So, Which iPhone 6s Should I Get in 2024?
Remember that time I bought a refurbished phone off eBay? I thought I was getting a steal. A shiny new (to me) iPhone, for a fraction of the cost. It arrived looking perfect. Then the battery died after three hours of light use. Turns out, ‘refurbished’ can mean anything from ‘slightly used’ to ‘held together with duct tape and hope.’
That experience taught me a valuable lesson: if you’re going old-school, you need to know what you’re actually getting. Because let’s be honest, the iPhone 6s isn’t exactly a cutting-edge device anymore. But if you’re on a tight budget or just prefer a smaller phone, the question remains: which iPhone 6s should I get?
This is where things get complicated. There are several factors to consider and finding a reliable one that will last can be tricky. This article will help you navigate this.
The iPhone 6s: Still Relevant in 2024?
Honestly? Maybe. It depends on your expectations. I’m not going to sugarcoat it: the iPhone 6s is old. The processor is slower than what you’ll find in even the most basic Android phones today. The camera, by modern standards, is…adequate. You won’t be winning any photography awards.
However, that doesn’t automatically mean it’s useless. It depends on what you need. If you’re looking for a basic phone for calls, texts, email, and some light web browsing, the 6s can still do the job. If you mainly need it for social media, prepare for some lag. Also, the battery life is unlikely to be amazing. The phone is approaching a decade old.
You can find them, but it can be a hunt.
Understanding the Different iPhone 6s Models
Here’s where it gets interesting, and honestly, a little confusing. Apple, in their infinite wisdom, released a few different versions of the iPhone 6s. You have the original iPhone 6s, the iPhone 6s Plus, and several different storage options. The Plus model has a larger screen and a slightly better camera. But really, the core experience is the same across the board.
You need to be aware of the storage. 16GB is essentially useless in 2024. Seriously, don’t even bother. Even 32GB can be tight, especially if you take photos and videos. I’d recommend a 64GB or 128GB model. Don’t cheap out on storage; you’ll regret it. I speak from experience. My old iPhone 6s was the 16 GB version. I spent more time deleting photos than actually using the phone.
The physical differences are obvious: the Plus is bigger. Think of it like comparing a sedan to an SUV. It takes up more space, and it may not be comfortable for some.
Consider this: the larger screen on the Plus is great for watching videos and reading. But the standard 6s is much easier to use one-handed. Think about how you’ll primarily use the phone. Do you prefer something you can easily slip into your pocket, or do you prioritize screen size?
Where to Buy: The Minefield of Used Iphones
This is the trickiest part. Buying a used iPhone 6s is like entering a minefield. You need to be extra cautious. You are not buying it new, so you are buying someone else’s problems.
eBay is a classic choice, but proceed with extreme caution. The prices can be tempting, but the risk of getting a lemon is high. Always check the seller’s feedback. Look for sellers with a high rating and a history of selling electronics.
Amazon can be slightly better, but the quality control can vary. Check the seller’s rating carefully. Read the reviews. Pay attention to comments about battery life, cosmetic condition, and functionality.
Swappa is a good alternative. They have a more rigorous vetting process, and they typically require sellers to provide more detailed information about the phone’s condition. You get some peace of mind. I have had better luck there.
Local marketplaces, like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, can offer great deals. But you need to be extremely vigilant. Always meet in a public place. Inspect the phone carefully. Test all the features. Ask the seller questions. If something feels off, walk away. Don’t get pressured into a sale. I walked away from a local sale once because the seller wouldn’t let me test the phone. I am glad I did. (See Also: How Can I Track My Childs Iphone )
Refurbished retailers can be a good option, if you choose carefully. Look for retailers with a good reputation and a solid warranty. Read reviews. Check the fine print.
Consider this: The smell of a used phone can tell you a lot. Does it have that faint, oily plastic smell of a well-used device? Or does it smell like it’s been stored in a damp basement? That smell could be an indicator of problems.
What to Check Before You Buy
Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, run through a checklist. This isn’t optional.
First, check the cosmetic condition. Look for scratches, dents, and other signs of wear and tear. The screen should be free of major scratches. I saw one with a deep crack. Avoid that.
