Iphone Xs Vs Iphone 6 Is The Upgrade Still Worth It Or Should I Stick With My Old Phone

If you're still using an iPhone 6 in 2024, you're part of a surprisingly resilient group. Apple’s 2014 flagship was a turning point—introducing Touch ID, a refined design, and strong iOS integration. But nearly a decade later, technology has evolved dramatically. The iPhone XS, released in 2018, brought features once considered futuristic: Face ID, OLED displays, improved water resistance, and a significantly faster processor. So, if you're weighing whether to upgrade from an iPhone 6 to an iPhone XS—or any newer model—this comparison cuts through the noise with real insights on performance, usability, longevity, and value.

Performance and Speed: A Night-and-Day Difference

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6 and iPhone XS is raw performance. The iPhone 6 runs on the Apple A8 chip, built on a 20nm process with 1GB of RAM. By today's standards, this setup struggles with multitasking, app launches, and background processes. Apps like Instagram, Google Maps, or even Safari can take several seconds to load, and switching between them often triggers reloads due to limited memory.

In contrast, the iPhone XS features the A12 Bionic chip—one of Apple’s first 7nm processors—paired with 4GB of RAM. This isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a generational leap. The A12 handles machine learning tasks, AR applications, and 4K video editing with ease. Even in 2024, it remains capable of running the latest iOS updates smoothly, including iOS 17.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than 3 seconds to open frequently used apps, it’s likely holding you back more than you realize.

Real-world impact? On the iPhone 6, updating to iOS 12 was the last major improvement—but even that felt sluggish over time. The iPhone XS launched with iOS 12 and supports updates up to iOS 17, meaning better security, new features, and longer software support.

Display and Design: From Good to Premium

The iPhone 6 introduced a larger 4.7-inch display compared to its predecessors, but it’s an LCD panel with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels and moderate brightness. While acceptable in its time, it lacks deep blacks, high contrast, and outdoor visibility. The bezels are also notably wide by modern standards.

The iPhone XS steps up with a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display. This means true blacks, higher pixel density (458 ppi), and HDR10 support for richer colors and better streaming quality. Whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or reading in sunlight, the visual upgrade is striking.

Design-wise, the iPhone XS feels more premium. It uses surgical-grade stainless steel and glass, supports IP68 water and dust resistance (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes), and includes Face ID instead of Touch ID. While some users miss the fingerprint sensor, Face ID is faster and more secure in daily use, especially when wearing masks (with iOS 15.4 and later).

“Upgrading from an iPhone 6 to an XS isn’t just about specs—it’s about redefining how responsive and immersive your phone feels.” — David Lin, Mobile Technology Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Camera Comparison: Quality Over Quantity

The iPhone 6 has a single 8MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no optical image stabilization. Low-light performance is poor, and video tops out at 1080p at 30fps. It lacks portrait mode, depth control, and smart HDR—features now standard on even budget smartphones.

The iPhone XS brings a dual 12MP system: wide and telephoto lenses. It introduces Smart HDR, deeper tone mapping, and enhanced low-light processing. Portrait mode works with people and pets, and depth control lets you adjust blur after taking the photo. Video recording jumps to 4K at 60fps with extended dynamic range and stereo audio.

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone XS
Rear Camera	8MP, f/2.2, no OIS	12MP+12MP dual, f/1.8 & f/2.4, OIS
Front Camera	1.2MP, 720p video	7MP, 1080p at 60fps, Portrait Mode
Video Recording	1080p @ 30fps	4K @ 60fps, EDR, Stereo Audio
Night Performance	Poor, noisy images	Much improved with Smart HDR
Portrait Mode	No	Yes, with depth control

If you regularly share photos on social media, scan documents, or record videos—even casually—the iPhone XS delivers noticeably sharper, more consistent results.

Battery Life and Charging: Practical Daily Impact

The iPhone 6 has a 1,810mAh battery. With light use, it might last a full day, but heavy usage—social media, GPS, streaming—can drain it by mid-afternoon. It charges via Lightning cable only, with no fast charging or wireless options.

The iPhone XS packs a 2,658mAh battery and benefits from the A12’s power efficiency. Apple rated it for up to 2 hours longer video playback than the iPhone X. In practice, most users get through a full day with moderate to heavy use. It also supports fast charging (50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and Qi wireless charging—adding convenience many overlook until they experience it.

Tip: Pair your iPhone XS with a MagSafe-compatible charger for effortless overnight top-ups without plugging in.

Real-World Example: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria, a freelance photographer in Portland, held onto her iPhone 6 for seven years. She relied on it for client communication, light editing, and occasional snapshots. By 2023, she noticed delays in uploading images, crashes in Lightroom, and inability to use newer versions of messaging apps. After upgrading to a refurbished iPhone XS, her workflow transformed. She could shoot in HEIF format, edit RAW files directly on the phone, and send high-res previews instantly. “It didn’t just feel faster,” she said. “It actually helped me close two more gigs because I could respond with polished visuals on the spot.”

Should You Upgrade? A Decision Checklist

Ask yourself these questions before deciding:

• Do apps frequently crash or reload when switching?
• Is your phone slow to unlock or take photos?
• Have you stopped receiving iOS updates?
• Does the battery die before bedtime, even with light use?
• Are you unable to use apps like TikTok, Zoom, or banking apps smoothly?
• Do you want better photo quality for memories or side work?
• Is repair cost approaching half the price of a used XS?

If three or more apply, upgrading is not just worthwhile—it may improve your productivity and digital experience more than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 still run common apps in 2024?

Limitedly. Many newer versions of apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google services require iOS 12 or higher, which the iPhone 6 supports. However, performance is poor, and future updates may drop support entirely. Some apps already refuse installation due to hardware limitations.

Is the iPhone XS still supported by Apple?

Yes. The iPhone XS received its last update with iOS 17, released in 2023. While it won’t get iOS 18 (confirmed by Apple’s developer documentation), it remains secure and functional through 2025 and possibly beyond via third-party protections and careful usage.

Where’s the best place to buy a used iPhone XS?

Opt for certified refurbished models from Apple, Best Buy, or reputable retailers like Back Market. Avoid untested private sellers. Check IMEI status to ensure the device isn’t locked or blacklisted.

Final Verdict: The Upgrade Is Worth It—Here’s Why

Sticking with an iPhone 6 in 2024 is like driving a car from the early 2000s without airbags or GPS. It works, but it’s increasingly unsafe, inefficient, and disconnected from modern digital life. The iPhone XS may be five years old, but it bridges the gap between legacy hardware and current expectations.

You’ll gain:

• Smaller, but meaningful improvements in daily speed and responsiveness
• Access to current and future app ecosystems
• Better security through continued iOS updates (at least through 2024)
• Dramatically improved camera and display quality
• Wireless charging and better battery endurance

If you find a well-maintained iPhone XS for under $200, the return on investment is clear. For under $300, you’re still ahead versus potential repair costs on aging iPhone 6 components like batteries, screens, or charging ports.

💬 Still on the fence? Try this: Spend one day using an iPhone XS at an Apple Store. Open your usual apps, take a photo, switch between Safari and Maps. Feel the difference. That tactile experience often decides more than any spec sheet.