Iphone 6 Plus Vs 6s Was The Size Difference Worth It

When Apple released the iPhone 6S in 2015, it arrived just one year after the groundbreaking iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. For users upgrading from older models or deciding between these two devices at launch, a critical question emerged: was the jump from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 6S—especially with its retained form factor—actually worth it? While both phones shared nearly identical dimensions and screen sizes, their internal differences were substantial. Understanding whether the size consistency masked meaningful upgrades requires a close look at performance, camera quality, build materials, and long-term usability.

Design and Physical Dimensions: Almost Identical, But Not Quite

The most immediate observation when comparing the iPhone 6 Plus and 6S is that they look nearly identical. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, rounded edges, and the signature aluminum unibody design introduced with the iPhone 5S. The dimensions are almost indistinguishable:

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 6S
Height	158.1 mm	158.2 mm
Width	77.8 mm	77.9 mm
Thickness	7.1 mm	7.3 mm
Weight	172 g	172 g (Aluminum), 192 g (Rose Gold)
Display Size	5.5 inches	5.5 inches
Material	Aluminum (6000 series)	Aluminum (7000 series)

Despite near-identical measurements, the iPhone 6S used a stronger 7000-series aluminum alloy—a direct response to the \"Bendgate\" controversy that affected some 6 Plus units under pressure. This change made the 6S more durable, though slightly heavier in certain finishes. The physical similarity meant existing cases fit both models, but the subtle material upgrade signaled Apple’s commitment to structural integrity.

Tip: If you already owned a case for the 6 Plus, it likely worked perfectly with the 6S—making the upgrade smoother and more cost-effective.

Performance: A Generational Leap Under the Hood

Externally, the phones were twins. Internally, they were worlds apart. The iPhone 6S introduced the A9 chip, a 64-bit processor with roughly 70% faster CPU performance and 90% faster graphics than the A8 in the 6 Plus. Real-world usage reflected this leap: apps launched faster, multitasking was smoother, and games like *Infinity Blade III* ran at higher frame rates without stuttering.

RAM also doubled—from 1GB in the 6 Plus to 2GB in the 6S. While iOS efficiently manages memory, the extra RAM allowed for better background app retention and improved performance in camera-intensive tasks and augmented reality experiments later supported by iOS.

“Even with the same screen size, the 6S felt snappier in daily use. It wasn’t just faster—it responded the way modern smartphones should.” — David Kim, Mobile Tech Analyst, TechPulse Weekly

Camera Advancements: More Than Just Megapixels

The camera upgrade was one of the most compelling reasons to switch. The iPhone 6 Plus featured an 8MP rear sensor, while the 6S bumped it up to 12MP—an increase that finally brought Apple in line with Android competitors. More importantly, pixel size dropped from 1.5µm to 1.22µm, allowing for greater detail in well-lit conditions.

The front-facing camera also saw a major improvement, jumping from 1.2MP to 5MP, making selfies and FaceTime calls significantly sharper. Add to that the introduction of Live Photos—a feature that captured 1.5 seconds of motion before and after a photo—and the 6S offered a richer, more dynamic photography experience.

• Video Recording: Both supported 1080p at 60fps, but the 6S added 4K recording capability—a first for iPhone.
• Low-Light Performance: Improved sensor and software processing gave the 6S a slight edge in dim environments.
• Autofocus: Faster focus acquisition due to advanced phase-detection technology.

User Experience: Is Bigger Always Better?

The 5.5-inch screen of the 6 Plus was marketed as ideal for media consumption, productivity, and split-view multitasking in iOS 9. However, many users found it too large for comfortable one-handed use. The 6S inherited this same footprint, meaning ergonomics didn’t improve—but functionality did.

With the addition of 3D Touch, the 6S introduced pressure-sensitive input, enabling quick actions like previewing emails or accessing camera shortcuts from the home screen. This innovation made navigating the large display more efficient, partially offsetting the size challenge.

For users who valued screen real estate—such as those reading e-books, watching videos, or using navigation—the 6 Plus remained highly capable. But the 6S enhanced that experience with brighter colors, better contrast, and reduced motion blur thanks to improved backlighting and GPU rendering.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since late 2014. By 2016, she noticed her phone slowing down during photo editing and occasional crashes in messaging apps. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It looks the same—why pay more?” After testing the 6S in-store, she was struck by how quickly apps opened and how vibrant the photos looked. She upgraded primarily for performance and camera quality, not size. Over the next two years, her 6S handled iOS updates smoothly, while her friend’s 6 Plus struggled with iOS 10. Her verdict: “The size didn’t change, but everything else did. It was absolutely worth it.”

Software Longevity and Ecosystem Support

One often overlooked factor is software support. The iPhone 6S received updates up to iOS 15, supporting five major OS versions over six years. In contrast, the 6 Plus stopped at iOS 12, limiting access to newer features like Screen Time, Memoji, and enhanced privacy controls.

This extended lifecycle meant the 6S could run modern apps longer. Developers optimized for newer hardware, and older devices like the 6 Plus began showing lag in social media apps, browsers, and video conferencing tools by 2018. For users wanting longevity, the 6S was clearly the better investment—even at the same size.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from 6 Plus to 6S?

1. Are you experiencing slow app launches or frequent crashes? → Yes? Upgrade.
2. Do you take a lot of photos or record videos? → 12MP + 4K is a major step up.
3. Is your current phone bending or showing wear? → 7000-series aluminum resists damage better.
4. Do you want to stay on the latest iOS version? → 6S supports more updates.
5. Are you satisfied with the large size? → If yes, keep it; if no, consider smaller models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone 6S fix the Bendgate issue?

Yes. Apple switched to a stronger 7000-series aluminum alloy in the 6S, significantly improving resistance to bending under pressure. Independent tests showed the 6S could withstand over 100 pounds of force before deforming—nearly double the 6 Plus’s threshold.

Was battery life worse on the 6S despite similar size?

Battery capacity was nearly identical (2915 mAh vs. 2910 mAh), but the A9 chip was more power-efficient. In practice, battery life was comparable, though heavy use of 4K video or 3D Touch could reduce endurance slightly. Most users reported similar daily performance.

Can I feel the difference between 3D Touch and regular touch?

Yes, once you get used to it. Pressing harder on icons to access menus or preview links adds a tactile dimension to navigation. Some users disabled it for simplicity, but many found it streamlined common tasks.

Conclusion: The Value Was in the Details, Not the Dimensions

The iPhone 6 Plus and 6S may have shared nearly identical silhouettes, but the latter represented a true generational upgrade. The consistent size wasn’t a missed opportunity—it was a sign of Apple’s confidence in a design language that balanced portability and usability. What changed beneath the surface mattered far more: faster performance, superior cameras, better materials, and longer software support.

For users wondering whether the size similarity diminished the value of upgrading, the answer is clear: the improvements weren’t about getting bigger—they were about getting better. The iPhone 6S delivered tangible gains in speed, quality, and durability that justified its price, even without a redesign.

🚀 Still using an older iPhone? Evaluate your device’s performance, camera needs, and update eligibility. Sometimes the best upgrade isn’t the biggest—it’s the smartest.