Iphone X Vs 6s Is Upgrading Still Worth It Or Is The 6s Good Enough 3

More than seven years after its release, the iPhone 6s remains a surprisingly resilient device. Known for its solid build, reliable performance, and long software support, many users still rely on it daily. Meanwhile, the iPhone X, launched just one generation later in 2017, represented a radical shift in Apple’s design language—introducing Face ID, an edge-to-edge OLED display, and a new gesture-based navigation system. But now, in 2024, the question isn’t about which was better at launch. It’s whether upgrading from an iPhone 6s to an iPhone X—or holding onto the 6s at all—is still a practical decision.

This article dives deep into the real-world differences between these two iPhones, evaluates their current usability, and helps you decide if upgrading makes sense today—especially if you're still clinging to a 6s that “just works.”

Design and Build: A Generational Leap

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6s and iPhone X is design. The 6s follows Apple’s traditional approach: aluminum unibody, physical Home button with Touch ID, and thick bezels surrounding a 4.7-inch LCD screen. It’s compact, familiar, and comfortable to use one-handed—but it feels dated compared to modern smartphones.

In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a stainless steel and glass body, a nearly bezel-less 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, and no Home button. Instead, it uses Face ID and swipe gestures for navigation. This wasn’t just a new model—it was a vision of Apple’s future.

Tip: If you value one-handed use and durability, the 6s wins for ergonomics. But if you want a modern look and immersive screen experience, the X is a massive upgrade.

The iPhone X also supports wireless charging—a feature absent on the 6s—thanks to its glass back. However, that same glass makes it more prone to cracks when dropped, whereas the 6s, while not indestructible, has proven durable over time.

Performance and Software Support

Under the hood, both phones were powered by Apple’s A-series chips—the 6s with the A9 and the X with the A11 Bionic. At launch, this gap was significant. Today, it’s even more pronounced.

The A11 Bionic includes a neural engine and is built on a more advanced 10nm process, making it roughly 25–30% faster in CPU tasks and nearly twice as fast in graphics performance. More importantly, the iPhone X supports iOS 17 (released in 2023), while the iPhone 6s maxes out at iOS 15.5. That means the 6s hasn’t received major security updates or new features since late 2022.

“Once a device stops receiving OS updates, its vulnerability to security threats increases significantly—even if it still functions.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Mobile Security Researcher at CyberSafe Labs

For everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and light app usage, the 6s still performs adequately. But apps optimized for newer iOS versions may run slower or lack full functionality. Multitasking, photo editing, and augmented reality experiences are noticeably smoother on the X.

Camera Comparison: Night and Day

Apple improved its camera systems dramatically between the 6s and X. The 6s features a 12MP rear camera with basic autofocus and digital stabilization. It captures decent daylight photos but struggles in low light and lacks Portrait Mode.

The iPhone X, meanwhile, introduced dual 12MP rear cameras—one wide, one telephoto—enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control. Its sensor is larger, autofocus is faster, and image processing benefits from the A11’s machine learning capabilities. Front-facing, the X’s TrueDepth camera enables Animoji and high-quality selfies with portrait effects.

Feature	iPhone 6s	iPhone X
Rear Camera	12MP, single lens	12MP + 12MP, dual lens
Portrait Mode	No	Yes (rear & front)
Front Camera	5MP	7MP with TrueDepth
Low-Light Performance	Poor	Moderate improvement
Video Recording	1080p HD	4K at 60fps

If photography matters to you—even casually—the iPhone X delivers a far superior experience. The ability to shoot in 4K, use Portrait lighting, and capture sharper low-light images makes it relevant even by today’s standards.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery degradation affects all older phones, but the iPhone X generally offers better longevity per charge. Apple rated the X for up to 21 hours of video playback versus 14 hours on the 6s. Real-world usage shows the X lasting a full day with moderate use, while the 6s often needs midday charging.

Moreover, the X supports faster charging (with a compatible adapter) and Qi wireless charging. The 6s only supports standard 5W wired charging. While you can replace batteries in both models, doing so on a 6s may not justify the cost unless it's already failing.

Tip: If your 6s battery health is below 80%, consider replacement before deciding to upgrade. A fresh battery can extend usable life by another year.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Dilemma

Sarah has used her iPhone 6s since 2016. She replaced the battery in 2020 and avoided major issues. But in 2023, she noticed problems: apps like Instagram and WhatsApp started crashing, Safari became sluggish, and she couldn’t update to newer banking apps requiring iOS 16.

She bought a used iPhone X for $120. The difference was immediate. Apps loaded faster, Face ID worked reliably, and her photos looked sharper. Most importantly, she regained access to critical services and security updates. For Sarah, upgrading wasn’t about luxury—it was about staying connected safely and efficiently.

Her story reflects a growing trend: legacy devices may “work,” but they increasingly fail to meet basic digital demands.

Is Upgrading Still Worth It in 2024?

The answer depends on your needs:

• You still rely on your 6s daily: If it’s your primary phone and you use apps beyond texting and calls, upgrading is advisable. Security, app compatibility, and performance will improve significantly.
• You use it as a backup or secondary device: The 6s can still serve in limited roles—like a music player, kitchen timer, or dedicated GPS. In this case, hold onto it.
• You’re considering an iPhone X as a budget upgrade: Yes, it’s still a meaningful step up. Used models are affordable ($100–$150), support modern iOS versions, and offer features the 6s lacks entirely.

Upgrade Checklist

1. Check your iPhone 6s battery health in Settings > Battery > Battery Health.
2. Verify which iOS version you’re running. If it’s iOS 15.5 or lower, you’re no longer getting updates.
3. Test app performance: Open your most-used apps. Do they lag or crash?
4. Research used iPhone X prices locally or on trusted platforms (eBay, Swappa).
5. Back up your 6s via iCloud or iTunes before transferring data.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6s still be used safely in 2024?

Limited use is possible, but without security updates, it’s vulnerable to phishing, malware, and compromised apps. Avoid entering passwords or using financial apps on it.

Is the iPhone X waterproof?

It has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The 6s has no official water resistance.

Will apps continue to work on the iPhone 6s?

Some will, but developers are dropping support for iOS 15 and earlier. Major apps like banking, social media, and ride-sharing services may stop functioning or refuse login.

Final Verdict

The iPhone 6s was a landmark device—durable, well-built, and supported longer than any previous iPhone. But technology moves forward. By 2024, its hardware limitations and lack of software updates make it unsuitable as a primary smartphone for most users.

The iPhone X, despite being six years old itself, represents a bridge to the modern iOS experience. It supports recent operating systems, has a secure biometric system (Face ID), and delivers a camera and display that remain functional and useful. For anyone still on a 6s, upgrading to an X isn’t about chasing novelty—it’s about maintaining access to essential digital tools.

If you’ve been putting off the switch because “the 6s still works,” it’s time to reconsider. The minimal investment in a used iPhone X could extend your mobile usability by several more years—securely and smoothly.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Check local marketplaces for certified pre-owned iPhone X models, back up your 6s tonight, and take the leap toward a safer, faster, and more capable smartphone experience.