Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs 6s Plus Is The New One Really Worth The Upgrade

For users still holding onto an iPhone 6s Plus, the question isn’t just about desire—it’s about practicality. The device was a landmark in Apple’s history, praised for its durability, performance, and surprisingly long software support. But nearly a decade later, newer models like the iPhone 11 Pro Max offer advancements that seem almost sci-fi in comparison. So, is upgrading from the 6s Plus to the 11 Pro Max actually worth it? The answer depends on how you use your phone, what you value, and whether the leap in technology translates to meaningful improvements in daily life.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The difference in processing power between the iPhone 6s Plus and the iPhone 11 Pro Max is staggering. The 6s Plus runs on the A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, which was impressive in 2015 but now struggles with multitasking, modern app demands, and even basic animations in iOS 15 and beyond. In contrast, the 11 Pro Max features the A13 Bionic chip—Apple’s first 7nm processor at the time—with 4GB of RAM and a dedicated Neural Engine. This allows for faster app launches, seamless switching between apps, and far better handling of graphics-intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.

Real-world usage shows the gap clearly. On the 6s Plus, opening large files or loading complex web pages can take several seconds. Apps may crash or reload frequently. The 11 Pro Max handles the same tasks instantly, even with multiple apps running in the background. For anyone who uses their phone for more than calls and texts, this performance jump is transformative.

Tip: If your current phone lags when switching apps or takes more than two seconds to open common apps, it's likely time for a hardware upgrade.

Camera Comparison: From Good to Professional-Grade

The camera systems on these two phones reflect the evolution of smartphone photography. The iPhone 6s Plus has a single 12MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no optical image stabilization (OIS) for video. It captures decent daylight photos but struggles in low light, often producing grainy, blurry images. The front-facing 5MP camera lacks advanced features like Portrait Mode.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max changes the game with a triple-lens system: ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto. Each 12MP sensor includes OIS, Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR. The result? Crisp, detailed photos in almost any lighting condition. Low-light performance is dramatically improved, and the ability to switch between lenses gives creative control previously reserved for DSLRs.

Video recording sees similar gains. The 6s Plus shoots 1080p at 30fps, while the 11 Pro Max supports 4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range, and cinematic stabilization. For content creators, parents capturing memories, or anyone who values high-quality visuals, the upgrade is undeniable.

“Smartphone photography has evolved from convenience to creativity. The 11 Pro Max isn’t just better—it enables entirely new ways of capturing moments.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Instructor

Battery Life and Charging: From Frustration to Freedom

Battery degradation is inevitable, especially after years of use. Even if your 6s Plus still holds a charge, its capacity is likely below 80%, meaning shorter usage times and frequent charging. Apple rated the 6s Plus for up to 16 hours of talk time, but real-world use today often yields less than half that.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max offers significantly better endurance. Rated for up to 20 hours of video playback, it easily lasts a full day—and often more—with heavy use. It also supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and wireless charging, features absent in the 6s Plus. These conveniences reduce dependency on outlets and eliminate the anxiety of running out of power midday.

Durability and Design: Modern Build Meets Practicality

While the 6s Plus has proven durable over time, its design feels dated. The thick bezels and home button limit screen real estate and gesture navigation. The aluminum body, though sturdy, is prone to dents and scratches. The 11 Pro Max introduces a stainless steel frame, matte glass back, and IP68 water resistance—capable of surviving submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes.

The OLED Super Retina XDR display on the 11 Pro Max delivers deeper blacks, higher brightness, and superior color accuracy compared to the LCD screen on the 6s Plus. At 6.5 inches, it’s larger yet easier to manage thanks to edge-to-edge design and Face ID, which replaces the aging Touch ID system.

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	iPhone 11 Pro Max
Processor	A9 chip	A13 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP (single)	12MP (triple: wide, ultra-wide, telephoto)
Front Camera	5MP	12MP with Night mode
Battery Life	~16 hrs (rated), ~8–10 hrs (real-world)	~20 hrs (rated), ~14–16 hrs (real-world)
Charging	Lightspeed (slow)	Fast & wireless charging supported
Water Resistance	None	IP68 (up to 4m for 30 mins)
Display	5.5” LCD	6.5” OLED Super Retina XDR

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6s Plus since 2016. She loved its compact size and reliability but found herself increasingly frustrated. Her camera couldn’t capture clear photos of her toddler indoors. Apps froze during video calls with family. The battery died by noon, forcing her to carry a bulky power bank. After upgrading to the 11 Pro Max, she noticed immediate changes: photos came out crisp even in dim lighting, FaceTime calls stayed smooth, and she only charged her phone once a day. “It felt like switching from a flip phone to a smartphone all over again,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I had it.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Evaluate your current pain points: Does your 6s Plus lag, die quickly, or fail to run apps smoothly?
2. Test camera needs: Are you taking photos in low light or sharing content online?
3. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, replacement or upgrade is advisable.
4. Consider future-proofing: The 6s Plus no longer receives major iOS updates. The 11 Pro Max will support updates for several more years.
5. Assess budget: Weigh the cost of a new phone against repair fees, external batteries, and productivity loss from a slow device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my accessories work with the 11 Pro Max?

Most Lightning cables and headphones will work, but cases won’t fit due to different dimensions. Wireless charging requires a new setup, as the 6s Plus doesn’t support it.

Can the iPhone 11 Pro Max still get iOS updates?

Yes. As of 2024, the 11 Pro Max supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive updates through at least iOS 18, giving it strong longevity.

Is the upgrade worth it if I mostly make calls and texts?

If your usage is minimal and your 6s Plus still performs adequately, the upgrade may not be urgent. However, consider that older devices become less secure and compatible over time.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It—With Caveats

For most users, upgrading from the iPhone 6s Plus to the iPhone 11 Pro Max represents a substantial improvement in nearly every area: speed, camera quality, battery life, display, and durability. The experience is not incremental—it’s generational. Tasks that were frustrating or impossible on the older device become effortless.

That said, the decision should align with your needs. If you’re satisfied with basic functionality and don’t mind slower performance, sticking with the 6s Plus (or opting for a more affordable newer model) might make sense. But if you value reliability, modern features, and a phone that keeps up with your life, the 11 Pro Max is a worthy investment.

🚀 Ready to experience a faster, smarter phone? Evaluate your current device, consider your daily needs, and take the leap when it makes sense for you. Share your upgrade story in the comments!