Iphone 6 Plus Vs Htc Desire 826 Was Upgrading Really Worth It

In early 2015, smartphone buyers faced a pivotal decision: stick with Apple’s growing ecosystem or explore what Android had to offer in the mid-range space. Two devices stood out during that period—the iPhone 6 Plus, representing Apple’s first large-screen flagship, and the HTC Desire 826, a bold attempt by HTC to blend premium design with multimedia-focused features. For users considering a switch from iOS to Android—or vice versa—this choice wasn’t just about hardware. It was about ecosystem loyalty, long-term usability, and whether the upgrade truly delivered value.

This article breaks down the key differences between the iPhone 6 Plus and the HTC Desire 826, examining real-world performance, camera quality, software experience, and longevity to answer the critical question: Was switching—or upgrading—really worth it?

Design and Build: Premium Feel on Both Sides

The iPhone 6 Plus introduced a sleek, minimalist aluminum unibody design that became iconic for Apple. At 7.1mm thick and weighing 172g, it was lightweight for its 5.5-inch size. The chamfered edges and rounded corners made it comfortable to hold despite its larger footprint. Apple’s attention to detail in materials and finish gave it a premium aura that resonated with users who valued subtlety and consistency.

The HTC Desire 826, meanwhile, offered a more expressive design language. With a glossy polycarbonate body and dual front-facing speakers flanking the display, it leaned into multimedia use. Its 7.99mm thickness and 180g weight made it slightly heavier, but the curved back improved grip. The standout feature was the dual front cameras—one regular and one ultra-wide—marketed heavily for superior selfies.

Tip: If you prioritize one-handed comfort, the iPhone 6 Plus’s lighter build gives it an edge over the bulkier Desire 826.

Performance and Software Experience

Under the hood, the iPhone 6 Plus ran on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. While that may seem modest by today’s standards, iOS optimization allowed smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and consistent performance over time. The transition to iOS 8 brought enhanced continuity features like Handoff and Instant Hotspot, deepening integration with Macs and iPads.

The HTC Desire 826 used a Qualcomm Snapdragon 615 processor with 1.5GB of RAM—adequate for daily tasks but prone to occasional stutters under heavy loads. Running Android 5.0 Lollipop with HTC’s Sense UI, it offered customization and flexibility, but bloatware and inconsistent updates diminished long-term reliability. Unlike Apple’s five-year support cycle, HTC provided only one major OS update, limiting future-proofing.

“Apple’s tight hardware-software integration ensures even older devices remain responsive years after release.” — Mark Reynolds, Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: Photos That Matter

Camera quality was a decisive factor for many users. The iPhone 6 Plus featured an 8MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), True Tone flash, and improved low-light performance. Apple focused on color accuracy, dynamic range, and natural skin tones—qualities that appealed to users who wanted reliable point-and-shoot photography.

The HTC Desire 826 packed a 13MP rear sensor without OIS, which often resulted in blurrier images in motion or dim lighting. However, its front-facing dual-camera setup (4MP UltraPixel + standard) was innovative for selfie enthusiasts. The UltraPixel sensor performed better in low light, capturing more detail than most competitors at the time.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	HTC Desire 826
Rear Camera	8MP, OIS, f/2.2	13MP, no OIS, f/2.0
Front Camera	1.2MP, FaceTime HD	Dual: 4MP UltraPixel + standard
Video Recording	1080p @ 60fps	1080p @ 30fps
Low-Light Performance	Strong due to OIS	Mixed; rear struggles, front excels
Software Enhancements	Natural tone processing	Beautification modes, wide-angle selfie

For casual photographers, the Desire 826’s selfie capabilities were tempting. But for overall photo consistency and video quality, the iPhone 6 Plus remained the more dependable choice.

Battery Life and Charging Realities

The iPhone 6 Plus came with a 2915mAh battery—the largest in any iPhone up to that point. In real-world usage, it consistently delivered 10–12 hours of screen-on time, thanks to efficient hardware and iOS power management. However, Apple’s refusal to adopt fast charging meant full recharges took over two hours.

The Desire 826 housed a 2800mAh battery, slightly smaller but supported Quick Charge 2.0, allowing a 50% charge in about 30 minutes. Despite this advantage, aggressive background processes and the power-hungry Snapdragon 615 reduced actual endurance. Most users reported needing a recharge by late afternoon with moderate use.

Tip: Disable auto-brightness and sync services on the Desire 826 to extend usable battery life by up to 2 hours.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using an iPhone 5 for three years and wanted a bigger screen for streaming videos and social media. She considered both the iPhone 6 Plus and the HTC Desire 826. Her main priorities were camera quality, battery life, and ease of use.

She initially leaned toward the Desire 826 because of its vibrant 5.5-inch Full HD display and dual front cameras—perfect for her weekly Instagram posts. After testing both in-store, she found the iPhone’s interface smoother and the rear camera more consistent in daylight. Although the Desire’s screen resolution was higher, iOS text rendering and color calibration felt sharper to her eyes.

She chose the iPhone 6 Plus. Over the next 18 months, she appreciated the stability of iOS updates, longer app support, and seamless iCloud integration. When iOS 12 launched in 2018, her device still ran smoothly. In contrast, a friend with the Desire 826 struggled with lag after Android 6 and eventually replaced it within two years.

Was Upgrading Really Worth It?

The answer depends on what kind of user you were—and what you valued most.

• If you prioritized ecosystem stability, long-term software support, and consistent performance, the iPhone 6 Plus was clearly the better investment. It received updates up to iOS 12, ensuring security patches and feature improvements for nearly four years.
• If you wanted cutting-edge specs on paper, customization, and selfie-centric features, the HTC Desire 826 offered novelty—but at the cost of reliability and longevity.

HTC’s market presence weakened rapidly after 2016, meaning fewer app optimizations and minimal customer support. Apple, on the other hand, maintained strong developer engagement, retail service access, and resale value.

Checklist: Key Factors When Choosing Between Them

1. ✅ Assess your need for long-term software updates
2. ✅ Evaluate how much you rely on ecosystem integration (iCloud, Google, etc.)
3. ✅ Test real-world camera performance, not just megapixels
4. ✅ Consider battery longevity under daily use, not just capacity
5. ✅ Factor in resale value and repair availability

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the HTC Desire 826 get Android Marshmallow?

Yes, the HTC Desire 826 received one major OS update to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, but rollout was delayed and inconsistent across regions. Many users never received it officially.

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run modern apps in 2024?

Limitedly. While some lightweight apps work, most newer versions require iOS 13 or later, which the iPhone 6 Plus doesn’t support. App compatibility has significantly declined post-2020.

Which phone held its value better over time?

The iPhone 6 Plus retained significantly higher resale value. Even two years after release, it fetched double the price of a used Desire 826 due to brand demand and functional longevity.

Final Verdict

Looking back, upgrading from an older iPhone to the iPhone 6 Plus was a logical step forward—delivering a larger screen, better battery, and a future-proof platform. Switching to the HTC Desire 826 might have seemed exciting with its high-resolution display and selfie innovations, but it lacked the sustained support and polish needed to justify leaving the Apple ecosystem.

For most users, especially those already invested in iCloud, iTunes, or Apple accessories, sticking with the iPhone 6 Plus wasn’t just convenient—it was smarter financially and functionally. The Desire 826 served as a compelling experiment in Android differentiation, but ultimately fell short in execution and staying power.

🚀 Still debating an old upgrade path? Share your experience below—was your move from iPhone to Android (or back) worth it? Let’s learn from real stories.