Iphone 6 Plus To Iphone 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Actually Worth It

For millions of users still clinging to their iPhone 6 Plus, the question isn’t whether they *can* upgrade—but whether they *should*. The iPhone 7 Plus sits just one generation ahead, but Apple packed meaningful improvements into that leap. If your aging device is slowing down, struggling with app compatibility, or simply feeling outdated, it’s time to evaluate if the move to the 7 Plus delivers enough tangible benefits to justify the switch.

The answer depends on how you use your phone, what you value in a device, and whether you're willing to part with familiar features like the headphone jack. While both phones share DNA—similar screen size, design language, and iOS experience—the differences go beyond specs. Real-world usability, longevity, and future-proofing matter just as much.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. By today’s standards, that’s underpowered. Even basic multitasking can trigger lag, and newer versions of iOS increasingly strain the hardware. Apps launch slower, background processes stutter, and updates sometimes take hours.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus features the A10 Fusion chip—the first quad-core processor in an iPhone—and 3GB of RAM. This isn't just a modest bump; it's a generational leap in processing power. Apps open faster, animations are smoother, and demanding tasks like photo editing or mobile gaming feel effortless.

Tip: If you frequently use navigation, messaging, and social media apps simultaneously, the 7 Plus handles this load without slowdowns—something the 6 Plus struggles with.

Real-world testing shows the A10 performs up to 40% faster in CPU tasks and nearly twice as fast in GPU performance. Over time, this translates to better long-term support for iOS updates. While the 6 Plus topped out at iOS 12, the 7 Plus received updates all the way to iOS 16, giving it four additional years of security patches and feature upgrades.

Camera Upgrade: From Good to Truly Competitive

The iPhone 6 Plus camera was solid in its day—8MP rear sensor, decent low-light performance, and reliable autofocus. But by modern standards, it lacks dynamic range, detail, and advanced software processing.

The iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens. This enabled 2x optical zoom and, more importantly, Portrait Mode—a software-powered depth effect that mimics DSLR bokeh. While early versions were rough around the edges, the foundation was groundbreaking.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2	12MP + 12MP dual, f/1.8 & f/2.8
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (software-based)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate	Significantly improved
Video Recording	1080p HD	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps

The larger f/1.8 aperture on the primary lens lets in 50% more light, making night shots noticeably clearer. Combined with better image signal processing, the 7 Plus produces richer colors, reduced noise, and superior HDR handling. For anyone who regularly shares photos or records videos, this upgrade alone may justify the switch.

“Moving from the 6 Plus to the 7 Plus felt like going from a point-and-shoot to a proper camera.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Blogger

Battery Life and Durability: Subtle but Meaningful Improvements

Apple claimed the iPhone 7 Plus offered up to two hours more battery life than the 6 Plus. In practice, most users report about 1.5 extra hours of mixed usage—enough to get through a long day without scrambling for a charger.

More importantly, the 7 Plus introduced IP67 water and dust resistance. While not designed for underwater photography, it can survive accidental spills, rain, or brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. This peace of mind is invaluable compared to the 6 Plus, which offers no official protection.

Additionally, the 7 Plus uses a solid-state home button—a pressure-sensitive surface instead of a physical moving part. It doesn’t wear out as quickly and provides haptic feedback that feels more precise. Though subtle, this change improves daily interaction over time.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience

Sarah, a high school teacher from Portland, used her iPhone 6 Plus for nearly five years. She relied on it for grading, communication, and capturing classroom moments. By 2022, she noticed constant crashes in Google Classroom, slow photo uploads, and rapid battery drain.

After switching to a refurbished iPhone 7 Plus, she reported immediate improvements: “My lesson plans load instantly now. I can record student presentations in 4K without freezing. And dropping my phone in the sink during lunch didn’t kill it—just wiped it off and kept going.”

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing new tech—it was about reliability. The 7 Plus restored confidence in her daily tool.

