When Apple released the iPhone 7 Plus in 2016, many users were surprised to see that it looked nearly identical to the iPhone 6 Plus from 2014. The design language carried over with minimal changes, leading to widespread confusion. Are these two phones actually the same size? If so, why does anything about them matter three years apart? For users still clinging to an aging 6 Plus or considering a secondhand upgrade, the answer isn’t just about measurements—it’s about what those subtle differences mean in daily use.
The truth is, while the iPhone 6 Plus and 7 Plus appear almost indistinguishable at a glance, they aren't exactly the same. More importantly, the similarities in size mask significant upgrades under the hood that affect performance, durability, camera quality, and long-term usability. Whether you're holding onto a 6 Plus out of loyalty or cost concerns, or eyeing a used 7 Plus as a budget-friendly alternative, understanding the nuances can help you decide if the upgrade is worth it.
Physical Dimensions: Are They Identical?
At first glance, both phones share the same general silhouette: a 5.5-inch display, rounded edges, and a metallic unibody design. But when measured precisely, there are minor yet meaningful differences.
| Specification | iPhone 6 Plus | iPhone 7 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 158.1 mm (6.22 in) | 158.2 mm (6.23 in) |
| Width | 77.8 mm (3.06 in) | 77.9 mm (3.07 in) |
| Thickness | 7.3 mm (0.29 in) | 7.3 mm (0.29 in) |
| Weight | 172 g (6.07 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display Size | 5.5 inches | 5.5 inches |
| Water Resistance | No | IP67 rated |
As the table shows, the height and width differ by only 0.1 mm—so negligible that no case manufacturer redesigned their products for the 7 Plus. However, the weight difference of 16 grams is noticeable. The added heft comes from internal improvements, including a larger battery and reinforced internal structure.
“Apple maintained continuity in form factor to ensure user familiarity, but packed meaningful upgrades into the same footprint.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechInsight Group
Design and Build Quality Upgrades
Beyond raw dimensions, build quality saw notable enhancements. While both devices feature aluminum bodies, the 7 Plus uses a stronger 7000-series aluminum alloy—similar to what's found in aerospace applications. This change improved structural rigidity and reduced the risk of bending, a concern that plagued early 6 Plus units (infamously dubbed “Bendgate”).
Another major shift was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. Though controversial at the time, this allowed Apple to seal the device better and allocate space for other components. The 7 Plus introduced water and dust resistance with an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 6 Plus offers no such protection.
The home button also evolved. On the 7 Plus, it became solid-state—pressure-sensitive rather than mechanically clicking. It provides haptic feedback through Apple’s Taptic Engine, making interactions feel more precise and consistent over time. This change eliminated a common point of mechanical failure on older models.
Performance and Real-World Impact
Under the surface, the differences become far more significant. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 7 Plus features the A10 Fusion chip and 3GB of RAM. This leap translates to roughly 120% faster CPU performance and over 200% better graphics processing.
In practical terms, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better longevity when running modern iOS versions. As of 2024, iOS 16 was the last version supported on the 6 Plus, whereas the 7 Plus received updates up to iOS 17. That extra three years of software support makes a substantial difference in security, app compatibility, and feature access.
For example, apps like Google Maps, Instagram, and banking services increasingly require newer OS versions. Users on unsupported devices may find themselves locked out of critical functionality or exposed to unpatched vulnerabilities.
Camera: The Real Game-Changer
Perhaps the most impactful upgrade lies in the camera system. The iPhone 6 Plus has a single 8MP rear camera with basic autofocus and LED flash. The 7 Plus introduced a dual-lens setup: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens. This enabled 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode—a feature that simulates DSLR-like depth-of-field effects using software and hardware coordination.
In low-light conditions, the 7 Plus performs significantly better due to larger pixels, improved image signal processing, and optical image stabilization (OIS) on both lenses (the 6 Plus only has OIS on the primary camera).
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2020, she noticed her phone slowing down, apps crashing, and the battery dying by midday. She considered buying a new flagship but found prices too high. Instead, she bought a refurbished iPhone 7 Plus for $180.
The change was immediate. Her messages loaded faster, photos looked sharper, and FaceTime calls were noticeably clearer. Most surprisingly, the phone lasted all day on a charge—even with moderate use. She also appreciated being able to use AirPods without a dongle, thanks to Bluetooth 4.2 improvements and the inclusion of wireless audio support.
“I didn’t think such a small jump in model numbers would make this big a difference,” she said. “It felt like going from a flip phone to a smartphone again.”
Should You Care About the Differences?
If you're still using an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024, the short answer is yes—you should care. Not because the 7 Plus is revolutionary, but because it represents a critical threshold in Apple’s evolution: the last truly compact flagship before bezel-less designs took over, and one of the last models with long-term iOS support at a reasonable price.
Here’s a checklist to help determine if upgrading makes sense:
- ✅ Is your current phone struggling with everyday tasks?
- ✅ Do apps frequently crash or fail to update?
- ✅ Is your battery life less than 4–5 hours of screen time?
- ✅ Do you want better photo quality, especially in low light?
- ✅ Are you concerned about water exposure (e.g., rain, spills)?
If you answered yes to two or more, moving to a 7 Plus—or even a later model—would improve your experience significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my iPhone 6 Plus accessories with the 7 Plus?
Most accessories will work, including cases and chargers. However, the absence of a headphone jack on the 7 Plus means you’ll need Bluetooth headphones or a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter for wired earbuds.
Is the 7 Plus still supported by Apple?
While the 7 Plus no longer receives major iOS updates (last update was iOS 17), it remains compatible with most current apps and services. Critical security patches were delivered through late 2023, but future vulnerabilities may go unpatched.
Are the screens the same quality?
The display resolution is identical (1920×1080), but the 7 Plus features improved color accuracy, higher brightness, and better contrast ratios due to refinements in panel technology and calibration.
Conclusion: Small Size, Big Implications
The iPhone 6 Plus and 7 Plus may look nearly identical, but inside, they belong to different generations of mobile computing. The shared size was a deliberate choice by Apple—to maintain comfort and case compatibility—while quietly advancing performance, durability, and capabilities.
For users clinging to aging hardware, dismissing the 7 Plus as “just another big iPhone” overlooks how much those internal upgrades affect real-world usability. From longer software support to vastly superior cameras and water resistance, the 7 Plus delivers tangible benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics.
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