Iphone 13 Vs 6s Plus Is Upgrading From A 6s Plus Really Worth It In Current Year

For years, the iPhone 6s Plus was a benchmark for longevity. Released in 2015, it ran iOS updates until 2022 and remained functional far beyond its expected lifespan. But if you're still using one today, you're likely noticing sluggish performance, limited app compatibility, and frustrating battery degradation. The iPhone 13, released in 2021, represents a generational leap in nearly every aspect. So, is upgrading from a 6s Plus to an iPhone 13 truly worth it in 2024? The short answer is yes — but let’s break down why.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6s Plus and iPhone 13 is raw processing power. The 6s Plus runs on Apple’s A9 chip with 2GB of RAM. While revolutionary at the time, this hardware now struggles with basic multitasking, modern apps, and even Safari tab loading. In contrast, the iPhone 13 features the A15 Bionic chip — one of the fastest mobile processors ever made — paired with 4GB of RAM.

Benchmarks show the A15 is over **six times faster** in CPU tasks and more than **ten times faster** in GPU performance compared to the A9. This isn’t just about numbers; it translates into real-world usability. Apps launch instantly, photos render quickly in editing tools, and games run smoothly without lag or overheating.

Tip: If your 6s Plus takes more than 3 seconds to open the Camera app or frequently freezes during calls, it's a clear sign that hardware limitations are affecting daily use.

Camera Quality: From Decent to Professional-Grade

Photography has evolved dramatically since 2015. The iPhone 6s Plus featured a 12MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no optical image stabilization (OIS). Low-light performance was poor, and video maxed out at 1080p at 30fps. The front-facing camera was 5MP, suitable only for basic selfies.

The iPhone 13, by comparison, has dual 12MP cameras: a wide and an ultra-wide lens. It includes advanced computational photography features like Night mode on all lenses, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR 4, and Cinematic Mode for video. It records 4K video at up to 60fps and supports Dolby Vision HDR — a massive upgrade for anyone who values photo and video quality.

If you’ve ever tried taking a photo indoors or at night with your 6s Plus and been disappointed by noise and blur, the iPhone 13 will feel like magic. Even casual users notice the difference in dynamic range, color accuracy, and focus speed.

Battery Life and Charging: From All-Day Anxiety to Two-Day Use

Battery life on a well-used 6s Plus is often measured in hours, not days. After five+ years, lithium-ion batteries degrade significantly. Many users report needing to charge twice a day — sometimes more — even with light usage.

The iPhone 13 offers up to **19 hours of video playback**, compared to just **14 hours** on the 6s Plus when new. Real-world testing shows the 13 lasting two full days with moderate use. It also supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter) and MagSafe wireless charging — conveniences the 6s Plus never had.

“Battery degradation is the silent killer of older smartphones. Once capacity drops below 70%, user frustration spikes dramatically.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Software Support and Security: Staying Safe Online

Apple ended major iOS updates for the iPhone 6s Plus with iOS 15 in 2022. That means no new features, and critically, **no future security patches**. As of 2024, apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and banking platforms are dropping support for devices running iOS 15 or earlier due to security risks.

The iPhone 13 launched with iOS 15 but supports updates through at least **iOS 18**, possibly even iOS 19. This ensures access to new features, improved privacy controls (like App Tracking Transparency), and critical security fixes that protect against malware, phishing, and data leaks.

In today’s digital landscape, running outdated software isn’t just inconvenient — it’s risky. An unsupported phone can become a liability, especially if used for email, shopping, or mobile banking.

Detailed Comparison: iPhone 13 vs iPhone 6s Plus

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	iPhone 13
Release Year	2015	2021
Chipset	A9 with 2GB RAM	A15 Bionic with 4GB RAM
Rear Camera	12MP (wide only)	12MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide
Front Camera	5MP	12MP, TrueDepth, Night Mode
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps + Dolby Vision HDR
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 19 hours
Charging	5W wired only	20W fast, Qi & MagSafe wireless
iOS Support (Latest)	iOS 15 (ended)	iOS 17, supported through 2026+
Storage Options	16/64/128GB	128/256/512GB
Display	5.5” LCD, 1080p, 401 PPI	6.1” Super Retina XDR OLED, 460 PPI

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Experience

Maria, a freelance photographer and long-time 6s Plus user, held onto her phone because “it still works.” She replaced the battery twice and avoided updating iOS to preserve speed. But by early 2023, she couldn’t export edited photos from Lightroom Mobile — the app simply crashed. Instagram stopped loading reels, and FaceTime calls dropped frequently.

After upgrading to a used iPhone 13, she said: “It’s like I got a new job. I can edit on the go, share high-res images instantly, and my clients actually see what I send them in full quality. The camera alone paid for the upgrade.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: legacy devices may function, but they severely limit productivity and creative potential.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Transition Smoothly

Upgrading after six or more years can feel daunting. Here’s how to make the switch seamless:

1. Back Up Your 6s Plus: Use iCloud or iTunes to create a full backup before turning off the device.
2. Check Storage Needs: The base iPhone 13 starts at 128GB (vs. 16GB on original 6s Plus). Consider your photo and app usage.
3. Transfer Data: During iPhone 13 setup, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” or use Quick Start to transfer directly via proximity.
4. Update Apps: Some older apps may not be available or updated. Re-download essentials from the App Store.
5. Learn New Gestures: The 13 uses swipe-based navigation instead of a home button. Spend 10 minutes practicing gestures.
6. Sell or Recycle: Trade in your 6s Plus for credit or recycle responsibly through Apple’s program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s Plus still be used in 2024?

Technically, yes — for calls, texts, and very light browsing. However, app incompatibility, slow performance, and lack of security updates make it impractical as a primary device.

Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying in 2024?

Absolutely. With iOS 18 confirmed support and strong resale value, the iPhone 13 remains a smart choice. Refurbished models are available at significant discounts, making it accessible even on a budget.

Will apps stop working on my 6s Plus?

They already have. Major developers are dropping support for 32-bit apps and older iOS versions. Expect more apps to fail or refuse installation over time.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

Upgrading from an iPhone 6s Plus to an iPhone 13 isn’t just about newer features — it’s about reclaiming reliability, speed, and security. The difference isn’t incremental; it’s transformative. You’re not just getting a new phone — you’re gaining back hours lost to loading screens, failed uploads, and app crashes.

The iPhone 13 delivers modern smartphone essentials: all-day battery, pro-level camera, fast performance, and years of future-proof software support. For anyone still clinging to a 6s Plus out of habit or hesitation, 2024 is the year to move forward.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Check Apple’s refurbished store or trusted resellers for certified iPhone 13 models. Share your upgrade story in the comments — your experience might help someone take the leap!