Design and User Experience Changes

Externally, the phones look nearly identical: 5.5-inch displays, aluminum bodies, rounded edges. But closer inspection reveals key refinements. The 7 Plus has a sleeker antenna line layout, slightly smaller bezels, and a more durable finish that resists scratches better.

The biggest user-facing change? The removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple replaced it with stereo speakers and required Lightning or wireless headphones. While controversial, this shift pushed the industry toward Bluetooth audio. If you rely on wired earbuds, you’ll need a dongle—or consider upgrading your audio setup.

The display remains at 1080p resolution, but Apple improved color accuracy and brightness. True Tone technology, introduced later in the 7 Plus lifecycle, adjusts white balance based on ambient lighting—easing eye strain during extended reading or media consumption.

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

1. Assess your current pain points: Is your 6 Plus freezing, overheating, or failing to run essential apps?
2. Check iOS compatibility: Does your device support the latest apps you use? Many newer apps require iOS 13 or later—unavailable on the 6 Plus.
3. Evaluate your camera needs: Do you take frequent photos or videos? Would Portrait Mode or 4K recording add value?
4. Consider durability: Have you experienced water damage or dropped your phone often? The 7 Plus offers better resilience.
5. Calculate cost vs. benefit: Refurbished 7 Plus units start around $100–$150. Compare that to repair costs or productivity loss from a sluggish device.
6. Test before committing: Try a demo unit at a carrier store or borrow from a friend to feel the speed difference firsthand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my old case with the iPhone 7 Plus?

No. Although dimensions are similar, the camera placement, speaker grilles, and button positions differ slightly. Most 6 Plus cases won’t fit properly or may block functionality.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus still supported by Apple?

As of 2024, the iPhone 7 Plus no longer receives major iOS updates (last version: iOS 16), but it continues to get critical security patches. It remains functional for everyday use, though newer apps may eventually drop support.

Does the lack of a headphone jack really matter?

It depends on your habits. If you use wireless earbuds or don’t mind using a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter (included with the phone), it’s a non-issue. However, charging and listening simultaneously becomes inconvenient without a second adapter.

Tip: Invest in affordable AirPods clones or a multi-port adapter to eliminate the charging-headphone conflict.

Final Verdict: Who Should Make the Jump?

For casual users who only check email and make calls, the iPhone 6 Plus might still suffice—especially if it’s running smoothly. But for anyone relying on their phone for productivity, photography, or staying connected across multiple platforms, the iPhone 7 Plus delivers a worthwhile upgrade.

You gain faster performance, better cameras, improved battery life, water resistance, and access to four additional years of iOS updates. At typical resale prices, the cost-benefit ratio is favorable—particularly when buying refurbished.

However, if you’re planning to upgrade again within the next 12–18 months, skipping straight to an iPhone 8 or later (with OLED screens and Face ID) might be smarter. The 7 Plus is no longer cutting-edge, but for extending the life of an aging 6 Plus, it strikes a strong balance between value and capability.

Upgrade Checklist

• ✅ Backup your iPhone 6 Plus via iCloud or iTunes
• ✅ Remove device from iCloud and Apple ID
• ✅ Purchase iPhone 7 Plus (new, refurbished, or carrier-upgraded)
• ✅ Restore from backup or set up as new
• ✅ Test core functions: camera, Wi-Fi, cellular, Touch ID
• ✅ Transfer accessories (or upgrade to wireless audio)

“The iPhone 7 Plus wasn’t revolutionary, but it was the first iPhone that truly felt future-ready.” — Marissa Chen, Senior Editor at MobileTech Review

Conclusion

Upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 7 Plus isn’t about flashy gimmicks—it’s about reclaiming responsiveness, reliability, and relevance in a world that expects more from smartphones. The improvements are practical, lasting, and rooted in real daily use.

If your current phone frustrates you more than serves you, the 7 Plus offers a cost-effective bridge to a smoother digital life. It won’t wow you like a Pro Max model might, but it eliminates pain points quietly and effectively. Sometimes, the best upgrade isn’t the flashiest—it’s the one that simply works.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 6 Plus to 7 Plus? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments below—your insights could help others make a smarter decision.