Iphone 6s Vs 6 Plus Is It Worth Upgrading In Current Year

As we move further into 2024, the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6 Plus are more than eight years old—ancient by smartphone standards. Yet, some users still rely on these devices daily, drawn by their compact design, durability, or simply inertia. For those still debating whether to upgrade from the 6s to the 6 Plus—or wondering if either device holds any value today—the answer isn’t as straightforward as it once was. While both phones were revolutionary in their time, modern app demands, iOS updates, and shifting user expectations have changed the equation.

The core question isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world usability. Can these phones still handle messaging, browsing, email, and occasional photography without constant frustration? And if you’re choosing between them now, which one actually makes more sense?

Differences Between iPhone 6s and 6 Plus

At launch, the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus shared nearly identical designs but diverged in key areas that still matter today: screen size, battery capacity, camera capabilities, and internal performance.

Feature	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6 Plus
Display Size	4.7 inches	5.5 inches
Resolution	1334 x 750 (Retina HD)	1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Battery Life (Apple Claimed)	Up to 14 hours talk time	Up to 24 hours talk time
Rear Camera	12MP, f/2.2	8MP, f/2.2 with optical image stabilization
Front Camera	5MP	1.2MP
RAM	2GB	1GB
Processor	A9 chip with M9 coprocessor	A8 chip with M8 coprocessor

Note: The 6s launched a year after the 6 Plus and included the newer A9 chip, making it faster despite having less RAM. The 6 Plus had OIS, a feature absent in the 6s, but its camera sensor was older.

Tip: If you're still using either device, disable background app refresh and reduce motion effects to improve responsiveness.

Performance in 2024: Can They Run Modern iOS?

Both devices max out at iOS 15.5, released in 2022. Apple ended major update support for the 6s and 6 Plus with iOS 16, meaning they no longer receive new features, security patches, or compatibility with the latest apps.

This has tangible consequences. Many banking, social media, and productivity apps now require iOS 16 or higher. For example, newer versions of Google Maps, WhatsApp, and even Apple’s own Wallet features may not function correctly—or install at all. Safari lacks recent security improvements, leaving users vulnerable to phishing and tracking.

“Devices stuck on outdated operating systems become increasingly fragile in a world where app complexity grows monthly.” — David Lin, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Insights

In practical terms, web browsing is sluggish. Pages with heavy JavaScript or embedded videos often freeze. Scrolling through Instagram or loading YouTube can take multiple seconds. Multitasking is limited—switching between apps frequently results in reloads.

Real-World User Experience: A Mini Case Study

Consider Maria, a freelance bookkeeper who has used her iPhone 6s since 2016. She upgraded to iOS 15 when it launched and hasn’t updated since. Her daily workflow includes checking emails, using QuickBooks Online, and scanning receipts via Dropbox.

By early 2023, she noticed delays in loading spreadsheets and frequent crashes in her document scanner app. In mid-2023, her bank’s app stopped working entirely. Customer support confirmed: “Your iOS version is no longer supported.” She switched to mobile banking via Safari, but two-factor authentication codes failed to auto-fill due to lack of security enhancements.

Maria considered upgrading to the 6 Plus for the larger screen and better battery. But after testing one at a friend’s house, she realized the interface was equally slow—and worse, the camera couldn’t scan documents clearly due to poor low-light performance and lack of autofocus speed.

Her experience reflects a broader truth: upgrading between aging devices rarely solves core limitations. The bottleneck isn’t screen size or battery alone—it’s processing power and software obsolescence.

Is It Worth Upgrading from 6s to 6 Plus Today?

The short answer: no—not if your goal is longevity, performance, or future-proofing.

The iPhone 6 Plus offers a larger screen and slightly better battery, which can help with readability and endurance. However, it runs an older processor (A8 vs. A9), lacks 3D Touch (introduced in 6s), and has inferior front-facing video quality. Its 1GB RAM struggles more with multitasking than the 6s’s 2GB, despite the larger form factor.

Moreover, both devices suffer from degraded batteries at this stage. Even if replaced, third-party batteries rarely match original performance, and cold weather exacerbates drain issues.

When It Might Make Sense

• You need a temporary phone and already own both—use the 6 Plus for media viewing or as a kitchen tablet.
• You’re on a strict budget and cannot afford any newer model. The 6 Plus’s screen is easier on the eyes for reading.
• You use it solely for calls and texts—in this minimal role, either phone works, but the 6 Plus lasts longer between charges.

Upgrade Checklist: What to Do Instead

If you’re still clinging to a 6s or 6 Plus, here’s a realistic path forward:

1. Assess your usage: Are you relying on apps that no longer work? Is browsing frustrating?
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 70%, performance will be throttled.
3. Test app compatibility: Try installing essential apps like your bank, Uber, or Zoom. If they won’t install, you’re already behind.
4. Explore affordable alternatives: iPhones like the SE (2nd or 3rd gen), iPhone XR, or even refurbished iPhone 11 offer iOS 17+ support, modern cameras, and usable performance.
5. Back up data immediately: Use iCloud or iTunes to preserve photos, contacts, and messages before any hardware failure.

Tip: Sell your old device now—even non-functional units can fetch $20–$50 for parts. Use that toward a newer model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s still get security updates?

No. Apple stopped issuing security patches for the iPhone 6s with the release of iOS 16. Devices on iOS 15.5 or earlier are exposed to known vulnerabilities that won’t be fixed.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus better for watching videos?

Yes, the 5.5-inch Full HD screen provides a noticeably better viewing experience than the 6s’s 4.7-inch display. However, streaming apps like Netflix may not run smoothly due to hardware limitations, and HDR or high-bitrate content isn’t supported.

Should I upgrade to a newer iPhone instead?

Absolutely. Even entry-level models like the iPhone SE (2022) offer A15 Bionic chips, support for iOS 17 and beyond, 5G, improved cameras, and significantly better battery life. The performance gap isn’t incremental—it’s generational.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus in 2024 is like deciding which flip phone to keep—it might feel nostalgic, but it doesn’t serve future needs. While the 6 Plus wins on screen and battery, the 6s is objectively the faster, more capable device thanks to its A9 chip and extra RAM.

But neither should be your long-term choice. Upgrading from one obsolete phone to another similar one offers marginal gains at best. The real value lies in moving to a device that supports current and future software—something that can handle messaging, navigation, mobile banking, and photo sharing without constant lag or incompatibility.

If you’ve been putting off an upgrade due to cost or sentimentality, now is the time to act. Even modest investments in a newer iPhone unlock years of smoother performance, security, and access to essential services.

🚀 Take the next step today: Back up your iPhone, check trade-in values, and explore models that support iOS 17+. Your digital life deserves reliability, speed, and safety. Don’t let outdated hardware hold you back.