Miscellaneous 3 min. read

Galaxy S6 vs. iPhone 6: Which One is More Secure?

Galaxy S6 vs. iPhone 6: Which One is More Secure?

Blog_Hotspot Shield_Galaxy S6 vs. iPhone 6

Do you have new phone fever? Comparisons abound between the iPhone 6 and the Samsung Galaxy S6. There is constant buzz surrounding their cameras, battery life, screen resolution, and other features. But what about security? Of course, you can use Hotspot Shield to protect yourself when you’re on public Wi-Fi, but the security features of the phones themselves also play a role in how safe your data is. Which phone takes the cake when it comes to keeping you safe? Here is a quick look at some of the security features of each.

The Fingerprint Scanners

Your fingerprint is uniquely you, so what better way to secure your phone than through a fingerprint scanner? Hackers have already proven that Apple’s fingerprint technology is not infallible, but it is tricky to bypass, making it relatively secure. iOS users can even use Apple’s Touch ID system to make PayPal transactions and log on to some websites.

The Galaxy S5’s fingerprint scanner received criticism because it wasn’t as reliable as Apple’s scanner. However, the S6 has a more reliable scanner that comes with improved functionality. Now it too can be used not just for unlocking the phone, but for some online activities as well.

However, Trusted Reviews points out that when you use Samsung’s fingerprint option, “What is done with that data is not entirely clear…and potentially raise[s] some serious data issues.” It seems that Apple comes off the winner when it comes to biometric security.

Smart Lock

According to CIO, the new Samsung gadget supports “Android Smart Lock features that let you keep your device unlocked when it’s in range of a trusted Bluetooth device, NFC tag or when it’s in range of a designated trusted location, such as your home or office.”

The iPhone has nothing like the Smart Lock feature, so you’ll have to take the time to unlock your iPhone even when you’re at home or in other places where you feel that your phone is safe. The Smart Lock feature is convenient, and it makes sure that your phone stays locked when it could fall into the wrong hands.

Samsung Pay vs. Apple Pay

iPhone users like the convenience of Apple Pay, which allows them to quickly make payments at retailers that support the system. Samsung hopped on the mobile pay bandwagon with Samsung Pay. This feature hasn’t yet been released, but it is clear that the two systems will have some striking similarities and differences.

Both systems use token payments that replace card data, which makes for more secure transactions than credit card transactions. However, Samsung Pay will have expanded features that will make it less secure than its Apple counterpart.

Samsung pay will work at magstripe readers, meaning that users of the S6 will be able to make payments with their phones at almost all retailers, giving Samsung Pay a broader scope than Apple Pay. The catch is that magstripe payments are notoriously insecure. Samsung defends the security of its system, but until the new way to pay makes its début, no one can say for certain how well it will work.

The Operating Systems

iOS’s reputation as a secure operating system persists, and while Google is making strides forward with Android’s security, iOS still comes off the winner in the software arena. Before an app shows up in Apple’s store, it must pass a rigorous security check, so malware makes its way into user’s phones far less often than it does on Android phones.

That being said, Android users who only download apps from reliable developers should stay safe.

Which Comes Off the Winner?

So, is the iPhone 6 or the Samsung Galaxy S6 the winner of the security battle? Both phones feature smart security tools, and the S6 comes with the added advantage of Smart Lock. However, Apple already has a firm reputation for security, and its Apple Touch ID seems more secure than Samsung’s similar system. Indeed, if security is your only concern, you should lean toward purchasing the iPhone 6.

Of course, security isn’t the only thing you need to consider, though it should be at the top of the list. Weigh all the features of each phone; you can stay safe with either one as long as you are smart when you’re making payments and take precautions when you use public Wi-Fi. Ultimately, which phone you should choose boils down to a matter of preference.

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