Iphone 6s Vs 6 Plus Is The Smaller Size Worth The Upgrade Or Am I Missing Out

Choosing between the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6 Plus isn’t just about screen size—it’s a decision that affects how you use your phone every day. Both devices were released in 2015 and represented a major leap in Apple’s smartphone evolution, but they cater to different user needs. The iPhone 6s packs powerful internals into a compact body, while the 6 Plus offers a larger canvas for media, multitasking, and longer battery life. If you're upgrading from an older model or deciding which used device to buy today, it's crucial to understand what each phone brings to the table—and whether the smaller size of the 6s truly justifies choosing it over the more feature-rich 6 Plus.

Design and Usability: Size Matters More Than You Think

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6s and 6 Plus is their physical footprint. The 6s measures 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm and weighs 143 grams, making it one of the last iPhones that comfortably fits in one hand for most users. In contrast, the 6 Plus is significantly larger at 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm and 192 grams. While both share the same aluminum unibody design and iconic rounded edges, the jump in size changes everything—from pocketability to grip security.

For users who prioritize portability, the 6s remains a favorite. It slips easily into tight jeans pockets, requires less stretching to reach across the screen, and feels balanced during extended use. However, the 6 Plus compensates with a superior viewing experience. Its 5.5-inch display provides ample space for reading, video streaming, and split-view multitasking—a feature exclusive to the larger model at the time.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone one-handed or carry it without a case, the 6s offers better ergonomics despite its slightly lower battery capacity.

Performance and Hardware: Nearly Identical, But Not Quite

Both phones are powered by Apple’s A9 chip and 2GB of RAM, ensuring near-identical performance in daily tasks like browsing, messaging, and app switching. Whether you’re launching Instagram or editing documents, neither device will feel sluggish under normal usage. However, real-world testing shows slight thermal throttling differences due to the 6 Plus’s larger internal volume allowing for marginally better heat dissipation.

The 6s introduced 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive screen layer that enables context menus and quick actions. While this feature was innovative, its long-term impact was limited—many apps never fully embraced it, and later iPhone models eventually phased it out. Still, having 3D Touch on the 6s gives access to subtle productivity shortcuts not available on the 6 Plus unless updated via software (which it wasn’t).

Storage options were identical: 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB. But here’s a critical point: none of these models support expandable storage. Choosing the right capacity upfront is essential, especially since iOS updates and high-resolution photos consume space quickly.

Camera Comparison: Small Edge for the 6s, Big Advantage for 6 Plus in Low Light

On paper, both phones feature a 12-megapixel rear camera—an upgrade from the 8MP sensor on the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. This means sharper images, better dynamic range, and improved color accuracy. However, the 6 Plus holds a distinct advantage: optical image stabilization (OIS). The 6s only has digital stabilization, which can’t match OIS when capturing stills or video in low-light conditions.

In practical terms, this means night shots on the 6 Plus are noticeably clearer and less grainy. Video recordings also benefit from smoother stabilization, making the 6 Plus a better choice for casual videographers. Both devices support 4K video recording, a first for iPhones, though file sizes are substantial—another reason to consider higher storage tiers.

“Even with the same megapixel count, hardware-level features like OIS make a tangible difference in photo quality.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst

Feature	iPhone 6s	iPhone 6 Plus
Rear Camera	12 MP, Digital Stabilization	12 MP, Optical Image Stabilization
Front Camera	5 MP, Retina Flash	1.2 MP, No Flash
Video Recording	4K, 1080p slo-mo	4K, 1080p slo-mo
Low-Light Performance	Good	Excellent

Battery Life and Charging: Why the 6 Plus Lasts Significantly Longer

Battery capacity is where the 6 Plus clearly outshines the 6s. With a 2915 mAh battery compared to the 6s’s 1715 mAh, the larger model delivers up to 24 hours of mixed usage under optimal conditions. Real-world tests show the 6 Plus lasting well into a second day with moderate use, while the 6s typically needs nightly charging—even with light usage.

This isn’t just about convenience; it affects how you interact with your device. Users of the 6s often develop habits like lowering brightness, disabling background refresh, or carrying portable chargers. The 6 Plus allows more freedom, especially for travelers, commuters, or anyone relying on GPS navigation throughout the day.

Neither phone supports fast charging or wireless charging—features introduced in later models. But both can be optimized with efficient power management settings.

Tip: Disable Background App Refresh and reduce Auto-Lock time to extend battery life on either device.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using an iPhone 5s for four years. When it finally slowed down and stopped receiving updates, she considered upgrading to either the 6s or 6 Plus. She valued photography and often took pictures of her kids’ events. At the same time, she disliked bulky phones and preferred one-handed use.

After testing both in-store, she chose the 6 Plus. Despite the size adjustment, she found the camera’s low-light performance and split-screen functionality worth the trade-off. Over six months, she adapted to two-handed use and even started using the Reachability feature regularly. For her, the extra screen real estate enhanced her overall experience more than the compactness of the 6s could offer.

Sarah’s story highlights a common truth: comfort evolves. What feels awkward at first often becomes natural with consistent use.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Decide Which iPhone Is Right for You

1. Assess Your Daily Usage: Do you primarily text and browse, or do you watch videos, read e-books, or edit photos?
2. Test Physical Dimensions: Hold both devices in-store or compare them with a ruler. Can you comfortably reach the top corners with your thumb?
3. Evaluate Battery Needs: Do you have reliable access to charging, or do you need a phone that lasts all day without a top-up?
4. Prioritize Camera Quality: If you take lots of indoor or nighttime photos, the 6 Plus’s OIS is a significant advantage.
5. Consider Long-Term Use: Are you buying as a short-term solution or planning to keep it for years? The 6 Plus may age better due to longer battery life and multitasking capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s handle modern apps and iOS updates?

The iPhone 6s supports up to iOS 15, the last version compatible with its hardware. While most current apps still run, some newer versions may drop support or perform slower over time. The 6 Plus shares the same update limit.

Is the screen difference really that noticeable?

Yes. The 6 Plus’s 5.5-inch display has 1920×1080 resolution versus the 6s’s 1334×750. Text is sharper, videos fill more of your field of view, and web pages display more content at once. For media-heavy users, the difference is substantial.

Does the 6s feel outdated in 2024?

As a daily driver, yes—especially in performance and battery life. However, as a backup phone, gift, or budget option, it remains functional for basic tasks if reset and maintained properly.

Final Verdict: Is the Smaller Size Worth It?

The iPhone 6s excels in portability and one-handed usability, making it ideal for users who value compact design and don’t mind charging daily. But the iPhone 6 Plus offers meaningful advantages: superior battery life, better camera stabilization, and a more immersive screen. These aren’t minor perks—they directly impact how reliably and enjoyably you can use your phone.

If you're upgrading solely for size, the 6s might satisfy. But if you're seeking a genuinely better experience, the 6 Plus delivers more value despite its bulk. The question isn’t just about physical dimensions; it’s about what kind of mobile experience you want. For most people, the answer leans toward the larger, more capable device.

🚀 Ready to make your decision? Weigh your priorities using the checklist above and test both models if possible. Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments—your insight could help someone else choose wisely.