Iphone 6 Plus Vs 6s Plus Is It Really Worth Upgrading In 2024

For many long-time iPhone users, the transition from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 6s Plus marked a significant leap in performance and user experience when it launched in 2015. But nearly a decade later, with iOS updates growing increasingly demanding and modern apps requiring more processing power, the question arises: if you're still on an iPhone 6 Plus, is upgrading to the 6s Plus in 2024 actually worthwhile?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your usage patterns, expectations, and how much longer you plan to rely on older hardware. While both devices are now considered legacy models, the differences between them can still impact daily functionality—especially in today’s mobile ecosystem.

Performance: A Clear Step Up

The most noticeable upgrade from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 6s Plus lies in its internal hardware. The 6s Plus features Apple’s A9 chip paired with 2GB of RAM, compared to the 6 Plus’s A8 chip and 1GB of RAM. This may sound like a minor spec bump, but in practice, it translates to significantly smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of background processes.

In 2024, even lightweight apps have grown more complex. Social media platforms, messaging apps, and web browsers now require more memory and processing muscle. On the 6 Plus, these tasks often result in app reloads, lag during scrolling, and extended loading times. The 6s Plus handles them with noticeably less strain.

Tip: If you frequently use multiple apps in a session—like switching between Safari, Messages, and Instagram—the 6s Plus will feel more responsive due to its extra RAM.

Battery Life and Longevity Concerns

By 2024, any iPhone 6 Plus or 6s Plus still in use likely has a degraded battery. However, the original design of the 6s Plus gives it a slight edge. It has a 2,750mAh battery compared to the 6 Plus’s 2,915mAh—but thanks to the more efficient A9 chip and iOS optimizations at launch, real-world usage shows the 6s Plus often lasts longer under similar conditions.

That said, neither device supports fast charging or wireless charging. And since Apple no longer offers official battery replacements for these models through standard channels, third-party repairs vary widely in quality. A poorly replaced battery can shorten lifespan further.

“Even with a new battery, older iPhones struggle with background app refresh and location services draining power quickly.” — David Lin, Mobile Repair Technician with 12 years of experience

Camera Improvements You Can Actually See

If photography matters to you, the jump from the 6 Plus to the 6s Plus is one of the most tangible upgrades. The 6s Plus introduced a 12-megapixel rear camera (up from 8MP), improved color accuracy, and crucially, 4K video recording. It also added Live Photos—a feature that captures a short animated snippet before and after a photo.

In practical terms, this means clearer detail in daylight shots, better low-light performance (though still limited by the small sensor), and far more flexibility when editing or sharing videos. For someone documenting family moments or creating basic social media content, the 6s Plus delivers visibly superior results.

Front-facing camera improvements are also notable. The 6s Plus upgraded to a 5MP FaceTime camera with Retina Flash (using the screen as a flash), making selfies and video calls significantly better than the grainy 1.2MP output of the 6 Plus.

Software Support and App Compatibility

This is where the reality check comes in. The iPhone 6 Plus maxed out at iOS 12.5.7, which Apple stopped updating in November 2022. That means no security patches, no new features, and increasing incompatibility with modern apps.

The iPhone 6s Plus, however, was supported up to iOS 15.8.1—the final update released in March 2023. While it doesn’t run iOS 16 or later, iOS 15 offers critical advantages: continued access to updated versions of WhatsApp, Google apps, banking apps, and even some newer social platforms that dropped support for iOS 12.

Many apps now require iOS 13 or higher. As of 2024, users on the 6 Plus face frequent \"This app requires iOS 13 or later\" messages—effectively locking them out of essential digital services.

App Compatibility Comparison

App	iPhone 6 Plus (iOS 12)	iPhone 6s Plus (iOS 15)
WhatsApp	Limited (no new features)	Full support until late 2023
Google Maps	Runs, but slow and outdated UI	Modern interface, real-time traffic
Instagram	Crashes frequently; no Reels upload	Stable; supports Stories & Reels
Banking Apps	Many blocked due to OS version	Most major banks still supported

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a 68-year-old retiree in Florida, had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. She primarily used it for calls, texts, Facebook, and taking photos of her grandchildren. By early 2023, she noticed her phone freezing during video calls, failing to load news articles, and being unable to install the CVS app for prescription refills.

She considered buying a new iPhone but found the cost prohibitive. Instead, she purchased a used iPhone 6s Plus for $75. After transferring her data, she noticed immediate improvements: apps opened faster, her grandson could see her clearly on FaceTime, and she could finally use her bank’s mobile app without errors.

While not future-proof, the 6s Plus extended her functional smartphone life by over a year—at a fraction of the cost of a new device.

Is It Worth Upgrading in 2024? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding whether to upgrade from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 6s Plus, consider the following checklist:

• ✅ Are you currently unable to install essential apps due to iOS version limits?
• ✅ Do your current apps crash or reload constantly when switching between them?
• ✅ Is your battery dying within half a day, even after a replacement?
• ✅ Do you want to send clear photos or record HD video without lag?
• ✅ Are you spending less than $100 on the upgrade (including case and charger)?

If you answered “yes” to three or more of these, the 6s Plus remains a reasonable stopgap solution in 2024—especially for light users, seniors, or secondary devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s Plus run iOS 16?

No. The iPhone 6s Plus supports up to iOS 15.8.1. Apple discontinued iOS 16 support for this model, meaning no new features, security updates, or compatibility with apps requiring iOS 16+.

Is the 6s Plus still secure in 2024?

Not fully. Since it hasn't received security updates since 2023, it's vulnerable to newly discovered exploits. Avoid entering sensitive financial information or logging into high-value accounts on public Wi-Fi.

Where can I safely buy a used 6s Plus?

Reputable sources include Apple-certified refurbished resellers, eBay (with buyer protection), or local electronics recyclers. Always verify iCloud lock status and test core functions (camera, speaker, touch) before finalizing purchase.

Final Verdict: A Limited Window of Usability

The iPhone 6s Plus is not a long-term solution in 2024—but for someone clinging to a failing iPhone 6 Plus, it represents a meaningful upgrade. The combination of better performance, improved camera, and more recent software support makes it capable of handling basic smartphone tasks reliably for several more months.

However, it should be viewed strictly as a transitional device. Even the 6s Plus struggles with newer web standards, app bloat, and battery degradation. If your budget allows, investing in an iPhone SE (2nd gen or later) or an Android alternative like the Pixel 4a would offer far better longevity, security, and peace of mind.

🚀 Still using an old iPhone? Share your experience below. Whether you upgraded, held on, or switched brands—we’d love to hear what worked for you in 2024.