IPhone 6s Plus Vs. IPhone 7 Plus: Which Is Right For You?
Hey tech enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a classic comparison that might still be on some of your minds: the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus. Even though these phones have been around for a while, they were game-changers in their time and can still be solid options for many. We're going to break down what made them special, what the key differences are, and help you figure out if either of these titans is still the right pick for your needs in today's market. So, grab your favorite beverage, and let's get this showdown started!
The Design Story: Evolution or Revolution?
When the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus discussion comes up, the design is often one of the first things people notice. The iPhone 6s Plus, released in 2015, carried forward the sleek, rounded aluminum design that Apple had become known for. It felt premium in the hand, with its larger 5.5-inch Retina HD display offering a great canvas for everything from browsing to gaming. The iconic home button, which housed the Touch ID sensor, was a hallmark of this era. One of the most significant design upgrades with the iPhone 7 Plus, launched in 2016, was its refined aesthetic and, importantly, its water and dust resistance (IP67 rating). This was a huge deal, guys, offering peace of mind against accidental spills or splashes. While both phones shared a similar overall silhouette, the 7 Plus felt a bit more modern and robust. Another noticeable change was the removal of the 3.5mm headphone jack on the 7 Plus, a controversial move that pushed users towards Lightning-enabled headphones or wireless options like AirPods. This decision, while disruptive, signaled Apple's commitment to a portless future and paved the way for slimmer device designs. The camera bump on the 7 Plus was also redesigned, appearing more integrated into the body compared to the more pronounced bump on the 6s Plus. Internally, the 7 Plus featured a solid-state home button that used haptic feedback instead of a physical click, a subtle but significant change that contributed to its water resistance and offered a different tactile experience. The overall build quality on both is top-notch, but the 7 Plus definitely took a step forward in terms of durability and future-proofing, despite the headphone jack deletion.
Performance Powerhouse: Speed and Smarts
Let's talk about what's under the hood because, frankly, that's where a lot of the magic happens in the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus comparison. The iPhone 6s Plus packed the A9 chip, which was incredibly powerful for its time, delivering smooth performance for apps, games, and multitasking. It was the phone that introduced 3D Touch, allowing for pressure-sensitive interactions that added a new dimension to iOS. However, the iPhone 7 Plus absolutely blew the doors off with its A10 Fusion chip. This chip was not just faster; it was smarter, featuring a quad-core design with two high-performance cores and two high-efficiency cores. This meant it could handle demanding tasks with ease while also being more power-efficient during everyday use. The A10 Fusion was a significant leap, offering roughly 40% faster CPU performance and 50% faster graphics compared to the A9. For gamers, this meant smoother frame rates and more graphically intense experiences. For everyday users, it translated into snappier app launches, quicker browsing, and a generally more fluid user experience. The iPhone 7 Plus also came with 3GB of RAM, a step up from the 2GB in the 6s Plus, which further enhanced its multitasking capabilities. This extra gig of RAM allowed for more apps to stay open in the background without needing to reload, making switching between tasks much faster and less frustrating. So, while the 6s Plus was no slouch, the 7 Plus was undoubtedly the performance king of its generation, offering a noticeable boost in speed, graphics, and overall responsiveness that still holds up surprisingly well.
Camera Capabilities: Capturing Your World
When comparing the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus, the camera systems are a major talking point, and this is where the 7 Plus really shines. The iPhone 6s Plus featured a solid 12-megapixel rear camera that produced excellent photos for its time, with features like Live Photos adding a bit of dynamism. It was capable of capturing sharp images with good color reproduction in decent lighting conditions. However, the iPhone 7 Plus introduced a dual-camera system on the rear, a groundbreaking feature that Apple eventually made standard across its Pro lineup. This dual-camera setup consisted of two 12-megapixel sensors: one wide-angle lens and one telephoto lens. This wasn't just for show; it enabled optical zoom (2x), allowing you to get closer to your subject without sacrificing image quality, unlike digital zoom which degrades the picture. Even more revolutionary was the Portrait Mode, which used the depth information from the dual cameras to create a beautiful bokeh effect, artfully blurring the background and making your subject pop. This was previously only achievable with professional DSLR cameras. Low-light performance also saw a significant improvement on the 7 Plus, thanks to a wider aperture (f/1.8 on the wide lens compared to f/2.2 on the 6s Plus) and optical image stabilization (OIS) on both rear lenses, which helped reduce blur from shaky hands. The front-facing FaceTime HD camera also got an upgrade to 7 megapixels, offering sharper selfies and better video calls. For anyone serious about mobile photography or videography, the leap from the 6s Plus to the 7 Plus was immense, offering creative tools and image quality that were simply not possible on the earlier model. The 7 Plus truly set a new standard for smartphone cameras.
