Iphone 7 Plus Vs 6s Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It

For iPhone users clinging to their 6s Plus, the question isn’t just about new features—it’s about value. The iPhone 7 Plus arrived as a direct successor to the 6s Plus, promising improvements in speed, camera quality, and durability. But if your 6s Plus still powers through daily tasks, is trading up truly justified? This deep dive compares both devices across key categories to help you decide whether the upgrade delivers meaningful gains or just incremental tweaks.

Performance: Speed and Real-World Responsiveness

The most immediate difference between the two phones lies under the hood. The iPhone 6s Plus runs on Apple’s A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, while the 7 Plus upgrades to the A10 Fusion chip and retains the same 2GB RAM. On paper, this may not seem like a massive leap, but real-world usage tells a different story.

The A10 Fusion is roughly 40% faster in CPU performance and 50% faster in graphics than the A9. Apps launch quicker, multitasking feels smoother, and demanding games run more consistently. iOS updates also favor newer hardware—while both phones support up to iOS 15, the 7 Plus handles later versions with noticeably less lag.

Tip: If you frequently use photo editing apps, AR tools, or mobile gaming, the A10’s efficiency will make a tangible difference in responsiveness.

Even after years of use, the 6s Plus remains capable for basic tasks—email, social media, web browsing—but stutters can occur when switching between multiple apps or using processor-heavy software. The 7 Plus mitigates these hiccups, offering a more fluid experience over time.

Camera Comparison: Portrait Mode and Low-Light Performance

One of the most compelling reasons to upgrade is the dual-camera system introduced with the iPhone 7 Plus. While the 6s Plus has a solid 12MP rear camera, the 7 Plus adds a second telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and, critically, Portrait Mode—a feature that simulates DSLR-style depth-of-field effects.

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	iPhone 7 Plus
Rear Camera (Main)	12MP, f/2.2 aperture	12MP, f/1.8 aperture
Secondary Lens	None	12MP telephoto, f/2.8
Portrait Mode	Not available	Yes (iOS 10.1+)
Low-Light Performance	Average	Improved due to larger aperture
Video Recording	4K at 30fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps

The wider f/1.8 aperture on the 7 Plus’s primary sensor captures more light, resulting in clearer photos in dim environments. Combined with optical image stabilization (absent on the 6s Plus), handheld night shots are significantly sharper. For photography enthusiasts who don’t carry a dedicated camera, this improvement is substantial.

“Portrait Mode wasn’t just a gimmick—it redefined mobile photography by bringing studio-like control to everyday users.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

Battery Life and Efficiency

Battery degradation affects all aging smartphones, but even when new, the 7 Plus held an edge. Apple rated the 7 Plus for up to 21 hours of talk time compared to the 6s Plus’s 24 hours—an apparent step back. However, real-world tests from outlets like Consumer Reports and GSMArena showed the 7 Plus lasting longer in mixed-use scenarios due to the A10 chip’s power efficiency.

In practice, the 7 Plus typically delivers 2–3 hours more screen-on time than the 6s Plus under similar conditions. That extra endurance means fewer midday charges, especially for heavy users relying on navigation, streaming, or messaging apps.

Tip: If your 6s Plus battery health is below 80%, replacing it costs around $50 and can restore near-original performance—making an upgrade less urgent.

Durability and Design Upgrades

The 7 Plus introduced water and dust resistance rated IP67—meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 6s Plus has no official rating, making it far more vulnerable to spills or rain. This alone could justify the upgrade for users in unpredictable environments.

Another notable change: the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. While controversial, this allowed Apple to slim down internal components and improve sealing. The included Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter enables compatibility with existing headphones, and wireless options like AirPods (released alongside the 7) opened a new ecosystem.

Design-wise, both phones share a nearly identical form factor—same size, weight within a gram, and aluminum build. However, the 7 Plus features a more refined antenna line layout and comes in the now-iconic Jet Black finish (prone to scratching but highly sought after).

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had used her iPhone 6s Plus since 2016. By 2020, she noticed apps freezing, slow camera launches, and battery draining by noon. She considered repairing it but found that even with a new battery, iOS updates felt sluggish. After switching to a used iPhone 7 Plus for $220, she reported immediate improvements: faster app switching, better low-light photos during her travel vlogs, and confidence using her phone outdoors in drizzle.

“It wasn’t a flashy change,” she said, “but everything just… worked better. I didn’t realize how much friction my old phone added until it was gone.”

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade?

Follow this decision-making timeline to assess whether moving from the 6s Plus to the 7 Plus makes sense for you:

1. Evaluate current performance: Does your 6s Plus struggle with basic tasks or crash often?
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, consider a replacement first.
3. Assess camera needs: Do you take frequent portraits or low-light photos? The 7 Plus offers clear advantages.
4. Consider environment: If you're often exposed to moisture or rough conditions, the 7 Plus’s water resistance adds peace of mind.
5. Compare cost: If a refurbished 7 Plus is under $200 and your 6s Plus requires costly repairs, upgrading becomes economical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s Plus still run the latest apps?

Most current apps still support the 6s Plus, but some newer titles—especially those using ARKit or machine learning features—may run poorly or not be compatible at all. Over time, support will continue to decline.

Is the lack of a headphone jack a dealbreaker?

Not necessarily. The included adapter works well, and many users transition smoothly to Bluetooth headphones. If you rely heavily on wired audio without adapters, however, it may feel inconvenient initially.

How long will either phone receive software updates?

Both devices received updates up to iOS 15. No further major OS updates are expected. Security patches may continue sporadically, but long-term support has ended. Future app compatibility will depend on developer choices.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If your iPhone 6s Plus still performs reliably and your battery holds charge well, the upgrade to the 7 Plus offers meaningful but not revolutionary benefits. The improved camera—especially Portrait Mode and low-light capability—is the standout feature. Add in better water resistance, slightly longer battery life, and noticeably snappier performance, and the case strengthens.

However, if you’re paying full price today, the answer is likely no. Both models are outdated by modern standards. But if you can acquire a used or refurbished 7 Plus at a minimal premium over repair costs for your 6s Plus, then yes—the upgrade delivers tangible, daily improvements.

Ultimately, this isn’t about chasing the newest tech. It’s about whether the enhancements align with how you use your phone. For photographers, travelers, or anyone frustrated by slowdowns, the 7 Plus remains a worthy step up. For casual users satisfied with their current device, staying put—and possibly just replacing the battery—is a smart, sustainable choice.

🚀 Ready to make a decision? Assess your phone’s performance today using the checklist above and see if a small investment now can save frustration later. Share your thoughts or upgrade experience in the comments!