Iphone 5s Vs 6 Plus Was Upgrading To The 6 Plus Really Worth It

For millions of iPhone users in 2014, the jump from the iPhone 5s to the iPhone 6 Plus wasn't just an upgrade—it felt like a leap into a new era of mobile computing. The 5s, released in 2013, had set a high bar with its Touch ID sensor, 64-bit A7 chip, and refined iOS experience. But when Apple introduced the larger-screened 6 and 6 Plus, it signaled a major shift in design philosophy. For long-time 5s owners, the decision to upgrade wasn’t automatic. Was the larger screen worth sacrificing pocketability? Did the improved specs justify the cost? And how much better was the real-world experience?

This article breaks down the key differences between the iPhone 5s and iPhone 6 Plus—not just on paper, but in daily use. From display quality and battery life to camera capabilities and software longevity, we’ll explore whether making the switch truly delivered value.

Design and Build: A Shift in Form Factor

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 5s and 6 Plus is size. The 5s measures 4.87 inches tall with a 4-inch Retina display, while the 6 Plus stretches to 6.22 inches and features a 5.5-inch screen. This change marked Apple’s official embrace of the “phablet” trend, catering to users who wanted more screen real estate for web browsing, video, and multitasking.

The materials also evolved. Both phones feature aluminum bodies, but the 6 Plus uses a smoother, more rounded design with chamfered edges, departing from the sharper, more angular look of the 5s. While some fans missed the compact precision of the 5s, others welcomed the 6 Plus’s modern aesthetic and improved ergonomics—especially with one-handed swipe gestures introduced in iOS 8.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed, consider a grip case or screen protector with edge clarity—the 6 Plus’s size can make top-corner access tricky without assistance.

Display and Usability: Bigger Isn’t Always Better—But Here, It Was

The iPhone 5s’s 4-inch display was sharp for its time (326 ppi), but by 2014, Android competitors were already offering 5+ inch screens. The 6 Plus responded with a 1920x1080 resolution (401 ppi), delivering noticeably crisper text, richer colors, and superior brightness.

More importantly, the larger screen transformed everyday tasks. Reading emails, viewing spreadsheets, and browsing websites became significantly more comfortable. Multitasking improved too—apps like Mail could show message lists alongside full messages, mimicking a tablet-like experience.

One standout feature exclusive to the 6 Plus was Reachability, which allowed users to double-tap the home button to bring the top of the screen within thumb reach. While not perfect, it mitigated the challenges of one-handed use.

“Apple finally recognized that people weren’t just making calls—they were consuming media, editing documents, and managing workflows on their phones.” — David Chen, Mobile UX Designer

Performance and Battery Life: Real Gains That Mattered

Under the hood, the iPhone 6 Plus packed Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, compared to the 5s’s A7 and 1GB. On paper, the performance boost might seem modest, but in practice, it translated to faster app launches, smoother animations, and better handling of graphics-intensive games and augmented reality apps.

Battery life was where the 6 Plus pulled far ahead. Apple rated the 6 Plus for up to 24 hours of audio playback and 14 hours of talk time, compared to the 5s’s 10 hours. In real-world mixed usage—browsing, messaging, GPS, and streaming—the 6 Plus consistently lasted a full day and often stretched into a second, depending on settings.

Feature	iPhone 5s	iPhone 6 Plus
Processor	A7 (64-bit)	A8 (64-bit)
RAM	1GB	1GB
Battery Life (Talk Time)	10 hours	14 hours
Standby Time	250 hours	384 hours
Charging	Non-fast charging	Non-fast charging (original model)

The extra battery capacity made the 6 Plus ideal for travelers, commuters, and professionals relying on navigation or productivity apps throughout the day.

Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels

Both phones featured 8MP rear cameras, but the 6 Plus brought significant upgrades. Optical image stabilization (OIS) was added—a first for iPhones—which dramatically improved low-light photo quality and video stability. Users noticed fewer blurry shots and smoother footage, especially when walking or filming in dim conditions.

The front-facing camera also improved, jumping from 1.2MP on the 5s to 1.2MP with better face detection and burst mode support. Combined with Retina Flash (introduced later on the 6s), selfies became more consistent.

Video recording saw a major leap: the 6 Plus supported 1080p at 60fps and slow-motion video at 240fps, features absent on the 5s. For amateur videographers or social media creators, this was a game-changer.

Tip: Use the 6 Plus’s OIS to your advantage in low light—hold steady for 2–3 seconds after tapping the shutter for best results.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer and long-time iPhone 5s user, upgraded to the 6 Plus six months after its release. Her workflow relied heavily on email, cloud storage, and client communication via iMessage and FaceTime. She initially hesitated—her 5s still worked fine, and she worried the 6 Plus would be too bulky.

Within a week, she realized the upgrade was transformative. Editing PDFs on her phone became feasible. Video calls were clearer, and the larger screen made reviewing design mockups directly on her phone possible for the first time. The improved battery meant she no longer needed a portable charger during client meetings.

“I didn’t think I needed a bigger phone,” she said. “But once I used the 6 Plus, going back felt like stepping into a smaller, slower world.”

Software Support and Longevity

Another critical factor in determining upgrade value is software support. The iPhone 5s received updates from iOS 7 through iOS 12—ending in 2019. In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus, despite launching with iOS 8, was only updated through iOS 12 as well, due to performance limitations of the A8 chip.

This means both devices had roughly five years of OS support. However, because the 6 Plus launched with newer hardware and a more future-proof screen size, it remained usable longer in terms of app compatibility and responsiveness. Apps optimized for larger screens performed better on the 6 Plus, and many newer apps eventually dropped support for 4-inch displays entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 6 Plus fix the “Bendgate” issue?

While the 6 Plus was prone to bending under extreme pressure (dubbed “Bendgate”), real-world cases were rare. Most users never experienced it. Apple reinforced later models, but for average use, structural integrity wasn’t a widespread concern.

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still be used in 2024?

Possibly, but not recommended for daily primary use. It lacks support for modern iOS features, security updates, and many current apps either don’t install or run poorly. It may work as a backup or music device.

Was the upgrade worth it for casual users?

Yes—for those using their phones for social media, photos, maps, and messaging, the 6 Plus offered a noticeably better experience. The larger screen, longer battery, and improved camera benefited everyone, not just power users.

Checklist: Is Upgrading from iPhone 5s to 6 Plus Right for You?

• ✅ Do you want a larger screen for reading, videos, or web browsing?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by short battery life on the 5s?
• ✅ Do you take photos or videos in low light?
• ✅ Do you use productivity apps or edit documents on your phone?
• ✅ Are you ready to adapt to a less pocketable device?

If you answered yes to three or more, the upgrade was likely worth it.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For most iPhone 5s owners, upgrading to the iPhone 6 Plus represented a meaningful improvement across nearly every category. The larger, sharper display enhanced usability. The battery life reduced daily anxiety. The camera produced better photos in real-world conditions. And the overall performance kept pace with evolving apps and services.

Yes, the 6 Plus was bigger and less pocket-friendly. Yes, iOS support ended at the same time as the 5s. But the day-to-day experience was undeniably superior. It wasn’t just a new phone—it was a redefinition of what an iPhone could do.

Looking back, the move from the 5s to the 6 Plus wasn’t merely about keeping up with trends. It was about embracing a more capable, versatile mobile experience—one that set the standard for the next decade of smartphones.

💬 Did you make the jump from 5s to 6 Plus? Share your story—was it worth it for you? Join the conversation and help others decide their next move.