In 2024, few people are actively choosing between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s Plus — both models are well past their prime. Yet, for users still clinging to a 6s Plus or considering a secondhand upgrade on a tight budget, the question remains: Is moving to the iPhone 7 actually worthwhile today? The answer isn't as straightforward as checking specs. It depends on your needs, usage patterns, and what you value in a smartphone experience.
The iPhone 6s Plus was a landmark device when it launched in 2015, praised for its large display and solid build. The iPhone 7 followed just one year later, introducing meaningful improvements that Apple fans welcomed. But nearly a decade later, how do these devices stack up against each other — and more importantly, against modern expectations?
Performance and Hardware: A Closer Look
At the core of any smartphone decision is performance. Both phones run on Apple’s A-series chips, but there's a notable difference in speed and efficiency.
The iPhone 6s Plus uses the A9 chip with 2GB of RAM. In its time, this combo handled iOS smoothly, even with multitasking. However, by 2024 standards, it struggles with newer versions of iOS. While it can technically run up to iOS 15.7, many apps now require iOS 16 or higher, making the 6s Plus functionally obsolete for current app ecosystems.
The iPhone 7, equipped with the A10 Fusion chip and also 2GB of RAM, delivers a noticeably better experience. The A10 is roughly 40% faster in CPU tasks and twice as fast in graphics performance. This means smoother animations, quicker app launches, and better handling of lightweight games and photo editing tools — all critical for daily usability in 2024.
Camera Comparison: Practical Differences Today
Both phones were strong performers in photography during their era, but the iPhone 7 brought key upgrades that still matter in low-light or detail-sensitive situations.
The 6s Plus features a 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), which helped reduce blur in shaky shots. Its front-facing camera is 5MP. The iPhone 7 retains OIS but improves sensor quality, dynamic range, and color accuracy. More importantly, the 7 introduced a dual-LED True Tone flash with four LEDs (vs two on the 6s), resulting in more natural skin tones in night photos.
In 2024, while neither phone matches modern computational photography, the iPhone 7 consistently produces cleaner, brighter images with less noise. For social media use or casual family photos, this small edge can make a tangible difference.
“Even minor hardware improvements in sensors and processing can extend a phone’s photographic relevance by years.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse
Battery Life and Charging Experience
The iPhone 6s Plus has a 2915 mAh battery, while the iPhone 7 packs a smaller 1960 mAh unit. On paper, that suggests the 6s Plus should last longer. And in early usage, it often did. But battery degradation over time changes the equation.
After eight years, most 6s Plus batteries have degraded significantly — many below 60% capacity. Even if replaced, the older power management system doesn’t optimize charging as efficiently. The iPhone 7 benefits from improved power efficiency in the A10 chip and iOS optimizations introduced in later updates. Real-world testing shows that a well-maintained iPhone 7 today often lasts longer on a charge than a similarly aged 6s Plus.
Another crucial point: the iPhone 7 introduced water resistance (IP67 rating), allowing it to survive brief submersion or heavy rain. The 6s Plus has no official rating, making it far more vulnerable to environmental damage — a serious concern for long-term reliability.
Detailed Feature Comparison
| Feature | iPhone 6s Plus | iPhone 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2015 | 2016 |
| Chipset | A9 | A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP (OIS) | 12MP (Improved sensor + OIS) |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 7MP |
| Battery Capacity | 2915 mAh | 1960 mAh |
| Water Resistance | No | IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins) |
| Audio Jack | Yes | No (first model without) |
| Last Supported iOS | iOS 15.7 | iOS 16.7 |
| Storage Options | 16/64/128GB | 32/128/256GB |
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah has been using her iPhone 6s Plus since 2016. She replaced the battery in 2020 and managed to keep it running until early 2023, when she noticed apps like WhatsApp and Google Maps stopped updating. Her bank’s app began crashing frequently, and FaceTime calls dropped unexpectedly. Frustrated, she considered switching to Android but found her iCloud data and Apple Watch integration made that difficult.
She bought a used iPhone 7 for $75 online. After setup, she immediately noticed faster app loading, fewer crashes, and improved camera quality in dim lighting. Most importantly, she could install iOS 16 and update her critical apps. While not perfect, the iPhone 7 gave her another 12–18 months of reliable service at minimal cost.
Sarah’s case illustrates a common scenario: legacy users who rely on Apple’s ecosystem need functional devices that support current software. For them, the iPhone 7 isn’t about luxury — it’s about continuity.
Upgrade Checklist: Is the iPhone 7 Right for You?
Before making the move, ask yourself the following:
- Are essential apps failing on your 6s Plus? Check if banking, messaging, or productivity tools still support iOS 15.
- Do you need water resistance? If you carry your phone outdoors or in unpredictable conditions, the IP67 rating matters.
- Can you live without a headphone jack? The iPhone 7 removed it, so Bluetooth or Lightning headphones are required.
- Is battery health under 80%? Use Settings > Battery > Battery Health to check. Below that, performance throttling kicks in.
- Are you planning to upgrade within 12 months? If yes, spending money on a used iPhone 7 may not be cost-effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone 7 run iOS 17?
No. The iPhone 7 supports up to iOS 16.7. iOS 17 requires an iPhone 8 or later. This limits access to new features and future app compatibility.
Is the lack of a headphone jack a dealbreaker?
It depends on your habits. If you use wired headphones daily, especially during workouts or commutes, removing the jack may be inconvenient. Adapters exist, but they add clutter and potential failure points.
How long will an iPhone 7 last in 2024?
With a new battery and moderate use, expect 12–18 months of usable life. Heavy app usage, gaming, or reliance on cloud services may shorten this window due to performance bottlenecks.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The iPhone 7 isn’t a revolutionary leap over the 6s Plus — but in 2024, it represents a necessary step forward for aging users stuck in technological limbo. It offers better performance, slightly longer software support, improved cameras, and critically, water resistance and more efficient power management.
If you're still on a 6s Plus and facing app incompatibility, slow performance, or battery issues, upgrading to a used iPhone 7 is a sensible, low-cost bridge to a future flagship. It won’t replace a modern iPhone, but it can buy you time without sacrificing core functionality.
However, if you value long-term usability, camera quality, or 5G connectivity, investing in an iPhone SE (3rd gen) or newer is a smarter choice. The incremental gains of the iPhone 7 may not justify the effort if you’re already ready for a true next-gen experience.
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