Iphone 6s Plus Vs 6 Plus Is The Processor Really That Much Faster

The iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus are separated by just one generation, released a year apart in 2014 and 2015 respectively. At first glance, they look nearly identical—same size, same design language, similar camera specs. But beneath the surface, Apple made significant internal upgrades. The most notable change? The processor. The 6s Plus introduced the A9 chip, while the 6 Plus ran on the A8. But does this difference translate into a noticeable real-world performance gap? Or is it marketing hype? Let’s break down the technical details, benchmark results, and user experiences to answer whether the A9 in the 6s Plus is truly that much faster.

The Core Difference: A8 vs A9 Chipset

The heart of any smartphone is its system-on-a-chip (SoC), and in this case, we’re comparing Apple’s A8 (iPhone 6 Plus) with the A9 (iPhone 6s Plus). Both were built on different manufacturing processes and offered distinct architectural improvements.

The A8 was fabricated on a 20nm process and featured a dual-core CPU clocked at around 1.4 GHz, paired with the PowerVR GX6450 GPU. It was efficient for its time and handled iOS 8 and early iOS 9 smoothly. However, as apps grew more demanding, users began noticing slowdowns—especially during multitasking or graphics-heavy tasks.

The A9, in contrast, was built on a more advanced 14nm (Samsung) or 16nm (TSMC) process, depending on the unit. This allowed for better power efficiency and higher transistor density. It featured a slightly faster dual-core CPU (around 1.85 GHz) and a significantly upgraded PowerVR GT7600 GPU. Apple claimed a 70% boost in CPU performance and 90% in graphics over the A8.

Tip: When comparing older iPhones, always prioritize chipset performance—it affects app compatibility, longevity, and overall responsiveness more than screen size or camera megapixels.

Benchmark Comparison: Numbers Don’t Lie

To quantify the performance difference, we turn to standardized benchmarks like Geekbench and GFXBench. These tools isolate CPU and GPU performance under controlled conditions.

Device	Chipset	Geekbench 3 (Single-Core)	Geekbench 3 (Multi-Core)	GFXBench (T-Rex FPS)
iPhone 6 Plus	A8	1,250	2,450	37
iPhone 6s Plus	A9	2,500	4,450	58

The data shows a near doubling of CPU performance and a substantial leap in graphics rendering. In real terms, this means the 6s Plus can handle complex calculations—like photo editing, AR features, and multitasking—almost twice as fast. Games with high polygon counts and advanced lighting effects run more smoothly, with fewer frame drops.

“Even with the same RAM (1GB), the A9’s architecture and memory controller make the 6s Plus feel snappier across the board.” — Mark Rivera, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Real-World Performance: Where the Speed Shows Up

Benchmarks are useful, but how does this speed difference affect daily use?

• App Launching: On the 6s Plus, apps open noticeably faster. Safari, Camera, and third-party apps like Instagram or Snapchat launch almost instantly, even after extended use.
• Multitasking: Switching between apps is smoother. The A9 manages background processes more efficiently, reducing reloads and stutters.
• Camera Processing: The 6s Plus supports 4K video recording and Live Photos—features the 6 Plus lacks. Even in standard 1080p mode, image processing (HDR, flash adjustment) happens quicker due to faster ISP (Image Signal Processor) integration.
• System Animations: iOS animations—like opening folders, pulling down Notification Center, or using 3D Touch—are more fluid on the 6s Plus. There’s less lag between touch input and visual feedback.

In a side-by-side test conducted with both devices running iOS 12 (the last version supported by both), the 6s Plus consistently outperformed the 6 Plus in stress tests involving multiple Safari tabs, music streaming, and GPS navigation. The older device showed signs of strain, with occasional freezes and longer app reload times.

Mini Case Study: Daily Driver After Five Years

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who used her iPhone 6 Plus from 2015 to 2020. By 2018, she noticed delays when editing photos in Lightroom Mobile. Exporting a single edited image took up to 15 seconds. After upgrading to a refurbished 6s Plus, the same export completed in under 6 seconds. She attributed this not just to storage (she used 64GB on both), but to the A9’s superior processing power and optimized memory management.

“It wasn’t just about speed,” she said. “The phone felt more reliable. Fewer crashes, better battery life under load. I realized how much the processor impacts long-term usability.”

Is the Speed Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re still using an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024, the question isn’t just about raw speed—it’s about functionality and software support. Here’s a checklist to help decide if upgrading to a 6s Plus (or beyond) makes sense:

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from iPhone 6 Plus to 6s Plus?

1. Are apps frequently crashing or reloading? → Yes = Upgrade recommended
2. Can your device no longer update to the latest iOS version? → 6 Plus stops at iOS 12; 6s Plus supports iOS 15
3. Do you use camera features like 4K or slow-motion video? → Only available on 6s Plus
4. Is battery life degrading under moderate use? → A9 is more power-efficient under load
5. Do you play mobile games or use AR apps? → A9 handles modern titles better

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run modern apps?

Technically, yes—but poorly. Most newer apps require iOS 13 or later, which the 6 Plus cannot support. Even web-based services may struggle due to outdated JavaScript engines in older Safari versions. Basic functions like email and messaging work, but anything interactive (banking apps, social media, maps) will be sluggish or incompatible.

Does 3D Touch make a difference in everyday use?

Introduced on the 6s Plus, 3D Touch allows pressure-sensitive interactions—like previewing links or accessing quick actions. While not essential, it adds a layer of efficiency. For example, pressing harder on the Camera icon opens video mode instantly. Over time, these micro-interactions reduce steps and enhance responsiveness, making the phone feel faster—even if the processor weren’t improved.

Is the battery life better on the 6s Plus?

Apple rated both phones similarly (up to 24 hours of talk time), but real-world usage favors the 6s Plus. The A9’s power efficiency means less heat buildup and lower energy draw during intensive tasks. Users report 10–15% longer battery life under comparable conditions, especially when using GPS or streaming media.

Conclusion: Yes, the Processor Is That Much Faster

The iPhone 6s Plus isn’t just marginally faster than the 6 Plus—it delivers a transformative improvement in responsiveness, multitasking, and future-proofing. The A9 chip enables features like 4K video, Live Photos, and 3D Touch, while extending software support by three additional years. In practical terms, this means better security updates, access to newer apps, and a smoother user experience even after years of use.

For anyone clinging to an iPhone 6 Plus, the upgrade to a 6s Plus isn’t just about speed—it’s about staying functional in a world where apps and operating systems evolve rapidly. The processor difference isn’t hype; it’s the foundation of a longer-lasting, more capable device.

💬 Still using an iPhone 6 Plus or 6s Plus? Share your experience below—how has performance held up over the years?