Next, check the battery health. This is a big one. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. A battery health of 80% or higher is ideal. Anything lower, and you’ll likely need to replace the battery soon. A replacement can cost $50-$70. Factor that into the price.
Test all the features. Make a phone call. Take a few photos and videos. Check the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. Test the volume buttons, the power button, and the home button. Check the charging port. Make sure the headphone jack works. I once bought a phone where the headphone jack was broken. A pain.
Finally, check the iCloud status. Make sure the phone isn’t locked to someone else’s iCloud account. If it is, you won’t be able to use it. Go to Settings > iCloud. If you see an account logged in that isn’t yours, it’s a no-go.
Consider this: A phone with a cracked screen might be a bargain, but replacing the screen can be expensive. Factor in the cost of a screen replacement before you buy it. You could end up spending more than it is worth.
iPhone 6s vs. Modern Smartphones: A Comparison
Here’s a quick comparison of the iPhone 6s against a modern smartphone. This is to get a true comparison.
| Feature | iPhone 6s | Modern Smartphone (e.g., iPhone 15) | My Opinion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple A9 | Apple A16 Bionic (or newer) | Night and day difference. Everything is faster on a modern phone. |
| Screen | 4.7-inch Retina HD | 6.1-inch (or larger) Super Retina XDR | Smaller, less vibrant. It’s a noticeable downgrade. |
| Camera | 12MP rear, 5MP front | 48MP (or higher) rear, 12MP front | The 6s camera is okay for basic use. Modern cameras are far superior. |
| Battery Life | Can be poor, depending on the battery health | Generally good, often lasting a full day | Plan on replacing the battery, or constantly carrying a charger. |
| Software | iOS 15 (last supported version) | iOS 17 (or newer) | You’re missing out on the latest features and security updates. |
| Price (used) | $50-$150 | $800+ (new) | The price is the only real advantage. |
As you can see, the iPhone 6s is a budget phone that is only an option for those on a budget.
I’m reminded of a time when I thought I could get away with a cheap car. I bought a used car once. It looked great. It drove okay. Until the engine blew up a week later. It was a costly lesson. You get what you pay for.
What to Expect in Terms of Performance
Okay, let’s be realistic. The iPhone 6s isn’t going to win any speed contests. The A9 chip, while decent for its time, struggles with modern apps and games. I’ve noticed a slight lag when scrolling through social media, and more complex apps can take a moment to load. Multitasking isn’t its strong suit. Switching between apps can be slow.
Don’t expect to run the latest, most demanding mobile games smoothly. They might run, but you’ll experience dropped frames and visual stutters. Casual games, like puzzle games, will be fine. If gaming is a priority, consider a newer phone.
Web browsing is acceptable, but not blazing fast. Web pages with a lot of media can take a while to load. The experience can feel a bit sluggish. The older hardware struggles to keep up with the demands of modern websites. The experience is not great. (See Also: Is My Att Iphone Unlocked )
Consider this: Think of it like comparing a bicycle to a sports car. The bike can get you where you need to go, but the car will get you there much faster and more comfortably. And with better handling.
The Camera: Is It Still Usable?
The iPhone 6s camera, with its 12MP rear sensor, can still take decent photos in good lighting conditions. The pictures will be okay. It’s not going to blow you away. The quality of the camera is good, but it is not great. The camera does a reasonable job. It struggles in low-light environments. The images can be noisy and lack detail. The dynamic range is limited, meaning you might lose detail in highlights or shadows.
Video recording is also limited. The 6s can record 4K video at 30fps. However, the quality isn’t as good as you’d find on a more modern phone. The video can look a bit soft, and the stabilization isn’t as effective. If you are recording videos, this is probably not the phone for you.
The front-facing camera is a 5MP. It is fine for video calls and the occasional selfie. Don’t expect amazing quality. The selfies are adequate for the time.
Consider this: If photography is a hobby, or you take a lot of photos and videos, the iPhone 6s camera will probably disappoint you. You’ll see a big difference if you compare it to a newer phone.
I recall a time I tried to use my old iPhone 6s for a family vacation. The low-light photos were a disaster. The pictures were blurry, and the colors were washed out. It was disappointing.
