Iphone 6s Is Upgrading From A 4s Still Worth It

For users still clinging to the iPhone 4s, the world of smartphones may feel like it’s passed them by. Released in 2011, the 4s was once a marvel of engineering—compact, responsive, and capable for its time. But over a decade later, even basic tasks like loading web pages or opening apps can feel painfully slow. The iPhone 6s, launched in 2015, sits several generations ahead. While neither device is modern by today’s standards, the leap from the 4s to the 6s represents one of the most dramatic improvements in usability Apple has ever delivered between two older models.

This isn’t just about newer hardware—it’s about regaining access to essential services, improved security, and a functional mobile experience. So, if you're still on a 4s, is stepping up to a used or refurbished iPhone 6s worth it? The answer, in most cases, is yes—but with important caveats.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Responsiveness

The difference in performance between the iPhone 4s and the 6s cannot be overstated. The 4s runs on Apple’s A5 chip with 512MB of RAM. By 2024 standards, that’s barely enough to power a smartwatch. In contrast, the 6s features the 64-bit A9 chip and 2GB of RAM—four times the memory and significantly faster processing.

Real-world implications are immediate:

• Apps launch in under a second instead of freezing for 5–10 seconds.
• Switching between apps is fluid, not jarring.
• Camera shutter lag disappears, allowing for spontaneous photography.
• Web browsing becomes usable, with full support for modern JavaScript and HTML5.

Even though iOS 15 was the last supported version for the 6s (released in 2021), it still offers far better optimization than the outdated iOS 9 that caps the 4s. This means background processes, notifications, and multitasking actually work as intended.

Tip: When buying a used iPhone 6s, check that it’s running iOS 15.3.1 or later—the final update—for maximum security and stability.

App Compatibility: Regaining Access to Essential Services

One of the most limiting aspects of the iPhone 4s is its inability to run current versions of popular apps. Developers dropped support for iOS 9 years ago. As of 2024, major services like WhatsApp, Google Maps, Gmail, and banking apps either won’t install or crash immediately on the 4s.

The iPhone 6s, however, supports all apps released before late 2022. While some newer features may be missing, core functionality remains intact. You can:

• Use mobile banking apps securely
• Access cloud email with full formatting
• Navigate with turn-by-turn directions
• Shop online with encrypted checkout
• Receive software updates and security patches (via third-party tools or manual checks)

“Upgrading from a 4s to a 6s isn’t just about speed—it’s about re-entering the digital economy.” — Marcus Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst

Hardware Comparison: What’s Improved Beyond Speed?

Beyond raw performance, the physical design and components of the 6s offer tangible benefits over the 4s. Consider this side-by-side breakdown:

Feature	iPhone 4s	iPhone 6s
Processor	A5 (32-bit)	A9 (64-bit)
RAM	512MB	2GB
Rear Camera	8MP (no focus assist)	12MP with Focus Pixels & 4K video
Front Camera	VGA (0.3MP)	5MP with Retina Flash
Display Size	3.5 inches	4.7 inches
Touch ID	No	Yes (Gen 2 sensor)
iCloud Photo Library	No support	Full support
Last iOS Version	iOS 9.3.6	iOS 15.8.3

The larger screen alone makes reading emails, viewing maps, and browsing social media significantly more comfortable. Combined with Touch ID, the 6s introduces convenience and security absent from the 4s era.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a retired teacher from Portland, used her iPhone 4s for nearly ten years. She relied on it for calls, texts, and occasional weather checks. But when her bank updated its app in 2022, she could no longer log in. Her grandson helped her transfer contacts to a refurbished iPhone 6s he found online for $75.

Within days, Maria was video calling her grandchildren, using Apple Maps to navigate to new appointments, and receiving medication reminders through a pharmacy app. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing,” she said. “It’s like getting a new lifeline.”

Her only complaint? The battery drains faster than she expected. But even that, she noted, beats the 4s’s complete inability to stay powered through a grocery trip.

Battery Life and Longevity Concerns

While the 6s delivers vastly better performance, battery health is a real concern. Most used 6s units on the market today have endured 8+ years of charge cycles. Original batteries often hold less than 70% capacity, leading to poor endurance.

However, this is fixable. Apple offered a $29 battery replacement program until 2023, and many third-party shops still provide replacements for $30–$50. A fresh battery can restore 10–12 hours of mixed usage—more than enough for daily needs.

Consider this step-by-step guide when purchasing a used 6s:

1. Verify iOS version: Ensure it runs iOS 15 for best compatibility.
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. Replace if below 80%.
3. Test core functions: Camera, speaker, microphone, Wi-Fi, and Touch ID.
4. Reset and set up as new: Avoid restoring old backups from a 4s—they can carry over inefficiencies.
5. Install critical apps first: Banking, messaging, maps, and email.

Tip: Always factory reset a used iPhone before use to remove previous owner data and optimize performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s still receive security updates?

No official updates have been released since 2023, but iOS 15.8.3 includes protections against known vulnerabilities up to that point. While not ideal, it remains safer than iOS 9, which has unpatched exploits dating back to 2016.

Will apps continue to work on the 6s in 2024 and beyond?

Most major apps still function, though some newer versions may drop support. For example, TikTok and Instagram Lite work, but advanced filters or AR features might be unavailable. Basic communication, finance, and navigation apps remain fully operational.

Is the iPhone 6s waterproof?

No, the 6s has no official IP rating. However, it does feature improved internal seals compared to the 4s. Still, avoid exposure to water. A protective case adds peace of mind.

Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Worth It—With Conditions

Upgrading from an iPhone 4s to a 6s is absolutely worth it if your goal is to regain reliable smartphone functionality without spending hundreds on a new device. The 6s breathes new life into everyday tasks, restores app access, and provides a secure-enough platform for personal use.

That said, treat it as a transitional device. It won’t last another five years, but it can serve reliably for 12–18 months with a new battery and conservative usage. For seniors, budget-conscious users, or those needing a simple backup phone, the 6s remains one of the best value upgrades from legacy iPhones.

If you’re still on a 4s, don’t wait for the perfect solution. The 6s offers a proven, affordable bridge into the modern mobile world. Find a working unit, replace the battery, and reclaim what your current phone denies you: connection, convenience, and control.

💬 Have you made the jump from 4s to 6s? Share your experience, tips, or lessons learned in the comments—your story could help someone else take the plunge.