Smartphone buyers looking to purchase a device that can last for several years could end up choosing between the two vendors selling the largest number of handsets each year, Apple and Samsung. They may wonder if iPhones last longer than Galaxy phones, or vice versa. The answer to the question isn’t a resounding “yes”, because things are more complicated, but the iPhone has the advantage. Unlike Apple, Samsung caters to the entire market, selling entry-level, mid-range, and flagship phones, while all iPhones made by Apple fall into the premium-to-flagship categories. This means that even the cheapest iPhones, like the $599 iPhone 17e, can last longer than most entry-level Galaxy phones. Samsung flagships should last about as long as iPhone flagships, but even here there’s a distinction to be made. Samsung’s foldable flagship phones, especially older models, may experience durability issues typical of this form factor, which can impact their lifespan.
That said, it’s not just about the durability of the handsets themselves, as other key factors impact the lifespan of a mobile device, including software support and customer service experience. Additionally, iPhones retain better value than Samsung flagships, which may be another factor in the longevity equation.
When it comes to durability, buyers can’t go wrong with Samsung’s flagships. Like Apple, the Korean giant has improved the build quality of its phones over the years, including the Galaxy S models. The handsets feature metal frames (aluminum or titanium) and durable front and back glass panels. Galaxy S phones can withstand accidental damage just as well as iPhones, but they can also break, just like Apple’s handsets. Regardless of their choice, buyers should consider protective accessories like cases and screen protectors.
Software support can be misleading
For years, the iPhone had a clear advantage over some Android phones when it came to software support. Apple reportedly regularly offered five or six years of iOS versions to older iPhone models, while some Android devices received far fewer updates. A few years ago, Samsung decided to improve the software support of its Android phones, offering update guarantees for its various Galaxy phones. As of this writing, flagships like the Galaxy S, Z Fold, and Z Flip models get seven years of major Android releases, while the Galaxy A models can go up to six years.
Years of software support don’t tell the whole story, however. Unlike Apple, Samsung doesn’t control the Android release schedule. When Google releases a new Android operating system update, Pixel phones are the first to receive it. Samsung is adapting Android to its One UI platform and its phones will take longer to get the latest Android update. Flagships will receive the latest version first, followed by cheaper models. On the other hand, Apple releases its iOS updates to all eligible iPhones simultaneously.
There is also performance to consider. The iPhone 11 series will support the iOS 27 update. The iPhone 11 series was launched in 2019, which means it will be able to run the latest iOS software seven years later. But the iPhone 11 phones may offer even better performance than some of the newer Galaxy handsets. The iPhone 11 Pro scores 1,705 and 3,780 in Geekbench single-core and multi-core tests. The first Galaxy S model to match this single-core performance was the 2023 Galaxy S23, which achieved 1,870 points. The Galaxy A57, a premium mid-range Samsung phone launching in early 2026, achieves 1,311 points in the same single-core tests.
The customer service experience
iPhones tend to hold their value better than Galaxy phones. Reports have shown in 2025 that London smartphone thieves could return an Android phone, targeting iPhones. A SellCell report from August 2025 indicates that the iPhone 16 lost 35.4% of its value five months after its launch, while the Galaxy S25’s depreciation was 46.6%. However, Samsung is catching up to Apple when it comes to flagship phone value, with SellCell speculating that Samsung could close the gap by mid-2026. Apple launched the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, which saw record sales for the company. Even the standard iPhone 17 had been sold out for several months, according to BGR checks.
It’s not enough for a smartphone to be durable and have several years of timely software support to ensure its longevity. Owners also need reliable access to customer support to troubleshoot issues and make specific repairs, like replacing an aging battery. The battery can degrade within a few years regardless of platform, and buyers will need to replace it once the battery health drops below 80%.
Both Apple and Samsung offer premium warranty packages for iPhone and Galaxy phones, which will reduce repair costs. However, iPhones have an advantage over Galaxy phones, given Apple’s extensive retail store network. Samsung has a more limited retail presence compared to Apple, meaning Galaxy device buyers might have a harder time getting their devices repaired. Many iPhone owners may be able to make an appointment the next day at a Genius Bar at an Apple Store, while Samsung phone owners may need to mail their devices in for repair. Apple retail stores also provide early access to other products, including next-generation iPhones for upgrades.
