Iphone 7 Plus Vs 6 Plus Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It For Photo Quality

For iPhone users clinging to the 6 Plus, the question isn’t whether the 7 Plus exists—it’s whether upgrading actually improves their photography experience. The iPhone 7 Plus launched in 2016 with a bold claim: superior image quality through hardware innovation and smarter software. But does that translate into tangible benefits for everyday photographers? After analyzing sensor specs, optical improvements, real-world shooting conditions, and post-processing capabilities, the answer depends on what kind of photos matter most to you.

Camera Hardware: A Fundamental Shift

The iPhone 6 Plus featured a single 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS), and Focus Pixels for faster autofocus. It was solid for its time—delivering crisp daylight shots and decent dynamic range—but struggled in low light and lacked depth-sensing capability.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system: one 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a second 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.8). This wasn’t just about adding another lens; it marked Apple’s first step toward computational photography. The wider f/1.8 aperture on the primary sensor allowed 50% more light capture than the 6 Plus, significantly improving performance in dim environments.

Tip: In low-light situations, tap to focus before pressing the shutter—this helps both phones optimize exposure, but especially benefits the 6 Plus.

Low-Light Performance: Where the 7 Plus Shines

Nighttime or indoor photography is where the gap becomes undeniable. The larger aperture, improved sensor efficiency, and better noise reduction algorithms in the 7 Plus produce noticeably brighter images with less grain. Shadows retain detail, and white balance stays consistent even under mixed lighting.

A side-by-side test in a dimly lit restaurant shows the 6 Plus struggling with motion blur and color casts, while the 7 Plus captures warmer tones and sharper textures. This improvement isn’t just marketing—it’s measurable. DxOMark, a respected camera testing lab, scored the 7 Plus at 86 overall for photo quality, compared to 77 for the 6 Plus—a ten-point leap largely driven by low-light gains.

“Apple’s move to a wider aperture and dual sensors wasn’t incremental—it redefined what smartphone photography could do after dark.” — David Pogue, Tech Journalist & Former New York Times Reviewer

Dual Lens Advantage: Beyond Zoom

The standout feature of the 7 Plus is its dual-lens setup. While the 6 Plus relies solely on digital zoom (which degrades quality), the 7 Plus offers 2x optical zoom. More importantly, it enables Portrait Mode via software blending between lenses—a feature absent on the 6 Plus.

Portrait Mode simulates depth-of-field effects by using data from both cameras to map facial contours and apply background blur (bokeh). Even though early versions were inconsistent around hair or glasses, they represented a major leap in mobile computational imaging. For casual portrait shooters, this added dimension brings DSLR-like aesthetics within reach.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera Setup	Single 8MP (f/2.2)	Dual 12MP (f/1.8 + f/2.8)
Optical Image Stabilization	Yes (primary only)	Yes (on wide-angle lens)
Zoom Capability	Digital only	2x Optical, up to 10x Digital
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (iOS 10.1+)
Low-Light Performance	Moderate, prone to noise	Strong, reduced noise, better exposure
Flash	Dual-LED True Tone	Four-LED True Tone

Real-World Example: Capturing Family Moments

Sarah, a parent in Portland, used her iPhone 6 Plus to document her child’s birthday party in a backyard as dusk fell. Indoor flash photos came out harsh, with red-eye and blown-out backgrounds. When she upgraded to a used 7 Plus six months later, the same scenario yielded dramatically different results. Using the brighter f/1.8 lens and four-LED flash, she captured natural-looking skin tones and preserved ambient lighting. She also used the 2x zoom to isolate cake-cutting moments without stepping closer—an option previously limited to cropping, which sacrificed resolution.

This isn’t an isolated case. Users upgrading from the 6 Plus consistently report greater confidence shooting in variable lighting, especially during events, travel, or evening walks.

Image Processing and Software Enhancements

Beyond hardware, the A10 Fusion chip in the 7 Plus brought significant processing power. This enabled smarter HDR (High Dynamic Range), faster burst shooting, and real-time noise reduction. The 7 Plus can analyze multiple frames simultaneously, combining them into a single optimized image—a process known as multi-frame noise reduction.

In practical terms, this means fewer “grainy” night shots and more balanced exposures when shooting against bright skies. The 6 Plus applies HDR, but often inconsistently, sometimes leaving shadows too dark or highlights washed out. The 7 Plus handles these transitions more smoothly, preserving detail across the tonal range.

Step-by-Step: Getting the Most From Each Camera

1. Enable Smart HDR (7 Plus only): Go to Settings > Camera and ensure Auto HDR is on.
2. Use volume buttons as shutter: Reduces shake, especially in low light on both models.
3. Avoid digital zoom on 6 Plus: Move closer instead to maintain clarity.
4. Leverage 2x zoom on 7 Plus: Tap the 2x button below the viewfinder for lossless magnification.
5. Edit in Photos app: Use natural light adjustments and subtle sharpening to enhance without overprocessing.

Tip: On the 7 Plus, switch between lenses by tapping the “1x” or “2x” icon—don’t rely on pinch-to-zoom if you want optical quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still take good photos?

Absolutely. In well-lit conditions, the 6 Plus produces clean, vibrant images suitable for social media and printing up to 8x10 inches. Its limitations appear primarily in low light, fast action, or when zoom is needed. If your usage is mostly daytime snapshots, the 6 Plus remains functional.

Is Portrait Mode worth the upgrade alone?

If you frequently shoot portraits—especially of people or pets—and value artistic background blur, then yes. The effect adds professional polish and gives creative control previously unavailable on iPhones. However, if you prefer full-scene shots or landscapes, this feature may not justify the upgrade.

Does the 7 Plus camera age well today?

While newer iPhones surpass it, the 7 Plus still holds up remarkably well in 2024 for basic photography. Its dual-lens system laid the foundation for modern iPhone imaging. Used units remain popular among budget-conscious buyers who want more than just a single lens.

Actionable Checklist Before Upgrading

• ✅ Assess your typical shooting environment: Do you often take photos indoors or at night?
• ✅ Evaluate your need for zoom: Do you frequently crop images to focus on distant subjects?
• ✅ Consider portrait photography: Would bokeh-style effects enhance your personal or professional work?
• ✅ Test a friend’s 7 Plus: Take sample photos in your usual settings to compare side-by-side.
• ✅ Check battery health: An old 6 Plus with degraded battery may feel sluggish, compounding camera delays.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For users satisfied with daylight photography and minimal editing, the iPhone 6 Plus remains serviceable. But for those seeking noticeable improvements in image brightness, clarity in low light, optical zoom, and creative tools like Portrait Mode, the jump to the 7 Plus delivers meaningful value. It's not merely a spec bump—it's a shift toward intelligent, adaptive photography.

The upgrade cost, now minimal given both models are discontinued, makes the 7 Plus a smart choice for anyone holding a 6 Plus and wanting better photo quality without jumping to modern flagship pricing. You gain access to foundational features that defined the next decade of iPhone cameras—all in a familiar form factor.

💬 Have you made the switch from 6 Plus to 7 Plus? Share your before-and-after experiences or favorite tips for maximizing older iPhone cameras—we’d love to hear how your photos have evolved!