Iphone X Vs Iphone 6 For Photos Is The Upgrade Really Worth It In 2024

For users still clinging to an iPhone 6 in 2024, the question isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about practicality. The device was a milestone in Apple’s design language, but nearly a decade later, its limitations are glaring, especially when it comes to photography. With the iPhone X offering a significant leap in hardware and software, many wonder: is upgrading from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone X truly worthwhile for photo quality today?

The answer depends on your expectations, usage habits, and how much you value image fidelity, low-light performance, and editing flexibility. While both phones can technically take pictures, the gap between them reflects broader shifts in mobile photography over the last eight years.

Camera Hardware: A Generational Leap

The iPhone 6, released in 2014, features an 8-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, no optical image stabilization (OIS), and a single-lens setup. It lacks portrait mode, depth sensing, and advanced autofocus systems. By modern standards, it's severely limited—especially in anything less than ideal lighting.

In contrast, the iPhone X, launched in 2017, introduced a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens (f/1.8) with OIS and a 12MP telephoto lens (f/2.4). This enables 2x optical zoom, better low-light capture, and Apple’s Portrait Mode with depth control. More importantly, the X uses larger pixels, improved sensors, and computational photography powered by the A11 Bionic chip.

Tip: If you frequently shoot in dim environments—restaurants, evening walks, indoor events—the iPhone X’s wider aperture and OIS make a tangible difference.

Image Quality Comparison

Under daylight conditions, the iPhone 6 can produce acceptable images if lighting is strong and subjects are still. However, dynamic range is narrow, shadows crush easily, and highlights blow out quickly. Colors tend to look flat or oversaturated depending on the scene.

The iPhone X handles high-contrast scenes far better thanks to Smart HDR (introduced in iOS 12 via software updates). It captures more detail in shadows and highlights, producing balanced exposures even in challenging light. Noise is significantly reduced, and textures appear sharper due to better lens coatings and sensor processing.

“Mobile photography isn’t just about megapixels—it’s about pixel quality, processing speed, and algorithmic intelligence. The jump from iPhone 6 to X is one of the most dramatic in Apple’s history.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Review

Differences That Matter in Real Use

Here’s where the theoretical specs translate into daily experience:

• Low-Light Performance: The iPhone X captures usable night shots; the iPhone 6 struggles even with flash.
• Autofocus Speed: The X locks focus almost instantly, while the 6 often hunts in low contrast.
• Portrait Mode: Available only on the X, this feature creates natural bokeh effects that mimic DSLR lenses.
• Video Quality: The X shoots 4K at 60fps; the 6 maxes out at 1080p at 30fps.
• Front Camera: The X’s 7MP TrueDepth camera supports Portrait Selfies and Animoji, while the 6 has a basic 1.2MP front shooter.

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone X
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, no OIS	12MP + 12MP dual, f/1.8 & f/2.4, OIS
Portrait Mode	Not available	Yes (rear and front)
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, slow-mo 1080p @ 240fps
Front Camera	1.2MP	7MP TrueDepth
Night Mode	No	No native Night Mode (added later via update, limited)
Processor	A8	A11 Bionic with Neural Engine

Real Example: A Day in the Life

Sarah, a freelance blogger based in Portland, used her iPhone 6 for five years before switching to a refurbished iPhone X in early 2023. She primarily shoots lifestyle content—coffee shops, cityscapes, and casual portraits—for Instagram and Medium.

“I thought my editing skills could compensate for the older camera,” she said. “But after upgrading, I realized how much time I wasted trying to fix underexposed shots or grainy interiors. The iPhone X delivers cleaner files straight out of the camera. I spend less time in Lightroom and get better engagement because the visuals are sharper and more vibrant.”

She also noted that video clips for reels now load smoother and export faster, thanks to the A11 chip handling 4K compression efficiently—a task that often overheated her iPhone 6.

Software Support and Longevity

As of 2024, the iPhone 6 no longer receives iOS updates. It topped out at iOS 12, missing critical camera improvements like Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and Night mode—all of which enhance photo quality through software alone.

The iPhone X, while also nearing end-of-life, received updates up to iOS 16 and partial support into iOS 17 via third-party tools. This means access to modern editing features in the Photos app, better integration with iCloud Photo enhancement, and compatibility with current versions of Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, and VSCO.

Tip: Even if hardware were equal, outdated software cripples photo potential. Missing algorithmic enhancements means permanently lower image quality.

Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?

If your primary concern is photo quality, then yes—the upgrade from iPhone 6 to iPhone X remains meaningful in 2024, especially for anyone sharing images online, documenting memories, or doing light creative work.

You’re not just gaining better optics; you're unlocking years of computational photography advancements. The combination of dual lenses, optical stabilization, faster autofocus, and a powerful processor allows the iPhone X to produce consistently reliable results across diverse conditions.

However, consider this: the iPhone X itself is seven years old. While it outperforms the 6 dramatically, newer models like the iPhone 12 or 13 offer Night mode, Dolby Vision recording, and superior dynamic range. If budget allows, going beyond the X may be smarter long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 still take decent photos in good light?

Yes, in bright daylight with steady hands, the iPhone 6 can produce acceptable snapshots for social media. But dynamic range, color accuracy, and sharpness fall short compared to even mid-tier Android phones today.

Does the iPhone X have Night mode?

Not natively at launch, but iOS 15 introduced a form of Night mode on supported older devices. The iPhone X gets limited functionality—usable in very dark scenes, though not as effective as on iPhone 11 and later.

Is it safe to buy a used iPhone X in 2024?

With caution, yes. Check battery health (anything below 80% will need replacement), ensure Face ID works, and verify it’s not iCloud locked. Refurbished units from reputable sellers are often reliable.

Action Checklist Before Upgrading

1. Assess your current photo needs: Are you sharing online, printing, or just capturing memories?
2. Test your iPhone 6 in low light and zoom scenarios—note how often photos fail.
3. Back up your data and prepare for transfer to a new device.
4. Research refurbished iPhone X units with battery replacements and warranty.
5. Compare prices with newer older models (e.g., iPhone 11) that may offer better value.
6. Install essential photo apps beforehand to ensure compatibility.

Final Thoughts

The iPhone X represents a turning point in Apple’s smartphone evolution—one that redefined what users could expect from mobile photography. For someone coming from an iPhone 6, the upgrade isn’t merely incremental; it’s transformative.

In 2024, where visual content dominates communication, having a phone that captures clear, detailed, and emotionally resonant photos matters more than ever. While newer iPhones surpass the X, it still stands as a worthy successor to the 6—offering real improvements that translate into better memories, stronger social presence, and greater creative freedom.

🚀 Ready to see your world in sharper detail? Whether you choose the iPhone X or aim higher, don’t let outdated tech limit your perspective. Take the step today—your future photos will thank you.