The iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 8 Plus are separated by three generations but share a similar form factor—large, comfortable to hold, and designed for users who prefer bigger screens. While both devices feature 5.5-inch displays, their internal capabilities differ dramatically. For someone still clinging to an iPhone 6 Plus or considering a budget-friendly upgrade, the question arises: Is the iPhone 8 Plus worth the jump just for that slight edge in size consistency and modern features?
The answer isn’t as simple as screen dimensions. It’s about longevity, performance, camera quality, and whether the device can handle today’s apps and operating systems. Let’s break down the real differences and determine if upgrading from the 6 Plus to the 8 Plus makes practical sense in 2024.
Design and Build: More Than Just Size
At first glance, the iPhone 6 Plus and 8 Plus appear nearly identical. Both measure 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm and weigh around 172 grams. The screen size is exactly the same—5.5 inches with a 1920x1080 resolution. However, the materials used mark a significant shift in durability and feel.
The iPhone 6 Plus uses an aluminum body with a glossy finish that scratches easily. In contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus features a glass back with an aerospace-grade aluminum band, enabling wireless charging—a feature absent in the 6 Plus. The glass also gives the 8 Plus a more premium look and better compatibility with modern accessories like MagSafe-style chargers (though not officially supported).
Performance: A Generational Leap
Under the hood, the difference between these two phones is night and day. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 8 Plus uses the A11 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM. This isn't just a minor improvement—it's a transformative upgrade in speed, multitasking, and app responsiveness.
In real-world use, the 6 Plus struggles with modern apps, background switching, and even basic Safari browsing due to memory limitations. Apps frequently reload, animations stutter, and iOS updates have slowed the device considerably since its release. The 8 Plus, on the other hand, handles iOS 16 (its final update) smoothly and remains capable of running most current apps without issue.
“Even though they look similar, the A11 Bionic in the 8 Plus delivers over three times the CPU performance of the A8 in the 6 Plus. That’s not an incremental gain—it’s a complete overhaul.” — Mark Reynolds, Mobile Hardware Analyst
Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity
Both phones feature dual rear cameras, but only the 8 Plus does so meaningfully. The 6 Plus has a single 8MP rear camera, while the 8 Plus includes a 12MP wide and 12MP telephoto setup, enabling 2x optical zoom and significantly improved portrait mode effects with better depth sensing.
The front-facing camera also sees a major upgrade—from 1.2MP on the 6 Plus to 7MP on the 8 Plus. Combined with Portrait Mode and advanced software processing, selfies are sharper, better lit, and more detailed.
Video recording is another area where the 8 Plus pulls far ahead. It supports 4K video at 60fps, stereo audio recording, and advanced image stabilization. The 6 Plus maxes out at 1080p at 30fps with mono sound and less stable footage.
| Feature | iPhone 6 Plus | iPhone 8 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | 8MP, f/2.2 | 12MP + 12MP (Wide & Telephoto), f/1.8 & f/2.8 |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 7MP, f/2.2 |
| Portrait Mode | No | Yes (rear and front) |
| Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 60fps, 1080p @ 240fps slo-mo |
| Optical Zoom | No | 2x optical zoom out |
Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Matters
Battery capacity is nearly identical—the 6 Plus has a 2915 mAh battery, and the 8 Plus has a slightly smaller 2691 mAh unit. Yet, due to the efficiency of the A11 chip and iOS optimizations, the 8 Plus often delivers comparable or even better battery life despite the lower capacity.
More importantly, the 8 Plus supports faster charging (with a compatible adapter) and wireless charging, neither of which the 6 Plus offers. While Apple doesn’t include a fast charger in the box, using a 12W iPad charger or third-party Qi pad can significantly improve convenience.
iOS Support and Longevity
This is perhaps the most critical factor. The iPhone 6 Plus stopped receiving iOS updates after iOS 12.5.7, released in January 2023. That means no security patches, no new features, and growing incompatibility with modern apps. Many developers now require iOS 14 or later, effectively locking 6 Plus users out of newer versions of banking apps, social media platforms, and productivity tools.
The iPhone 8 Plus, meanwhile, received updates up to iOS 16, with security patches continuing into 2024. While it won’t get iOS 17 or beyond, it remains functional for daily tasks, secure browsing, and mainstream app usage far longer than the 6 Plus.
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2023, she noticed her phone freezing during calls, failing to load web pages, and being rejected by her bank’s updated app. She considered buying a used 8 Plus for $120 instead of a newer model. After upgrading, she found that apps loaded instantly, FaceTime HD worked smoothly, and she could finally use mobile check deposit. Though the size felt familiar, the experience was entirely different. “It feels like I skipped five years of tech,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing.”
Checklist: Is the iPhone 8 Plus Right for You?
- ✅ Need a phone with recent iOS support (up to iOS 16)
- ✅ Want smoother performance for apps and multitasking
- ✅ Value better camera quality and portrait mode
- ✅ Prefer a familiar large size but with modern internals
- ✅ Looking for wireless charging capability
- ✅ Operating on a tight budget but need reliability
If most of these apply, the 8 Plus is a worthwhile upgrade—even in 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 17?
No. The iPhone 8 Plus is not compatible with iOS 17. Its final official update is iOS 16.7, with limited security patches issued afterward. While it remains usable, it will not receive future OS features or long-term support.
Is the screen the same on both phones?
Yes, both have 5.5-inch LCD displays with the same 1920x1080 resolution. However, the 8 Plus has better color accuracy, True Tone technology, and brighter output, making it more comfortable for extended reading or media consumption.
Should I upgrade from the 6 Plus to the 8 Plus in 2024?
If you’re still using a 6 Plus, yes—especially if you rely on your phone for communication, banking, or everyday tasks. The 8 Plus offers dramatically better performance, camera quality, and security. At typical secondhand prices under $150, it’s one of the best value upgrades available.
Conclusion: The Size May Be Similar, But Everything Else Isn’t
The iPhone 8 Plus may look like a minor evolution from the 6 Plus, but inside, it’s a completely different device. The combination of the A11 Bionic chip, improved cameras, wireless charging, and years of additional iOS support makes it a substantial upgrade—not just for size, but for usability and longevity.
For users holding onto aging 6 Plus devices, the 8 Plus represents a smart, affordable bridge to a more reliable smartphone experience. It maintains the beloved large form factor while delivering performance and features that remain relevant even in today’s app-heavy environment.
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