Iphone 7 Vs Iphone 6s For Gaming Was Upgrading Worth It

For many iOS users in the mid-2010s, the decision to upgrade from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 7 wasn’t just about design or camera improvements—it came down to real-world performance, especially when it came to mobile gaming. With titles like *Infinity Blade*, *Asphalt 8*, and later *PUBG Mobile* pushing hardware limits, even small differences in processor speed, thermal management, and battery life could dramatically alter the experience. This article dives deep into whether upgrading from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 7 delivered meaningful gains for gamers.

Performance Under Load: A3 vs A9 Chipset Showdown

The most significant technical leap between these two devices lies in their processors. The iPhone 6s launched with Apple’s A9 chip, a 64-bit system-on-a-chip built on a 14nm process (by Samsung) that brought noticeable improvements over the A8 in the iPhone 6. However, the iPhone 7 upgraded to the A10 Fusion chip—Apple’s first quad-core processor, featuring two high-performance cores and two efficiency cores.

In real-world gaming scenarios, this meant more than just faster frame rates. The A10 offered approximately 40% better CPU performance and 50% better graphics performance than the A9. Games that ran at 30fps on the 6s could often maintain a smoother 50–60fps on the 7, particularly in graphically intensive titles like *Modern Combat 5* or *Genshin Impact* (at lower settings).

Tip: Close background apps before launching heavy games to maximize available RAM and reduce stutters.

Battery Life and Sustained Gaming Sessions

One of the biggest pain points for mobile gamers is battery drain during extended play. The iPhone 6s, while competent, struggled after 60–90 minutes of continuous gaming on medium-to-high settings. Its 1715mAh battery simply couldn’t keep up with the power demands of sustained GPU usage.

The iPhone 7 improved on this with a slightly larger 1960mAh battery and, more importantly, better power efficiency thanks to the A10’s architecture and the move to a more advanced manufacturing process. In practical tests, the iPhone 7 delivered up to 25% longer gameplay time under identical conditions. For example:

Device	Battery Capacity	Avg. Gaming Duration (High Settings)	Thermal Throttling Observed?
iPhone 6s	1715 mAh	~75 minutes	Yes, after ~45 minutes
iPhone 7	1960 mAh	~95 minutes	Mild, after ~65 minutes

This extra endurance made the iPhone 7 a more reliable companion for long commutes, flights, or multiplayer sessions where quitting mid-match due to low battery wasn’t an option.

Thermal Management and Frame Rate Stability

Gaming isn’t just about raw power—it’s about consistency. The iPhone 6s had a tendency to heat up quickly during intense gameplay, especially around the upper back near the camera module. Once temperatures rose, the A9 chip would throttle performance to protect internal components, leading to visible frame drops and input lag.

The iPhone 7 introduced modest but effective thermal improvements. While it still warmed up under load, its aluminum chassis and internal layout dissipated heat more efficiently. As a result, frame rate stability improved significantly. Gamers reported fewer hitches during prolonged sessions, and benchmark tools like 3DMark showed more consistent scores across multiple runs.

“Even a 10–15% drop in frame rate can disrupt precision timing in rhythm or shooter games. Thermal consistency matters as much as peak performance.” — Jordan Lee, Mobile Game Developer at PixelForge Studios

Real-World Example: Upgrading Mid-2017

Consider Sarah, a casual mobile gamer who used her iPhone 6s heavily for *Clash Royale* and *Madden NFL Mobile*. By late 2016, she noticed increasing lag during tournaments, longer loading times, and frequent app crashes after extended use. She upgraded to the iPhone 7 in March 2017 primarily for the camera but quickly realized the gaming benefits.

Within weeks, she observed that matches loaded 20–30% faster, her device stayed cooler during lunchtime gaming breaks, and she no longer needed to reboot weekly to clear memory clutter. Most importantly, her rank climbed in *Clash Royale*—not because she played better, but because her inputs registered faster and the game ran smoother. Her experience mirrored broader user trends: the iPhone 7 didn’t revolutionize mobile gaming, but it removed friction.

Design and Haptic Feedback: Subtle but Meaningful Changes

The removal of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 sparked controversy, but for gamers, the trade-off included a key benefit: improved haptics. The iPhone 7 introduced the Taptic Engine 2.0, which provided sharper, more nuanced vibration feedback during gameplay.

In racing games, players could feel subtle road textures; in shooters, recoil patterns became more immersive. Even puzzle games used haptics for satisfying “click” responses. Compared to the standard vibration motor in the 6s, this was a qualitative leap in engagement.

Additionally, the water-resistant design (IP67 rating) gave peace of mind when gaming in less-than-ideal environments—like on a rainy bus stop or near a poolside table.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Own Upgrade Path

If you’re still using an iPhone 6s today—or considering buying one secondhand for gaming—here’s how to assess whether upgrading to an iPhone 7 (or staying put) makes sense:

1. Test current performance: Launch your most demanding game and play for 30 minutes. Note any frame drops, overheating, or forced quits.
2. Check battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 80%, performance will be throttled.
3. Compare app compatibility: Some newer games no longer support iOS 12, which is the last OS version for the 6s. The iPhone 7 supports up to iOS 15, offering longer software relevance.
4. Evaluate storage: Both models came in 16GB/32GB/64GB variants, but 16GB fills up fast with modern games. If you’re on 16GB, upgrading storage alone can improve usability.
5. Consider cost: Today, both phones are available secondhand for $30–$70. Spending extra for an iPhone 7 may only be worth it if you value smoother gameplay and slightly longer support.

FAQ: Common Questions About iPhone 6s vs iPhone 7 for Gaming

Can the iPhone 6s still run modern games in 2024?

Only very basic or lightweight games. Most titles released after 2020 require iOS 13 or higher, which the iPhone 6s cannot support. Even if sideloaded, performance would be unplayable due to outdated hardware.

Is the difference in gaming performance noticeable?

Yes, especially in graphically rich or competitive games. The iPhone 7 delivers smoother frame rates, faster load times, and better heat management. Casual gamers might not notice immediately, but serious players will appreciate the stability.

Does the lack of a headphone jack hurt gaming on the iPhone 7?

Only if you rely on wired headphones. Bluetooth audio introduces slight latency, which can be critical in fast-paced games. However, using AirPods (especially Gen 2 or later) with the W1/H1 chip minimizes delay. Alternatively, Lightning-to-3.5mm adapters work well for zero-latency audio.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

For dedicated mobile gamers in 2016–2018, upgrading from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 7 was absolutely worth it. The combination of a faster A10 chip, improved thermal behavior, longer battery life, and enhanced haptics translated into a more responsive, enjoyable, and reliable gaming experience.

However, the value depended on usage intensity. Casual players who mostly enjoyed turn-based puzzles or light platformers likely wouldn’t have noticed dramatic improvements. But for anyone playing action RPGs, real-time strategy, or competitive multiplayer titles, the iPhone 7 removed bottlenecks that held the 6s back.

Tip: Reset your phone monthly by restarting and clearing cache to maintain optimal gaming performance over time.

Conclusion & Call to Action

The iPhone 7 wasn’t a revolutionary leap, but it was a meaningful evolution—especially for gamers tired of the iPhone 6s hitting its limits. While neither device holds up to today’s standards, understanding their differences helps explain Apple’s trajectory in prioritizing sustained performance and user experience.

If you lived through this upgrade cycle, we’d love to hear your story. Did the iPhone 7 transform your mobile gaming? Or did you stick with the 6s longer than expected? Share your experience in the comments and help others understand what really changed under the hood.

🚀 Have questions about older iPhones and gaming? Drop them below—let’s build a community guide based on real experiences.