apps that cannot be updated separately such as is done all the time in Android.

That's a good point I haven't much thought about. But some things are still OS only, which is why Google updates Android every year.

 

[Altis]

My girlfriend had a 6s on iOS 11 and it ran fine. No problems at all.

Define "fine". To some people, endless delays are "fine". I'm not saying it's buggy, it's just slow.

My iPhone 8 is almost identical in many ways to my iPhone 6. The only reason I had to get a new one was because the 6 became slow due to iOS. I'll try my best not to update iOS on this one again lest it become slow as well, for no real reason.

 

[macduke]

Hit or miss. many have made an effort in the last couple years to get better. Samsung was notorious for devices earlier than the S5 getting about a year worth of "sparatic" updates. By the time of the S6, they had a bit of an "awakening". They stopped with the plastic. and promised that they'd support their devices for two product generations after. (S6 would get updates until the S9).

The updates are still somewhat inconsistent in the timing of delivery. I'm not on a carrier branded phone so this is even coming directly from Samsung. But compared to any OS, security updates aren't released on a regular schedule. Although I had been getting them around once a month.

If being on the latest OS version with the latest "coolness", than iOS or a Pixel running stock android is really the only choices. If you're not particularly picky about the latest Anrdoid version itself, then the playing field opens up to a few dozen manufacturers, all with their own policy and routines for delivery. It's always recommended that if you're an update fanatic (I used to be), than it's better to investigate before buying what sort of update history that manufacturer has.

This is of course, because we're us talking about this. I'm pretty confident the average consumer doesn't really give a crap about the OS version on their phone. they just care that it works, and that they don't run into limitations trying to run the apps fo their choice.

That last part is very true. As long as security updates keep coming most people don't care. Especially since newer updates with lots of features tend to slow things down somewhat over time. I also used to be more of an update fanatic but the fact of the matter is that most phones today can do most of the things we need to do every day and they're starting to run out of features they can shove in there. I used to be more obsessive about it. I'm still on the iPhone Upgrade Program and I've wondered if I really need to be after getting an X. The only thing I'm looking forward to are improvements in Face ID speed and recognition rates, but people have told me I probably have a mildly defective unit. Otherwise this thing is a dream. I'll probably keep updating though because I can't imagine I would update every three years and otherwise it's a two year payment plan if you don't upgrade so I might as well keep getting the new one. At some point down the road I'm just going to be somebody's old dad and will probably stop caring entirely. But you usually can't use a phone more than 4 or 5 years without the battery going to hell so I'll need to at least update that often. Also security updates are rarely beyond 5-6 years.

 

[BruceEBonus]

I’m Using My Brain To Run My Life Until I Upgrade To Samsung. Someone Said We Used To Have Them At One Time (Many Many Years Ago), I’m Off To Google Where It Is And How To Switch It On. Wish Me Luck!

 

[LordVic]

That last part is very true. As long as security updates keep coming most people don't care. Especially since newer updates with lots of features tend to slow things down somewhat over time. I also used to be more of an update fanatic but the fact of the matter is that most phones today can do most of the things we need to do every day and they're starting to run out of features they can shove in there. I used to be more obsessive about it. I'm still on the iPhone Upgrade Program and I've wondered if I really need to be after getting an X. The only thing I'm looking forward to are improvements in Face ID speed and recognition rates, but people have told me I probably have a mildly defective unit. Otherwise this thing is a dream. I'll probably keep updating though because I can't imagine I would update every three years and otherwise it's a two year payment plan if you don't upgrade so I might as well keep getting the new one. At some point down the road I'm just going to be somebody's old dad and will probably stop caring entirely. But you usually can't use a phone more than 4 or 5 years without the battery going to hell so I'll need to at least update that often. Also security updates are rarely beyond 5-6 years.

We're geeks (and I' mean that positively), we can't be sated by tech. once it's out, it's old and bring on the next big thing

 

[LorenK]

Did Samsung run this ad by their marketing lawyers? Comparing a new phone to a 4 year old device is misleading at best. Does Samsung realize that there are 50 Attorney Generals in the States that just love to bring state law claims on misleading ads? Gentlemen, start your engines.

 

[inhalexhale1]

I understand why this site disparages the Samsung ad; but the reality is that it is clearly, carefully targeted advertising. It's aimed at people who currently own iPhone 6's, who are primed for a new phone. There's not much value in targeting iPhone 8 owners to switch right now.

I thought the exact same thing after watching. This is definitely trying to capitalize on the frustrations of people with the iPhone throttling, feeling misled, and would jump ship. Many people were also unable to get battery replacements right away because of stock issues. I don't think this was a straight up, "The iPhone 6 is worse than the S9" thing.

 

[DNichter]

Define "fine". To some people, endless delays are "fine". I'm not saying it's buggy, it's just slow.

My iPhone 8 is almost identical in many ways to my iPhone 6. The only reason I had to get a new one was because the 6 became slow due to iOS. I'll try my best not to update iOS on this one again lest it become slow as well, for no real reason.

Meaning no delays, not slow, no stuttering, apps opened quick, battery was fine. The same as when she bought it.

 

[jonnysods]

I mean shoot, this is a pretty unfortunately angle. Apple don't advertise their iPhone X vs a Nexus 5.

 

[ackmondual]

Given Apple's put out a bunch of their own whimsical ads to switch, it's nice to see this come full circle

Apple deserved it. Be honest with your costumers next time.

Only when their profit margins would be lower as a result

 

[Altis]

Meaning no delays, not slow, no stuttering, apps opened quick, battery was fine. The same as when she bought it.

