Pixel 3a Xl Vs Iphone 6s Plus Is The Upgrade Really Worth It

The iPhone 6s Plus was once a flagship powerhouse, praised for its build quality, longevity, and iOS smoothness. Released in 2015, it still has a loyal user base clinging to its familiar interface and durability. On the other hand, the Google Pixel 3a XL arrived in 2019 as a mid-range Android contender with flagship-level camera performance and clean software at a fraction of the cost. But if you're still using an iPhone 6s Plus, is upgrading to a Pixel 3a XL—now several years old itself—actually worthwhile in 2024?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, app compatibility, camera quality, battery life, and whether the jump delivers tangible improvements that enhance your daily experience.

Performance and Software Experience

The iPhone 6s Plus runs on Apple’s A9 chip, which was impressive in its time. Even today, iOS updates have kept older devices surprisingly functional. However, by 2024, iOS 17 no longer supports the 6s series. The last compatible version is iOS 16, meaning no future security patches or feature updates. App developers are increasingly optimizing for newer hardware, and many modern apps either run slowly or refuse to install altogether.

In contrast, the Pixel 3a XL features the Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 processor—a mid-tier chip even in 2019. While not designed for heavy gaming or multitasking, it handles everyday tasks like web browsing, messaging, email, and social media with ease. More importantly, it launched with Android Pie and received official updates up to Android 13, including monthly security patches until late 2022. This means better long-term support and access to current app ecosystems.

Tip: If you rely on banking, health, or productivity apps, outdated software can block access or reduce functionality. Upgrading ensures compatibility and security.

Android 13 on the Pixel 3a XL offers dark mode, improved permissions, gesture navigation, and better voice assistant integration—features absent or limited on iOS 16 running on aging hardware. The transition from iOS to Android may require adjustment, but Google’s stock Android interface is intuitive and bloat-free.

Camera Quality: Night Sight vs. Legacy Sensors

The iPhone 6s Plus has a 12MP rear camera and a 5MP front-facing shooter. In good lighting, it produces decent photos with natural color reproduction. But low-light performance is weak, lacking image stabilization and advanced processing. Zooming results in significant quality loss, and video recording tops out at 1080p.

The Pixel 3a XL changed expectations for budget phone cameras. Its single 12.2MP rear sensor leverages Google’s computational photography to deliver stunning results. Features like Night Sight allow clear, detailed shots in near-darkness—something the 6s Plus cannot match. Portrait mode, HDR+, and Super Res Zoom provide depth and clarity far beyond its price point.

“Google redefined what a $400 phone could do with a camera. The 3a XL proves software can outperform hardware.” — David Imel, Mobile Photography Analyst, TechRadar

A side-by-side test in dim indoor lighting shows the difference clearly: the 6s Plus produces grainy, underexposed images, while the 3a XL captures balanced exposure, accurate colors, and minimal noise. For users who take frequent photos—especially indoors or at night—the upgrade is transformative.

Battery Life and Charging

The iPhone 6s Plus has a 2915mAh battery. After years of charging cycles, most units today suffer from reduced capacity. Even when new, it struggled to last a full day with moderate use. There’s no fast charging out of the box (without third-party accessories), and no wireless charging support.

The Pixel 3a XL packs a slightly larger 3700mAh battery and benefits from Android’s more aggressive power management. In real-world use, it consistently delivers 1.5 days of light-to-moderate usage. It supports 18W USB-PD fast charging, reaching 50% in about 30 minutes. While it lacks wireless charging, the inclusion of fast charging is a meaningful improvement over Apple’s approach at the time.

Feature	iPhone 6s Plus	Pixel 3a XL
Battery Capacity	2915 mAh	3700 mAh
Fast Charging	No (officially)	Yes (18W via USB-PD)
Wireless Charging	No	No
Typical Daily Use	10–12 hours	18–36 hours
Charging Port	Lightning	USB-C

Display and Design Comparison

The iPhone 6s Plus features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1920x1080. Colors are accurate, and brightness is adequate, though not exceptional. The design remains iconic with aluminum unibody construction and Touch ID. However, the thick bezels feel outdated in 2024.

The Pixel 3a XL counters with a 6.0-inch OLED display at the same Full HD resolution. OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and richer colors. While pixel density is nearly identical, the screen feels more immersive due to slimmer bezels and a taller aspect ratio. The glossy plastic back and matte finish offer a modern look, though some miss the metal build of earlier iPhones.

Ergonomics differ significantly. The 6s Plus is compact and easy to one-hand, while the 3a XL’s taller frame suits media consumption but may be harder to handle for smaller hands. Both include headphone jacks—a rare win for audio enthusiasts—but only the Pixel retains this feature post-2019.

Real-World Upgrade Example: Maria’s Transition

Maria, a teacher from Portland, used her iPhone 6s Plus for seven years. She resisted upgrading due to comfort with iOS and concerns about data transfer. By 2023, her phone began shutting down unexpectedly, apps crashed frequently, and she couldn’t download the school’s new grading app. She purchased a used Pixel 3a XL for $120.

After initial hesitation about Android, she found Google Photos’ unlimited backup (at original quality) invaluable for storing classroom memories. Night Sight helped capture clear images during evening events. Battery life allowed her to go two days between charges—unheard of before. Within a month, she reported feeling “freed” from constant charging anxiety and app limitations.

Her only regret? Not upgrading sooner.

Checklist: Is the Pixel 3a XL Right for You?

• ✅ You need a reliable phone for calls, messaging, and social media
• ✅ Camera quality—especially in low light—is important to you
• ✅ You want modern app compatibility and security updates
• ✅ Budget is under $150 (for used/refurbished models)
• ✅ You’re open to learning Android basics
• ❌ You demand high-end gaming performance or 5G connectivity
• ❌ You heavily rely on Apple-exclusive services like AirDrop or iMessage

FAQ

Can I transfer my data from iPhone 6s Plus to Pixel 3a XL easily?

Yes. Google’s “Switch to Android” app guides you through transferring contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and Wi-Fi passwords directly from your iPhone via a QR code. It works seamlessly over a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Is the Pixel 3a XL still supported in 2024?

Official software updates ended in 2022. However, the phone runs Android 13 well, and many third-party apps continue to support it. Security risks are minimal for average users who avoid sideloading apps.

Will my iPhone accessories work with the Pixel 3a XL?

Headphones will work (both have 3.5mm jacks), but Lightning cables won’t. You’ll need USB-C chargers and accessories. Cases are not interchangeable due to different dimensions and materials.

Final Verdict: Yes, the Upgrade Is Worth It

For anyone still relying on an iPhone 6s Plus in 2024, the Pixel 3a XL represents a meaningful leap forward—not just in raw power, but in usability, camera capability, and peace of mind. While neither phone is “new,” the 3a XL delivers a modern smartphone experience at a negligible cost.

You gain faster performance, dramatically better photos, longer battery life, and access to current apps and services. The shift from iOS to Android requires minor adaptation, but the core functions are intuitive and well-documented.

If your 6s Plus is struggling to keep up—and most are after nine years—it’s not just worth upgrading. It’s necessary to stay connected, secure, and productive.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check reputable refurbishers or marketplaces for a Pixel 3a XL under $130 and reclaim speed, reliability, and photographic joy. Your old iPhone served you well—now let a capable successor take over.