6S Vs 6 Iphone: Is the Upgrade Still Worth It in 2024?
Hey there! If you've landed on this article, chances are you're trying to settle a classic Apple dilemma: the 6S Vs 6 Iphone debate. Maybe you're looking for a cheap backup phone, a device for a younger family member, or perhaps you're just intensely curious about how these two historical giants stack up years later.
While these models are definitely considered vintage tech, they were revolutionary in their time. The jump from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 6S might look minimal on the surface, but under the hood, Apple introduced several core technologies that defined the future of the iPhone line.
So, let's stop guessing and dive into the nitty-gritty details. We will break down every key difference to help you decide which one of these legendary devices wins the crown, even today.
Performance and Power: The Internal Engine in the 6S Vs 6 Iphone
When comparing the 6S Vs 6 Iphone, the most significant difference—and the one that still truly matters for modern apps—lies in performance. The iPhone 6S isn't just slightly faster; it was a generational leap thanks to its upgraded silicon and improved memory architecture.
This translates directly to a smoother user experience, faster app loading times, and much better multitasking capabilities. Let's look closely at what's inside.
Chipset Battle: A8 vs A9
The iPhone 6 is powered by Apple's A8 chip. It was fast for its time, but it's certainly starting to show its age. Meanwhile, the iPhone 6S sports the A9 chip, which brought substantial improvements in raw processing power and graphics performance.
Apple claimed the A9 chip offered up to 70% faster CPU performance and 90% faster GPU performance compared to the A8. That's not a small bump; that's nearly doubling the power!
If you plan on playing anything beyond very simple games or constantly switching between demanding social media apps, the A9 in the 6S will handle the load much better.
RAM and Speed Boost
Here is arguably the biggest internal specification factor in the 6S Vs 6 Iphone match-up: RAM. The iPhone 6 stuck with 1GB of RAM, a standard that had been around for a few years.
The iPhone 6S, however, finally doubled that, offering 2GB of RAM. This change is crucial for modern iOS, which is memory-hungry. You will notice this difference every time you multitask.
With 1GB, apps constantly need to reload when you switch back to them (hello, Safari!). With 2GB, the 6S can hold many more applications in its memory, making the user experience feel far snappier and less frustrating.
The Game-Changer: 3D Touch
Another major differentiator for the iPhone 6S was the introduction of 3D Touch. This technology allowed the phone to recognize varying levels of pressure applied to the screen, adding a whole new layer of interaction.
Although Apple later phased out 3D Touch in favor of Haptic Touch (a feature available on newer models), having it on the 6S was revolutionary at the time. It enabled "Peek and Pop" functionality, allowing you to quickly preview emails or links without fully opening them.
Practical Uses of 3D Touch on the 6S
If you get the 6S, here are a few ways 3D Touch improves your daily workflow:
- Pressing hard on the keyboard turns it into a trackpad for precise cursor placement.
- Quickly accessing shortcuts from the home screen icons (e.g., jump straight to taking a selfie from the Camera app icon).
- Peeking at messages or previews without alerting the sender that you have "read" the notification.
The iPhone 6 simply doesn't have this hardware, relying only on standard taps and swipes.
Camera Showdown: Megapixels Matter
For years, Apple maintained an 8-megapixel standard for the iPhone's rear camera. The iPhone 6 continued this trend. However, the iPhone 6S finally brought a significant camera hardware boost, impacting both photo and video quality.
If photography is important to you, the camera difference is perhaps the most compelling argument in the 6S Vs 6 Iphone debate.
Rear Camera Improvements
The iPhone 6S jumped from 8MP to a 12MP sensor. This increase in resolution means pictures have much more detail, allowing for better cropping and larger prints. More importantly, the 6S introduced 4K video recording, a major feature absent on the iPhone 6.
Additionally, the 6S debuted 'Live Photos,' which captures a small video clip before and after the photo is taken, bringing your images to life.
- iPhone 6: 8MP Rear Camera, 1080p video max.
- iPhone 6S: 12MP Rear Camera, 4K video support, Live Photos.
