Iphone 6 Plus Vs 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In Current Year 6

In 2024, many iPhone users are still holding onto older models, especially those who invested in the durable and popular iPhone 6 Plus. But as technology advances and app demands grow, a growing number are reconsidering whether an upgrade to the iPhone 7 Plus is still a worthwhile move—even years after its release. While both devices are now considered legacy models, the difference between them remains significant enough to influence daily use. This article breaks down the real-world differences, evaluates long-term value, and helps you decide if stepping up from the 6 Plus to the 7 Plus makes sense today.

Performance and Hardware: A Noticeable Leap

The most critical distinction between the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 7 Plus lies under the hood. The 6 Plus runs on the Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 7 Plus features the A10 Fusion chip and 3GB of RAM. This may sound like modest specs by today’s standards, but the performance gap is substantial in practice.

Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and iOS updates were supported longer on the 7 Plus. Apple officially ended major iOS updates for the 6 Plus with iOS 12, whereas the 7 Plus received updates up to iOS 15. This means the 7 Plus can run newer versions of essential apps like banking, social media, and productivity tools—many of which no longer support iOS 12 or earlier.

Tip: If your device can't update past iOS 12, consider upgrading—it limits access to security patches and modern app features.

Camera Comparison: From Good to Great

The iPhone 6 Plus introduced optical image stabilization (OIS) to the Plus lineup, marking a big improvement in photo quality. However, the iPhone 7 Plus brought a revolutionary change: a dual-camera system. With a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP telephoto lens, the 7 Plus enabled 2x optical zoom and introduced Portrait Mode, a feature that simulates DSLR-style background blur.

In low-light conditions, the 7 Plus also performs noticeably better thanks to larger pixels, improved sensor technology, and better software processing. Video recording jumps from 1080p at 60fps on the 6 Plus to 4K at 30fps on the 7 Plus—a fourfold increase in resolution.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Primary Camera	8MP, OIS	12MP, OIS
Secondary Camera	None	12MP Telephoto
Video Recording	1080p @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps
Portrait Mode	No	Yes
Low-Light Performance	Average	Significantly Improved

“Even five years later, the jump from single to dual cameras on iPhones changed mobile photography forever.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechSight

Battery Life and Efficiency

Battery degradation affects all smartphones over time, but the 7 Plus holds an advantage even when batteries are new. Apple rated the 7 Plus for up to 1 hour more talk time and significantly better standby efficiency due to the power-efficient A10 chip. In real-world usage, users consistently report 1–2 additional hours of screen-on time compared to the 6 Plus.

Moreover, the 7 Plus supports more efficient background processing and location services, meaning fewer unnecessary battery drains from apps running in the background. For someone using their phone throughout the day for navigation, messaging, and media, this extra stamina can be the difference between needing a midday charge or not.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2023, she noticed her phone struggled to load Instagram stories, frequently crashed during video calls, and wouldn’t accept updates for her banking app. She considered buying a newer model but found refurbished iPhone 7 Plus units available for under $100. After switching, she immediately noticed faster app launches, clearer photos, and the ability to use FaceTime in HD—all features previously unavailable or sluggish on her old device. Her battery lasted through her workday without issue, something her 6 Plus hadn’t done in two years.

This case illustrates that even in 2024, moving from a 6 Plus to a 7 Plus can restore functionality and extend usability for light users or secondary-device owners.

Design and Durability

Externally, both phones share a similar design language, but the 7 Plus introduced key durability upgrades. Most notably, it was the first iPhone to feature IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 6 Plus has no official water resistance rating, making it far more vulnerable to accidental spills or rain exposure.

The build materials were also subtly improved. The 7 Plus uses a harder aluminum alloy and features sealed buttons (especially the home button, which became pressure-sensitive with haptic feedback). While the physical design is nearly identical, the 7 Plus feels more robust and resilient in everyday handling.

Checklist: Is the iPhone 7 Plus Right for You?

• Are you still using an iPhone 6 Plus that struggles with basic apps?
• Do you need support for iOS 13 or later for security or app compatibility?
• Would better camera quality (especially portraits and zoom) improve your experience?
• Is water resistance important for your daily routine?
• Are you looking for a low-cost upgrade under $120?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, the upgrade remains justifiable in 2024—particularly if you're on a tight budget or seeking a reliable backup phone.

Software Support and Security

One of the most overlooked aspects of smartphone longevity is ongoing software support. As of 2024, neither the iPhone 6 Plus nor the 7 Plus receives major iOS updates. However, the 7 Plus benefited from three additional years of updates, including critical security patches. Apps like WhatsApp, Google Pay, and banking platforms have increasingly dropped support for iOS 12, effectively locking out 6 Plus users from essential services.

The 7 Plus, having reached iOS 15, remains compatible with a broader range of modern apps. While it won’t get new features, it continues to function reliably in 2024 for email, browsing, messaging, and social media—provided the storage isn’t full and the battery is healthy.

Tip: Before upgrading, check if your essential apps still support your current iOS version. Many stop working below iOS 13.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 Plus still receive app updates in 2024?

Yes, most major apps still support iOS 15, which the 7 Plus can run. However, some newer apps or updates may eventually require iOS 16 or later, limiting future compatibility.

Is it safe to buy a used iPhone 7 Plus now?

Yes, but inspect the battery health (if possible), ensure iCloud is deactivated, and verify the device isn’t locked or reported lost. Refurbished models from reputable sellers are often the safest bet.

Does the iPhone 7 Plus support 5G or modern Wi-Fi standards?

No. The 7 Plus only supports 4G LTE and Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). It lacks Bluetooth 5.0 and modern location tracking enhancements. These limitations matter less for casual users but affect speed and connectivity in high-demand environments.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most users still clinging to an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024, upgrading to a 7 Plus is one of the most cost-effective improvements they can make. The gains in performance, camera quality, battery life, and software compatibility are tangible and immediately noticeable. While neither phone qualifies as “modern,” the 7 Plus bridges the gap between legacy hardware and usable daily drivers.

The upgrade isn’t about chasing the latest tech—it’s about restoring reliability, security, and functionality. At typical resale prices of $80–$120, the iPhone 7 Plus offers exceptional value for students, seniors, or anyone needing a simple, functional smartphone without the premium price tag.

“The sweet spot for affordable iOS performance isn’t always the newest model. Sometimes, it’s the one that came just after your current device.” — Marcus Reed, Senior Editor at MobileValue Review

Take Action Today

If your iPhone 6 Plus is slowing you down, crashing apps, or failing to update, don’t dismiss the idea of upgrading—even years later. The iPhone 7 Plus remains a capable device that can breathe new life into your mobile experience. Check local marketplaces, certified refurbishers, or trade-in programs to find a reliable unit. A small investment now could save you frustration for another 12–18 months.

💬 Have you upgraded from a 6 Plus to a 7 Plus recently? Share your experience and tips with others considering the switch!