The iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6S represent two significant milestones in Apple’s smartphone evolution, luring tech enthusiasts and casual users alike with their features, designs, and performance. Despite their similar appearances, these two models cater to different user preferences and needs. In this article, we’ll explore the fundamental differences between the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6S, diving into aspects such as design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and software, helping you decide which device suits you best.
Design And Build Quality
At first glance, the iPhone 6 Plus and 6S might seem identical, but several differences define their designs and build quality.
Dimensions And Weight
Both phones sport sleek designs that Apple is well-known for, but they do differ slightly in size and weight:
- iPhone 6 Plus: 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1 mm, 172 grams
- iPhone 6S: 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm, 143 grams
The iPhone 6 Plus is larger and heavier, offering a more immersive experience for users who enjoy watching videos or gaming. On the other hand, the iPhone 6S fits snugly in the hand, making it easier to handle and operate with one hand.
Materials And Durability
The materials used in the construction of these devices reflect Apple’s commitment to quality. The iPhone 6 Plus features an aluminum body, while the iPhone 6S employs a stronger 7000 series aluminum that minimizes the risk of bending, a concern that plagued the earlier models.
Both phones have glass fronts, but the 6S is equipped with the more durable Ion-strengthened glass that resists scratches and impacts better than the glass used in the 6 Plus.
Display: Size And Quality
The display is one of the most crucial aspects influencing a smartphone’s usability. Let’s delve into how the displays of the iPhone 6 Plus and 6S differ:
Screen Size And Resolution
The iPhone 6 Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, delivering vivid colors and crisp images. In contrast, the iPhone 6S has a smaller 4.7-inch Retina display, with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels.
Viewing Experience
While the iPhone 6 Plus offers a larger screen that’s ideal for media consumption, the 6S’s display still provides excellent detail and clarity for day-to-day tasks. Both displays support 3D Touch technology, allowing users to press icons and links for additional options, enhancing user experience considerably.
Performance And Hardware
Performance is at the core of any smartphone, influencing how well it runs apps, games, and multitasking functions.
Processor And Performance
The main difference in performance between the iPhone 6 Plus and 6S lies in their processors:
- iPhone 6 Plus: Powered by the A8 chip paired with 1GB of RAM.
- iPhone 6S: Equipped with the more advanced A9 chip and 2GB of RAM.
The A9 chip in the iPhone 6S offers approximately 70% more CPU performance and up to 90% more GPU performance compared to the A8 chip. This boost in performance enhances gaming, video playback, and multitasking, providing a smooth experience for users.
Storage Options
Both the iPhone 6 Plus and the iPhone 6S come with various storage options, but the availability differs slightly. The iPhone 6 Plus is available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB configurations, while the iPhone 6S offers the same options except for an interchangeable base of 16GB, potentially limiting users who need more storage.
Camera Capabilities
When it comes to photography, both smartphones have impressive capabilities. However, the iPhone 6S packs a more significant punch.
Rear Cameras
- iPhone 6 Plus Camera: 8 MP with f/2.2 aperture, offering good image quality and performance in daylight, but struggles slightly in low light conditions.
- iPhone 6S Camera: An upgraded 12 MP camera with improved low-light performance and enhanced image processing.
The iPhone 6S features 4K video recording capabilities, while the 6 Plus is limited to 1080p. This significant enhancement makes the 6S a better option for content creators and videographers.
Front Cameras
While both phones have a front-facing camera ideal for selfies and FaceTime, the iPhone 6S introduces a 5 MP front camera with enhanced screen flash capabilities, allowing for better selfies even in low-light conditions.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for everyday usage, and both phones have distinct characteristics:
Battery Performance
The larger iPhone 6 Plus houses a bigger battery, leading to longer usage time under normal conditions. Users typically report around 24 hours of talk time with the 6 Plus and around 14 hours for the iPhone 6S.
Charging And Optimization
Both devices support regular charging methods, with the iPhone 6S benefiting from improved power efficiency due to the A9 chip, enhancing battery life on day-to-day use.
Software And Updates
Apple is known for its focus on software and user interface experiences.
Operating System And Updates
Both phones initially shipped with iOS 8 but can be updated to the latest iOS version. However, the iPhone 6S has a slight edge regarding software support, as it was released later and is more likely to receive updates for a longer duration compared to the iPhone 6 Plus.
User Experience
Despite both operating on iOS, the newer technology in the 6S provides a smoother user experience with improved multitasking and app performance.
Price And Availability
The price can be a significant deciding factor for many consumers:
Retail And Used Pricing
While both phones are discontinued by Apple, the iPhone 6S typically commands a slightly higher price on the used market due to its superior specifications and features. Prices may vary depending on the condition, storage capacity, and seller.
Which One Should You Choose?