Battery Life: Going the Distance
One of the most crucial aspects for any smartphone user is battery life, and in the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus battle, both phones offered respectable endurance, but the 7 Plus usually edges out the 6s Plus. The iPhone 6s Plus, with its larger form factor, benefited from a decent-sized battery that could generally get most users through a full day of moderate usage. It was a solid performer, especially when compared to its smaller counterpart, the 6s. However, Apple engineers worked hard to optimize the power consumption on the iPhone 7 Plus, particularly with the more efficient A10 Fusion chip and refined iOS software. This resulted in generally better battery life for the 7 Plus. While usage patterns vary wildly, many reviews and user experiences at the time indicated that the 7 Plus could last longer on a single charge, often providing an extra hour or two of screen-on time under similar conditions. This improved endurance meant less anxiety about finding a charger during a busy day. Both phones supported fast charging (though not as rapid as modern standards) and wireless charging wasn't a feature on either. For those who prioritize unplugged time, the iPhone 7 Plus presented a more compelling case for longer-lasting power. It’s worth noting that battery health degrades over time, so the actual performance today will depend heavily on the individual device's history. Still, when they were new, the 7 Plus held the advantage in keeping you connected for longer.
Software and Updates: Staying Current
When you're looking at older iPhones like the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus, software support is a massive consideration. Both of these devices were launched with older versions of iOS, but Apple has a fantastic track record of providing software updates for a considerable time. The iPhone 6s Plus was originally released with iOS 9, and the iPhone 7 Plus with iOS 10. As of my last update, both phones are capable of running iOS 15, which is pretty incredible longevity for smartphones. This means that even these older models can access a vast majority of the latest apps and features available on the App Store. However, it's important to note that as newer iOS versions are released, older hardware may start to feel the performance strain. While both can run iOS 15, the iPhone 7 Plus, with its more powerful A10 Fusion chip and extra RAM, is likely to offer a smoother and more responsive experience with the latest operating systems compared to the 6s Plus. Furthermore, Apple's security updates are crucial, and they continue to provide these for supported devices. This ensures that your data remains protected, even on older hardware. When considering which to buy today, check the specific iOS version the phone is running and be aware that future major iOS updates might eventually leave the 6s Plus behind sooner than the 7 Plus, although both are nearing the end of their major update cycle. Still, for accessing the core functionality of the modern app ecosystem, both have served remarkably well.
The Verdict: Which iPhone Wins?
So, after breaking down the iPhone 6s Plus vs. iPhone 7 Plus, who comes out on top? Honestly, it’s a bit of a no-brainer if you can find them in comparable condition and price: the iPhone 7 Plus is the clear winner. It offered significant upgrades in performance with the A10 Fusion chip, a revolutionary dual-camera system with optical zoom and Portrait Mode, improved water resistance, and generally better battery life. The removal of the headphone jack was a downside for some, but the overall package of the 7 Plus was just superior. The iPhone 6s Plus was a fantastic phone in its day and still holds up as a capable device, especially if you can get it for a steal. It offers a great display, solid performance for basic tasks, and the familiar design many loved. However, the advancements in the 7 Plus were simply too substantial to ignore. If you're looking for a budget-friendly iPhone and can live with slightly older tech, the 6s Plus might suffice for calls, texts, and light app usage. But for a more capable, future-proofed experience with a vastly superior camera and performance, the iPhone 7 Plus is the way to go. Consider your budget, your needs (especially camera quality), and the condition of the specific device you're looking at. Both paved the way for future iPhones, but the 7 Plus truly set a new benchmark.
