Iphone 6 Plus Vs P20 Lite Is The Older Iphone Still Worth It

The smartphone market moves fast, but many users still rely on older devices long after their release. The iPhone 6 Plus, launched in 2014, was a landmark device for Apple—its first large-screen iPhone. Over three years later, Huawei released the P20 Lite in 2018 as a mid-range Android contender with modern design and dual cameras. Today, both phones are well past their prime, but they still surface in secondhand markets and budget conversations. So, is the older iPhone 6 Plus still a viable option compared to the more recent P20 Lite?

This isn't just about nostalgia or brand loyalty. It's about practical value: Which phone offers better performance, reliability, and user experience in 2024 and beyond? We’ll break down key aspects like hardware, software support, camera quality, battery life, and real-world usability to help you decide whether the iPhone 6 Plus still holds up.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

At the core of any smartphone decision is performance. The iPhone 6 Plus runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the P20 Lite uses the HiSilicon Kirin 659 processor paired with 4GB of RAM. On paper, the P20 Lite has a significant advantage in memory and a more modern chipset designed for multitasking and efficient power management.

In daily use, this difference is stark. The iPhone 6 Plus struggles with app switching, web browsing with multiple tabs, and newer versions of iOS it was never intended to run. Apple pushed iOS 12 as the last fully supported version, which helped optimize performance, but even then, loading apps like Instagram or Chrome can take several seconds. Background processes often get terminated, leading to constant reloading.

By contrast, the P20 Lite handles light multitasking with ease. Its 4GB RAM allows smoother transitions between apps, and Android 8.0 Oreo (upgradable to EMUI 9) remains responsive for basic tasks like messaging, social media, and streaming music. While not powerful by today’s standards, it outperforms the iPhone 6 Plus in nearly every benchmark.

“Hardware longevity isn’t just about initial specs—it’s about how well a device manages system demands over time. The P20 Lite was built for its era; the iPhone 6 Plus is surviving far beyond it.” — Rajiv Mehta, Mobile Analyst at TechInsight Asia

Software Support and Security

One of the most critical factors when evaluating an older phone is ongoing software support. The iPhone 6 Plus received updates until 2019, ending at iOS 12.5.7, which included essential security patches. However, it no longer receives feature updates or regular security fixes from Apple.

The P20 Lite, meanwhile, officially stopped receiving updates in 2020 after its EMUI 9 rollout. While both devices are unsupported, the Android ecosystem allows for more flexibility. Enthusiasts have ported custom ROMs like LineageOS to the P20 Lite, enabling access to newer Android versions and improved security. The iPhone 6 Plus lacks this option due to Apple’s closed system.

Tip: Avoid using outdated smartphones for sensitive tasks like online banking or email if they no longer receive security updates.

Using either device in 2024 comes with inherent risks. Without patch updates, known vulnerabilities remain unaddressed, making them targets for phishing attacks or malware through malicious websites or apps. If you must use one, avoid installing unknown apps and disable automatic syncing of personal data.

Camera Quality: Old School vs New Features

The iPhone 6 Plus features an 8MP rear camera with optical stabilization—a solid shooter for its time. Photos in good lighting are clean and natural, thanks to Apple’s image processing. However, low-light performance is poor, and there’s no front-facing flash or advanced portrait mode.

The P20 Lite steps ahead with a 16MP primary sensor and a secondary 2MP depth sensor, enabling AI-powered portrait mode and bokeh effects. Its front camera is also superior at 16MP, ideal for selfies. While image processing can oversharpen or over-saturate, the flexibility of scene detection and HDR gives it an edge in variety.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	P20 Lite
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, OIS	16MP + 2MP dual camera
Front Camera	1.2MP, f/2.2	16MP, f/2.0
Video Recording	1080p at 30fps	1080p at 30fps
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (AI-assisted)
Low-Light Performance	Poor	Moderate (better than 6 Plus)

For casual photography, the P20 Lite delivers more consistent results across different conditions. The iPhone 6 Plus may appeal to purists who prefer minimal processing, but its limitations are now too pronounced for everyday use.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 6 Plus packs a 2915mAh battery, which was impressive in 2014. With iOS 12 optimization, it could last a full day under light usage. However, after years of charge cycles, most units today suffer from degraded batteries—often holding less than 70% capacity. Apple’s $29 battery replacement program ended, and third-party replacements vary in quality.

The P20 Lite has a slightly smaller 3000mAh battery but benefits from a more efficient display (LCD vs. the iPhone’s aging IPS panel) and Android’s adaptive brightness. In practice, it often matches or exceeds the 6 Plus in endurance, especially since it supports faster charging via standard micro-USB.

Tip: Check battery health before buying any used iPhone. Use apps like CoconutBattery (on a Mac) or ask for a diagnostic report from the seller.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a college student in Manila, inherited her brother’s iPhone 6 Plus in 2022. Initially satisfied, she soon noticed delays opening WhatsApp, frequent app crashes, and sluggish Safari performance. After six months, the battery died by noon. She considered repairing it but found a used P20 Lite for $65—less than the cost of a new battery.

Switching to the P20 Lite, she gained smoother performance, better selfie quality for online classes, and longer battery life. Though she missed iOS, the practical improvements made the switch worthwhile. “It’s not a flagship,” she said, “but it actually works like a phone should.”

Checklist: Is an Older iPhone Still Right for You?

Before choosing the iPhone 6 Plus over the P20 Lite—or any modern budget alternative—consider these points:

• ✅ Do you primarily use basic apps (calls, texts, light browsing)?
• ✅ Are you deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem (iCloud, AirDrop, iMessage)?
• ✅ Can you accept slower performance and limited app compatibility?
• ✅ Is the battery health above 80% or replaceable affordably?
• ❌ Will you use it for banking, social media, or photo sharing regularly?
• ❌ Do you need Google services or modern Android apps?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the first four and “no” to the last two, the iPhone 6 Plus might suffice temporarily. Otherwise, the P20 Lite—or even newer budget phones—offers better value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus run modern apps?

Many newer apps either don’t support iOS 12 or run poorly. Apps like TikTok, Uber, and even updated versions of Gmail may not install or function correctly. Some developers have dropped support for pre-iOS 13 devices entirely.

Is the P20 Lite safe to use in 2024?

As long as you avoid sideloading apps and stick to trusted sources like the official Huawei AppGallery or APKMirror (with caution), it can be used safely for non-sensitive tasks. Consider installing a reputable mobile antivirus tool for added protection.

Which phone holds resale value better?

Historically, iPhones retained value better, but the 6 Plus has depreciated to near-zero. The P20 Lite also has minimal resale value now, though functional units may fetch slightly more due to better hardware.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 6 Plus Still Worth It?

In short: only in very specific cases. If you’re locked into the Apple ecosystem, need a temporary backup phone, or have a fully functional unit with a healthy battery, the iPhone 6 Plus can limp along. But for anyone seeking reliable performance, decent photos, and smoother daily use, the P20 Lite is the better choice—even years after its discontinuation.

The tech world has moved on. Modern entry-level smartphones like the Samsung Galaxy A04 or Redmi Note 12 offer far superior displays, processors, and cameras at similar price points to used P20 Lites. If budget allows, investing a little more unlocks dramatically better experiences.

💬 Have you used either of these phones recently? Share your experience below—your insights could help someone make a smarter choice!