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

Five years ago, the iPhone 7 represented a significant leap forward in Apple’s smartphone evolution. Today, both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s are considered legacy devices, no longer supported with the latest iOS updates. Yet, many users still rely on them daily. If you're holding onto an iPhone 6s and wondering whether stepping up to an iPhone 7 makes sense in 2024 or beyond, the answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about practicality, longevity, and real-world performance.

This comparison cuts through nostalgia and marketing to deliver a clear verdict: Is the upgrade from iPhone 6s to iPhone 7 still meaningful today?

Performance and Hardware: A Closer Look

The iPhone 6s launched in 2015 with the Apple A9 chip and 2GB of RAM, which was impressive at the time. The iPhone 7, released a year later, upgraded to the A10 Fusion chip—the first 64-bit quad-core processor in an iPhone—and retained the same 2GB of RAM. While that might not sound like a massive jump, the A10 delivered around 40% faster CPU performance and 50% better graphics than its predecessor.

In 2024, neither device runs modern iOS versions. The iPhone 6s maxes out at iOS 15.7.9, while the iPhone 7 can run up to iOS 16.7. This means both miss out on critical security patches, new features in iOS 17 and 18, and app compatibility as developers optimize for newer hardware.

Tip: Before considering any upgrade between older iPhones, check if your apps still support the device’s maximum iOS version.

Despite their age, both phones can handle basic tasks: email, messaging, light web browsing, and older versions of social media apps. However, the iPhone 7 handles multitasking more smoothly, launches apps faster, and sustains performance under load—especially noticeable when editing photos or playing lightweight games.

Camera Comparison: Small But Meaningful Gains

The iPhone 6s featured a 12MP rear camera with 4K video recording—a big step up from the 8MP sensor in the iPhone 6. The iPhone 7 kept the same resolution but improved image processing, added optical image stabilization (OIS), and introduced a brighter f/1.8 aperture lens.

These changes result in noticeably better low-light performance, sharper images, and reduced blur in motion. The front-facing camera also improved from 5MP on the 6s to 7MP on the 7, offering slightly better selfies and FaceTime quality.

“Even small camera upgrades matter when you’re relying on your phone as your primary camera.” — David Lin, Mobile Photographer & Tech Analyst

If photography is important—even casually—the iPhone 7 offers a tangible improvement. OIS alone reduces shaky footage and blurred shots, making videos more watchable and night photos more usable without flash.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Differences

Battery degradation affects all aging smartphones, but original specs tell a story. The iPhone 6s had a 1715 mAh battery, while the iPhone 7 packed a slightly larger 1960 mAh unit. Apple claimed up to two additional hours of talk time on the 7.

In practice, the combination of a more efficient A10 chip and a larger battery gives the iPhone 7 a modest but real advantage. Users typically report getting through a full day with moderate use, whereas the 6s often requires midday charging under similar conditions.

Neither supports fast charging or wireless charging out of the box, though both can be updated with Lightning cables and accessories compatible with those features—though actual charging speed remains limited by internal hardware.

Durability and Design: Water Resistance Matters

One of the iPhone 7’s headline features was IP67 water and dust resistance—Apple’s first attempt at sealing consumer iPhones against spills and splashes. The iPhone 6s has no official rating, making it far more vulnerable to liquid damage.

While neither phone should be submerged, the iPhone 7 can survive brief exposure to water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). This has real implications for durability over time. Accidental drops in sinks, rain exposure, or sweaty hands during workouts pose less risk with the 7.

Feature	iPhone 6s	iPhone 7
Processor	A9	A10 Fusion
Rear Camera	12MP, f/2.2, no OIS	12MP, f/1.8, with OIS
Front Camera	5MP	7MP
Battery Capacity	1715 mAh	1960 mAh
Water Resistance	None	IP67 (1m for 30 min)
Last Supported iOS	iOS 15.7.9	iOS 16.7
Storage Options	16/64GB	32/128/256GB

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 6s since 2016. By 2023, she noticed apps taking longer to open, frequent crashes on Instagram, and her battery dying by noon. She considered buying a used iPhone 7 for $80 instead of spending $400+ on a newer model.

After switching, she found Safari loaded pages noticeably faster, WhatsApp no longer froze during video calls, and her phone survived a coffee spill unscathed thanks to water resistance. However, by late 2023, even the iPhone 7 began struggling with TikTok and newer banking apps requiring iOS 17.

Sarah’s experience shows that while the iPhone 7 offers a genuine improvement over the 6s, it only extends usability by 1–2 years in today’s ecosystem. For long-term reliability, newer models remain the smarter investment.

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

Follow this decision-making timeline to determine if moving from iPhone 6s to iPhone 7 is right for you now:

1. Evaluate your current usage: Are you using your phone for work, communication, or entertainment? Heavy users will feel limitations faster.
2. Check app compatibility: Open your most-used apps. Do they still function properly? Are updates available?
3. Test battery health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. If maximum capacity is below 75%, consider a battery replacement before anything else.
4. Research secondhand prices: Compare the cost of a used iPhone 7 versus a newer budget option like iPhone SE (3rd gen) or iPhone XR.
5. Consider future needs: Will you need iOS updates, security patches, or newer features like Wallet access or Find My improvements?

Tip: Replacing the battery in your iPhone 6s can restore near-original performance and may delay the need for any upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 still receive app updates in 2024?

Some apps still support iOS 16, so limited updates are possible. However, major developers are dropping support for devices unable to run iOS 17. Popular apps like Google Maps, Uber, and banking tools may stop working or lose functionality over time.

Is the home button difference significant?

Yes. The iPhone 7 replaced the mechanical home button with a solid-state, Taptic Engine-powered version. It doesn’t physically move but provides haptic feedback. Some users prefer the tactile click of the 6s; others appreciate the consistent response and durability of the 7’s button.

Should I upgrade to iPhone 7 or skip to a newer model?

If your budget allows, skipping to an iPhone XR, iPhone 11, or iPhone SE (3rd gen) is strongly recommended. These models support iOS 17 and 18, offer better cameras, faster processors, and longer software support—often for only $50–$100 more than a used iPhone 7.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The iPhone 7 is objectively better than the iPhone 6s. It’s faster, more durable, takes better photos, and lasted one extra major iOS version. In 2016, the upgrade made perfect sense. But in 2024, the marginal gains come at the cost of very limited future viability.

If you’re clinging to an iPhone 6s and need immediate relief from sluggish performance, a well-maintained iPhone 7 might buy you another 6–12 months of reliable service—especially if paired with a fresh battery. But it shouldn’t be seen as a long-term solution.

For most users, investing in a newer used or refurbished iPhone with active iOS support offers far greater value. The ecosystem demands modern hardware: secure logins, app compatibility, and feature access all degrade rapidly on discontinued devices.

“The best upgrade isn’t always the next model—it’s the one that keeps you connected safely and reliably for years.” — Lena Park, Senior Mobile Advisor at TechLife Weekly

Conclusion

Choosing between the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s today isn't about which is technically superior—it's about where you want to be in six months. The iPhone 7 offers a smoother experience, better camera, and improved resilience, but both devices are functionally obsolete in the current mobile landscape.

If you're looking to extend your Apple experience affordably, prioritize models that still receive updates. Your digital security, app access, and overall usability depend on it. Don’t upgrade backward—upgrade forward.

🚀 Ready to make a smarter move? Explore certified refurbished iPhone XR or SE models with iOS 18 support and get years of reliable use—not just a few extra months.