Iphone 7 Vs Iphone 6 Plus Is Upgrading Still Worth It In Current Year

As we move deeper into 2024, the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 are both well beyond their prime release years. Yet, thousands of users still rely on these devices daily. For those clinging to an iPhone 6 Plus, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s practical: Is upgrading to the iPhone 7 still a worthwhile decision today?

The answer depends on your needs, usage patterns, and expectations from a smartphone. While neither device supports the latest iOS versions fully or runs modern apps flawlessly, the iPhone 7 represents a meaningful step up in performance, durability, and long-term usability over its predecessor.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, was powered by the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. At the time, it delivered smooth multitasking and excellent camera performance for its class. However, by today’s standards, that hardware struggles with even basic tasks like app switching, web browsing, and background processing.

In contrast, the iPhone 7, launched in 2016, featured Apple’s A10 Fusion chip—a significant leap forward. With a 64-bit quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM, the A10 offered roughly 40% faster CPU performance and double the graphics power compared to the A8. This translates into smoother app launches, better gaming performance, and more reliable handling of iOS updates—critical factors when considering longevity.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than five seconds to open common apps like Messages or Camera, you’re already losing productivity. The iPhone 7 reduces this lag significantly.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 6 Plus had a 2915mAh battery, which was generous for its time and provided solid all-day use under moderate conditions. However, after years of charging cycles, most original batteries have degraded to 60–70% capacity, drastically reducing usable runtime.

The iPhone 7 has a smaller 1960mAh battery but benefits from a more efficient A10 chip and optimized iOS power management. In real-world testing during its prime, the iPhone 7 matched or slightly exceeded the 6 Plus in battery life despite the lower mAh rating. Today, a replacement-battery iPhone 7 can still deliver 8–10 hours of screen-on time, while a worn 6 Plus might struggle to last half a day.

“Battery health is often the silent killer of older smartphones. Even if the OS runs, poor battery performance makes the device feel broken.” — David Lin, Mobile Repair Technician & Tech Analyst

Software Support and Security

This is where the gap becomes critical. Apple officially ended major iOS updates for the iPhone 6 Plus with iOS 12, which means no access to features introduced in iOS 13 and beyond—such as Dark Mode, improved privacy tracking, redesigned Maps, or enhanced Siri capabilities.

The iPhone 7, however, received updates up to iOS 16, making it one of the last models to support relatively recent software improvements. While it doesn’t run iOS 17 (Apple dropped support for the A10 chip), iOS 16 remains secure and functional through mid-2024, with regular security patches still being issued for supported devices.

More importantly, many modern apps now require iOS 14 or higher. Banking apps, messaging platforms, and even some grocery store loyalty programs have dropped compatibility with iOS 12. Users stuck on the 6 Plus may find themselves unable to log in or use essential services reliably.

Camera Quality and Everyday Use

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 7
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, Focus Pixels	12MP, f/1.8, OIS, Portrait Mode (via software)
Front Camera	1.2MP, f/2.2	7MP, f/2.2, Retina Flash
Video Recording	1080p at 60fps	4K at 30fps, 1080p at 120fps (slow motion)
Low-Light Performance	Poor; noisy images	Much improved; wider aperture + OIS

The camera upgrade between these two models is substantial. The iPhone 7 introduced optical image stabilization (OIS) to the base model, allowing sharper photos in low light. Its 12MP sensor captures significantly more detail, and the f/1.8 aperture lets in nearly twice as much light as the 6 Plus’s f/2.2 lens.

If you frequently take photos indoors, at night, or share images on social media, the difference is immediately noticeable. Even portrait-style shots are possible on the iPhone 7 using third-party apps leveraging depth estimation—something impossible on the older model.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 6 Plus for work until early 2023. She relied on it for client communication, capturing reference shots, and managing bookings. But by late 2022, she noticed increasing issues: apps crashed during photo uploads, her banking app stopped working, and FaceTime calls would drop unexpectedly.

She upgraded to a refurbished iPhone 7 with a new battery in January 2023. Within days, she reported faster workflow, stable app performance, and the ability to edit and send high-res images directly from her phone. “It felt like getting a new device,” she said. “Not cutting-edge, but finally dependable again.”

For users in similar situations—relying on aging tech for professional or personal organization—the iPhone 7 offers a bridge between obsolescence and functionality.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, evaluate your current situation using this checklist:

• ✅ Does your iPhone 6 Plus run iOS 12 or earlier?
• ✅ Have you experienced frequent app crashes or freezing?
• ✅ Is your battery health below 80%?
• ✅ Are key apps (banking, messaging, health) no longer compatible?
• ✅ Do you want better photo quality without buying a new phone?
• ✅ Is budget a concern, but reliability matters?

If you answered yes to three or more, upgrading to an iPhone 7—even secondhand—is likely a smart move. It extends usable life by 1–2 years, improves daily experience, and maintains access to essential digital services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Smartly

1. Back up your iPhone 6 Plus via iCloud or iTunes to preserve data.
2. Check battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If max capacity is under 75%, consider a battery replacement before selling or trading.
3. Wipe the device and remove it from your Apple ID to prepare for transfer.
4. Source a reputable iPhone 7: Look for models with “Excellent” condition, replaced battery, and iOS 15/16 already installed.
5. Restore from backup and verify app functionality, especially email, cloud storage, and authentication apps.
6. Update all apps and enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Tip: Avoid purchasing an iPhone 7 from carriers still locked to old plans. Always confirm the device is unlocked and activation-ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 still get security updates?

While Apple no longer releases major iOS updates for the iPhone 7, devices running iOS 16 continue to receive periodic security patches as part of ongoing support for older systems. These updates are limited but help protect against known vulnerabilities through at least 2024.

Is the iPhone 7 waterproof?

The iPhone 7 has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. While not fully waterproof, this level of resistance was a first for mainstream iPhones and provides peace of mind against spills, rain, or accidental drops.

How much does a used iPhone 7 cost in 2024?

Refurbished or secondhand iPhone 7 units range from $40 to $90 depending on storage (32GB vs 128GB), color, and battery condition. Models with new batteries and clean IMEI histories command higher prices but offer better reliability.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Yes—but with caveats. The iPhone 7 is not a future-proof device. It won’t run iOS 17, and app developers will continue phasing out support for A10-based hardware. However, for someone still using an iPhone 6 Plus in 2024, the upgrade delivers tangible benefits: faster performance, better cameras, improved battery efficiency, and continued access to secure, functional software.

Think of the iPhone 7 not as a destination, but as a strategic stopgap. It buys you time—perhaps 12 to 18 months—before needing to invest in a newer iPhone or Android alternative. For seniors, budget-conscious users, or those who simply prefer simplicity, that extra reliability can make a real difference in daily life.

If you're tired of waiting for apps to load, replacing drained batteries every few hours, or dealing with incompatible software, stepping up to the iPhone 7 is still a sensible, cost-effective choice in 2024.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 6 Plus to iPhone 7? Share your experience, tips, or regrets in the comments—your story could help someone decide their next move.