Iphone Xr Vs Iphone 6 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It In Current Year

For years, the iPhone 6 Plus has been a reliable companion for millions. Released in 2014, it offered a large display, solid build quality, and iOS integration that made it a favorite among early adopters of big-screen iPhones. Fast forward to today, and many users are still holding on to their 6 Plus devices—some out of loyalty, others due to budget constraints. But with Apple’s iPhone XR released in 2018 now widely available at discounted prices, the question arises: Is upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus to the iPhone XR truly worthwhile in 2024?

The answer isn’t just about newer hardware—it’s about how much your daily experience improves in terms of speed, security, app compatibility, and long-term usability. Let’s break down the key differences and real-world implications of making this switch.

Performance & Hardware: A Generational Leap

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone XR lies in processing power. The 6 Plus runs on the A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, while the XR features the A12 Bionic chip and 3GB of RAM. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade—it's a leap across five generations of Apple silicon.

In practical terms, the A12 Bionic delivers up to four times the CPU performance and up to eight times the graphics performance compared to the A8. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and modern iOS features like Face ID (on compatible models), AR apps, and machine learning tasks run seamlessly on the XR but struggle or don’t function at all on the 6 Plus.

Tip: If your current phone lags when opening messages or browsing Safari, upgrading to the XR will feel like switching from dial-up to broadband.

Moreover, iOS updates have become increasingly demanding. As of 2024, the iPhone 6 Plus supports only up to iOS 12, leaving it without critical security patches, new features, and compatibility with updated apps. The iPhone XR, however, supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive updates through at least 2025.

Display & Design: From Home Button to Edge-to-Edge

The design philosophy between these two phones couldn't be more different. The iPhone 6 Plus features a traditional 5.5-inch LCD screen with thick bezels and a physical home button. The XR follows the modern iPhone design language with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display that stretches edge-to-edge, eliminating the home button in favor of Face ID and gesture navigation.

While both use LCD technology, the XR’s screen is brighter, more color-accurate, and benefits from True Tone and better contrast ratios. More importantly, the absence of a home button streamlines navigation and maximizes screen real estate—a shift that feels natural after a short adjustment period.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone XR
Release Year	2014	2018
Processor	A8	A12 Bionic
RAM	1GB	3GB
Max iOS Version	iOS 12	iOS 17+
Display Size	5.5 inches	6.1 inches
Biometric Security	Touch ID	Face ID
Rear Camera	8MP	12MP with Portrait Mode
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 16 hours
Water Resistance	No	IP67 (1m for 30 mins)

Camera Quality: Night and Day Difference

If photography matters to you, the jump from the iPhone 6 Plus to the XR is transformative. The 6 Plus’s 8MP rear camera lacks optical image stabilization (OIS), portrait mode, smart HDR, and advanced software processing. Low-light photos are often grainy, and autofocus can be sluggish.

The iPhone XR improves dramatically with a 12MP sensor featuring OIS, Smart HDR, extended dynamic range, and computational photography enhancements. It supports Portrait Mode (via software depth mapping) and delivers sharper, more detailed images—even in challenging lighting.

“Even without a dual-camera setup, the XR produces better photos than most flagship phones from 2015 thanks to Apple’s image signal processor.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst

Front-facing video also benefits: the XR supports 1080p HD recording at 60fps, while the 6 Plus maxes out at 1080p/30fps. For social media creators or anyone who regularly records videos, this makes a noticeable difference in smoothness and clarity.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. By 2023, she noticed her device freezing during Zoom calls, failing to load Google Maps properly, and no longer receiving WhatsApp updates. She hesitated to upgrade due to cost but eventually bought a refurbished iPhone XR for $180.

Within days, she reported that apps opened instantly, her battery lasted a full day instead of needing midday charging, and Face ID was surprisingly reliable. Most importantly, she could finally update her banking and healthcare apps, which had stopped supporting iOS 12.

“It felt like getting a new computer,” she said. “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I actually upgraded.”

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If You Should Upgrade

Not everyone needs to upgrade—but if you're on the fence, follow this decision-making timeline:

1. Evaluate App Performance: Are essential apps crashing or running slowly? Try opening your email, maps, and social media apps. If they lag, your hardware may be the bottleneck.
2. Check iOS Compatibility: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If your phone cannot install iOS 15 or later, you’re missing security fixes and app support.
3. Test Battery Health: In Settings > Battery > Battery Health, check maximum capacity. Below 80% means significantly reduced runtime.
4. Assess Daily Needs: Do you use ride-sharing, mobile banking, or fitness apps regularly? Many now require newer OS versions or hardware capabilities.
5. Compare Upgrade Cost: Refurbished iPhone XRs start around $150–$200. Compare that to potential productivity loss or inconvenience from a failing device.

FAQ: Common Questions About the Upgrade

Will my accessories work with the iPhone XR?

Most Lightning cables and headphones will work, but cases won’t be compatible due to different dimensions and lack of home button. Wireless charging works on the XR but not on the 6 Plus.

Is the iPhone XR still supported by Apple?

Yes. As of 2024, the iPhone XR receives regular iOS updates and security patches. It supports iOS 17 and is likely to get one more major update.

Can the iPhone XR handle modern games and apps?

Absolutely. The A12 Bionic handles demanding titles like Genshin Impact and Call of Duty Mobile at medium settings. Multitasking with Safari, Slack, and Spotify runs smoothly without lag.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

After nearly a decade, the iPhone 6 Plus has served its purpose admirably. But technology moves fast, and staying on outdated hardware comes at a cost—slower performance, security risks, and limited access to modern digital services.

Upgrading to the iPhone XR in 2024 isn’t about chasing the latest trend; it’s about reclaiming reliability, speed, and peace of mind. You gain four additional years of software support, vastly improved cameras, better battery life, and a design that fits comfortably in today’s mobile ecosystem.

💬 Have you upgraded from an iPhone 6 Plus? Share your experience below and help others decide whether it’s time to make the leap!