Iphone 7 Plus Vs 6 Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It Honest Opinions

For millions of iPhone users clinging to their iPhone 6 Plus, the question isn't whether they *can* upgrade—it's whether they *should*. The iPhone 7 Plus arrived as a modest but meaningful evolution, not a revolution. If you're still using a 6 Plus and wondering if making the jump is justified, this breakdown cuts through marketing hype and delivers real-world insights based on performance, camera quality, battery life, durability, and long-term value.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 7 Plus and the 6 Plus lies under the hood. The 6 Plus runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the 7 Plus features the A10 Fusion chip—Apple’s first quad-core processor—and 3GB of RAM. This isn’t just a spec bump; it translates into tangible improvements.

Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and even after years of use, the 7 Plus handles modern iOS updates more gracefully. Users upgrading from the 6 Plus often report that their old device suddenly feels sluggish in comparison, especially when navigating animations or switching between heavy apps like Instagram, Safari, and Maps.

Tip: If you frequently experience app reloads or lag when opening multiple apps, the A10 chip in the 7 Plus will feel like a breath of fresh air.

iOS 15 and later versions are optimized for devices with stronger processors. While the 6 Plus technically supports iOS 15, performance degrades significantly. The 7 Plus, however, remains supported up to iOS 17, giving it at least three additional years of software updates and security patches—a critical factor for long-term usability.

Camera Comparison: Where the 7 Plus Truly Shines

If photography matters to you, the iPhone 7 Plus offers one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade. It introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode (added via software update). In contrast, the 6 Plus has a single 8MP rear camera with no optical zoom and weaker low-light performance.

In practical terms, the 7 Plus captures sharper images, better dynamic range, and far superior low-light shots thanks to larger pixels and improved image signal processing. Portrait Mode adds depth-of-field effects that were simply unavailable on the 6 Plus, giving photos a professional touch.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, single lens	12MP + 12MP dual cameras, f/1.8 & f/2.8
Zoom	Digital only	2x optical, up to 10x digital
Portrait Mode	Not available	Yes (iOS 10.1+)
Low-Light Performance	Average, noisy in dim light	Significantly improved
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP

“Upgrading from the 6 Plus to the 7 Plus felt like moving from standard definition to HD for my everyday photos.” — Daniel Reyes, Mobile Photographer & Tech Blogger

Battery Life and Charging: Incremental Gains

Battery degradation is common in older 6 Plus units, especially those purchased near launch in 2014. Even with a healthy battery, the 7 Plus outperforms its predecessor. Apple claimed up to two additional hours of battery life, and real-world testing confirms this.

The 7 Plus packs a 2900mAh battery compared to the 6 Plus’s 2915mAh, but thanks to the more efficient A10 chip and iOS optimizations, it delivers longer screen-on time. Users commonly report getting through a full day with moderate use, whereas the 6 Plus often struggles by mid-afternoon.

Another key improvement: the 7 Plus introduced water resistance (IP67 rating), meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 6 Plus has no official water resistance, making it vulnerable to spills and rain.

Tip: If your 6 Plus battery health is below 80%, replacing it might extend its life—but consider whether another year is worth delaying a meaningful upgrade.

Design and Durability: Subtle Changes, Big Impacts

At a glance, both phones look nearly identical. Same 5.5-inch display size, aluminum unibody design, and overall footprint. But closer inspection reveals refinements: the 7 Plus antenna lines are repositioned, the finish is more durable, and the lack of a headphone jack (controversial at the time) paved the way for better internal sealing and water resistance.

The removal of the analog headphone jack also signaled Apple’s push toward wireless audio. While adapters are included, users embracing AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones gain convenience and reduce port wear. For some, this change was frustrating; for others, it was a nudge toward a cable-free future.

The home button on the 7 Plus is also completely redesigned—no moving parts. It uses haptic feedback (Taptic Engine) to simulate a press, making it more reliable over time. The 6 Plus’s physical button can become loose or unresponsive after years of use.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2020, she noticed constant app crashes, slow email loading, and poor photo quality during family events. Her battery barely lasted six hours. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It still works.”

After borrowing a friend’s used 7 Plus, she tested it for a weekend. The difference stunned her: photos of her kids were clearer, videos loaded faster, and she didn’t need to charge until bedtime. She bought a refurbished 7 Plus for $180 and said, “I wish I’d done this a year ago.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: once users cross the threshold of daily frustration, the upgrade feels less like a luxury and more like a necessity.

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready?

Before deciding, ask yourself the following:

• Does your 6 Plus struggle with basic tasks like opening messages or switching apps?
• Have you replaced the battery recently, yet still face performance issues?
• Do you take photos regularly and want better quality, especially in low light?
• Are you concerned about device longevity and software support?
• Do you value water resistance or wireless audio options?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the upgrade is likely worth it—even if you opt for a certified refurbished model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run current apps?

Technically yes, but many newer apps either don’t support it or run poorly. App developers increasingly optimize for devices with A9 chips and higher, so compatibility and performance degrade over time.

Is the lack of a headphone jack a dealbreaker?

It depends on your habits. If you rely heavily on wired headphones, it may be inconvenient. However, the included Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter works well, and Bluetooth headphones have become more affordable and reliable.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If budget allows, newer models like the iPhone 11 or 12 offer far greater value today. But if you’re seeking an affordable step up from the 6 Plus, the 7 Plus remains a smart middle ground with strong performance and camera gains.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It—With Caveats

The iPhone 7 Plus isn’t a radical departure from the 6 Plus, but it addresses the core pain points of aging hardware: speed, camera quality, battery efficiency, and software longevity. For users still on the 6 Plus, especially those experiencing slowdowns or camera limitations, the upgrade delivers noticeable, everyday improvements.

It’s not about flashy new features—it’s about reliability, clarity, and peace of mind knowing your phone won’t hold you back. Whether you buy new, refurbished, or secondhand, the 7 Plus represents a meaningful step forward in the iPhone evolution.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 6 Plus to 7 Plus? Share your experience and help others decide!