Battery Life: The Achilles’ Heel
The battery life on the iPhone 6s is likely to be a major drawback. The original battery capacity was relatively small. The battery has degraded over time. A phone that is almost a decade old means the battery is probably struggling. You should plan on needing to replace the battery. Replacing the battery is a good idea. It will improve the battery life. But it’s an extra expense.
If you’re buying a used iPhone 6s, I highly recommend checking the battery health in the settings. If it’s below 80%, expect to replace the battery. If you are a heavy user, or you are running demanding apps, you might need to recharge the phone more than once a day. This depends on how old the phone is.
I remember one time when I was traveling and my iPhone 6s battery died in the middle of a trip. I was unable to use the navigation, and I was unable to contact anyone. I would recommend carrying a portable charger. This will help prevent issues.
Consider this: You might need to adjust your usage habits to conserve battery life. Turn down the screen brightness. Close background apps. Disable location services. These steps will help extend battery life.
Software Updates: What You Need to Know
The iPhone 6s is no longer receiving major iOS updates. The last supported version of iOS is iOS 15. This means you won’t get new features or the latest security patches. This will impact your experience. The lack of updates is a consideration.
While iOS 15 is still a secure operating system, it will eventually become more vulnerable to security threats. You’re also missing out on the latest features, improvements, and optimizations. This is something to consider.
Consider this: The lack of updates makes the iPhone 6s a less secure option. You need to weigh the risk of using an outdated operating system against the low price of the phone.
Is the iPhone 6s Worth It in 2024?
Ultimately, the answer depends on your needs and budget. The iPhone 6s is a budget-friendly option. It can still be a usable phone for basic tasks. You can use it for calls, texting, and browsing the web. If you need a smartphone at the lowest price, the 6s may be the right option. (See Also: Will I Get My Iphone On Friday )
However, the 6s has limitations. The older hardware is slower. The battery life can be poor. The camera is limited. It does not have the newest features. It is not getting any new updates. You need to consider these issues. It depends on your situation.
Everyone says the iPhone 6s is a bargain. I disagree, and here is why: The cost of a used iPhone 6s is low. However, you need to add the cost of a new battery. If you want a phone that is reliable and lasts, you need to factor that in. The cost can quickly add up.
A test by Consumer Reports found that older phones can have shorter lifespans. This can be problematic.
It is important to remember that technology evolves quickly. The iPhone 6s is now an older generation phone. The technology has advanced a lot. However, if you’re on a very tight budget and you’re willing to accept the limitations, the iPhone 6s is still an option.
Is the iPhone 6s Still a Good Phone in 2024?
It depends. If you’re on a tight budget and need a basic phone, the iPhone 6s can work. It is older, but it may meet your needs. You need to be aware of the limitations. If you can afford a more modern phone, that is probably a better choice. Newer phones have better cameras and longer battery life.
How Much Should I Pay for an iPhone 6s in 2024?
The price will vary. You should generally expect to pay between $50 and $150, depending on the condition, storage capacity, and where you buy it. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true. It is important to compare prices from different sellers. Consider the cost of a replacement battery.
Is the iPhone 6s Safe to Use in 2024?
The iPhone 6s is safe to use. You need to be more cautious because it is no longer receiving software updates. It will eventually become vulnerable to security threats. You should take extra precautions, like only downloading apps from trusted sources. Be careful of phishing attempts and other online scams. You should consider this.
Does the iPhone 6s Support iOS 16 or iOS 17?
No, the iPhone 6s does not support iOS 16 or iOS 17. The last supported version of iOS is iOS 15. This is something to be aware of. This will impact the overall experience. The older software means you don’t have the latest features or security patches.
Verdict
So, which iPhone 6s should I get? The truth is, it’s a gamble. You might get a perfectly good phone that serves your needs for another year or two. Or you might end up with a battery-draining brick. Weigh the risks against the cost. Carefully consider if the limitations are something you can live with.
If you have the budget, I recommend you consider a newer, more modern phone. The advancements in smartphones over the last few years are significant. If you are on a budget and the iPhone 6s is the only option, proceed with caution.
Before you buy, ask the seller for proof of battery health. This is the single most important factor. If the battery is terrible, it is probably not worth buying the phone. If the battery is in good condition, you will have a better experience.
The choice is yours.
Recommended Products
Recommended For You
