Iphone 6 Plus Vs Iphone 11 Pro Is The Newer Model Really Worth The Upgrade 2

For users still clinging to an iPhone 6 Plus, the question isn’t whether technology has evolved—it’s whether that evolution justifies a new investment. The iPhone 11 Pro, released three generations after the iPhone 6S Plus and nearly five years later than the original 6 Plus, represents a seismic leap in mobile engineering. But does it deliver enough tangible benefits to warrant upgrading from a device that still functions—albeit slowly—for everyday tasks?

This comparison dives deep into real-world performance, longevity, usability, and value to help you decide: is moving from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone 11 Pro truly worth it, or is your current phone still fit for purpose?

Performance: Night and Day Difference

The most immediate change when switching from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone 11 Pro is responsiveness. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. By modern standards, this hardware struggles even with basic multitasking. Apps take longer to load, background processes are frequently terminated, and iOS updates beyond iOS 12 are unsupported.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro features the A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in high-end computers at the time of its release. With 4GB of RAM and a 6-core CPU, it handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing, augmented reality apps, and gaming with ease. Even in 2024, the A13 remains highly capable, outperforming many mid-tier Android phones released in recent years.

Tip: If your iPhone 6 Plus takes more than two seconds to open common apps like Messages or Camera, you're already losing productivity daily.

Camera Capabilities: From Snapshot to Studio Quality

The camera gap between these two devices is perhaps the most dramatic. The iPhone 6 Plus features an 8MP rear camera with no optical image stabilization (OIS), f/2.2 aperture, and 1080p video recording. In low light, photos become grainy and lack detail. Front-facing selfies are soft and poorly lit.

The iPhone 11 Pro introduces a triple-lens system: ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. Each lens is 12MP, with Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR. Low-light photography is vastly improved, and 4K video recording at 60fps supports extended dynamic range. Features like QuickTake video (hold the shutter button) and slo-mo selfie videos add creative flexibility.

“Photography on the iPhone 11 Pro isn’t just better—it redefines what a smartphone can capture.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Instructor at SF Media Academy

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

The iPhone 6 Plus was praised in 2014 for its all-day battery life—around 10–12 hours of mixed use. However, after years of charging cycles, most batteries today hold less than 80% capacity, requiring multiple charges per day.

The iPhone 11 Pro offers up to 18 hours of video playback and consistently delivers a full day under heavy use. It supports fast charging (50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and wireless charging—neither of which the 6 Plus supports. Over time, this reduces cable wear and increases convenience.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 11 Pro
Battery Capacity	2915 mAh	3046 mAh (managed more efficiently)
Charging Type	Lightsaber (30-pin)	Lightning (supports fast & wireless)
Fast Charging	No	Yes (with compatible charger)
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi-compatible)
Estimated Daily Use	6–8 hours (degraded)	12–16 hours (fresh battery)

Durability, Display, and Design Evolution

The iPhone 6 Plus popularized the larger form factor, but its aluminum body and protruding camera make it prone to scratches and camera bumps when placed face-down. The display is 5.5 inches with 1334x750 resolution and lacks true black levels or HDR support.

The iPhone 11 Pro uses surgical-grade stainless steel, textured matte glass back, and Ceramic Shield front cover (on later replacements), offering superior drop resistance. Its 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display delivers deeper blacks, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits), and better color accuracy—ideal for streaming HDR content.

While both phones feel solid, the 11 Pro’s design reflects a focus on premium materials and long-term durability. It’s also rated IP68 for water and dust resistance—surviving up to 4 meters underwater for 30 minutes—versus the 6 Plus’s unofficial splash resistance.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 6 Plus for seven years. She relied on it for client communication, scheduling, and occasional snapshots. But during a wedding shoot last year, she tried using her phone to capture candid moments—and was embarrassed by blurry, dark images.

She upgraded to the iPhone 11 Pro primarily for its camera system. Within weeks, she began using it as a backup device during shoots, capturing behind-the-scenes reels in 4K. The improved battery let her go all day without a power bank. After six months, she sold her old 6 Plus for $35—down from $299 at purchase.

“I waited too long,” she admitted. “The difference in speed alone saved me hours each week. And the Night mode shots? My clients thought I’d bought a new DSLR.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Evaluate Your Current Phone’s Health: Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider replacement or upgrade.
2. Test App Performance: Open your most-used apps. If any take more than 3 seconds to load or crash regularly, your hardware is holding you back.
3. Assess Camera Needs: Do you share photos online, record videos, or rely on visuals for work? The 11 Pro’s camera may be a productivity tool, not just a luxury.
4. Check iOS Support: The iPhone 6 Plus stops at iOS 12. The 11 Pro supports iOS 17 and will likely receive iOS 18. Security updates matter.
5. Calculate Long-Term Value: A refurbished iPhone 11 Pro costs around $250–$350 today. Compare that to repair costs, lost productivity, and missed opportunities.

Tip: Trade-in programs through Apple or carriers often offer $100+ credit for older models—even non-functional ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run modern apps?

Technically, yes—but poorly. Most newer apps require iOS 13 or higher, which the 6 Plus doesn’t support. Even if installed via third-party tools, they’ll run slowly or crash. Major services like banking apps, Google Maps, and social platforms have dropped support.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro still a good buy in 2024?

Absolutely. While discontinued, the 11 Pro remains powerful. On the used market, it offers flagship-level performance at a fraction of the cost of newer Pro models. It supports iOS updates through at least 2025 and handles modern photography and video needs with ease.

Will my accessories work with the new phone?

Most won’t. The 6 Plus uses a 30-pin connector; the 11 Pro uses Lightning. Cases, chargers, and docks are incompatible. However, wireless charging and Bluetooth accessories remain usable.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

The iPhone 6 Plus was revolutionary in 2014. But technology isn’t static. Holding onto it in 2024 means accepting slower performance, outdated security, poor photo quality, and limited app compatibility. The iPhone 11 Pro isn’t just newer—it’s fundamentally different in capability, efficiency, and user experience.

If you rely on your phone for communication, creativity, or business, the upgrade pays for itself in time saved, photos captured, and frustration avoided. Even at a modest resale value, transitioning from the 6 Plus to the 11 Pro represents a smart investment in your digital life.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone 6 Plus to a newer model? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments—your story could help someone else decide their next move.