Front Camera Upgrade
Selfie lovers, pay attention! The front camera on the iPhone 6 was a dismal 1.2MP. Yes, you read that right—1.2 megapixels. This was acceptable in 2014, but it looks incredibly blurry by today's standards.
The iPhone 6S upgraded the FaceTime HD camera to 5MP, a massive improvement for video calls and selfies. Furthermore, the 6S utilized the screen itself as a 'Retina Flash' for better low-light selfies, another feature the iPhone 6 missed out on.
Build Quality and Durability (Bendgate Fix?)
You might remember the infamous "Bendgate" scandal that plagued the iPhone 6 shortly after its release. Due to the phone's thin design and use of standard aluminum, some units were prone to bending under pressure.
Apple learned from this and ensured the iPhone 6S was significantly tougher. The 6S frame was manufactured using a stronger 7000 Series aluminum alloy, which dramatically improved its structural integrity.
While both phones look nearly identical externally, the 6S is slightly thicker and heavier—a necessary trade-off for the improved durability and the inclusion of the 3D Touch hardware.
Longevity and iOS Support
When considering an older phone, software support is perhaps the most critical long-term factor. Software updates often dictate how long the phone remains secure and compatible with new apps.
Historically, the iPhone 6 received its final major iOS update with iOS 12. This means that many newer apps requiring iOS 13 or later simply won't run on the iPhone 6 anymore.
The iPhone 6S, however, had an astonishing run. It was supported up to iOS 15, giving it two more years of life and compatibility than the iPhone 6. This extended support makes the 6S the clear winner for anyone needing a functional daily driver.
Summary of Key Differences: 6S Vs 6 Iphone
To summarize the core distinctions when comparing the 6S Vs 6 Iphone, we can clearly see where Apple invested their engineering efforts:
- Processor: A8 (6) vs. A9 (6S) - Significant performance lead for the 6S.
- RAM: 1GB (6) vs. 2GB (6S) - Essential for multitasking efficiency on the 6S.
- Main Feature: No 3D Touch (6) vs. 3D Touch Included (6S).
- Rear Camera: 8MP/1080p (6) vs. 12MP/4K (6S) - Clear quality jump for the 6S.
- Front Camera: 1.2MP (6) vs. 5MP (6S) - Huge improvement for selfies on the 6S.
- Durability: Standard Aluminum (6) vs. Stronger 7000 Series Aluminum (6S).
Conclusion: Which Old iPhone Should You Choose?
If you were genuinely on the fence about the 6S Vs 6 Iphone, the choice should now be crystal clear. The iPhone 6S is superior to the iPhone 6 in every single measurable metric that matters for usability today.
The iPhone 6 is sadly too outdated. Its 1GB of RAM struggles immensely with modern app switching, and its lack of major security updates makes it a poor choice for a primary device.
The iPhone 6S, with its A9 chip, 2GB RAM, much better cameras, and extended iOS support (up to iOS 15), remains a surprisingly capable entry-level smartphone for basic usage, or an excellent budget device for kids or emergencies. If you must choose one of these classics, always opt for the 6S.
FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered
- What is the main advantage the iPhone 6S has over the iPhone 6?
- The primary advantage is the improved internal specifications: the A9 chip and 2GB of RAM. This significantly enhances performance, speed, and multitasking efficiency compared to the iPhone 6's A8 chip and 1GB RAM.
- Does the iPhone 6S support modern apps like WhatsApp or Instagram?
- Yes, for now, the iPhone 6S can generally run most basic apps as it supports iOS 15. However, the iPhone 6, which maxes out at iOS 12, may start losing compatibility with certain apps that require newer operating systems.
- Is 3D Touch still relevant on the iPhone 6S?
- While Apple stopped developing new features for 3D Touch (and removed it from newer models), the existing functionality on the 6S, such as the keyboard trackpad and quick actions, still works and can be very useful for those who learn to use it.
- Which phone is more durable between the 6S Vs 6 Iphone?
- The iPhone 6S is significantly more durable. It was built using stronger 7000 Series aluminum, specifically addressing the durability concerns that arose with the thinner-framed iPhone 6.
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