When it comes to smartphones, Apple has always set the bar high. Among the several models released, the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus stand out as two of the most discussed models from the era of larger smartphones. Both devices were celebrated for their size, performance, and capabilities. However, the question that seems to linger among tech enthusiasts is: which is bigger, the iPhone 6 Plus or the iPhone 6s Plus? In this article, we will explore the specifications, features, and differences between these two giants, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of their size and capabilities.
An Overview Of IPhone 6 Plus And IPhone 6s Plus
Released in September 2014, the iPhone 6 Plus marked Apple’s first foray into the phablet category. It was designed to cater to consumers who sought a larger screen experience. Building on the success of the iPhone 6, Apple introduced the iPhone 6s Plus just a year later, in September 2015. While both models share a similar aesthetic and screen size, subtle enhancements set the 6s Plus apart from its predecessor.
Dimensions And Size Comparison
When comparing the physical dimensions of both models, consumers typically focus on height, width, and thickness, which all play a crucial role in user experience.
Key Dimensions
Here are the official dimensions for both models:
| Model | Height | Width | Thickness | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6 Plus | 158.1 mm (6.22 inches) | 77.8 mm (3.06 inches) | 7.1 mm (0.28 inches) | 172 grams (6.07 ounces) |
| iPhone 6s Plus | 158.2 mm (6.22 inches) | 77.9 mm (3.06 inches) | 7.3 mm (0.29 inches) | 192 grams (6.77 ounces) |
As indicated in the table, both devices have strikingly similar dimensions. The iPhone 6 Plus measures almost the same as the iPhone 6s Plus in terms of height and width. However, one can observe minor discrepancies in thickness and weight.
Height And Width
Both devices share an identical height of 158.1 mm (6.22 inches) for the iPhone 6 Plus and 158.2 mm (6.22 inches) for the iPhone 6s Plus. The width remains a close match at 77.8 mm (3.06 inches) for the 6 Plus and 77.9 mm (3.06 inches) for the 6s Plus. This means that, in terms of height and width, the two models are essentially the same size.
Thickness And Weight
The thickness of the iPhone 6 Plus is slightly slimmer at 7.1 mm (0.28 inches), while the iPhone 6s Plus is marginally thicker at 7.3 mm (0.29 inches). This increase in thickness is largely due to the introduction of new technology and materials in the 6s Plus. However, the weight difference is more pronounced; the 6 Plus weighs 172 grams (6.07 ounces), while the 6s Plus leads with a weight of 192 grams (6.77 ounces). The increased weight can be attributed to the addition of a 7000 series aluminum body, designed to enhance durability.
Display: A Closer Look At The Screens
Screen Specifications
Both models boast a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The pixel density for both devices stands at an impressive 401 pixels per inch (ppi). The display size is identical and offers users a large, immersive experience that many have come to enjoy.
Force Touch Technology
One of the major technological upgrades introduced with the iPhone 6s Plus is the addition of 3D Touch—formerly known as Force Touch. While the iPhone 6 Plus features a standard multi-touch display, the 6s Plus allows users to interact with their screen in more dynamic ways based on pressure sensitivity. This technology enables shortcut commands and a new way to interact with app icons and notifications, enhancing the overall user experience.
Color Accuracy And Quality
Both models deliver vibrant color reproduction and high contrast. However, due to advancements in screen technology, the 6s Plus offers improved color accuracy, making images and text appear more vivid. The use of dual-domain pixels also ensures better viewing angles in the 6s Plus, so that colors remain true even when viewed from an angle.
Performance: What Lies Beneath?
It’s not just about the size; performance is essential when discussing smartphones.
Processor Comparison
The iPhone 6 Plus houses the A8 chip, while the iPhone 6s Plus is powered by the more advanced A9 chip. This shift in processors marks a significant leap, offering better performance speeds and improved energy efficiency.
Graphics And Gaming
For those who enjoy mobile gaming or utilizing graphically intensive applications, the A9 chip provides enhanced graphics performance, allowing for a smoother gaming experience. The improved GPU represents a 30% increase in performance over its predecessor, showcasing Apple’s commitment to providing a premium experience.
Camera Capabilities: Taking Photos Like A Pro
Camera quality is a major factor for those looking to create stunning photos and videos on their smartphones.
Camera Specifications
The iPhone 6 Plus features an 8 MP rear camera with f/2.2 aperture and optical image stabilization. Its front camera consists of a 1.2 MP sensor. However, the iPhone 6s Plus showcases an upgraded 12 MP rear camera with the same f/2.2 aperture and optical image stabilization. Additionally, it features a 5 MP front camera, providing improved selfies and FaceTime quality.
Image Stabilization And Performance
While both devices can perform admirably in good lighting conditions, the optical image stabilization present in the 6s Plus gives it an edge in low-light situations. This feature helps to reduce blurriness caused by hand movements, providing users with clearer images. Furthermore, the introduction of Live Photos with the 6s Plus enables users to capture moments in a more interactive way.
Battery Life: Powering Your Day
Battery life significantly impacts user experience, especially for those who rely on their phones throughout the day.
Battery Specifications
The iPhone 6 Plus is equipped with a 2910 mAh battery, while the 6s Plus has a slightly lower 2750 mAh battery. On average, both devices offer similar battery life, ranging from up to 24 hours of talk time and up to 12 hours of internet use. It’s worth mentioning that the efficiency of the A9 processor in the iPhone 6s Plus can sometimes lead to better overall battery performance.
Pricing And Market Position
When the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus were released, they occupied a distinct place in Apple’s product lineup.
Initial Pricing
At launch, the pricing for both devices was competitive, with the iPhone 6 Plus typically starting at around $299 for the base model, while the iPhone 6s Plus started at $399. The difference in pricing reflected the upgraded capabilities of the 6s Plus, including its better camera, processor, and 3D Touch technology.
