Iphone 6 Plus Vs Infinix Note 5 In Year Is The Iphone Still Worth It Or Is The Infinix A Better Deal

In 2024, choosing between an older flagship like the Apple iPhone 6 Plus and a mid-range Android device such as the Infinix Note 5 may seem like comparing apples to oranges. One represents a legacy of premium design and ecosystem integration, while the other offers modern features at a fraction of the cost. Yet, many consumers—especially those on tight budgets—are asking a practical question: Is the iPhone 6 Plus still a viable option, or does the Infinix Note 5 deliver better real-world value today?

The answer isn't just about specs. It’s about longevity, software support, daily usability, and long-term ownership costs. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to help you decide which makes more sense for your needs in the current mobile landscape.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The iPhone 6 Plus launched in 2014 with Apple’s A8 chip and 1GB of RAM. At the time, it was a powerhouse. Today, even basic tasks like switching apps or loading web pages can feel sluggish. iOS updates have grown heavier over the years, and while the iPhone 6 Plus officially supported up to iOS 12, it never received iOS 13 or beyond. That means no security patches since 2019 and limited app compatibility—many newer apps simply won’t install.

In contrast, the Infinix Note 5, released in 2018, came with a MediaTek Helio P35 processor, 4GB of RAM, and Android 8.1 (upgradable to Android 9). While not a gaming beast, this configuration handles multitasking, social media, video streaming, and even light productivity work far more smoothly than the iPhone 6 Plus in 2024. The additional RAM alone gives it a significant edge in background app retention and responsiveness.

Tip: If you're considering a used iPhone, always verify its iOS update eligibility. Devices that can't run the latest two versions of iOS should be avoided for daily use.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery degradation is inevitable, especially after a decade. Most iPhone 6 Plus units today have severely diminished battery capacity—often below 70%. Even with a replacement battery (if available), the phone struggles to last half a day under moderate use. Fast charging wasn’t supported, and wireless charging wasn’t an option at all.

The Infinix Note 5, however, packs a 4500mAh battery—significantly larger than the iPhone 6 Plus’s 2915mAh. In real-world usage, this translates to a full day or more on a single charge, even with screen-on time exceeding four hours. It supports 18W fast charging, meaning you can regain a substantial charge in under an hour. For users who rely on their phone throughout the day, this difference is critical.

“Battery health is often the hidden cost of keeping old smartphones. After five years, most lithium-ion batteries lose 30–50% of their original capacity.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Mobile Device Engineer

Camera Capabilities: Then vs Now

The iPhone 6 Plus featured an 8MP rear camera that was excellent for its time, producing natural colors and reliable low-light performance thanks to Apple’s image processing. However, by today’s standards, it lacks autofocus speed, HDR improvements, night mode, and any form of computational photography. Selfies from its 1.2MP front camera look soft and grainy on modern displays.

The Infinix Note 5 introduced a dual-camera setup (13MP + 5MP) with depth sensing for portrait mode—a feature the iPhone 6 Plus could never support. Its front-facing 16MP camera is vastly superior for selfies and video calls. While Infinix’s software tuning isn’t on par with flagship brands, the hardware advantage ensures clearer photos, better dynamic range, and usable results even in mixed lighting.

Software Experience and Security

This is where the gap becomes most apparent. The iPhone 6 Plus runs iOS 12—the final version it supports. While iOS is known for smooth performance, lack of updates means no new features, no performance optimizations, and crucially, no security patches. Using this phone for banking, messaging, or browsing poses real risks in 2024.

The Infinix Note 5, though limited to Android 9, benefits from Google Play Protect and regular app-level security updates. Most essential apps—including WhatsApp, Gmail, and Chrome—continue to receive support on Android 9, ensuring safer browsing and communication. Additionally, Android’s flexibility allows sideloading alternative app stores or privacy-focused launchers to extend usability.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	Infinix Note 5
Release Year	2014	2018
Processor	Apple A8	MediaTek Helio P35
RAM	1GB	4GB
Battery Capacity	2915mAh	4500mAh
Latest OS	iOS 12 (no further updates)	Android 9 (Go Edition support possible)
Rear Camera	8MP (single)	13MP + 5MP (dual)
Front Camera	1.2MP	16MP
Fingerprint Sensor	Yes (Touch ID)	Yes (rear-mounted)
Fast Charging	No	Yes (18W)
Current App Compatibility	Limited (many apps no longer supported)	Most major apps still functional

Real-World Use Case: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance tutor in Manila, needed a phone for online classes, messaging parents, and managing her schedule. She inherited an iPhone 6 Plus from her brother but found Zoom meetings lagged, the battery died by noon, and newer versions of educational apps wouldn’t install. She considered buying another secondhand iPhone but instead opted for a used Infinix Note 5 at a local electronics market for $75.

With the Infinix, she got a brighter screen, longer battery life, a front camera clear enough for video lessons, and access to updated versions of Google Meet, Messenger, and Google Classroom. Though the interface felt less polished than iOS, the functionality met her needs without interruption. Her decision saved money and delivered reliability she couldn’t get from the aging iPhone.

Checklist: Is Your Old iPhone Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Can it run the latest two versions of iOS? (If not, avoid for daily use)
• ✅ Does the battery last at least 6 hours with moderate use?
• ✅ Are essential apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and banking apps still updating and functional?
• ✅ Has it received security updates within the last 12 months?
• ✅ Do you rely on iCloud or other Apple ecosystem features?
• ✅ Is repair or replacement battery service easily accessible?

If three or more answers are “no,” it’s time to consider upgrading—even to a budget Android device.

When the iPhone 6 Plus Might Still Make Sense

There are niche scenarios where holding onto an iPhone 6 Plus isn’t entirely unreasonable. For instance:

• As a secondary device: Useful for testing apps, storing music, or as a dedicated GPS unit in a car.
• Kids’ first phone: With restrictions enabled, it can serve as a controlled entry into smartphone use—though supervision is required due to outdated software.
• iOS development testing: Developers sometimes keep old iPhones to test backward compatibility.

But as a primary phone in 2024? The limitations outweigh the nostalgic appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still be used safely in 2024?

No, not for secure activities like online banking or private messaging. Without security updates since 2019, it’s vulnerable to known exploits. Even casual browsing carries risk due to outdated browser engines.

Is the Infinix Note 5 better than newer budget phones?

Compared to current sub-$100 phones, the Infinix Note 5 is outclassed by models with better processors, cameras, and Android 12/13 Go Edition. However, if priced competitively in the used market (under $80), it remains a solid choice for basic tasks.

Does the iPhone 6 Plus hold resale value?

Minimal to none. Most buyers are collectors or technicians harvesting parts. You’re unlikely to recover more than $20–30, if anything, in today’s market.

Final Verdict: Value Over Legacy

The iPhone 6 Plus was revolutionary in 2014. But technology moves fast. By 2024 standards, it’s obsolete—not just in performance, but in safety and usability. The Infinix Note 5, while not a premium device, offers four times the RAM, a larger and healthier battery, a modern Android experience, and significantly better cameras.

For anyone needing a functional smartphone for communication, education, or light work, the Infinix Note 5—or any Android phone from the past five years—is a smarter investment. The iPhone brand carries prestige, but prestige doesn’t pay data bills or keep your accounts secure.

Value isn’t just about price—it’s about what you can do with the device every day. In that regard, the Infinix wins decisively.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current phone using the checklist above. If it's holding you back, explore affordable Android options that fit your lifestyle. Share your upgrade story in the comments—your experience could help someone else make a smarter choice.