Iphone X Vs Iphone 6s Is Upgrading Still Worth It In Current Year

For years, the iPhone 6s has been a stalwart device—launched in 2015, it gained a reputation for reliability, longevity, and surprisingly strong performance even by today’s standards. But as Apple continues to innovate, users clinging to their aging 6s units are left wondering: Is upgrading to an iPhone X, released just two years later in 2017, still a meaningful leap in 2024?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While both devices are now considered legacy models by Apple, the jump from the 6s to the X represents one of the most dramatic design and technological shifts in iPhone history. Understanding whether this upgrade remains worthwhile requires examining hardware, software support, user experience, and practical use cases in today’s mobile ecosystem.

A Design Revolution: From Home Button to Face ID

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6s and iPhone X is design. The 6s features the classic iPhone layout: a physical home button, thick bezels, and Touch ID. In contrast, the iPhone X introduced a radical redesign—the first iPhone without a home button, featuring an edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a sleek stainless steel and glass body.

This shift wasn’t just aesthetic. Removing the home button allowed for a larger 5.8-inch display in a footprint similar to the 4.7-inch 6s. For users accustomed to older iPhones, this change significantly improves multitasking, media consumption, and overall immersion.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or read on your phone, the iPhone X’s taller screen and superior OLED panel make a noticeable difference—even in 2024.

Performance: Two Generations Apart

Under the hood, the gap is substantial. The iPhone 6s runs on Apple’s A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, while the iPhone X uses the A11 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM. Though both chips were groundbreaking in their time, the A11 delivers roughly 25–30% faster CPU performance and nearly double the GPU power.

In real-world usage, this means smoother app launches, better multitasking, and more reliable performance when using modern apps like Instagram, TikTok, or Google Maps—all of which have grown increasingly demanding over the past few years.

More importantly, the A11 Bionic includes a Neural Engine, enabling advanced machine learning tasks that enhance photography, Face ID, and AR experiences. The 6s lacks this entirely, limiting its ability to run newer AI-powered features efficiently.

Software Support: The Lifespan Factor

One of the biggest considerations in 2024 is software support. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5–6 years after release. The iPhone 6s received updates up to iOS 15, with security patches ending in 2023. It cannot run iOS 16 or later.

The iPhone X, however, was supported through iOS 16 and received critical security updates into early 2024. While it also doesn’t support iOS 17, its final software version (iOS 16.7) offers better app compatibility, enhanced privacy controls, and improved accessibility features compared to the last iOS 15 update on the 6s.

This software gap affects more than just new emojis or interface tweaks. Many modern apps—including banking, productivity, and social platforms—now require iOS 15 or higher, and some are beginning to phase out support for pre-iOS 15 devices entirely.

“Even if a phone feels fast, outdated software can create security risks and limit access to essential services.” — David Kim, Mobile Security Analyst at TechShield Labs

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Portrait Depth

The camera systems reflect the generational leap. The iPhone 6s has a 12MP rear sensor and a 5MP front camera—solid for its time but limited in dynamic range, low-light performance, and video stabilization.

The iPhone X improves dramatically: dual 12MP rear cameras (wide and telephoto), optical image stabilization on both lenses, better color accuracy, and enhanced portrait mode with depth control. Its front TrueDepth camera enables Animoji, better selfies, and more natural facial recognition.

While neither device has Night Mode (introduced in iPhone 11), the X performs noticeably better in dim lighting due to improved sensors and processing. Video recording also jumps from 4K at 30fps on the 6s to 4K at 60fps on the X, making a tangible difference for content creators or casual videographers.

Detailed Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone 6s	iPhone X
Release Year	2015	2017
Chipset	A9 + 2GB RAM	A11 Bionic + 3GB RAM
Display	4.7\" LCD, 750x1334	5.8\" OLED, 1125x2436
Biometrics	Touch ID	Face ID
Rear Camera	12MP (single)	12MP + 12MP (dual, OIS)
Front Camera	5MP	7MP TrueDepth
Max iOS Version	iOS 15.8	iOS 16.7
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 13 hours
Water Resistance	None	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6s since 2016. By 2023, she noticed apps crashing more often, her bank app refusing to load, and FaceTime calls dropping unexpectedly. After consulting with a technician, she learned her phone no longer met the minimum OS requirements for several key services.

She purchased a refurbished iPhone X for $180. Immediately, she noticed faster loading times, clearer video calls, and the ability to use Apple Pay with Face ID. Most importantly, her banking and healthcare apps began working reliably again. For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about luxury—it restored basic functionality in a digital-first world.

When Upgrading Makes Sense in 2024

Despite both phones being discontinued, upgrading from the 6s to the X may still be justified under certain conditions:

• You rely on apps that require iOS 15 or later.
• You need better camera quality for work, school, or social media.
• Your current device struggles with multitasking or frequent crashes.
• You value modern biometric security (Face ID over Touch ID).
• You want slightly better durability with IP67 water resistance.

However, if your 6s still handles daily tasks—calls, texts, light browsing—and you’re not dependent on newer apps, the upgrade may offer diminishing returns. The iPhone X, while superior, is itself outdated by modern standards and lacks 5G, MagSafe, or advanced computational photography.

Actionable Checklist Before Deciding

1. Check which iOS version your 6s is running. If it’s below iOS 15, consider compatibility issues.
2. Test critical apps (banking, email, health) to see if they function properly.
3. Assess your daily phone usage: Do you take photos, stream video, or use GPS navigation frequently?
4. Research refurbished iPhone X pricing—ensure cost aligns with benefit.
5. Consider future-proofing: Would spending slightly more on an iPhone XR or 11 offer better long-term value?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still receive app updates in 2024?

Yes, many apps still support iOS 16, which the iPhone X can run. However, developers are gradually phasing out support for devices unable to run iOS 17. Popular apps like WhatsApp and Instagram currently maintain backward compatibility, but this could change within the next 12–18 months.

Is the battery life better on the iPhone X?

Apple rates both phones similarly for video playback, but real-world usage shows the iPhone X lasts longer under mixed loads due to more efficient software optimization and power management. However, after 6+ years, battery degradation is common in both models unless replaced.

Should I upgrade to iPhone X or skip to a newer model?

If budget allows, skipping to an iPhone XR, 11, or SE (2022/2024) offers significant advantages: longer software support, better batteries, improved cameras, and compatibility with iOS 17+. The iPhone X is best suited for those needing a modest, affordable upgrade from the 6s without investing in newer flagship-tier devices.

Final Thoughts: A Calculated Step Forward

Upgrading from the iPhone 6s to the iPhone X in 2024 isn't about chasing cutting-edge technology—it's about reclaiming reliability, security, and access to essential digital services. The iPhone X represents a pivotal moment in Apple’s evolution, offering a bridge between classic iPhones and the modern era.

While it won’t match current-gen performance, it delivers a noticeably smoother, safer, and more capable experience than the 6s. For users still holding onto a 2015 device, this upgrade can extend functional smartphone life by another 1–2 years, especially when paired with a new battery.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your upgrade path? Check your current iOS version, test your essential apps, and consider what your phone needs to do for you today—not just what it used to do. Share your experience in the comments and help others decide if it’s finally time to let go of the 6s.