Iphone Se Vs Iphone 6 Is Upgrading Really Worth It In 2024

For years, the iPhone 6 was a symbol of Apple’s design evolution—its sleek aluminum body and larger display marked a turning point in smartphone history. But nearly a decade later, holding onto one in 2024 raises serious questions about functionality, security, and daily usability. Enter the iPhone SE, Apple’s budget-friendly powerhouse designed to deliver flagship-level performance in a familiar form. So, if you're still using an iPhone 6, is upgrading to the iPhone SE truly worth it? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about how your phone fits into your life today.

Performance: Night and Day Difference

The most immediate upgrade from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone SE lies in raw performance. The iPhone 6 runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, which, while revolutionary in 2014, struggles significantly with modern iOS versions. By contrast, even the first-generation iPhone SE (2016) used the A9 chip, and current models (2020 and 2022) feature the A13 and A15 Bionic chips—chips that outperform many mid-range Android phones released in 2023.

Opening apps, multitasking, and even basic web browsing on the iPhone 6 can feel sluggish in 2024. Safari often crashes on complex sites, app updates have stopped arriving, and iOS 12 was the last major update it received. The iPhone SE, however, supports iOS 17 and will likely receive updates through 2026 or beyond. This means access to new features, security patches, and compatibility with modern apps like banking tools, health trackers, and augmented reality experiences.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than 3 seconds to open frequently used apps, it's a strong sign you need a hardware upgrade.

Camera Quality: From Acceptable to Impressive

The iPhone 6 introduced 8MP rear cameras with decent low-light performance for its time. Fast forward to 2024, and its photos look soft, lack dynamic range, and struggle in anything less than ideal lighting. Video is capped at 1080p at 30fps, with no image stabilization.

The iPhone SE changes this dramatically. Even the base model includes a 12MP sensor with optical image stabilization, Smart HDR, Portrait Mode (via software), and 4K video recording at up to 60fps. In real-world use, this means sharper images, better color accuracy, and the ability to capture usable footage in dim environments. Front-facing selfies also improve—from the iPhone 6’s 1.2MP FaceTime camera to the SE’s 7MP TrueDepth system, supporting Portrait Mode and Animoji on newer models.

“Camera technology has evolved more in the past five years than in the previous decade. What once required professional gear now fits in your pocket.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Gains

The iPhone 6 offers around 8–10 hours of light usage, but after years of charging cycles, most surviving units suffer from degraded batteries. Swelling, slow charging, and sudden shutdowns are common. The iPhone SE, despite its compact size, packs a more efficient battery and modern power management.

Apple rates the iPhone SE (3rd gen, 2022) for up to 15 hours of video playback—nearly double the effective lifespan under typical mixed usage. It also supports fast charging (with a 20W adapter, sold separately) and Qi wireless charging, both absent on the iPhone 6. These may seem like small conveniences, but over time, they reduce friction in daily use.

Detailed Comparison: iPhone SE vs iPhone 6

Feature	iPhone 6 (2014)	iPhone SE (2022)
Processor	A8 chip	A15 Bionic chip
RAM	1GB	4GB
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB	64GB, 128GB, 256GB
Rear Camera	8MP, 1080p video	12MP, 4K video, OIS
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP with Portrait Mode
Display	4.7” LCD, 1334x750	4.7” Retina HD, True Tone
iOS Support	Up to iOS 12	iOS 15–17+, ongoing updates
Battery	No fast/wireless charging	Fast & wireless charging supported
Durability	Aluminum, prone to bend	IP67 water resistance
Price (New, MSRP)	$649 (2014)	$429 (2022)

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a 68-year-old retiree from Portland, had been using her iPhone 6 since 2015. She loved its size and simplicity but found herself increasingly frustrated. Her banking app stopped working reliably. WhatsApp wouldn’t load media. Even iMessage lagged when receiving photos from her grandchildren.

After visiting her local Apple Store, she upgraded to the iPhone SE (2022) with 128GB storage. Within days, she noticed apps opened instantly, videos loaded without buffering, and FaceTime calls were clearer than ever. Most importantly, her phone no longer froze during emergencies when she needed to call her doctor. For Maria, the upgrade wasn’t about chasing trends—it was about staying connected safely and efficiently.

Tip: If your phone prevents you from using essential services (health, banking, communication), it’s not just outdated—it’s a liability.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024? A Step-by-Step Decision Guide

Deciding whether to upgrade shouldn’t be based on nostalgia or price alone. Follow this timeline to make a confident choice:

1. Assess Current Pain Points: List everything your iPhone 6 does poorly—slow apps, dead battery by noon, missing updates.
2. Check App Compatibility: Try opening your most-used apps. If any fail to launch or crash, note them.
3. Evaluate Security: Does your device support two-factor authentication smoothly? Can you install the latest security updates?
4. Test Daily Tasks: Attempt sending a photo, video calling, using maps, and mobile banking. Time each task.
5. Compare Costs: Weigh repair costs (battery replacement ~$49–$69) against the $429 iPhone SE. Consider long-term value.
6. Try Before You Buy: Visit an Apple Store or borrow an iPhone SE. Use it for 30 minutes—notice speed, camera, screen clarity.
7. Make the Leap: If three or more pain points persist, upgrading is not just beneficial—it’s practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 still get security updates?

No. The iPhone 6 last received an update with iOS 12.5.7 in 2022. It no longer receives security patches, making it vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks, especially when browsing unsecured websites or downloading files.

Will my accessories work with the iPhone SE?

Most Lightning cables, headphones, and cases designed for the iPhone 6 will fit the iPhone SE (2020 and 2022), as both share the same 4.7-inch form factor and port placement. However, wireless charging requires a compatible case or no case at all.

Is the iPhone SE too basic compared to newer iPhones?

While the iPhone SE lacks Face ID, OLED displays, and multiple lenses, it delivers core functionality exceptionally well. For users who prioritize reliability, speed, and longevity over cutting-edge features, it remains one of the best values in smartphones today.

Final Verdict: Yes, Upgrading Is Worth It

Sticking with the iPhone 6 in 2024 means accepting limitations that go beyond inconvenience—they affect safety, connectivity, and digital inclusion. The iPhone SE doesn’t just offer better specs; it brings you back into the modern digital world. You regain the ability to use current apps, protect your data, capture meaningful moments clearly, and rely on your phone when it matters most.

The emotional attachment to an old device is understandable. But technology should serve you, not frustrate you. The iPhone SE honors the simplicity and size many loved about the iPhone 6 while delivering a future-ready experience. For less than the cost of a new pair of premium wireless earbuds, you gain years of dependable performance.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone 6 to iPhone SE? Share your experience below—your story could help someone decide it’s time to upgrade.