Iphone 7s Vs 6s Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In Current Year

In 2025, both the iPhone 7 and iPhone 6s Plus are well beyond their prime release years. Yet, thousands of users still rely on these devices daily. For those clinging to a 6s Plus wondering whether to make the jump to an iPhone 7, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about practical value. Is the upgrade meaningful today, or is it merely swapping one aging device for another slightly newer one?

The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and how long you plan to keep the phone. While neither model supports the latest iOS versions fully or runs modern apps flawlessly, understanding the tangible differences can help you decide if the move makes sense.

Performance: A Noticeable Step Up

The most significant difference between the iPhone 7 and the 6s Plus lies under the hood. The iPhone 7 features Apple’s A10 Fusion chip, a 64-bit quad-core processor that outperforms the A9 chip in the 6s Plus by approximately 40% in CPU tasks and nearly 50% in GPU benchmarks.

This improvement translates into real-world benefits: faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and better responsiveness when switching between heavy applications like photo editors or navigation tools. Users coming from a 6s Plus will immediately notice less lag, especially after extended use or when running multiple background processes.

Tip: If your 6s Plus feels sluggish even after restarting, the A10 in the iPhone 7 will provide a noticeable refresh in day-to-day fluidity.

However, it’s important to note that both chips are now over eight years old. Neither handles intensive tasks like 4K video editing or high-end gaming efficiently by today’s standards. But for basic use—messaging, browsing, email, and light social media—the iPhone 7 remains more future-proof than its predecessor.

Camera Quality: Subtle but Meaningful Improvements

The camera upgrade from the 6s Plus to the iPhone 7 is modest but worthwhile. Both phones feature a 12MP rear sensor, but the iPhone 7 introduces optical image stabilization (OIS), which the 6s Plus lacks despite its larger form factor. OIS reduces blur in low-light conditions and during handheld shooting, resulting in sharper photos indoors or at night.

The iPhone 7 also has a brighter f/1.8 aperture compared to the f/2.2 lens on the 6s Plus, allowing 50% more light capture. This makes a visible difference in dim environments. Additionally, color accuracy and dynamic range improved with updated image signal processing, yielding more natural-looking photos.

On the front end, the 7’s 7MP FaceTime camera surpasses the 6s Plus’s 5MP shooter, offering better selfies and clearer video calls—a small win for social media users.

“Even incremental camera improvements matter when you're relying on one device for all your photos.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst

Battery Life and Efficiency

The iPhone 6s Plus already had strong battery life for its time, thanks to its large 2915mAh battery. It typically delivered 12–14 hours of mixed usage. The iPhone 7, despite having a smaller 1960mAh battery, benefits from the power-efficient A10 chip and optimized iOS integration.

In practice, the iPhone 7 lasts around 8–10 hours of screen-on time, which is less than the 6s Plus but still sufficient for moderate users. However, because the 7 manages power more intelligently, it may feel more consistent throughout the day, especially as batteries degrade over time.

If you’re upgrading from a heavily used 6s Plus with a worn battery, the iPhone 7 might actually offer better daily endurance due to fresher hardware—even with a smaller capacity.

Durability and Design Differences

Both phones share a similar aluminum unibody design, but the iPhone 7 introduced a key durability upgrade: IP67 water and dust resistance. This means the 7 can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes—something the 6s Plus cannot do. For users prone to spills, rain exposure, or bathroom drops, this is a meaningful safeguard.

Another major change was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack. While controversial at launch, this paved the way for wireless audio adoption. If you still rely on wired headphones, you’ll need a Lightning adapter or Bluetooth earbuds. For some, this is a dealbreaker; for others, it’s a nudge toward modern convenience.

The Home button also changed: the iPhone 7 replaced the mechanical button with a solid-state, Taptic Engine-powered version. It doesn’t physically press down but simulates feedback through haptics. Some users love the consistency; others miss the tactile click.

Software Support and Longevity in 2025

As of 2025, both devices are no longer supported with the latest iOS updates. The iPhone 6s Plus topped out at iOS 15, while the iPhone 7 received updates up to iOS 16. This means:

• The iPhone 7 has access to newer security patches and features introduced in iOS 16.
• Some modern apps require iOS 16 or later and may not install or function properly on the 6s Plus.
• iMessage, FaceTime, and core Apple services still work, but compatibility with third-party apps is increasingly limited.

App developers are phasing out support for older operating systems. Apps like Instagram, Google Maps, and banking platforms may run slower or stop working entirely on iOS 14 and below—where the 6s Plus is stuck.

Tip: Check your most-used apps in the App Store. If they require iOS 15+, your 6s Plus won’t be able to update them—making the iPhone 7 a safer bet.

Comparison Table: iPhone 7 vs iPhone 6s Plus

Feature	iPhone 7	iPhone 6s Plus
Release Year	2016	2015
Chipset	A10 Fusion	A9
Rear Camera	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/2.2, no OIS
Front Camera	7MP	5MP
Battery Capacity	1960 mAh	2915 mAh
Water Resistance	IP67 (1m for 30 min)	None
Headphone Jack	No (Lightning/audio adapter)	Yes
Max iOS Version	iOS 16	iOS 15
Storage Options	32GB, 128GB, 256GB	16GB, 64GB, 128GB

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah has been using her iPhone 6s Plus since 2016. By 2023, she noticed her phone struggling: apps crashed frequently, the camera produced grainy night shots, and her banking app stopped updating. She considered buying a new phone but found refurbished iPhone 7 models for under $70.

After switching, she immediately benefited from smoother performance and better photo quality. Most importantly, her iPhone 7 could install the latest version of her bank’s app, restoring access to mobile deposits. While battery life wasn’t dramatically better, the phone felt “like it could keep up” again.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it was about functionality. The iPhone 7 extended her smartphone usability by another 18 months without breaking the bank.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Ask yourself these questions before moving from iPhone 6s Plus to iPhone 7:

1. Are essential apps failing to update or crashing on your 6s Plus?
2. Do you frequently take photos in low light?
3. Have you experienced water damage or near-misses with liquids?
4. Is your current battery health below 80%?
5. Are you planning to keep this phone for more than a year?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the iPhone 7 is likely a worthwhile upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 7 still run modern apps smoothly?

It depends on the app. Lightweight apps like WhatsApp, Gmail, and Safari work fine. Heavy apps like TikTok or games with 3D graphics may lag or not install at all. Performance is acceptable for basic tasks but not ideal for power users.

Is the lack of headphone jack a big issue?

Only if you refuse to use wireless earbuds or adapters. Many users adapt quickly to Bluetooth headphones. Apple includes a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter in original packaging, so wired options remain available.

Should I consider a newer used phone instead?

Absolutely. Refurbished iPhone 8, SE (2nd/3rd gen), or iPhone XR often cost only slightly more than an iPhone 7 but offer better processors, longer software support, and improved cameras. These are smarter long-term investments.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The upgrade from iPhone 6s Plus to iPhone 7 is not revolutionary, but it is functional. In today’s context, it represents a modest yet measurable improvement in performance, camera quality, water resistance, and software longevity.

If you’re holding onto a failing 6s Plus and need a cheap, immediate solution, the iPhone 7 is a logical next step. It breathes new life into your mobile experience without requiring a premium investment.

However, if you can stretch your budget even slightly, consider skipping both and aiming for an iPhone 8 or later. These models support iOS 17 and beyond, have better displays, and deliver noticeably stronger performance. For long-term usability, they offer far greater value.

💬 Still using an older iPhone? Share your experience—was the upgrade worth it, or did you regret staying too long? Join the conversation below.