Iphone X Camera Vs 6s Is The Upgrade Really Worth It For Photos

The iPhone 6S was a landmark device in Apple’s history—its 12-megapixel sensor brought mobile photography into sharper focus than ever before. Five years later, the iPhone X arrived with a dual-lens system, Portrait Mode, and significantly improved computational photography. For users still clinging to a 6S, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s practical: Is upgrading to the iPhone X actually worth it for better photos?

The answer depends on how you use your phone, what kind of photos matter to you, and whether newer software features outweigh pure hardware changes. Let’s break down the differences in sensors, image processing, low-light performance, and real-world usability to help you decide.

Sensor and Hardware Evolution

The iPhone 6S introduced a 12MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, optical image stabilization (OIS) absent on the rear lens, and 4K video recording—a first for iPhones at the time. While impressive in 2015, its single-lens setup limited creative flexibility.

In contrast, the iPhone X launched in 2017 with two 12MP rear cameras: a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4). This dual-camera system enabled 2x optical zoom and, more importantly, unlocked Portrait Mode—an AI-driven depth effect that simulates DSLR-style bokeh.

The wider aperture on the primary lens allows more light, which improves dynamic range and reduces noise in dim environments. Combined with OIS on the main sensor, the iPhone X captures visibly clearer images, especially when handheld or in motion.

“From a hardware perspective, the jump from iPhone 6S to iPhone X is one of the most significant in Apple’s smartphone history.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at DXOMARK

Image Processing and Software Advantages

Hardware alone doesn’t define photo quality. The real leap lies in software. The iPhone X runs on the A11 Bionic chip, which includes a dedicated Neural Engine designed for machine learning tasks—including image processing.

This enables Smart HDR, better face detection, enhanced noise reduction, and real-time depth mapping for Portrait Mode. The 6S, powered by the A9 chip, lacks these capabilities. Its photos are sharp under good lighting but struggle with contrast and shadow recovery compared to the X.

One key difference is tone mapping. The iPhone X analyzes scenes in multiple exposures simultaneously and blends them seamlessly. This means highlights don’t blow out as easily, and shadows retain detail—something the 6S often fails at, especially in backlit scenarios.

Tip: If you frequently shoot outdoors or near windows, the iPhone X’s Smart HDR will make a noticeable difference in preserving both bright skies and facial details.

Low-Light Performance Comparison

Dim lighting exposes the limits of older sensors. The iPhone 6S tends to produce grainy, soft images after sunset. Colors shift, edges blur, and autofocus becomes sluggish. Without Night Mode (introduced years later), there’s no software compensation for poor illumination.

The iPhone X doesn’t have Night Mode either, but thanks to its larger aperture, OIS, and faster processor, it handles low light far more gracefully. Photos maintain color accuracy and exhibit less digital noise. In indoor settings—like restaurants or evening family gatherings—the X delivers noticeably crisper results.

A side-by-side test in typical room lighting shows the 6S struggling with white balance, often casting a yellow or blue tint. The iPhone X corrects this automatically using contextual data from its front-facing TrueDepth camera and ambient light sensors.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 6S	iPhone X
Rear Camera	12MP, f/2.2, single lens	12MP + 12MP, f/1.8 & f/2.4, dual lenses
Optical Image Stabilization	No	Yes (main lens)
Portrait Mode	Not supported	Supported via dual-camera + software
Front Camera	5MP, f/2.2	7MP, f/2.2, with Portrait Mode
Video Recording	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, extended dynamic range
Processor Impact on Photos	Limited scene analysis	Smart HDR, depth mapping, faster processing

Real-World Example: Family Event Photography

Consider Sarah, who used her iPhone 6S to photograph her niece’s birthday party in a softly lit backyard. Despite positioning herself near string lights, many shots came out dark, with faces partially obscured by shadows. She tried editing them later, but the lack of shadow detail made recovery impossible.

After upgrading to an iPhone X, she attended a similar event six months later. Even in twilight, her photos retained balanced exposure. She used Portrait Mode for close-ups of the birthday girl, achieving a professional look without additional gear. Video clips were smoother, with less jitter thanks to improved stabilization.

For casual photographers capturing life moments, this kind of reliability makes a tangible difference. It’s not just about megapixels—it’s about confidence that the shot will turn out well, even without perfect conditions.

Is the Upgrade Worth It for You?

If your current iPhone 6S still functions well, the decision hinges on your photographic needs. Ask yourself:

• Do you regularly take photos in challenging lighting?
• Do you value portrait-style effects or zoom without quality loss?
• Are you frustrated by blurry or poorly exposed images?
• Do you share photos online where quality impacts perception?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the upgrade offers meaningful benefits. The iPhone X may be discontinued, but secondhand models remain widely available and offer a modern iOS experience with vastly superior imaging.

Action Checklist Before Upgrading

1. Evaluate your current photo library – Identify recurring issues like blurriness, poor low-light results, or lack of zoom.
2. Test borrow an iPhone X or newer model – Take sample photos in your usual environments.
3. Check storage compatibility – Ensure iCloud or computer backup is ready for migration.
4. Assess battery health – A failing 6S battery might compound frustrations unrelated to camera quality.
5. Compare resale values – Factor in cost savings from selling your 6S toward the new device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X take better selfies than the 6S?

Yes. The iPhone X has a 7MP front camera with autofocus and Retina Flash (using the screen as a flash). More importantly, it supports Portrait Mode selfies using the TrueDepth system, allowing blurred backgrounds for artistic effect. The 6S selfie camera lacks depth sensing and performs poorly in low light.

Does the iPhone X have Night Mode?

No. Night Mode was introduced with the iPhone 11 series in 2019. However, the iPhone X still outperforms the 6S in low light due to its larger aperture, OIS, and better image signal processing. You’ll get cleaner, brighter results without long exposures.

Will old accessories work with the iPhone X?

Most Lightning-based accessories are compatible, but cases won’t fit due to design differences. The iPhone X uses Face ID and lacks a home button, so any accessory relying on Touch ID (like certain password managers) may require reconfiguration.

Final Verdict: A Meaningful Leap in Photo Quality

Upgrading from the iPhone 6S to the iPhone X isn't just a minor spec bump—it's a transformation in how you capture and experience photography. The combination of dual lenses, smarter software, and a more capable processor delivers consistently better images across diverse conditions.

While the 6S was groundbreaking in its era, today’s standards demand more. If you care about photo clarity, creative control, and reliable performance, the iPhone X represents a worthwhile investment—even in the current market.

🚀 Ready to see your memories in sharper detail? Test a newer iPhone, compare sample shots, and consider making the switch. Your future photos—and the people in them—will thank you.