Iphone Xr Vs 6s Plus Is The Xr Really Worth The Upgrade

For years, the iPhone 6s Plus has been a workhorse for Apple users who valued durability, reliability, and iOS simplicity. Released in 2015, it remained surprisingly capable well into the late 2010s. But as technology advances, owners face a critical question: should they finally move on? The iPhone XR, released in 2018, emerged as a popular successor—a modern iPhone with a competitive price, strong performance, and access to current software. But is upgrading from the 6s Plus to the XR truly worth it? For many, the answer isn't just yes—it's overdue.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6s Plus and the XR lies under the hood. The 6s Plus runs on Apple’s A9 chip with 2GB of RAM. While revolutionary in its time, that hardware now struggles with multitasking, app loading times, and even basic animations in newer versions of iOS. In contrast, the iPhone XR features the A12 Bionic chip—the first 7nm processor in any smartphone—with 3GB of RAM. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a generational leap.

Real-world usage shows stark differences:

• App launches are nearly instantaneous on the XR, while the 6s Plus often stutters or freezes during transitions.
• iOS updates run smoother and install faster on the XR, which supports up to iOS 17 (and beyond).
• Gaming and AR applications perform fluidly on the XR but are often unplayable or laggy on the older device.

“Upgrading from a 6s Plus to an XR feels like switching from dial-up to broadband. The responsiveness alone makes daily use dramatically more pleasant.” — James Lin, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetScope

Tip: If your 6s Plus is running iOS 15 or later, you're already experiencing degraded performance. The XR eliminates this bottleneck entirely.

Display and Design: Modern Form Meets Function

The design philosophies of these two phones couldn’t be more different. The 6s Plus features a traditional home button, thick bezels, and a 5.5-inch 750p LCD screen. While functional, it feels dated next to the XR’s edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display. The XR’s 6.1-inch screen offers better color accuracy, higher brightness, and True Tone technology—adjusting white balance based on ambient light.

Though both use LCD panels (not OLED), the XR’s display benefits from Apple’s modern calibration standards. Text appears sharper, videos are more immersive, and the overall user experience feels significantly more contemporary.

In terms of build, the XR introduces a glass back for wireless charging and improved antenna performance, housed in a durable aerospace-grade aluminum frame. It also adds IP67 water resistance—something the 6s Plus lacks entirely. You can survive a rainstorm or an accidental drop in a puddle without panic.

Design Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	iPhone XR
Screen Size	5.5 inches	6.1 inches
Resolution	1920 x 1080	1792 x 828
Bezels	Large, symmetrical	Narrow, notch at top
Water Resistance	None	IP67 (up to 1m for 30 min)
Fingerprint Sensor	Home button Touch ID	No home button; Face ID only
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi-compatible)

Camera: More Than Just Megapixels

The 6s Plus was praised for its 12MP rear camera with optical stabilization—a rarity in its era. But by today’s standards, it falls short in low-light performance, dynamic range, and video capabilities. The iPhone XR improves on every front.

The XR’s single 12MP rear camera leverages computational photography and the A12 chip’s image signal processor to deliver smarter exposures, better noise reduction, and advanced portrait mode using software depth mapping. Its front-facing 7MP TrueDepth camera enables Portrait Mode selfies and Animoji—features absent on the 6s Plus.

Video recording sees perhaps the biggest jump: the XR supports 4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range, and stereo audio. The 6s Plus maxes out at 1080p at 30fps with mono sound. For anyone documenting life through video—family moments, travel, or social media content—the XR is a massive upgrade.

Tip: Enable “Auto Macro” and “HDR Smart Tone” in Settings > Camera to get the most from the XR’s imaging engine.

Battery Life and Charging: All-Day Power, Finally

The 6s Plus had decent battery life in its day, but aging batteries degrade significantly over time. Even with a replacement, capacity rarely exceeds 80%, leading to frequent charging needs. The XR starts with a stronger foundation: Apple rated it for up to 16 hours of video playback, compared to the 6s Plus’s 14 hours when new.

In real-world testing, the XR consistently delivers a full day of moderate to heavy use—including streaming, navigation, and social media—without needing a midday charge. With optimized background app refresh and Low Power Mode, it can stretch into a second day under light use.

And unlike the 6s Plus, the XR supports fast charging (with a compatible adapter) and wireless charging—two conveniences that change how you interact with your phone daily.

Step-by-Step Guide: Preparing Your 6s Plus for Upgrade

1. Back up your data: Use iCloud or iTunes to create a complete backup of your 6s Plus.
2. Turn off Find My iPhone: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone and disable it.
3. Remove SIM card: Use the eject tool to retrieve your SIM and insert it into the XR.
4. Restore from backup: During XR setup, choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from Mac/PC.”
5. Update carrier settings: After setup, check Settings > General > About for carrier update prompts.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used her iPhone 6s Plus since 2016. By 2022, she noticed apps crashing, photos taking seconds to load, and her battery dying by noon. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It still works.” But after borrowing a friend’s XR, she felt the difference instantly—snappier responses, clearer photos, and no anxiety about battery life.

She upgraded to a refurbished XR for $249. Within a week, she downloaded new productivity apps, started using Face ID regularly, and recorded her daughter’s birthday party in 4K. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing,” she said. “It’s not just a new phone—it’s a better way to stay connected.”

Value Proposition: Is the XR Still Relevant?

Even though the XR launched in 2018, it remains a compelling option in the used and refurbished market. Priced between $150–$250 depending on condition and storage, it offers modern iOS support, excellent build quality, and performance that rivals some current Android mid-rangers.

Meanwhile, the 6s Plus no longer receives major iOS updates (last supported iOS version: 15.7.10), limiting access to new security patches, app features, and compatibility with services like banking apps or smart home tools that require newer OS versions.

“The 6s Plus was a great phone, but its software lifespan has ended. Continuing to use it poses real risks in security and usability.” — Lisa Tran, Cybersecurity Consultant at MobileShield Labs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XR run the latest iOS updates?

Yes. The iPhone XR supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive updates through at least 2025, ensuring long-term usability and security.

Is Face ID on the XR reliable compared to Touch ID?

Face ID on the XR uses advanced facial mapping and adapts to changes like glasses or beards. While slightly slower than Touch ID in some conditions (e.g., lying down), it’s secure and convenient for daily unlocking and Apple Pay.

Should I buy a new or refurbished XR?

A certified refurbished XR from Apple or a reputable retailer offers significant savings (often 30–50% off original price) with warranty coverage, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious upgraders.

Conclusion: Time to Move Forward

The iPhone 6s Plus earned its reputation as a long-lasting, dependable device. But technology evolves, and clinging to outdated hardware means sacrificing performance, security, and everyday convenience. The iPhone XR isn’t just a minor step forward—it’s a comprehensive modernization. From its responsive A12 chip and vibrant display to its superior camera and all-day battery, the XR transforms the user experience in ways that matter.

If you're still on a 6s Plus, upgrading to an XR isn’t just worth it—it’s one of the most impactful tech decisions you can make without overspending. Whether you buy new or go refurbished, you’re investing in a device that will serve you reliably for years to come, with full access to the latest apps, features, and iOS innovations.

💬 Have you made the switch from 6s Plus to XR? Share your experience in the comments below—your story could help someone decide their next move.