Iphone 6 Vs 6 Plus Is The Bigger Screen Worth It Still Relevant In 2024

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus launched in 2014, marking Apple’s first major shift toward larger displays. At the time, the decision between the 4.7-inch iPhone 6 and the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus was a pivotal one: more screen meant better media consumption, multitasking, and even battery life—but at the cost of portability. Fast forward to 2024, and both devices are over a decade old. Yet, they still surface in secondhand markets, budget-conscious discussions, and nostalgic tech conversations. So, is the screen size difference between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus still meaningful today? And does that original trade-off hold up under modern usage demands?

Design and Display: A Decade of Change

The iPhone 6 introduced a sleek aluminum unibody with rounded edges, departing from the sharper design of earlier models. The 6 Plus shared this aesthetic but scaled up significantly. The 6 had a 1334x750 resolution (326 ppi), while the 6 Plus featured a higher 1920x1080 (401 ppi) display—making it the first iPhone to support native HD video playback at full resolution.

In 2024, neither screen meets current standards for brightness, color accuracy, or refresh rate. Both use LCD technology without True Tone or Haptic Touch. However, the physical distinction remains clear: the 6 Plus offers a more immersive experience for reading, video, and web browsing due to its larger canvas and superior pixel density.

Tip: If you're considering using either device as a backup or emergency phone, prioritize the 6 Plus for better readability and app visibility.

Performance and Software Support: Where Age Shows

Both phones run on the Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM—a respectable setup in 2014 but severely underpowered by today’s standards. iOS updates officially ended with iOS 12, meaning neither device supports newer features like App Clips, AirPlay to Mac, or advanced privacy tracking controls.

Modern apps such as Instagram, Google Maps, and banking platforms often struggle or refuse to load on these older systems. Safari lags on complex websites, and multitasking is limited. The 6 Plus handles heavier workloads slightly better due to its larger battery and optimized rendering for bigger screens, but both suffer from frequent app crashes and long loading times.

“Devices stuck on iOS 12 miss out on critical security patches and performance refinements. Even if the hardware works, the software ecosystem has moved on.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst

Screen Size Comparison: Practical Differences Today

The core question—was the bigger screen worth it?—must be evaluated through today’s lens. In 2024, screen real estate matters more than ever. Between split-screen browsing, streaming, and messaging, users expect clarity and comfort. Here's how the two models compare:

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 6 Plus
Screen Size	4.7 inches	5.5 inches
Resolution	1334x750 (326 ppi)	1920x1080 (401 ppi)
Battery Life (Original)	14 hours talk time	24 hours talk time
Weight	129 grams	172 grams
Display Use Case	Adequate for calls, texts, light browsing	Better for videos, e-books, maps

The 6 Plus clearly wins in visual comfort and sustained usage. Its screen allows for easier typing, less zooming, and better navigation in dense interfaces. However, its weight and size make single-handed use awkward, especially for those with smaller hands. In 2024, where average smartphone screens exceed 6 inches, the 6 Plus no longer feels “large”—but it does offer noticeably better usability than the 6.

Real-World Example: Using an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024

Consider Sarah, a college student who inherited her brother’s old iPhone 6 Plus in early 2023. She uses it as a secondary device for music, notes, and offline maps during hikes. While she appreciates the larger screen for viewing PDFs and taking quick memos, she quickly noticed limitations. Spotify updated stopped supporting iOS 12, forcing her to sideload an older version. Google Chrome crashes frequently, so she relies on the outdated Safari browser. GPS navigation works, but real-time traffic data fails to load consistently.

Despite these issues, she finds the 6 Plus more usable than the 6 would have been. The extra screen space makes text legible without constant pinch-zooming, and the battery lasts through a full day of intermittent use. For very basic tasks—calls, alarms, camera—it remains functional. But for anything requiring internet connectivity or modern app integration, it's a compromise.

Step-by-Step Guide: Can You Still Use These Phones in 2024?

If you’re considering picking up a used iPhone 6 or 6 Plus, follow this practical timeline to assess its viability:

1. Check iOS Version: Ensure the device runs iOS 12. Anything lower cannot install most modern app versions.
2. Test Core Apps: Open Safari, YouTube, WhatsApp, and your email. See if pages load and links respond.
3. Evaluate Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery. If maximum capacity is below 70%, expect poor performance.
4. Try Multitasking: Open multiple tabs and switch between apps. Lag indicates insufficient RAM.
5. Assess Camera Functionality: Take photos indoors and outdoors. Older sensors struggle in low light and lack Smart HDR.
6. Determine Your Use Case: Will this be a primary phone, backup, media player, or gift for a child? Be realistic about expectations.

Tip: Reset the device before testing to eliminate clutter and cached data that may skew performance.

Checklist: Is an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus Right for You in 2024?

• ✅ Need a basic calling/texting device for emergencies
• ✅ Want a simple music or podcast player
• ✅ Looking for a dedicated camera for casual snapshots
• ✅ Intend to use it offline or with Wi-Fi-only apps
• ❌ Require access to modern banking, social media, or productivity apps
• ❌ Depend on fast internet browsing or real-time notifications
• ❌ Plan to use it as a daily driver

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus get security updates in 2024?

No. Apple ended security updates for these models after iOS 12. This means known vulnerabilities remain unpatched, making them risky for sensitive activities like online banking or logging into personal accounts.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus camera still usable today?

It can capture decent daylight photos, but lacks optical image stabilization (except video on the 6 Plus), night mode, and computational photography. Image quality is soft by modern standards, and autofocus is slow. It’s functional for nostalgia or casual use but not competitive.

Why would anyone buy an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus now?

Some users seek them for sentimental reasons, as retro gadgets, or as inexpensive backups. Others use them in controlled environments—like smart home controllers or kids’ learning devices—where internet exposure is limited and app demands are minimal.

Final Verdict: Is the Bigger Screen Worth It in 2024?

The iPhone 6 Plus offered a genuinely better user experience than the 6 back in 2014, and that advantage carries subtle weight even today. Its larger, sharper screen, improved battery life, and marginally better performance make it the only logical choice between the two if you must pick one for occasional use.

However, “better” doesn’t mean “recommended.” In 2024, smartphones start at far higher baselines. Even entry-level Android devices offer faster processors, modern operating systems, larger storage, and secure update cycles. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are relics—interesting, functional in narrow roles, but fundamentally obsolete.

If you’re drawn to these models for affordability, consider refurbished iPhones starting from the iPhone 8 or SE (2020), which support iOS 17 and receive regular updates. They deliver genuine value without sacrificing security or usability.

🚀 Take action: Instead of relying on decade-old tech, explore certified refurbished modern iPhones or budget Android options that balance cost, safety, and performance. Your digital experience—and data—deserve better.