User Experience: Which One Wins?
User experience plays a vital role when determining which smartphone may be better suited for your needs. Both devices have their strengths and remain popular devices for various reasons, ranging from entertainment and productivity to casual use.
IPhone 6 Plus: The Classic Experience
The iPhone 6 Plus provides a reliable phone experience with its excellent screen size, camera capabilities, and performance. Many users still fondly remember the solid build quality and ease of use.
IPhone 6s Plus: The Updated Powerhouse
The 6s Plus, with its improved camera specs, upgraded processing power, and 3D Touch technology, represents a more complete device for those needing cutting-edge performance in a larger format.
Conclusion: Size Isn’t Everything
In conclusion, when it comes to the question of which is bigger, the iPhone 6 Plus or the iPhone 6s Plus, the answer is both devices have dimensions that are nearly identical. However, the subtle differences in thickness and weight lead to the understanding that while both models look similar, the 6s Plus offers advancements in technology that can significantly elevate user experience.
Choosing between the two may ultimately boil down to personal preferences regarding features. One might prefer the classic feel of the iPhone 6 Plus, while others might favor the enhanced performance of the 6s Plus.
Whether you are considering purchasing an older model or simply wish to understand the evolution of the iPhone, both the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus represent pivotal steps in Apple’s journey toward creating larger smartphones that cater to the needs of consumers looking for superior display, performance, and versatility in their mobile devices.
What Are The Main Differences In Design Between The IPhone 6 Plus And IPhone 6s Plus?
The iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 6s Plus share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a sleek aluminum body and rounded edges. However, the 6s Plus introduced a new series 7000 aluminum that is more durable, addressing concerns regarding bendability that some users faced with the iPhone 6 Plus. Additionally, the 6s Plus comes in a new rose gold color option, while the 6 Plus was only available in silver, gold, and space gray.
Another noteworthy design change in the 6s Plus is the addition of the 3D Touch feature, allowing users to interact with the screen in new ways through pressure sensitivity. The overall dimensions remain quite similar, but the increased sturdiness in the 6s Plus may offer peace of mind for users concerned about durability over time.
How Do The Camera Capabilities Compare Between The Two Models?
The iPhone 6 Plus features an 8-megapixel rear camera, which was impressive at its launch, but the iPhone 6s Plus stepped up the game by incorporating a 12-megapixel rear camera. This not only enhances photo quality with better detail and clarity, but it also allows for 4K video recording—a feature that the 6 Plus lacks. Furthermore, the 6s Plus camera benefits from improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance.
The front-facing camera also received an upgrade with the 6s Plus, moving from a 1.2-megapixel to a 5-megapixel sensor. This enables sharper selfies and improved video calls. Overall, photography enthusiasts will find the enhancements in camera capabilities of the iPhone 6s Plus a significant advancement over its predecessor.
Are There Any Performance Enhancements In The IPhone 6s Plus?
Yes, the iPhone 6s Plus comes equipped with the A9 chip, which provides a noticeable performance boost over the A8 chip found in the iPhone 6 Plus. Users will experience improved processing speed, enhanced graphics performance, and better power efficiency with the A9 chip, making for a smoother overall experience when running apps or gaming.
In terms of RAM, the 6s Plus also doubled the RAM to 2GB from 1GB in the 6 Plus. This allows for improved multitasking capabilities and smoother performance when switching between apps, especially in more demanding scenarios. Users who rely on their devices for intense tasks will appreciate the advancements made in the 6s Plus.
What Improvements Were Made To Battery Life In The IPhone 6s Plus?
While both the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus have a similar battery capacity, with the 6s Plus having a slightly more efficient A9 chip, users may actually notice similar battery performance under normal usage. The 6 Plus boasts a battery life of up to 24 hours of talk time, while the 6s Plus also offers similar longevity, but with slight optimizations that can benefit regular users.
Some users may find that the more efficient chip in the 6s Plus leads to better performance over time, especially with software updates. However, for extremely heavy users—such as gamers or outdoor enthusiasts—battery life may still be a consideration when choosing between the two models.
How Do The Displays Of Both Devices Stack Up?
Both the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus feature a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, delivering crisp visuals and vibrant colors. However, the 6s Plus benefits from enhanced display technology, including the introduction of 3D Touch, which allows for different levels of pressure sensitivity when interacting with apps and menus.
The display on the 6s Plus is also stronger, using a strengthened glass that is less prone to cracking and scratching compared to the 6 Plus. While both devices offer excellent display quality, the advancements in the 6s Plus make it a more compelling choice for those who prioritize screen technology.
What Are The Storage Options Available For Both Devices?
The storage options for the iPhone 6 Plus include 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB variants, allowing users a decent range of choices depending on their usage habits and preferences. However, the iPhone 6s Plus expanded these options by introducing a new starting point, offering 16GB, 32GB, 128GB, and even a hefty 256GB variant, catering especially to those who require more space for apps, photos, and videos.
This increase in storage options, particularly the introduction of the 256GB model, empowers users with more flexibility in managing data. If you’re someone who frequently downloads large files or uses high-capacity apps, the storage improvements in the 6s Plus make it a more appealing option for today’s digital landscape.
Which Model Has Better Software Support As Of Now?
As of October 2023, both the iPhone 6 Plus and 6s Plus are capable of running iOS 15, but the 6s Plus has the added advantage of better software support moving forward. Apple typically supports devices for several years with software updates, and as newer versions are released, the 6s Plus is more likely to receive updates and features compared to the older 6 Plus.
Additionally, since the 6s Plus is a newer model, it is generally equipped with hardware that can efficiently handle the demands of the latest iOS features. This means users can enjoy extended support and performance benefits from the 6s Plus as software technology continues to evolve.