Iphone 6 Plus Vs 7 Plus Does Size Really Matter Or Should I Just Upgrade

The iPhone 6 Plus was a game-changer when it launched in 2014, introducing Apple’s first large-screen flagship. Three years later, the iPhone 7 Plus arrived with significant upgrades under the hood. If you're still clinging to your 6 Plus—or considering buying one secondhand—it's worth asking: is upgrading to the 7 Plus actually worthwhile? Size may be similar, but what about performance, camera quality, durability, and long-term usability?

This isn’t just about numbers on a spec sheet. It’s about real-world experience—how your phone feels in daily use, how long it lasts on a charge, whether it can run modern apps smoothly, and if that extra investment pays off.

Design and Physical Comparison

At first glance, the iPhone 6 Plus and 7 Plus look nearly identical. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, aluminum unibody construction, and rounded edges. The dimensions are strikingly close:

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Dimensions	158.1 x 77.8 x 7.3 mm	158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm
Weight	172 grams	188 grams
Display Size	5.5 inches (1080x1920)	5.5 inches (1080x1920)
Water Resistance	No	IP67 rated (up to 1m for 30 mins)
Home Button	Mechanical press	Solid-state (Taptic feedback)

The slight weight increase in the 7 Plus comes from internal improvements, including better shielding and a more robust build. Most noticeable is the move to a solid-state home button, which doesn’t physically depress but uses haptic feedback to simulate a click. This change improves longevity and enables new interaction features.

Tip: Even though both phones have the same screen size, the 7 Plus has better brightness, contrast, and color accuracy—making outdoor visibility significantly clearer.

Performance and Software Longevity

The heart of the difference lies inside. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 7 Plus packs the A10 Fusion chip and 3GB of RAM. That leap—from 2014 to 2016 architecture—is massive in mobile terms.

In real usage, this means:

• Faster app launches and multitasking
• Smoother scrolling in Safari and social media apps
• Better handling of graphics-intensive games
• Longer software support (iOS updates)

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for around 5–6 years. The iPhone 6 Plus received updates up to iOS 12, while the 7 Plus was supported through iOS 16—released in 2022. If you’re using your phone today, the 7 Plus is far more likely to run current apps and security patches.

“Hardware age directly impacts software responsiveness. Two extra years of support often mean three extra years of usable life.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera: Dual Lens Advantage

This is where the 7 Plus pulls ahead dramatically. The iPhone 6 Plus has a single 8MP rear camera. The 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens.

The benefits are tangible:

• Optical zoom: 2x zoom without quality loss
• Portrait Mode: Introduced with the 7 Plus, enabling depth-of-field effects and studio-quality portraits
• Better low-light performance: Larger apertures and improved sensor processing

Even by today’s standards, the 7 Plus takes noticeably sharper photos with better dynamic range. For users who rely on their phone for social media, travel, or family memories, this alone may justify an upgrade.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2020, she noticed apps were lagging, photos looked grainy in dim light, and the battery drained within half a day. She considered buying a newer model but found a used 7 Plus for $120. After switching, she immediately noticed faster messaging, crisper video calls, and richer photos during her daughter’s birthday party. “I didn’t think the jump would be so clear,” she said. “It felt like getting a new phone, not just a slightly better old one.”

Battery Life and Charging

Both phones offer all-day battery life under moderate use, but the 7 Plus holds a 2900mAh battery compared to the 6 Plus’s 2915mAh. Despite nearly identical capacity, the 7 Plus lasts longer due to the more efficient A10 chip and optimized power management.

Real-world testing shows:

• iPhone 6 Plus: ~10–12 hours mixed usage
• iPhone 7 Plus: ~13–15 hours mixed usage

Additionally, the 7 Plus supports faster charging with a compatible adapter (though Apple didn’t include one in the box), and its battery degrades slower thanks to improved power regulation.

Tip: If you're holding onto a 6 Plus, check your battery health in Settings > Battery. If maximum capacity is below 80%, replacement or upgrade is strongly recommended.

Should You Upgrade? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Deciding whether to upgrade isn’t just about specs—it’s about your needs. Follow this timeline to make a confident choice:

1. Evaluate current pain points: Is your phone slow? Does the battery die before dinner? Are apps crashing or refusing to update?
2. Check iOS compatibility: Can your 6 Plus run the latest iOS version? If not, you’re missing security updates and new app features.
3. Assess camera needs: Do you take frequent photos or rely on video calls? The 7 Plus offers meaningful improvements.
4. Consider durability: No water resistance on the 6 Plus means greater risk from spills or rain. The 7 Plus offers peace of mind.
5. Calculate cost vs. benefit: If a used 7 Plus costs under $150, and your 6 Plus is struggling, the upgrade is likely worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run modern apps?

Limitedly. Many newer apps require iOS 13 or higher, which the 6 Plus doesn’t support. Apps like TikTok, Instagram updates, and banking apps may no longer install or function properly.

Is the home button difference significant?

Yes. The 7 Plus’s solid-state button is more durable and customizable. It also provides tactile feedback via Taptic Engine, making interactions feel more responsive and precise.

Do both phones have headphone jacks?

The iPhone 6 Plus does. The iPhone 7 Plus removed the headphone jack, requiring wireless headphones or a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter. This could be a pro or con depending on your audio setup.

Final Verdict: Size May Be Similar, But Everything Else Changed

The iPhone 6 Plus and 7 Plus share nearly the same footprint, but they belong to different generations of smartphone technology. While size might not matter as much, performance, camera quality, battery efficiency, and software support do—and the 7 Plus wins decisively in every category.

If you're still using a 6 Plus and experiencing slowdowns, poor photo quality, or short battery life, upgrading to a 7 Plus—even a used one—is a smart, cost-effective move. You’ll gain years of smoother performance, better security, and access to modern features.

For less than the price of a new case and charger, you can extend your iPhone experience by several years. And in a world where smartphones are essential tools, that kind of upgrade isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

💬 Still on the fence? Share your iPhone experience below—what’s keeping you on your 6 Plus, and what would make you switch?