I have a hard time believing it. Many people all across this forum and others have found both the 6 and 6S have been slow on iOS 11 -- much moreso if you have a "bad" battery (ie. a "Healthy" one even). Did she recently replace the battery?

My dad thinks his 4S on iOS 9 runs "great" even though it can't even keep up with typing letters in Messages. I concede that I tend to use devices very quickly so I'm more prone to noticing delays. Input-blocking has been the bane of my Apple experience since iOS 7 right up to present day on iPhone 8.

 

[rishic89]

Meanwhile old S6 s with old batteries just shut down in the middle of the day.

S5 is comparable to iPhone 6

 

[deckard666]

Does a 4 year old Samsung even run ? And what operating system would it be stuck on ? Would be worth zero in trade-in too compared to an iPhone 6

 

[PickUrPoison]

You are totally missing the point. My point is that for a few years Apple's ad campaign was to call out issues with PC's, and passively suggest to buy a Mac instead. Samsung is doing the exact same thing with this, so to say that Apple is "above" this kind of marketing is bull.

Plus, some of the issues the Mac vs. PC ads called out were very general, such as PC's getting viruses, so they are absolutely applicable to machines that are 4 years old.

Apple didn’t passively suggest to buy a Mac—they blatantly said Windows PCs are a crappy experience. Buy a Mac instead, it’ll make your life easier. They don’t need similar commercials for iPhone because most already know iPhones are a better experience than Android.

There’s nothing wrong with comparison advertising, but using a four year old iPhone with a bad battery to try to build yourself up is deceitful, and reeks of desperation.

Actual buyers aren’t stupid enough to think an iPhone actually performs as shown in this commercial. They’ve seen how well their friends’s iPhones work. They’ll demo an iPhone at the store, see how fast it is and likely buy one. And they’ll know not to trust Samsung’s ads.

That’s how brands lose value.

 

[Dj64Mk7]

All the comments calling the ad juvenile fail to realize that the article describing the ad is juvenile in its writing, with blantent display of fanboyism designed with lots of pathos in order to make the typical reader feel like the ad is misleading and juvenile.

 

[NT1440]

All the comments calling the ad juvenile fail to realize that the article describing the ad is juvenile in its writing, with blantent display of fanboyism designed with lots of pathos in order to make the typical reader feel like the ad is misleading and juvenile.

I don’t think anybody read the “article”. Who needs some schmo’s take on an ad when you can just watch the ad itself?

 

[oyabroch!]

"Only a weak opponent feels the need to constantly challenge those above them"

Only a loser mocks the winner.

 

[toph2toast]

I have four friends that are still on 6’s (not 6s), the performance in the *samsung commercial* are nowhere near real world performance. Are they buttery smooth? No, but they’re way better than this joke of a commercial attempts to paint them.

Apple sold hundreds of millions of the iPhone 6's, so I don't think the performance of 4 devices

Apple didn’t passively suggest to buy a Mac—they blatantly said Windows PCs are a crappy experience. Buy a Mac instead, it’ll make your life easier. They don’t need similar commercials for iPhone because most already know iPhones are a better experience than Android.

There’s nothing wrong with comparison advertising, but using a four year old iPhone with a bad battery to try to build yourself up is deceitful, and reeks of desperation.

Actual buyers aren’t stupid enough to think an iPhone actually performs as shown in this commercial. They’ve seen how well their friends’s iPhones work. They’ll demo an iPhone at the store, see how fast it is and likely buy one. And they’ll know not to trust Samsung’s ads.

That’s how brands lose value.

Really? In their commercials they said to Buy a Mac instead? I never saw one of those, they just point out a crappy PC feature, then show a Mac at the end... hence the passive suggestion.

Also, the Samsung ad isn't deceitful. People still use iPhone 6's, and they have the issues that Samsung claims they have (as supported by various people on this thread). Thus, Samsung is suggesting to get their device over another Apple device, which is exactly that the Mac vs. PC ads did. They aren't trying to compare a 4 year old device to an S9, and I'm not sure what that's so hard to understand. If you don't have an iPhone 6, then you aren't the target audience for the ad.

 

[Evamika]

They barely do that. How embarrassing for them.

I own an iPhone X and can confirm that iPhone 6 slow as glacier before upgrading. While I want to hate Samsung for comparing old phone to new phone I can’t as the comparison they made was pretty fair. Opening the wallet app took nearly a minute on my 6 same as maps. Really frustrating experience. But I would never switch to Samsung over that since phones ageing is part of life

Agree.
To me, with these adds, Samsung lost me as a customer. I’m not buying their, phones, tvs, fridges, printers, and whatever else they are making.

 

[mejsric]

I love the notch haircuts.

 

[oMean]

Excellent point. I didn't even think of that.

But iPhone 6 owners can sell their iPhone 6 and get a reasonable good money. iPhone 6 is not that old. And it will get all the latest iOS updates for at least few years.

 

[corrado7]

This is classic though

Is that foreshadowing the next iphone SE (little kid) ???

 

[Abazigal]

Can’t say I am surprised. Samsung is obsessed with beating Apple and it shows in virtually everything they do. And the sad thing is that this obsession means that they will truly never be free to design the products they want to design.

And that is why I wil never buy a Samsung phone. They still don’t know what it is their products stand for.

 

[zonk44]

You're still better off with that iPhone 6 compared to that Samsung when it comes to JavaScript performance. So fact is, for daily use like web browsing, iPhone 6 is the faster and cheaper alternative to Samsung's Galaxy S9