Iphone 8 Plus Vs Iphone 6 Plus Is The Upgrade Worth It Or Are You Just Paying For The Name

For millions of iPhone users clinging to their iPhone 6 Plus, the question isn’t whether they want a new phone—it’s whether they *need* one. The iPhone 8 Plus arrived as a direct successor in design philosophy to the 6 series, maintaining the same physical footprint while packing in years of technological advancement. But does that translate into real-world value? Or is Apple simply banking on brand loyalty to push an incremental update?

This comparison cuts through marketing hype to examine what actually changes when you move from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 8 Plus—performance, camera quality, software support, battery life, and long-term usability.

Design and Build: Familiar Yet Refined

At first glance, the iPhone 8 Plus looks nearly identical to the 6 Plus. Same 5.5-inch display, similar button layout, and a comparable weight distribution. However, closer inspection reveals meaningful upgrades.

The 8 Plus swaps the aluminum back of the 6 Plus for glass, enabling wireless charging—a feature absent in its predecessor. The frame remains aluminum, but the overall build feels sturdier thanks to tighter tolerances and improved materials. Apple also reinforced the screen with ion-strengthened glass, making it more resistant to drops.

While the design evolution is subtle, the shift to glass has practical implications. It makes the phone slightly heavier (200g vs. 172g) and more prone to slipping, but the trade-off is future-proofing for modern charging standards.

Tip: If you're upgrading from the 6 Plus, invest in a case that adds grip—especially since the 8 Plus's glass back is more slippery and susceptible to cracks.

Performance: A Generational Leap Under the Hood

The most significant difference lies beneath the surface. The iPhone 6 Plus launched with the A8 chip; the 8 Plus features the A11 Bionic—a six-core processor with neural engine capabilities. This isn't just faster—it's transformative.

In real-world use, the 8 Plus handles multitasking, augmented reality apps, and high-end games without lag. Apps launch quicker, background processes are smoother, and iOS updates feel snappier. The 6 Plus, by contrast, struggles with newer versions of iOS, often stuttering during animations or app switches.

Geekbench scores illustrate the gap: the A8 averages around 1,600 (single-core), while the A11 hits over 2,400. That’s a 50% increase in raw CPU power, not to mention vastly superior GPU performance.

“From a performance standpoint, moving from the 6 Plus to the 8 Plus is like switching from dial-up to broadband. The experience isn’t just faster—it’s fundamentally more responsive.” — Mark Chen, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Comparison: More Than Just Megapixels

Both phones feature dual 12MP rear cameras, but the similarities end there. The 8 Plus introduces optical image stabilization (OIS) on *both* lenses—a major upgrade from the 6 Plus, which only stabilized the wide-angle lens.

This means better low-light photos, sharper zoom, and significantly improved portrait mode results. The 8 Plus also supports Portrait Lighting (introduced via software update), allowing users to adjust lighting effects after taking a photo.

Front-facing video jumps from 720p on the 6 Plus to 1080p on the 8 Plus. For social media creators or frequent FaceTime users, this is a noticeable improvement.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 8 Plus
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (one OIS)	Dual 12MP (dual OIS)
Portrait Mode	No	Yes
Front Video	720p HD	1080p HD
Slo-Mo Video	720p at 120fps	1080p at 240fps
Smart HDR	No	Limited (via updates)

Battery Life and Charging: Small Gains, Big Implications

Apple claims the 8 Plus offers the same battery life as the 6 Plus—about 13 hours of mixed usage. In practice, efficiency gains from the A11 chip mean the 8 Plus lasts longer under similar conditions, especially with background tasks and screen-on time.

But the real advantage is in charging flexibility. The 8 Plus supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a compatible charger) and Qi wireless charging. The 6 Plus is limited to standard 5W wired charging.

If you’re constantly on the go, being able to drop your phone on a charging pad at a café or hotel desk adds convenience the older model can’t match.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2021, she noticed apps crashing, slow boot times, and poor camera performance in dim lighting. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking “it still works.” After borrowing a friend’s used 8 Plus, she tested her daily routine: checking email, using Instagram, scanning documents, and taking product photos for her small business.

The difference was immediate. Photos were crisper, apps opened instantly, and her phone didn’t overheat during video calls. She purchased a refurbished 8 Plus for $220 and reported that the upgrade “felt like getting a new brain for my business.”

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the decision becomes less about specs and more about future viability. As of 2024, the iPhone 6 Plus no longer receives iOS updates. It maxed out at iOS 12, missing critical security patches, privacy tools, and app compatibility.

The iPhone 8 Plus, however, received updates up to iOS 17 and may see limited support into iOS 18. This means access to modern features like App Tracking Transparency, enhanced Messages, and continued compatibility with banking, health, and productivity apps.

Developers increasingly optimize apps for devices with at least an A10 chip. Many newer apps either don’t run on the 6 Plus or perform poorly. For example, Google Maps now uses AR navigation features that require the processing power of the A11 or later.

Tip: Check your most-used apps in the App Store—look at recent update notes. If they mention “optimized for A11+” or “requires iOS 14+,” your 6 Plus is already falling behind.

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

1. Assess current pain points: Does your phone freeze, crash, or take forever to load apps?
2. Test camera needs: Are your photos blurry or grainy in low light? Do you need better zoom?
3. Check app compatibility: Open your top five apps. Are they updating regularly? Do they run smoothly?
4. Evaluate charging habits: Would wireless or fast charging improve your routine?
5. Review budget: Can you find a used/refurbished 8 Plus for under $250? If yes, the ROI is strong.

Is It Worth It? The Verdict

Upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the 8 Plus isn’t about chasing the latest trend—it’s about reclaiming functionality. The 8 Plus delivers tangible improvements: faster performance, better photos, modern charging, and years of additional software support.

It’s true you’re paying for the Apple brand, but in this case, you’re also getting meaningful hardware and ecosystem benefits. For users still on the 6 Plus, the 8 Plus represents the last affordable entry point into a fully supported iPhone experience.

FAQ

Can the iPhone 8 Plus still get iOS updates?

As of 2024, the 8 Plus supports up to iOS 17. While it may not receive iOS 18, it remains secure and functional for daily use through at least 2025.

Is the camera really that much better?

Yes—especially in low light and for portraits. Dual OIS, improved sensors, and computational photography make the 8 Plus a clear winner for anyone who relies on their phone camera.

Should I wait for a newer model instead?

If you can stretch your budget, consider the iPhone SE (3rd gen) or iPhone 11—they offer even better performance and longer support. But if you’re looking for a cost-effective upgrade from the 6 Plus, the 8 Plus hits the sweet spot.

Conclusion

The iPhone 8 Plus isn’t revolutionary, but for someone coming from a 6 Plus, it feels like it. You’re not just paying for the name—you’re gaining responsiveness, reliability, and relevance in an app-driven world. The upgrade pays for itself in time saved, frustration avoided, and capabilities unlocked.

💬 Have you made the jump from iPhone 6 Plus to 8 Plus? Share your experience—was it worth it, or did you skip straight to a newer model? Your story could help others decide.