Iphone 6 Vs Iphone 7 Is Upgrading Still Worth It In 2024

For many long-time Apple users, the iPhone 6 was a turning point—a sleek design, larger screen, and solid performance that made it one of the most popular iPhones ever. The iPhone 7 followed with meaningful upgrades: better internals, water resistance, and an improved camera. But we’re now nearly a decade past the iPhone 6’s release, and even the iPhone 7 launched in 2016. In 2024, both are well beyond their prime, yet thousands still use them daily. So, if you're holding onto an iPhone 6, is upgrading to an iPhone 7 still a worthwhile move?

The short answer: yes—but only under specific circumstances. For most users, even the iPhone 7 may no longer meet modern app and security demands. However, for those on tight budgets or needing a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing, understanding the real differences between these two models is essential before deciding.

Performance and Hardware: A Clear Step Up

The iPhone 6 runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the iPhone 7 features the more powerful A10 Fusion chip and 2GB of RAM. This difference is significant. The A10 delivers roughly 40% faster CPU performance and nearly double the graphics power. In practical terms, this means apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and newer iOS versions run with noticeably less lag.

In 2024, even lightweight apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and banking tools have grown more resource-intensive. On an iPhone 6, background app refresh often fails, Safari tabs reload frequently, and some apps simply refuse to install due to minimum system requirements. The iPhone 7 handles these tasks more reliably—though not flawlessly.

Tip: If your iPhone 6 struggles with everyday tasks, upgrading to a used iPhone 7 can restore usable performance for another 1–2 years.

Software Support and Security

iOS updates are critical for security, bug fixes, and compatibility. The iPhone 6 received its last major update with iOS 12, which Apple supported until late 2022. It never ran iOS 13 or beyond. The iPhone 7, however, supports up to iOS 16—Apple’s final update for the device—and will likely receive security patches through early 2025 via secondary updates.

This gap matters. Without current iOS support, the iPhone 6 lacks modern privacy controls, security protocols, and app compatibility. Major services like Google Maps, Instagram, and mobile banking apps either don’t function properly or won’t install at all. The iPhone 7, running iOS 16, remains compatible with most mainstream apps as of 2024—though performance degrades over time.

“Devices stuck on outdated operating systems are increasingly vulnerable to phishing and data theft.” — Sarah Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Camera Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Both phones have 12MP rear cameras, but the iPhone 7’s sensor is vastly superior. It captures sharper images, performs better in low light, and includes optical image stabilization (on the Plus model). More importantly, the iPhone 7 supports Live Photos by default and records 4K video—features absent from the iPhone 6.

In real-world use, the difference is clear. Photos taken on the iPhone 6 appear grainy in dim lighting, struggle with dynamic range, and lack detail. The iPhone 7 produces noticeably cleaner shots, faster autofocus, and better color accuracy. While neither matches modern computational photography, the iPhone 7 remains serviceable for casual photography in 2024.

Durability and Build Improvements

The iPhone 7 introduced IP67 water and dust resistance—a first for the iPhone line. This means it can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 6 has no official rating and is highly susceptible to liquid damage.

Additionally, the iPhone 7 replaced the controversial “bendgate” aluminum with a stronger 7000-series alloy. Though not indestructible, it resists bending better than the iPhone 6. Combined with a sealed Lightning port and improved internal sealing, the iPhone 7 is objectively more durable.

The removal of the headphone jack was controversial in 2016, but by 2024, wireless audio is standard. Adapters are cheap and widely available, making this less of a drawback today.

Comparison Table: iPhone 6 vs iPhone 7 (2024 Perspective)

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 7
Release Year	2014	2016
Chipset	A8	A10 Fusion
RAM	1GB	2GB
Max iOS Version	iOS 12	iOS 16
Security Updates (Est.)	Ended 2022	Early 2025
Rear Camera	8MP (iPhone 6), 12MP (6s+)	12MP with OIS (Plus)
Video Recording	1080p	4K at 30fps
Water Resistance	No	IP67 (1m for 30 min)
Battery Life (Real-World Use)	~6–7 hours screen-on	~8–9 hours screen-on
Current App Compatibility	Limited (many apps unsupported)	Most apps functional, some slow

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Decision

Maria, a 68-year-old retiree in Arizona, has used her iPhone 6 since 2015. She relies on it for calls, texting, weather, and occasional photos of her grandchildren. By early 2023, her phone began crashing when opening email, and her bank app stopped working entirely. After visiting her local Apple Store, she learned her device could no longer be serviced or updated.

She considered buying a new iPhone SE but found it too expensive. Instead, she purchased a refurbished iPhone 7 for $75 online. After setup, her banking app worked instantly, FaceTime calls were clearer, and she could finally send full-resolution photos. While the phone shows signs of age—slight battery drain and slower app launches—it meets her needs without breaking the bank.

Maria’s experience reflects a growing trend: older adults and budget-conscious users finding value in modest upgrades that restore basic functionality.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Assess your current usage: Do you rely on apps that no longer work or crash frequently?
2. Check iOS version: If you’re on iOS 12 or earlier, you’re missing critical security patches.
3. Test battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 70%, performance suffers significantly.
4. Try installing key apps: Open the App Store and attempt to download WhatsApp, Google Maps, or your bank’s app. If they don’t install, your phone is obsolete.
5. Research affordable options: Compare used iPhone 7, iPhone SE (2nd/3rd gen), or iPhone 8 prices. Often, the incremental cost to get a newer model is minimal.

Expert Insight: When Legacy Devices Become Liabilities

“Holding onto a device beyond five years isn’t just about performance—it’s a security risk. Outdated firmware can’t defend against modern threats, and app developers drop support for legacy hardware to focus on current platforms.” — James Reed, Senior iOS Consultant at DeviceTrust Group

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 still be used safely in 2024?

Only for very basic tasks like calls, notes, and offline music. It lacks security updates, modern encryption, and app compatibility. Avoid using it for banking, shopping, or logging into sensitive accounts.

Is the iPhone 7 good enough for daily use in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It can handle messaging, email, social media, and navigation—though expect slowdowns with heavier apps. Pair it with a battery replacement for best results. It’s ideal as a secondary phone or for light users.

Should I upgrade from iPhone 6 to iPhone 7 or skip to a newer model?

If budget allows, skip to an iPhone 8 or iPhone SE (3rd gen). These support iOS 17 and beyond, offer better batteries, and include Touch ID improvements and faster charging. However, if funds are tight, the iPhone 7 is a reasonable bridge.

Final Checklist Before Upgrading

• ✅ Back up your iPhone 6 via iCloud or iTunes
• ✅ Verify compatibility of your essential apps
• ✅ Check battery health—if severely degraded, factor in replacement cost
• ✅ Consider refurbished models from certified sellers (Apple, Best Buy, etc.)
• ✅ Wipe and securely sell or recycle your old device

Conclusion: Making the Smart Move in 2024

Upgrading from an iPhone 6 to an iPhone 7 in 2024 isn’t about chasing cutting-edge tech—it’s about reclaiming reliability. The iPhone 7 offers tangible improvements: better performance, extended software support, enhanced camera quality, and water resistance. For users struggling with a failing iPhone 6, this upgrade restores access to essential digital services.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that both devices are nearing end-of-life. If you can stretch your budget slightly, investing in an iPhone 8 or newer brings longer-term value. But for those who need a functional, secure phone right now without spending hundreds, the iPhone 7 remains a viable, responsible choice.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 6 recently? Share your experience or tips in the comments—your insight could help others make the right decision.