Iphone 7 Vs Iphone 6 Is It Worth Upgrading In Current Year 2

Four years may not seem like a long time in the grand scheme of technology, but in the world of smartphones, it’s an entire generation. The iPhone 6 launched in 2014 was a landmark device—Apple’s first major leap into larger screens. The iPhone 7 followed in 2016, refining that design with meaningful upgrades. Now, in 2024, many users still clinging to an iPhone 6 are asking: is upgrading to an iPhone 7—or holding onto one—still practical today?

The answer isn’t just about specs. It's about usability, software support, app compatibility, and daily experience. While both devices are officially outdated by Apple’s standards, understanding their differences helps clarify whether the jump from iPhone 6 to iPhone 7 offers any tangible benefit in the current digital landscape.

Design and Build: Subtle but Meaningful Changes

At first glance, the iPhone 7 looks nearly identical to the iPhone 6. Both feature aluminum unibody designs, rounded edges, and physical home buttons. However, closer inspection reveals key improvements.

The iPhone 7 introduced a more durable build with IP67 water and dust resistance—a first for the iPhone line. This means it can survive brief submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 6 has no official water resistance, making it far more vulnerable to spills or rain.

Another subtle change: the removal of the headphone jack. While controversial at the time, this allowed Apple to make internal space for better speakers and improved sealing. The iPhone 7 features stereo speakers (bottom-firing dual speakers), whereas the iPhone 6 has only a single mono speaker.

Tip: If you're still using an iPhone 6, avoid exposing it to moisture—even light rain can damage internal components due to lack of sealing.

Performance and Hardware: A Noticeable Leap

The core difference lies under the hood. The iPhone 6 runs on the Apple A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. The iPhone 7 uses the significantly faster A10 Fusion chip with 2GB of RAM. This might sound minor on paper, but in practice, it translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and longer software relevance.

In real-world use, the iPhone 7 handles modern apps and iOS updates more reliably. While both devices max out at iOS 12, the iPhone 7 runs it far more fluidly. Users upgrading from iPhone 6 often report that animations, app switching, and Safari browsing feel snappier even after years of use.

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 7
Processor	A8 (2014)	A10 Fusion (2016)
RAM	1GB	2GB
Storage Options	16/64/128GB	32/128/256GB
Water Resistance	No	IP67 rated
Speakers	Single mono	Stereo (dual)
Battery Life (Video Playback)	11 hours	14 hours

“Even two generations apart, Apple’s chip progression makes a huge difference in longevity. The A10 wasn’t just faster—it extended the usable life of the device by years.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Camera Quality: Clarity Meets Consistency

The iPhone 6’s 8MP rear camera was strong for its time, but the iPhone 7 brought significant photographic improvements. The 12MP sensor captures sharper images with better dynamic range, reduced noise in low light, and optical image stabilization (on iPhone 7 Plus; standard 7 has digital stabilization).

More importantly, the iPhone 7 supports Live Photos by default and records 4K video—features absent on the iPhone 6, which maxes out at 1080p. For users who value photo quality or occasionally record videos, this is a meaningful upgrade.

Front cameras also saw a bump—from 1.2MP on the iPhone 6 to 7MP on the iPhone 7—making selfies and FaceTime calls noticeably clearer.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, held onto her iPhone 6 until late 2022. She used it primarily for quick social media posts and client communication. After dropping it in a puddle (which killed the microphone), she upgraded to a used iPhone 7.

She immediately noticed the difference: “The screen felt brighter, the camera focused faster, and apps like Instagram didn’t freeze when uploading multiple images. Most surprisingly, the battery lasted through a full day of shooting events—something my iPhone 6 couldn’t do even with light use.”

Software Support and App Compatibility in 2024

This is where the reality check comes. Neither the iPhone 6 nor the iPhone 7 receives iOS updates beyond iOS 12.5.7, released in 2023 as a security patch. Major app developers have begun phasing out support for devices running iOS 12.

Popular apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and banking services now require iOS 13 or higher. As of 2024, users on either device will find themselves unable to download new versions of essential apps or access updated features.

If your primary goal is staying secure and connected, neither phone meets modern minimum standards. However, if you’re using the device as a secondary phone, music player, or emergency communicator, the iPhone 7 remains slightly more viable due to better hardware efficiency and battery retention.

Tip: Before upgrading—or deciding not to—check the App Store to see if your critical apps still support iOS 12.

Step-by-Step: Should You Upgrade in 2024?

Here’s a practical decision-making timeline for iPhone 6 owners considering a move to iPhone 7—or beyond:

1. Assess Your Current Usage: Are you relying on this phone for daily tasks, work, or emergencies?
2. Check App Compatibility: Try downloading WhatsApp or your bank’s app. Can you install it?
3. Evaluate Performance: Does your iPhone 6 lag frequently, fail to charge, or crash apps?
4. Consider Cost: A used iPhone 7 costs $50–$80. But newer budget phones (like iPhone SE 2020 or Android equivalents) offer far better value.
5. Decide on Purpose: If it’s for nostalgia or backup, iPhone 7 is fine. For daily use, look beyond both models.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 still be used in 2024?

Yes, but with limitations. It works well as a secondary device, media player, or offline tool. However, lack of app support and security updates makes it risky for banking, messaging, or web browsing.

Is the iPhone 7 battery replaceable?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Apple offered $29 battery replacements for eligible devices, and third-party shops still perform this service for $30–$50. A fresh battery can restore near-original performance.

Will the iPhone 6 or 7 get iOS 17?

No. Both devices stopped receiving updates at iOS 12. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years, and these models are well beyond that window.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from iPhone 6 to iPhone 7 in 2024 isn’t about cutting-edge technology—it’s about marginal gains in durability, audio quality, and performance. If you already own an iPhone 7, it’s still usable for basic functions. But if you're paying to upgrade from a 6, the investment only makes sense if you're on a tight budget and need a temporary solution.

For most users, spending a little more on an iPhone 8, SE (2nd gen), or a reliable Android alternative delivers far better long-term value, including current iOS or Android versions, security patches, and full app compatibility.

The iPhone 7 was a solid evolution over the 6, but time has moved on. In 2024, it serves best as a reminder of how quickly mobile tech advances—and how crucial software support is to a phone’s lifespan.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Consider recycling your old device and investing in one that supports modern apps and security. Your digital life deserves up-to-date protection and performance.