After thoroughly examining the differences between the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6S, it’s clear that your choice should depend on your specific needs:
- Choose the iPhone 6 Plus if you prefer:
- A larger display for media consumption
- A better battery life
A more comfortable device for watching videos
Choose the iPhone 6S if you require:
- A powerful processor and better graphics performance
- Enhanced camera capabilities, including 4K video and better low-light performance
- A more compact and lighter design for ease of use
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6S each have unique strengths that cater to various user preferences. The iPhone 6 Plus excels in the display and battery life departments, making it a great choice for those who need a larger device. The iPhone 6S, with its superior performance and camera enhancements, stands out for users who require a more powerful device in a compact form.
Taking into account performance, experience, and personal preferences will help determine which model fits your needs better. Both devices are tested, reliable options that encapsulate the quality and innovation Apple is known for, making them worthy contenders even in today’s fast-evolving smartphone market.
What Are The Main Differences In Design Between The IPhone 6 Plus And The IPhone 6S?
The iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6S share a similar design language, including dimensions and overall appearance, but there are some key differences. The iPhone 6S is constructed from 7000 series aluminum, making it more durable and less prone to bending compared to the iPhone 6 Plus, which uses a lower-grade aluminum. Additionally, the 6S is available in a new Rose Gold color, enhancing the aesthetic choices for users.
Another notable design difference is the addition of the 3D Touch feature in the iPhone 6S, which allows for pressure-sensitive interactions. This feature adds a unique tactile layer to the user experience, enabling more functionality and ease of use. While both models maintain a sleek and thin profile, the 6S introduces improvements that contribute to both design resilience and functionality.
How Do The Cameras Compare Between The IPhone 6 Plus And IPhone 6S?
The iPhone 6 Plus features an 8 MP rear camera that delivers good quality images, but the iPhone 6S takes a significant leap with its upgraded 12 MP rear camera. This increase in resolution allows for sharper and more detailed photos. Additionally, the 6S camera includes features like Live Photos, which captures short videos along with still images, providing a more dynamic photography experience.
Both models feature a 1.2 MP front-facing camera, but the 6S has a significant advantage with improvements in low-light performance. The front camera of the iPhone 6S also supports Retina Flash, utilizing the display as a flash for selfies, enhancing photo quality in challenging lighting situations. Overall, the camera system on the 6S outperforms that of the 6 Plus in terms of resolution and functionality.
Which Model Has Better Performance And Processing Power?
The iPhone 6 Plus is powered by the A8 chip, while the iPhone 6S boasts the more advanced A9 chip. The A9 chip provides a significant boost in performance, offering faster processing speeds and more efficient power consumption. This improvement translates to a noticeable difference in app loading times and overall smoothness during multitasking and gaming.
Beyond raw performance, the 6S also features better graphics with the A9 chip’s integrated GPU, making it a preferable option for users looking to run graphically demanding applications. As a result, tasks such as video editing and gaming are significantly smoother on the 6S, ensuring an enhanced experience for those who require high performance from their devices.
Is There A Difference In Battery Life Between The IPhone 6 Plus And The IPhone 6S?
In terms of battery capacity, the iPhone 6 Plus holds an advantage with a larger battery that can last longer on a single charge. The iPhone 6 Plus is known for its robust battery life, making it a go-to choice for users who prioritize longevity in their devices. Many users report that they can get through an entire day of intensive use with the iPhone 6 Plus without needing to recharge.
Conversely, while the iPhone 6S has a smaller battery, the efficiency of the A9 chip somewhat compensates for this difference. The optimization in iOS and the processing power of the A9 allow for decent battery life, even under regular usage. However, users may find that the 6S requires more frequent charging compared to the 6 Plus, especially during heavy usage or for tasks that heavily tax the device’s capabilities.
What Are The Storage Options Available For Each Model?
The iPhone 6 Plus is available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage options, providing users with a range of choices depending on their needs. However, the base model of the 6 Plus, starting at 16GB, may feel inadequate for users who consume a lot of media or install multiple apps due to its limited storage capacity. Users often end up opting for the higher storage versions to ensure they have sufficient space for their data.
On the other hand, the iPhone 6S expands the storage options further with configurations starting at 16GB while also offering 64GB and 128GB variants. Notably, Apple discontinued the 16GB option for the iPhone 7 and newer models, making the 6S more of an outlier in this regard. Depending on user preference, those needing ample storage for apps, photos, and videos are more inclined to choose the 64GB or 128GB options for both models.
Which Model Is Better Suited For Software Updates In The Future?
Given that the iPhone 6S was released a year later than the iPhone 6 Plus, it has a greater likelihood of receiving future software updates for a longer period. Apple typically provides software support for their devices for around five years from the launch date, which means the 6S has a head start in receiving the latest iOS features and security updates compared to its predecessor.
Moreover, the advanced hardware specifications of the iPhone 6S—such as the A9 chip and enhanced RAM—make it more capable of running new software advancements efficiently. Users looking for longevity in their device usage should consider that the iPhone 6S is better positioned for future-proofing in terms of software compatibility, allowing it to leverage new functionalities and security enhancements longer than the iPhone 6 Plus.