Iphone 6 Plus Vs 8 Plus Was Upgrading Really Worth It 2

For millions of iPhone users, the leap from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone 8 Plus represented a pivotal moment in Apple’s smartphone evolution. Released four years apart—2014 and 2017 respectively—these devices mark distinct eras in iOS hardware development. While the 6 Plus ushered in larger screens and Touch ID refinement, the 8 Plus brought wireless charging, improved cameras, and significantly faster internals. But for users clinging to their aging 6 Plus models well into the late 2010s, the question remained: was upgrading to the 8 Plus truly worth it?

This article dives deep into that decision, examining real-world performance, longevity, user experience, and value retention—not just at launch, but through today’s lens in 2024.

Design and Build: A Noticeable Leap Forward

The iPhone 6 Plus introduced a sleek aluminum unibody with curved edges, setting a new standard for comfort in large iPhones. However, its design proved vulnerable to bending under pressure—a flaw famously dubbed “Bendgate.” The iPhone 8 Plus addressed this with a stronger aerospace-grade aluminum frame and, more importantly, a glass back. This change wasn’t just aesthetic; it enabled wireless charging, a feature absent in the 6 Plus.

The overall dimensions are similar, but the 8 Plus feels more solid in hand. Its weight distribution is better balanced, and the matte finish on certain color variants reduces fingerprint smudging. While both phones have 5.5-inch displays, the bezels on the 8 Plus are slightly thinner, giving it a more modern footprint despite retaining the home button and Touch ID.

Tip: If you still use an iPhone 6 Plus, consider upgrading not just for speed but for structural durability—the 8 Plus resists everyday wear far better.

Performance and Software Longevity

This is where the upgrade becomes compelling. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on Apple’s A8 chip, which was impressive in 2014 but began showing limitations by 2017. By contrast, the iPhone 8 Plus features the A11 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s first processors with a neural engine, enabling advanced machine learning tasks and smoother multitasking.

In practical terms, apps launched faster, Safari rendered pages more efficiently, and games like Infinity Blade III or PUBG Mobile ran at higher frame rates. More importantly, software support diverged sharply. The 6 Plus stopped receiving iOS updates after iOS 12, while the 8 Plus was supported up to iOS 16—nearly nine years of updates.

“Hardware lifespan is often dictated not by physical wear, but by software obsolescence. The A11 Bionic extended usability far beyond what the A8 could manage.” — David Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Users who upgraded reported fewer app crashes, quicker background syncing, and better battery efficiency—even with heavier usage patterns.

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Improvement

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, but the implementation differs drastically. The iPhone 6 Plus has a single rear camera (despite marketing suggesting otherwise), while the 8 Plus introduced Apple’s first true dual-lens system: wide-angle and telephoto. This allowed 2x optical zoom and significantly better portrait mode effects with depth sensing.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 8 Plus
Rear Cameras	Single 12MP (f/2.2)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8)
Portrait Mode	No	Yes
Smart HDR	No	Yes (on later iOS versions)
Video Recording	1080p at 60fps	4K at 60fps
Low-Light Performance	Moderate noise, slower focus	Better exposure, faster autofocus

The difference is most apparent in low-light conditions. The 8 Plus’s larger aperture (f/1.8 vs f/2.2) captures more light, resulting in brighter, clearer night shots. Combined with optical image stabilization on both lenses, photos are sharper even when handheld.

Real Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 6 Plus for daily content creation until early 2018. She relied heavily on natural lighting and found herself constantly editing shadows and grain out of her images. After switching to the 8 Plus, she noticed immediate improvements: “I could shoot in dim cafes without flash and still get usable shots. The portrait mode made client headshots look professional without extra gear.”

Her workflow became faster, and she reduced post-processing time by nearly 40%. For creatives, this camera jump wasn’t incremental—it was transformative.

Battery Life and Charging Innovations

Battery capacity increased only slightly—from 2,915 mAh in the 6 Plus to 2,691 mAh in the 8 Plus—but efficiency gains from the A11 chip meant longer actual usage. Real-world tests showed the 8 Plus lasting 1.5 to 2 hours longer under mixed use, including streaming, GPS navigation, and social media browsing.

More importantly, the 8 Plus introduced Qi wireless charging. Though many users initially dismissed it as a gimmick, over time it became a convenience staple. Placing the phone on a charging pad overnight eliminated the wear-and-tear of plugging in cables daily—an underrated benefit for long-term device health.

• Support for fast charging (with 18W adapter, sold separately)
• Improved power management via iOS optimizations
• Less battery degradation over two years compared to 6 Plus

Tip: Use certified Qi chargers to avoid overheating and maximize battery lifespan on your 8 Plus.

Is It Still Worth Upgrading Today? A 2024 Perspective

In 2024, neither phone qualifies as cutting-edge, but the 8 Plus holds up remarkably well. It can run iOS 16, supports modern banking apps, messaging platforms, and even light gaming. The App Store still offers compatible versions of major services like WhatsApp, Uber, and Google Maps.

The 6 Plus, limited to iOS 12, struggles with newer app requirements. Many apps no longer support iOS 12, making online banking, ride-sharing, and even email access unreliable. Security patches ceased years ago, increasing vulnerability to exploits.

If you’re still using a 6 Plus, upgrading to an 8 Plus—even secondhand—delivers tangible benefits: improved security, better app compatibility, and a more responsive interface.

Checklist: Is the iPhone 8 Plus Right for You?

1. You need reliable access to modern iOS apps and services
2. You value photo quality for social media or personal use
3. You want at least another 1–2 years of functional life from your device
4. You appreciate small conveniences like wireless charging
5. You're on a tight budget but want a meaningful upgrade

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 8 Plus run iOS 17?

No. The iPhone 8 Plus maxes out at iOS 16.6.1. Apple dropped support for the A11 chip lineup with the release of iOS 17 in 2023.

How much should I pay for a used iPhone 8 Plus in 2024?

Expect to pay between $75 and $150 depending on condition, storage (64GB vs 256GB), and whether it comes with original accessories. Avoid units with cracked screens or battery health below 75%.

Is the iPhone 8 Plus water-resistant?

Yes, it has an IP67 rating, 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 the 8 Plus safer for accidental spills or rain exposure.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Was Worth It

Looking back, the transition from iPhone 6 Plus to 8 Plus wasn't just about newer features—it was about staying relevant in a rapidly advancing mobile ecosystem. The A11 chip, dual-camera system, glass body, and wireless charging collectively pushed users into a more seamless, capable, and future-proof experience.

While both phones now sit outside Apple’s active support window, the 8 Plus offered a critical bridge between older iOS generations and the modern smartphone era. For anyone who delayed upgrading past 2018, the performance gap would have felt jarring. In hindsight, moving from the 6 Plus to the 8 Plus wasn’t merely worthwhile—it was necessary to maintain functionality, security, and usability.

💬 Still using an old iPhone? Share your upgrade story or ask questions in the comments—let’s help others make informed decisions!