Design and Build
The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s Plus share a similar silhouette, but the differences are real. The 6s Plus is slightly heavier and thicker, which reflects the extra hardware inside. Both use aluminum unibody construction, but Apple changed the alloy on the 6s to address the "bendgate" concerns associated with the original 6. The 6s Plus also introduces 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive display layer absent on the 6. The physical Home button on the 6s Plus includes a Taptic Engine for haptic feedback, replacing the mechanical click of the 6.
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Display and 3D Touch
Both phones carry a 5.5-inch IPS LCD with 1080p resolution, so day-to-day sharpness is nearly identical. The meaningful distinction is 3D Touch on the 6s Plus, which lets you peek at links, preview messages, and activate shortcuts by pressing harder on the screen. The iPhone 6 lacks this entirely and relies on a standard touch response. For most basic tasks, the visual experience is the same, but 3D Touch adds a layer of interaction that some users find hard to give up once they try it.
Performance and Chipset
Apple's A9 chip in the 6s Plus represents a generational leap over the A8 in the iPhone 6. CPU and GPU performance improve by roughly 70 percent, which translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming capability. The 6s Plus also ships with 2GB of RAM, double the 1GB in the 6, giving it a real advantage when keeping multiple apps in memory. Even years later, this gap remains noticeable in everyday use and in how long each device stays current with iOS updates.
Camera Capabilities
The rear camera on the 6s Plus is a 12-megapixel sensor compared to the 8-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 6. More importantly, the 6s Plus adds Live Photos, 4K video recording, and improved image signal processing. Front-facing selfies jump from 1.2 megapixels to 5 megapixels with the "Retina Flash" feature that uses the screen as a fill light. For the vast majority of users, the 6s Plus camera produces noticeably better detail and low-light performance, and the video quality is a clear step forward.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 6s Plus carries a larger battery than the iPhone 6, yet real-world battery life is not always better. The extra power-hungry features like 3D Touch and the stronger chip offset the capacity gain. Apple rated both phones at similar endurance for web use and video playback. Charging speeds are identical at 5 watts, and neither supports fast charging out of the box. If battery longevity is a priority, the 6s Plus may last a full day in many cases, but heavy 3D Touch and screen-on-time usage can narrow the gap with the older 6.
Software Support and Longevity
The iPhone 6s Plus received iOS updates for significantly longer than the iPhone 6. The 6s Plus made it through iOS 15, while the iPhone 6 stopped at iOS 12. This difference matters for security patches, app compatibility, and access to new features. If you plan to keep a device for several years, the 6s Plus offers a longer useful lifespan and better future-proofing, even though both phones are now considered legacy hardware.
Storage Options and Connectivity
The iPhone 6 launched with 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB options, while the 6s Plus added 32GB as the base tier, which is more practical for modern apps and photos. Both phones support 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2, but the 6s Plus includes LTE Advanced for faster cellular downloads in supported areas. Neither phone offers wireless charging, and both use the same Lightning connector.
Which One Should You Choose
The choice depends on what you value most. The iPhone 6s Plus is the better device in nearly every measurable category, from performance and camera to software support. The iPhone 6 remains a functional phone for light use, but it is increasingly limited by older software and slower performance. If you are deciding between the two today, the 6s Plus is the safer long-term pick, provided you can accept its slightly heavier build and the quirks of 3D Touch.
Comparison Table
| Attribute | iPhone 6 | iPhone 6s Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2014 | 2015 | Display Size | 4.7-inch | 5.5-inch |
| Resolution | 1334 x 750 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Chip | A8 | A9 |
| RAM | 1GB | 2GB |
| Rear Camera | 8MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP | 5MP |
| 3D Touch | No | Yes |
| Battery Capacity | 1810 mAh | 2750 mAh |
| Max iOS Version | iOS 12 | iOS 15 |
| Weight | 129g | 192g |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB, 256GB |
Trade-Offs to Consider
The iPhone 6s Plus is objectively the better phone, but it is also heavier and thicker, which may matter if you prefer a compact feel. The 3D Touch screen adds complexity and, over time, can develop reliability issues that are costly to repair. The iPhone 6 is lighter and simpler, but its smaller screen and outdated software make it a poor fit for power users. Battery replacement can extend the life of either device, but the 6s Plus will still age faster in software terms simply because it receives fewer updates with each passing year.