When Apple released the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus in 2015, they brought notable improvements over their predecessors—especially in processing power and camera capabilities. For mobile gamers, the decision between these two models wasn’t just about preference; it came down to real differences in performance, display, and usability. Even today, some users still rely on these devices or consider them as budget-friendly options. But if you're choosing between the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus specifically for gaming, is the upgrade from the smaller model to the larger one truly worth it?
This article breaks down the key differences that matter most to gamers—processor speed, screen real estate, battery life, and thermal management—and provides a clear verdict based on real-world usage.
Performance: A9 Chip and RAM Differences
Both the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus are powered by Apple’s A9 chip, a significant leap over the A8 found in the previous generation. The A9 offered up to 70% faster CPU performance and 90% faster graphics rendering, making it much more capable of handling graphically intensive games like Asphalt 8: Airborne, Modern Combat 5, and Madden NFL Mobile.
One often-overlooked difference is RAM. While both devices technically have 2GB of RAM, the way it's utilized can differ slightly due to screen resolution and background app management. The iPhone 6 Plus, with its larger 1080p display (vs. the 6s’s 750p), demands more graphical resources. However, because both run the same chip architecture and iOS version, the actual frame rates and load times in most games are nearly identical.
Screen Size and Gaming Experience
The most obvious distinction between the two phones is screen size. The iPhone 6s features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display, while the 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch Full HD screen. In practical gaming terms, this difference impacts immersion, control accuracy, and visual clarity.
Larger screens offer better visibility during fast-paced action sequences. Games with complex controls—like MOBAs (Smash Legends) or RPGs (Final Fantasy Record Keeper)—benefit from extra space for touch inputs. On the 6 Plus, buttons and joysticks feel less cramped, reducing accidental taps.
However, the increased size comes at the cost of portability and single-handed use. Gamers who prefer quick sessions on the go may find the 6s easier to handle, especially when playing with one hand during commutes or short breaks.
“Screen size directly influences engagement in mobile games. A bigger canvas means deeper immersion—but only if you can comfortably hold the device.” — David Lin, Mobile UX Designer at PlayForge Studios
Battery Life and Sustained Gameplay
Gaming is one of the most battery-intensive activities on any smartphone. Here, the iPhone 6 Plus holds a clear advantage. With a 2915 mAh battery compared to the 6s’s 1715 mAh unit, the Plus offers significantly longer playtime.
In real-world testing, the iPhone 6s lasts approximately 3–4 hours of continuous gaming, depending on title intensity and brightness settings. The 6 Plus, under similar conditions, can stretch to 5–6 hours—an increase of nearly 50%. This makes the Plus far better suited for long gaming sessions, travel, or offline play without access to charging.
Moreover, the larger battery helps maintain consistent performance. As batteries deplete, voltage drops can lead to throttling. The 6 Plus’s higher capacity buffers against rapid discharge, helping sustain peak GPU performance longer.
Thermal Performance and Frame Rate Stability
Sustained gaming generates heat, and older iPhones aren't known for aggressive cooling. Both the 6s and 6 Plus lack active cooling systems, relying solely on passive dissipation through the aluminum chassis.
After 15–20 minutes of intense gameplay, both devices begin to warm up around the upper back—near the processor. However, the iPhone 6 Plus, with its larger surface area, tends to dissipate heat more evenly. This results in slightly better thermal regulation, meaning fewer instances of frame drops due to thermal throttling.
That said, neither phone maintains 60fps indefinitely in high-end titles. Games like N.O.V.A. Legacy or Dead Trigger 2 will start at full speed but may dip to 45–50fps after extended play. The difference between models here is marginal, but the 6 Plus edges ahead in consistency.
Comparison Table: iPhone 6s vs 6 Plus for Gaming
| Feature | iPhone 6s | iPhone 6 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches (750p) | 5.5 inches (1080p) |
| Processor | A9 with M9 coprocessor | A9 with M9 coprocessor |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Battery Capacity | 1715 mAh | 2915 mAh |
| Estimated Gaming Time | 3–4 hours | 5–6 hours |
| Touch Control Comfort | Good for small hands | Better spacing, harder to grip |
| Heat Dissipation | Moderate (smaller surface) | Better (larger chassis) |
| Portability | High (fits in pockets easily) | Lower (bulky for small bags) |
Real-World Example: Commuter vs. Home Gamer
Consider two users: Maya, a college student who plays puzzle games and casual titles during her daily bus commute, and Jordan, a fan of story-driven action games who plays for hours on weekends at home.
Maya finds the iPhone 6s ideal. Its compact size fits in her jacket pocket, and she rarely plays beyond 30-minute stretches. She values responsiveness and convenience over screen size. The 6s meets her needs perfectly without adding bulk.
Jordan, however, prefers the iPhone 6 Plus. He dives into lengthy campaigns in games like The Room Three or Call of Duty: Strike Team. The larger screen enhances detail visibility, and the extended battery life means he doesn’t need to pause every hour to recharge. Despite the weight, he finds the trade-off worthwhile.
This contrast illustrates that the “worth” of upgrading depends heavily on individual usage patterns—not just raw specs.
Checklist: Choosing the Right Device for Your Gaming Style
- ✅ Do you play for long sessions? → Choose 6 Plus for battery
- ✅ Do you prioritize portability? → Stick with 6s
- ✅ Are you sensitive to hand fatigue? → Test grip comfort before deciding
- ✅ Do you play graphically rich games? → Both perform similarly, but 6 Plus handles heat better
- ✅ Will you use external controllers? → Screen size matters less; 6s becomes viable
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both phones run modern games smoothly?
Most current games no longer support iOS versions compatible with the iPhone 6s/6 Plus. Even if installed via sideloading, performance would be poor due to outdated hardware. These devices are best suited for legacy or lightweight games available on iOS 12–13.
Is the camera relevant to gaming?
Not directly, but AR games like Pokémon GO benefit from better image stabilization and focus speed. The 6 Plus has optical image stabilization (OIS), while the 6s does not—giving it an edge in AR experiences.
Should I upgrade either phone for gaming today?
If you’re still using either model, consider moving to a newer iPhone (SE 2020 or later, iPhone 11 and up) for better performance, longer software support, and improved battery life. Neither the 6s nor 6 Plus can handle modern gaming demands effectively.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
For its time, upgrading from the iPhone 6s to the 6 Plus for gaming offered tangible benefits: a larger, sharper screen, longer battery life, and slightly better thermal management. If your priority was immersive, extended gameplay, the upgrade made sense.
However, the improvement wasn’t revolutionary. Core performance was nearly identical, and the larger size introduced ergonomic challenges. For casual players or those valuing mobility, the 6s remained a strong choice.
Today, both models are obsolete for serious gaming. App developers have moved on, optimizing for newer chips and higher resolutions. While nostalgic or functional for basic tasks, neither device delivers a smooth experience with current titles.
If you're holding onto one of these phones for gaming, ask yourself: are you playing to pass time, or do you want a responsive, future-ready experience? The answer will guide your next move.
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