Iphone X Camera Vs Iphone 6 Camera Is The Upgrade Worth It In Picture Quality

The jump from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone X represents more than just a design shift—it marks a pivotal evolution in Apple’s smartphone photography. Released four years apart (2014 for the iPhone 6, 2017 for the iPhone X), these devices reflect dramatically different eras in mobile imaging technology. For users still clinging to an iPhone 6 wondering whether the upgrade is justified, the camera alone may be reason enough. But how much better is the iPhone X in real-world conditions? Let’s break down the differences in sensor hardware, software processing, and actual image output to determine if the leap in photo quality makes the upgrade worthwhile.

Sensor and Hardware: A Generational Leap

The foundation of any camera system lies in its physical components. The iPhone 6 features a 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, no optical image stabilization (OIS), and a relatively small sensor by today’s standards. It was competent for its time but struggled in anything less than ideal lighting.

In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide-angle lens (f/1.8) with OIS and a 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.4) without OIS. The wider aperture on the main sensor allows significantly more light to reach the sensor, improving performance in dim environments. More importantly, the inclusion of OIS reduces blur caused by hand movement, especially during longer exposures or in low light.

Apple also improved pixel size and sensor efficiency between generations. While both phones have 12MP sensors, the iPhone X’s pixels are larger and more sensitive, capturing more detail and dynamic range. Combined with a faster A11 Bionic chip, this enables advanced computational photography features like Smart HDR and deeper noise reduction.

Tip: In low light, keep your iPhone steady for at least a second after taking a photo—especially on older models—to allow the software to finish processing.

Image Quality Comparison: Daylight and Low Light

In daylight, both phones produce acceptable images, but the differences become apparent upon close inspection. The iPhone X delivers sharper textures, more accurate colors, and superior dynamic range. Shadows retain detail, and highlights are preserved without blowing out—a hallmark of modern HDR processing.

Low-light performance is where the gap widens dramatically. The iPhone 6 often produces grainy, underexposed photos with muted colors and noticeable noise. Without OIS, even slight movements result in blur. The iPhone X, thanks to its f/1.8 aperture, OIS, and advanced noise reduction algorithms, captures brighter, cleaner images with natural color reproduction. Night mode wasn’t available yet, but the groundwork for later night photography improvements was firmly laid with the iPhone X.

“From iPhone 6 to iPhone X, Apple didn’t just tweak the camera—they rebuilt the entire imaging pipeline around computational intelligence.” — David Ng, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

Portrait Mode and Depth Control

One of the most visible upgrades is the introduction of Portrait Mode on the iPhone X. The dual-camera setup enables depth mapping, allowing the phone to simulate a DSLR-style bokeh effect by blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus. This feature was absent on the iPhone 6, which could only apply artificial filters post-capture with poor edge detection and unnatural results.

Beyond aesthetics, Portrait Mode on the iPhone X uses machine learning to distinguish between hair, glasses, and complex edges far more accurately. Later iOS updates even added adjustable depth control *after* the photo is taken, giving users creative flexibility unimaginable on the iPhone 6.

For social media enthusiasts, content creators, or anyone who values professional-looking portraits, this single feature represents a compelling reason to upgrade.

Video Capabilities: From 1080p to 4K and Beyond

Video recording sees one of the most significant transformations. The iPhone 6 supports 1080p HD video at 30fps and basic digital stabilization. While serviceable, footage lacks fine detail and stability in motion.

The iPhone X elevates video to cinematic levels: 4K recording at 60fps, extended dynamic range for video, stereo audio capture, and advanced electronic and optical stabilization. Footage appears crisper, smoother, and more lifelike. Vloggers and casual videographers benefit from noticeably steadier handheld shots and richer color grading potential.

Additionally, the front-facing TrueDepth camera on the iPhone X enables 1080p slow-motion selfies (120fps), a novelty that also demonstrates Apple’s commitment to making front cameras viable for creative content.

Comparison Table: Key Camera Specifications

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone X
Rear Camera Resolution	8 MP	12 MP (Dual Cameras)
Aperture (Main)	f/2.2	f/1.8 (Wide), f/2.4 (Telephoto)
Optical Image Stabilization	No	Yes (Wide only)
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (Dual-Camera Supported)
Front Camera	1.2 MP, f/2.2	7 MP, f/2.2, TrueDepth Sensor
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, 1080p @ 240fps (slow-mo)
HDR Support	Photo HDR Only	Smart HDR, Extended Dynamic Range Video

Real-World Example: A Travel Photographer’s Experience

Sarah Kim, a travel blogger based in Vancouver, used her iPhone 6 for three years before switching to the iPhone X for a trip through Southeast Asia. She noticed immediate improvements:

• Her street food photos in Bangkok night markets were no longer dark blobs—the iPhone X captured vibrant colors and texture in near-darkness.
• She began using Portrait Mode for candid portraits of locals, achieving results she previously needed a mirrorless camera for.
• Videos shot while motorbiking in Vietnam remained stable and clear, even without a gimbal.

“I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I upgraded,” Sarah said. “The iPhone X made me feel like I had pro gear in my pocket.”

Actionable Checklist: Is the Upgrade Right for You?

Before deciding, consider your current needs and usage patterns. Ask yourself the following:

1. Do you frequently take photos in low-light settings (restaurants, evening walks)? → iPhone X wins decisively.
2. Are you sharing photos on social media where image quality impacts engagement? → Sharper, more vivid iPhone X images perform better.
3. Do you value portrait-style photos with blurred backgrounds? → Only possible with iPhone X.
4. Are you still satisfied with iPhone 6 performance and battery life? → Weigh cost versus benefit.
5. Do you record videos regularly? → 4K and stabilization make iPhone X vastly superior.

Tip: If you're upgrading primarily for the camera, consider enabling 'Auto Macro' and 'HDR Smoothing' in Settings > Camera for optimal automatic results.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Absolutely. The iPhone X features a 7MP TrueDepth front camera with portrait mode, facial recognition-based exposure tuning, and better low-light performance. Selfies are sharper, more detailed, and support depth effects unavailable on the iPhone 6’s 1.2MP front shooter.

Does the iPhone X automatically enhance photos?

Yes. The A11 chip enables real-time scene detection, noise reduction, and Smart HDR, which combines multiple exposures instantly. These enhancements happen behind the scenes, resulting in more balanced, detailed images without user input.

Is the iPhone X still a good camera in 2024?

While newer iPhones offer Night mode, ProRAW, and LiDAR autofocus, the iPhone X remains capable for everyday photography. Its 12MP sensor and dual-lens system still outperform many mid-range smartphones. However, for cutting-edge features, consider newer models.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

If you’re coming from an iPhone 6, upgrading to the iPhone X isn’t just incremental—it’s transformative. The camera improvements touch every aspect of photography: better hardware, smarter software, dual lenses, Portrait Mode, and vastly superior video. For anyone who values capturing moments clearly and creatively, the difference is not only measurable but deeply felt in daily use.

The iPhone X marked the beginning of Apple’s era of intelligent photography, where hardware and AI work together seamlessly. For long-time iPhone 6 users, making the switch means stepping into that future—one where your phone doesn’t just take pictures, but understands them.

🚀 Ready to see your world in sharper detail? If your iPhone 6 is holding back your photos, now might be the perfect time to upgrade and rediscover the joy of effortless, high-quality mobile photography.