Iphone 6 Vs 6 Plus Camera Is The Plus Really Worth It For Photos 2

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were pivotal releases in Apple’s smartphone evolution. While both devices launched with nearly identical 8-megapixel iSight cameras, subtle but meaningful differences—especially in hardware and software capabilities—set them apart. For photography enthusiasts who still use or consider purchasing one of these models secondhand, a key question remains: Is the iPhone 6 Plus truly superior for taking photos?

This article dives into the technical distinctions, real-world photo performance, and practical advantages that may justify choosing the 6 Plus over the smaller 6—particularly if your primary use case revolves around capturing high-quality images.

Camera Hardware: Nearly Identical, But Not Quite

On paper, both the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus feature:

• 8-megapixel iSight rear camera
• f/2.2 aperture
• Five-element lens
• True Tone flash
• Backside illumination sensor
• 1080p HD video recording at 30 or 60 fps

At first glance, there appears to be no difference. However, Apple introduced one critical hardware upgrade exclusive to the iPhone 6 Plus: **optical image stabilization (OIS)**.

OIS allows the camera lens to physically counteract hand movements during exposure, reducing blur in low-light conditions and enabling longer shutter speeds without motion artifacts. The iPhone 6 relies solely on digital image stabilization and faster shutter responses, which can’t compensate as effectively when lighting is poor.

“Even with the same megapixel count, OIS fundamentally changes how much usable light the sensor can capture.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Review

Tip: In dim environments like restaurants or evening walks, the iPhone 6 Plus will consistently produce sharper, less grainy photos thanks to its optical stabilization.

Image Quality Comparison: When Lighting Matters

To understand the real-world impact of OIS, consider two common shooting scenarios:

Low-Light Photography

In indoor settings or after sunset, the iPhone 6 Plus adjusts its exposure more intelligently. It can extend exposure time slightly while keeping the image stable, resulting in brighter shadows and more natural color balance. The iPhone 6, lacking this physical stabilization, must either increase ISO (introducing noise) or shorten exposure (resulting in darker images).

Daylight Performance

Under bright conditions, both phones perform almost identically. Dynamic range, white balance, and detail retention are consistent across both models. If you primarily shoot outdoors in daylight, the camera advantage diminishes significantly.

However, even in good light, the 6 Plus benefits from **better video stabilization** due to combined OIS and digital correction—a subtle edge for vloggers or casual videographers.

Differences in Display and Composition

The larger 5.5-inch screen of the iPhone 6 Plus offers a tangible benefit during photo composition. A bigger viewfinder makes it easier to:

• Spot focus errors before snapping
• Frame shots precisely using grid lines
• Review details in playback mode

This might seem minor, but experienced photographers know that seeing more of the scene leads to fewer misframed shots and better alignment—especially when shooting architecture or landscapes.

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 6 Plus
Rear Camera Resolution	8 MP	8 MP
Aperture	f/2.2	f/2.2
Image Stabilization	Digital only	Optical + Digital
Video Stabilization	Basic digital	Advanced (OIS-assisted)
Screen Size	4.7 inches	5.5 inches
Better for Low Light?	No	Yes

Real-World Example: Evening Family Gathering

Consider Sarah, a parent documenting her child’s birthday dinner at a softly lit Italian restaurant. She owns an iPhone 6 and her sister uses an iPhone 6 Plus. Both take photos of the cake moment.

Sarah’s iPhone 6 captures the scene, but many images appear blurry or too dark. She taps to focus, but slight hand tremors cause motion blur. Some frames are salvageable only after boosting brightness in editing apps—amplifying graininess.

Her sister’s iPhone 6 Plus, by contrast, produces consistently clear images. The OIS compensates for small shakes, allowing a longer exposure that pulls out candlelight detail without excessive noise. Minimal editing is needed.

In this scenario, the hardware difference translates directly into usability and emotional value—the ability to preserve a fleeting moment clearly.

Software Enhancements and Focus Pixels

Both devices use Apple’s Focus Pixels technology for faster autofocus, similar to phase-detection systems in DSLRs. This means quick subject acquisition in most conditions. However, the processing pipeline differs slightly due to the 6 Plus’s larger form factor and battery capacity.

The A8 chip handles image signal processing efficiently on both phones, but the 6 Plus has marginally better thermal management, allowing sustained performance during burst shooting or extended video clips. While not a major differentiator today, it contributes to overall reliability in demanding situations.

Checklist: Choosing Between iPhone 6 and 6 Plus for Photography

If you're deciding between the two models based on camera performance, ask yourself the following:

1. Do I often take photos in low-light environments (e.g., indoors, evenings)? → Choose 6 Plus
2. Is screen size important for framing and reviewing photos? → 6 Plus offers advantage
3. Do I prioritize portability over photo fidelity? → iPhone 6 may suit better
4. Am I using the phone primarily for social media sharing? → Difference is minimal
5. Will I record videos frequently? → 6 Plus provides smoother stabilization

Tip: Enable HDR mode manually in tricky lighting—it helps both models recover highlights and shadows, narrowing the quality gap slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 6 Plus have a higher resolution camera than the 6?

No. Both models have an 8-megapixel rear camera. The difference lies in image stabilization, not resolution.

Can the iPhone 6 match the 6 Plus in good lighting?

Yes. In well-lit conditions, both cameras produce nearly indistinguishable results in terms of color accuracy, dynamic range, and sharpness.

Is optical image stabilization worth upgrading for?

If you regularly shoot in dim environments or value sharper handheld shots, yes. OIS is one of the most impactful camera features for real-world usability—even more so than megapixels in many cases.

Final Verdict: Is the Plus Really Worth It for Photos?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you value convenience, pocketability, and basic point-and-shoot functionality, the iPhone 6 delivers excellent results—especially in daylight. Its camera was groundbreaking for its time and still holds up for casual use.

But if you care about consistency across lighting conditions, want better low-light performance, appreciate a larger preview screen, and plan to shoot video or capture fast moments without flash, the iPhone 6 Plus is objectively the better choice.

The inclusion of optical image stabilization isn't just a spec bump—it's a functional improvement that enhances every photo taken outside ideal conditions. That single feature elevates the 6 Plus from being merely \"bigger\" to being genuinely more capable.

For anyone serious about mobile photography—even with older hardware—that distinction matters.

💬 Still using an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus? Share your experience—did you notice a real difference in photo quality? Join the conversation and help others decide what matters most in everyday shooting.