Iphone 6 Vs 6s Plus Is The 6s Plus Still Worth It In Current Year

In an era where flagship smartphones boast triple-lens cameras, 5G connectivity, and multi-day battery life, revisiting older devices like the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus might seem outdated. Yet, for budget-conscious users or those seeking a simple, reliable device, these models occasionally resurface in secondhand markets. The question remains: with the passage of nearly a decade since their release, does the iPhone 6s Plus still hold any value today?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your needs, expectations, and how you plan to use the phone. While both phones were groundbreaking in their time, only the 6s Plus offers features that edge slightly closer to modern usability — but even then, significant limitations exist.

Design and Build: Nearly Identical, But Not Equal

At first glance, the iPhone 6 and 6s Plus look almost identical. Both feature a 5.5-inch display, aluminum unibody construction, and curved edges that made them stand out from previous iPhone designs. However, Apple made subtle but meaningful changes in the 6s Plus.

The 6s Plus uses a stronger 7000-series aluminum, which helped reduce the risk of bending — a flaw infamously dubbed “Bendgate” that affected some iPhone 6 units under pressure. While not indestructible, the 6s Plus is marginally more durable in daily handling.

Another key difference is weight. The 6s Plus is slightly heavier (202g vs 172g), thanks to internal upgrades and a denser build. This gives it a more premium feel, though it may be less comfortable for one-handed use.

Tip: If purchasing used, inspect the power button and volume keys closely — wear and tear on older iPhones often leads to unresponsive hardware controls.

Performance: Where the 6s Plus Pulls Ahead

The most critical distinction between these two models lies under the hood. The iPhone 6 runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 6s Plus features the A9 chip and the same 1GB RAM. On paper, this seems like a modest upgrade, but in practice, it makes a noticeable difference.

The A9 processor delivers up to 70% faster CPU performance and 90% better graphics than the A8. This means smoother app launches, quicker multitasking, and better responsiveness when navigating iOS. For basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing, the iPhone 6 can still function — but it stutters under heavier loads.

More importantly, the 6s Plus supports iOS 15, the last version compatible with its hardware. In contrast, the iPhone 6 maxed out at iOS 12. This four-version gap severely limits app compatibility. Most modern apps, including newer versions of Instagram, Google Maps, and banking apps, require iOS 13 or higher — making them unusable on the iPhone 6.

“Even if the hardware turns on, the lack of software updates renders many older iPhones functionally obsolete.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Camera Comparison: A Clear Winner

Photography has evolved drastically since 2014, and camera performance is where the 6s Plus shines brightest compared to its predecessor.

• iPhone 6: 8MP rear camera, 1080p video recording, no optical image stabilization (OIS) on the rear sensor.
• iPhone 6s Plus: 12MP rear camera, 4K video recording, OIS, and a 5MP front-facing camera (vs 1.2MP on the 6).

The jump to 12MP and 4K video was significant at the time, and even by today’s standards, photos from the 6s Plus are noticeably sharper and more detailed. The inclusion of OIS reduces blur in low-light conditions, making it far more capable in dim environments.

While neither camera competes with modern smartphone photography, the 6s Plus can still capture usable images for social media or personal archives — provided lighting is adequate.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 6s Plus
Release Year	2014	2015
Processor	A8	A9
RAM	1GB	1GB
Rear Camera	8MP, 1080p	12MP, 4K
Front Camera	1.2MP	5MP
Max iOS Version	iOS 12	iOS 15.7.10
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 24 hours
Storage Options	16/64/128GB	16/64/128GB
3D Touch	No	Yes

Note the dramatic difference in battery life: Apple rated the 6s Plus for up to 24 hours of audio playback and 13 hours of talk time, nearly doubling the endurance of the iPhone 6 in certain scenarios. This is due to both a larger battery and more efficient power management.

Real-World Usability in 2024: Can You Actually Use It?

To assess whether the 6s Plus is still viable, consider a realistic scenario.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Backup Phone Experiment

Sarah, a college student, picked up a used iPhone 6s Plus for $30 to use as a backup device. She wanted something simple for calls, notes, and offline music. After resetting the phone and updating to iOS 15.7, she found that basic functions worked well — Messages, Phone, and Calendar ran smoothly. However, she couldn’t install the latest version of WhatsApp, her bank’s app wouldn’t launch, and Google Chrome wasn’t available in the App Store.

She managed to use Safari for limited browsing and downloaded older compatible apps, but the experience felt fragmented. After three weeks, she returned to using her primary Android phone full-time. The 6s Plus now sits in a drawer — functional, but impractical.

This case illustrates a common outcome: the 6s Plus can operate, but its usefulness is heavily constrained by outdated software and missing app support.

When the 6s Plus Might Still Be Worth It

Despite its age, there are niche situations where the 6s Plus could serve a purpose:

• As a dedicated music player – Load it with songs via iTunes and use it offline.
• For elderly users needing simplicity – If someone only uses calls, texts, and FaceTime, the interface remains intuitive.
• Emergency backup phone – Keep it charged with essential contacts pre-saved.
• Children’s first phone – With restrictions enabled, it can offer basic functionality without modern distractions.

However, even in these cases, battery degradation is a major concern. After 8–9 years, lithium-ion batteries lose significant capacity. Many 6s Plus units now struggle to last half a day, even with minimal use.

Tip: Check the battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 70%, expect poor performance and frequent charging.

Step-by-Step: How to Evaluate a Used 6s Plus

1. Power it on – Ensure the device boots and reaches the home screen.
2. Check iOS version – Go to Settings > General > About. If it’s not on iOS 15, it may be harder to find compatible apps.
3. Test core functions – Make a call, take a photo, connect to Wi-Fi.
4. Inspect battery health – Look for rapid drain or unexpected shutdowns.
5. Verify iCloud lock status – Ask the seller to remove the device from their iCloud account. A locked phone is unusable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s Plus run modern apps?

No, most modern apps require iOS 13 or later. While the 6s Plus supports up to iOS 15, developers have dropped support for 32-bit architectures, meaning even if the OS is updated, many apps won’t install or function properly.

Is it safe to use an iPhone 6s Plus in 2024?

It’s physically safe, but security risks exist. Without ongoing security patches beyond 2023, vulnerabilities remain unpatched. Avoid entering passwords, using banking apps, or storing sensitive data on the device.

Should I buy a 6s Plus instead of a new budget phone?

Generally, no. Refurbished Android phones under $100 offer better performance, longer battery life, modern app support, and security updates. Even entry-level smartphones today outperform the 6s Plus in every category.

Final Verdict: Nostalgia Over Utility

The iPhone 6s Plus was a milestone device — the last iPhone with a headphone jack before the trend disappeared, the first with 3D Touch, and a camera leap that set new standards. But time has caught up. In 2024, it is no longer a practical daily driver for most people.

If you already own one and it still powers on, it might serve as a nostalgic keepsake or emergency device. But as a purchase recommendation, even at a very low price, it’s hard to justify over modern alternatives.

Technology evolves quickly, and while the 6s Plus was excellent in its prime, its limitations today outweigh its strengths. Unless you’re a collector, a minimalist, or need a strictly offline tool, investing in a newer, supported device will save frustration and deliver a safer, smoother experience.

🚀 Still using an old iPhone? Share your experience — what keeps you loyal, or what finally made you upgrade? Join the conversation below.