Iphone 6 Plus Vs 7 Plus Is The Upgrade Worth It For The Screen Size

The iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus share nearly identical physical dimensions and screen sizes—both feature a 5.5-inch display—but the decision to upgrade from one to the other isn’t just about screen real estate. For users clinging to the 6 Plus, wondering whether the jump to the 7 Plus offers meaningful improvements, the answer lies beyond pixels and inches. While the screen size remains unchanged, advancements in durability, performance, camera quality, and software support make the 7 Plus a compelling successor. Understanding these differences helps determine if the upgrade delivers tangible benefits despite the visual similarity.

Display and Screen Experience: More Than Just Size

At first glance, the screens on both devices appear identical. Both use an IPS LCD Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (401 ppi), delivering crisp text and vibrant colors under normal conditions. However, subtle but significant enhancements in the 7 Plus improve the viewing experience.

The iPhone 7 Plus features a brighter display with improved color accuracy and contrast ratios. Apple incorporated a more advanced panel that supports a wider color gamut (P3), meaning photos, videos, and apps render richer reds and greens compared to the sRGB-limited 6 Plus. This is especially noticeable when viewing HDR content or high-quality images from the web or streaming platforms.

Additionally, the 7 Plus includes better anti-reflective coating, reducing glare in bright sunlight. Users who frequently consume media outdoors or use their phones in direct light will appreciate this refinement, even if the screen size hasn’t changed.

Tip: If you watch a lot of video or edit photos, the wider color gamut and improved brightness on the 7 Plus provide a noticeably better viewing experience—even on the same-sized screen.

Performance and Longevity: Why Speed Matters

Beneath the surface, the performance gap between the two models is substantial. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 7 Plus uses the A10 Fusion chip with 3GB of RAM. This leap in processing power translates into smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better long-term usability.

In practical terms, the 7 Plus handles modern iOS updates and demanding apps far more efficiently. As of 2024, iOS 16 was the last version supported by the 6 Plus, whereas the 7 Plus received updates up to iOS 17, extending its security and feature lifespan by several years. For users concerned about staying current with apps, security patches, and ecosystem integration, this difference is critical.

Gaming and augmented reality applications also benefit significantly from the A10’s quad-core architecture and improved GPU performance. Tasks that may stutter or lag on the older device run fluidly on the 7 Plus, making it a better choice for anyone using their phone beyond basic calls and messaging.

Camera Upgrade: Dual Lenses and Better Low-Light Performance

One of the most impactful upgrades from the 6 Plus to the 7 Plus is the camera system. The 6 Plus has a single 8MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no optical image stabilization for video. In contrast, the 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera setup: a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode—a feature absent on earlier models.

The 7 Plus also improves low-light photography with larger pixels, better noise reduction, and optical image stabilization on both stills and video. Its front-facing camera jumps to 7MP and supports Retina Flash, enhancing selfie quality in dark environments.

“Switching from the 6 Plus to the 7 Plus felt like moving from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR. The depth control and zoom options changed how I compose shots.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Photographer

For users who rely on their phone for social media, travel documentation, or family memories, the camera alone can justify the upgrade—even without a change in screen size.

Durability and Design Refinements

While both phones have aluminum bodies and similar footprints, the 7 Plus introduces key durability upgrades. It was Apple’s first iPhone with 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 spills, rain, or accidental drops in liquid.

The 7 Plus also features a solid-state home button, which doesn’t physically press down but uses haptic feedback to simulate a click. Though controversial at launch, this design is more reliable over time, as it eliminates mechanical wear. Additionally, the speaker system was upgraded to stereo sound, doubling audio output and improving media immersion.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Screen Size	5.5 inches	5.5 inches
Display Type	IPS LCD, sRGB	IPS LCD, P3 Wide Color
Processor	A8 chip, 1GB RAM	A10 Fusion, 3GB RAM
Rear Camera	8MP, single lens	12MP dual-lens (wide + telephoto)
Water Resistance	None	IP67 rated
Audio	Single bottom speaker	Stereo speakers (bottom + earpiece)
iOS Support	Up to iOS 12 (last major update)	Up to iOS 17

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had used her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2020, she noticed apps took longer to open, her camera struggled in dim lighting, and she worried about dropping her phone near water. She hesitated to upgrade because “the screen looks the same,” but after testing a 7 Plus at a store, she realized the differences went beyond size.

The faster response time, clearer low-light photos, and confidence from knowing the phone could survive a rainstorm convinced her. She also appreciated being able to use FaceTime in higher quality and edit videos without lag. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about bigger visuals—it was about a more capable, future-proof device that enhanced her daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 7 Plus have a bigger screen than the 6 Plus?

No, both models have a 5.5-inch display with the same resolution. The physical size and pixel density are nearly identical, so there’s no advantage in screen size when upgrading.

Is the battery life better on the 7 Plus?

Yes. Despite similar capacity, the 7 Plus benefits from a more efficient A10 chip and optimized software. Apple rated it for up to 1 hour more talk time and up to 2 additional hours of internet use on LTE compared to the 6 Plus.

Can the 6 Plus still be used in 2024?

Technically, yes—but with limitations. It no longer receives iOS updates or security patches, and many newer apps either won’t install or perform poorly. For basic tasks like calling and texting, it works, but it lacks modern features and protections.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

1. Evaluate your current usage: Are you experiencing slow performance, app crashes, or limited storage?
2. Check iOS compatibility: If your device can’t run the latest iOS versions, security and app functionality are compromised.
3. Assess camera needs: Do you take frequent photos or videos? The 7 Plus offers vastly superior imaging.
4. Consider durability: If you’re accident-prone or often outdoors, water resistance and stronger build matter.
5. Test the device: Visit a retailer or borrow a 7 Plus to feel the speed, camera, and audio differences firsthand.

Tip: Even if screen size hasn’t changed, improvements in brightness, color, and responsiveness enhance readability and comfort during extended use—especially for reading, browsing, or watching videos.

Final Verdict: Worth It Beyond the Screen

The iPhone 6 Plus to 7 Plus upgrade isn’t justified by screen size—it’s justified by everything else. The combination of a faster processor, superior camera system, water resistance, extended software support, and better audio creates a significantly more capable device. While the form factor remains familiar, the internal evolution represents multiple generations of technological progress.

For users still relying on a 6 Plus, upgrading to the 7 Plus restores smooth performance, unlocks modern photo features, and provides peace of mind through better durability and ongoing support. It’s not a revolutionary redesign, but a thoughtful refinement that enhances usability in ways that matter every day.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current pain points and consider how a more responsive, durable, and future-ready iPhone could improve your mobile experience. Share your upgrade story or questions in the comments below.