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

For millions of users still clinging to their iPhone 6 Plus, the decision to upgrade can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Apple’s release cycle moves fast, and models like the iPhone 11 Pro represent a significant leap from earlier devices. But is that leap necessary for everyday use? If you're still getting by on your iPhone 6 Plus—functional, familiar, and perhaps a little slow at times—is spending hundreds on an iPhone 11 Pro truly justified?

The answer depends on what you value in a smartphone: raw performance, photography quality, battery longevity, or simply reliable communication. This comparison dives deep into the real differences between these two iPhones—not just specs on paper, but how they affect daily life, usability, and long-term satisfaction.

Design and Build: A Decade of Evolution

The physical gap between the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 11 Pro reflects over five years of industrial design progress. The 6 Plus, released in 2014, features a large slab of aluminum with curved edges and a prominent camera bump. It was considered premium at the time, but its plastic-like feel and soft-touch finish are now outdated.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro (2019) introduces a surgical-grade stainless steel frame, matte glass back, and a more compact footprint despite similar screen size. It feels denser, more refined, and notably more durable. The 11 Pro also brings IP68 water and dust resistance—a feature absent in the 6 Plus—meaning accidental spills or rain exposure won’t spell disaster.

Tip: If you frequently drop your phone or live in humid environments, upgrading to a water-resistant model like the 11 Pro significantly reduces long-term risk.

Display and Usability

The iPhone 6 Plus sports a 5.5-inch LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080. While sharp for its time, it lacks true blacks, has lower contrast, and performs poorly in direct sunlight. More critically, iOS updates have made this older screen feel sluggish—animations stutter, apps take longer to load, and multitasking is limited.

The iPhone 11 Pro upgrades to a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. This means deeper blacks, HDR support, higher brightness (up to 1200 nits), and better color accuracy. Scrolling is smoother, videos look cinematic, and dark mode actually works as intended. For anyone consuming media, reading in bright conditions, or using their phone outdoors, the visual improvement is immediate and substantial.

Performance: From Functional to Future-Proof

This is where the gap becomes undeniable. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on the Apple A8 chip—an architecture from 2014. By today’s standards, it struggles with modern apps, especially those requiring machine learning, augmented reality, or high-resolution rendering. Even basic tasks like switching between Safari tabs or loading maps can feel delayed.

The iPhone 11 Pro features the A13 Bionic chip, one of Apple’s most efficient processors. It handles 4K video editing, complex gaming, and AI-powered photography with ease. Apps launch instantly, background processes run smoothly, and iOS updates are supported for years to come. According to Geekbench scores, the A13 is nearly **six times faster** in single-core performance and over **ten times faster** in multi-core tasks.

“Upgrading from an iPhone 6 Plus to an 11 Pro isn’t just about speed—it’s about reclaiming time. Every tap, swipe, and load becomes instantaneous.” — David Lin, Mobile Performance Analyst

Camera Comparison: Night and Day Literally

The camera systems on these phones represent entirely different generations of mobile photography.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 11 Pro
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, single lens	Triple 12MP (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto), f/1.8–f/2.4
Front Camera	1.2MP, FaceTime HD	12MP TrueDepth, 4K video
Night Mode	No	Yes (on all rear cameras)
Video Recording	1080p at 60fps	4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range
Zoom	Digital only	2x optical zoom in, 3x optical zoom out

The iPhone 6 Plus captures acceptable daylight photos but fails in low light, lacks depth control, and offers no wide-angle options. The 11 Pro changes everything: Night Mode brightens dim scenes without flash, Smart HDR balances lighting across faces and backgrounds, and the ultra-wide lens opens creative possibilities. Portrait mode works on people, pets, and objects—with adjustable depth after capture.

Tip: If you regularly share photos on social media or document family moments, the 11 Pro’s camera alone may justify the upgrade.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Apple rated the iPhone 6 Plus for up to 16 hours of talk time, which held up well in 2014. Today, after years of charging cycles, most batteries have degraded significantly. Even with a replacement, the hardware limits efficiency.

The iPhone 11 Pro improves not just capacity but intelligence. It delivers up to 18 hours of video playback, supports fast charging (50% in 30 minutes with 18W adapter), and enables wireless charging. More importantly, iOS 13+ optimizes background activity, extending usable life per charge even under heavy usage.

A user switching from a worn 6 Plus often reports gaining **four to six extra hours** of screen time daily—enough to eliminate midday charging anxiety.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah, a freelance photographer and mother of two, used her iPhone 6 Plus for nearly six years. She replaced the battery twice and avoided iOS updates beyond 12.4 to maintain stability. By 2023, her phone struggled to upload images to Instagram, couldn’t edit RAW files, and died by noon during events.

After upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro, she noticed immediate improvements: she edits photos directly in Lightroom Mobile, shoots in Night Mode at birthday parties, and streams music during commutes without draining the battery. “It’s not just a new phone,” she said. “It’s a tool that finally keeps up with my life.”

Step-by-Step Guide: Should You Upgrade?

Follow this decision framework before investing in a new device:

1. Evaluate current pain points: Does your 6 Plus freeze, crash, or take more than 10 seconds to open common apps?
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, performance throttling is likely.
3. Assess app compatibility: Can you install the latest versions of WhatsApp, Google Maps, or banking apps without lag?
4. Consider photography needs: Do you wish your phone could take better night shots or wider group photos?
5. Calculate long-term value: The 11 Pro still receives iOS updates (as of 2024) and will likely be supported through 2025–2026. That’s 6+ years of future-proofing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run modern apps?

Some lightweight apps work, but many—including newer versions of TikTok, Snapchat, and fitness trackers—no longer support iOS 12, which is the last update available for the 6 Plus. Developers optimize for newer hardware, so functionality degrades over time.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro too expensive for an upgrade?

New, it was premium-priced, but as of 2024, used or refurbished units start around $250–$350. Compared to the cost of external cameras, portable chargers, or repair services for an aging 6 Plus, the investment often pays off in convenience and capability.

Will my accessories work with the 11 Pro?

Most Lightning cables and headphones remain compatible. However, cases won’t fit due to different dimensions and camera layout. Wireless charging requires a Qi-compatible pad, which wasn’t usable with the 6 Plus.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For users whose needs exceed texting and calls, the iPhone 11 Pro is not just an upgrade—it’s a transformation. The combination of processing power, camera versatility, battery endurance, and software support makes it a compelling successor to the aging 6 Plus.

However, if your phone mainly serves as a communication device, and you’re satisfied with its limitations, holding on a little longer might make sense—especially if budget is tight. But know this: every month spent waiting increases the risk of sudden failure, data loss, or security vulnerabilities due to lack of updates.

“The sweet spot for upgrading isn’t when your old phone breaks—it’s when it starts holding you back.” — TechLife Report, 2023 Consumer Trends

Take Action Today

If you’ve been hesitating, now is the time to evaluate honestly. Try using an iPhone 11 Pro at a local store. Notice how fast it responds, how clear the screen looks, how easy it is to capture a spontaneous moment. Then ask yourself: do I want to keep fighting my phone, or start enjoying it?

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 6 Plus? Share your experience—what surprised you most, and would you recommend it to others?