Iphone 7 Plus Vs 6s Is The Upgrade Worth It Or Should You Stick With The Older Model

The decision to upgrade from an iPhone 6s to an iPhone 7 Plus isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements align with your daily usage, budget, and long-term needs. Both devices were flagship models in their time, but they represent different generations of Apple’s design philosophy and technological advancement. The iPhone 6s launched in 2015, while the 7 Plus arrived a year later in 2016. Though only a year apart, the differences are more substantial than they first appear. Understanding these nuances can help you determine if upgrading delivers meaningful benefits or if holding onto your 6s remains the smarter move.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap in Speed and Efficiency

At the heart of the comparison lies performance. The iPhone 6s was powered by Apple’s A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, which was impressive for its era. However, the iPhone 7 Plus upgraded to the A10 Fusion chip—the first quad-core processor in an iPhone—and retained 3GB of RAM. This may seem like a modest jump on paper, but in practice, it translates into significantly smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of graphics-intensive games and augmented reality apps.

Real-world testing shows that the A10 Fusion delivers around 40% better CPU performance and up to 50% better GPU performance over the A9. For users running multiple apps, editing photos, or using navigation while streaming music, this difference is tangible. Additionally, iOS updates tend to become more demanding over time. While the 6s supports updates up to iOS 15, many newer apps now run sluggishly on it due to aging hardware. The 7 Plus, meanwhile, handles iOS 16 reasonably well and maintains responsiveness even after years of use.

Tip: If you frequently experience app crashes or slow loading times on your 6s, upgrading to the 7 Plus will likely restore a fluid user experience.

Camera Comparison: From Solid to Standout

The most dramatic improvement between the two models comes in photography. The iPhone 6s features a single 12MP rear camera with basic autofocus and digital stabilization. It captures decent daylight photos but struggles in low light and lacks depth control or optical zoom.

In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus introduced Apple’s first dual-camera system: a standard 12MP lens paired with a telephoto 12MP lens. This enables 2x optical zoom and, more importantly, Portrait Mode—a feature that simulates DSLR-like background blur (bokeh). The software processing is far superior, with better noise reduction, improved dynamic range, and faster autofocus thanks to the A10’s image signal processor.

Low-light performance also sees a marked improvement. The 7 Plus has larger pixels and optical image stabilization on the primary sensor, resulting in brighter, clearer night shots. For anyone who regularly takes photos—especially portraits, travel shots, or social media content—the camera upgrade alone may justify the switch.

Feature	iPhone 6s	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera	12MP (single)	12MP + 12MP (dual)
Optical Zoom	No	2x
Portrait Mode	No	Yes
Front Camera	5MP	7MP
Video Recording	1080p at 60fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps

“Apple’s dual-camera debut on the 7 Plus wasn’t just a gimmick—it laid the foundation for computational photography that still defines iPhone imaging today.” — David Kim, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechInsight Weekly

Battery Life and Durability: Practical Gains That Add Up

Battery longevity is another area where the 7 Plus pulls ahead decisively. Despite having a similar-sized screen, the 7 Plus packs a 2900mAh battery compared to the 6s’s 1715mAh. In real-world usage, this means up to 13 hours of talk time versus 10 on the 6s, and approximately 13 hours of internet use compared to 10. For heavy users—those constantly checking email, using GPS, or streaming media—this extra endurance reduces anxiety about midday charging.

The 7 Plus also brings IP67 water and dust resistance, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 6s has no official rating, making it vulnerable to spills or rain. This added durability makes the 7 Plus a more resilient companion in unpredictable environments.

One often-overlooked change is the removal of the headphone jack in the 7 Plus. While controversial at the time, this paved the way for internal space optimization, including room for a larger battery and improved speaker placement. The stereo speakers on the 7 Plus are noticeably louder and richer than the 6s’s single bottom-firing speaker.

Design and User Experience: Subtle Changes With Big Impacts

Externally, both phones share a similar aluminum unibody design, but the 7 Plus is slightly heavier and thicker to accommodate its larger battery and dual cameras. The home button also evolves: the 6s uses a physical click mechanism, while the 7 Plus introduces a solid-state, Taptic Engine-powered button that simulates feedback. Over time, this reduces mechanical wear and offers customizable press sensitivity.

iOS feels snappier on the 7 Plus not just because of hardware but due to refined haptics and audio. Scrolling through lists, receiving notifications, or using keyboard tap feedback all feel more immersive. These subtle enhancements contribute to a more modern, responsive interface experience.

Tip: If you rely on wired headphones, consider keeping your 6s or investing in Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters or wireless earbuds before upgrading.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had used her iPhone 6s since 2016. By 2020, she noticed apps took longer to open, her camera struggled in dim lighting at family events, and she needed a power bank by noon. She considered buying a newer model but hesitated—her 6s still worked. After borrowing a friend’s used 7 Plus, she tested it during a weekend trip. The difference was immediate: her photos had sharper focus and vibrant colors, video calls were smoother, and she didn’t need to charge until bedtime. Convinced, she purchased a refurbished 7 Plus for $120. Two years later, she says it “feels like a new phone” and regrets not upgrading sooner.

When to Upgrade: A Decision Checklist

Not every 6s user needs to upgrade. Use this checklist to evaluate your situation:

• ✅ Are you experiencing frequent app crashes or lag?
• ✅ Do you take a lot of photos, especially portraits or in low light?
• ✅ Is battery life limiting your daily activities?
• ✅ Do you want better water resistance for peace of mind?
• ✅ Are you still satisfied with your current device’s performance?

If three or more of the first four apply, upgrading to the 7 Plus offers measurable benefits. If you answered “yes” to the last one, sticking with the 6s could be perfectly reasonable—especially if cost is a concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s still run modern apps?

Yes, but with limitations. Many newer apps, especially games and social platforms, run slower or lack support for the latest features. Some developers have dropped compatibility entirely post-iOS 15.

Is the iPhone 7 Plus waterproof?

It has an IP67 rating, meaning it’s dust-tight and can withstand submersion in 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. However, this protection degrades over time and isn’t guaranteed against all liquids, especially saltwater or chlorinated pools.

Should I upgrade if I’m planning to buy a newer iPhone soon?

Probably not. If you’re considering an iPhone 13 or later within the next year, skipping the 7 Plus avoids double spending. However, if you plan to hold onto a device for several more years, the 7 Plus remains a capable, cost-effective option.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

For most iPhone 6s owners still using their device daily, upgrading to the 7 Plus represents a meaningful improvement in speed, camera quality, battery life, and durability. The dual-camera system alone transforms how you capture memories, and the performance boost ensures smoother interactions with modern software. While the design changes are subtle, the internal upgrades deliver lasting value.

That said, if your 6s meets your needs and you're on a tight budget, there's no urgent reason to replace it. But if you're frustrated by slowdowns, poor photos, or constant charging, the 7 Plus offers a compelling upgrade path—one that extends usable lifespan without jumping to current-generation pricing.

💬 Have you upgraded from a 6s to a 7 Plus—or decided to stay? Share your experience and help others make an informed choice!