Is iPhone 6s Any Good? A Tech Veteran’s No-Bs Take
My first smartphone was a disaster. It was a top-of-the-line Android that promised the moon, and delivered… a slow, glitchy, battery-draining experience. I spent a small fortune on accessories, only to find myself constantly frustrated. I should have done my research.
Then came the iPhone 6s. It was the first Apple device I owned, and the change was immediately noticeable. Everything just worked. The operating system was smooth, the camera was impressive for its time, and the battery life wasn’t terrible. It was a revelation.
But years have passed. Now, the question is: is iphone 6s any good in 2024? The answer, as you’ll soon discover, is complicated.
Prepare to have your expectations challenged. I’ll share my experience, the good and the bad, and help you decide if this phone still has a place in your pocket.
The Allure of the iPhone 6s: What Made It Special
Remember 3D Touch? It was the iPhone 6s’s party trick, a pressure-sensitive display that offered contextual menus and shortcuts. It felt futuristic. You could peek at emails, preview photos, and access specific app features with a firm press. It was, for a time, genuinely innovative. But, the reality was, I only used it occasionally; it wasn’t the game-changer Apple hyped it to be.
Apple also introduced a faster processor, the A9, and a 12-megapixel camera. These upgrades, combined with the polished iOS experience, made the iPhone 6s feel incredibly responsive and reliable. The design itself was also a step up, with its sleek aluminum unibody. The phone felt solid in your hand, a world away from the cheaper plastic phones of the time.
I remember upgrading from a phone that felt like a cheap toy to a phone that felt like a premium product. The weight, the feel of the metal, and even the click of the home button were all noticeably superior. It’s a feeling you don’t forget easily.
However, the rose-gold finish was, perhaps, a bit much. I’m not sure who thought that would be a good idea.
The iPhone 6s was not just a phone; it was a statement. It was a symbol of being “in the know” and of appreciating well-designed technology. It represented a shift in the market, a move towards premium smartphones. The iPhone 6s was a status symbol, even if the user didn’t want it to be.
The Camera: Still Holding Its Own?
For a phone released in 2015, the iPhone 6s camera was surprisingly good. It captured detailed photos with accurate colors, especially in good lighting conditions. The 12-megapixel sensor, a step up from previous iPhones, was a clear win. It’s easy to forget how much camera technology has advanced since the 6s was first introduced.
That said, modern smartphone cameras have leaped ahead. Phones today offer features like portrait mode, night mode, and advanced image stabilization that the iPhone 6s lacks. I once tried to take a photo of a moving toddler indoors; the iPhone 6s struggled. Blurry mess.
The video quality was also impressive for its time, with 4K recording capabilities. The front-facing camera, however, was a paltry 5MP, making selfies look grainy by today’s standards. I think I took about 10 selfies with that camera.
The lack of features like optical image stabilization (OIS) makes low-light photography more challenging. That means you’ll probably need to stabilize your hand when taking pictures, or you will end up with blurry images. The lack of these features is one of the main downsides when assessing is iphone 6s any good today. (See Also: Wheres My Iphone Login )
Yet, the 6s can still take decent photos. The pictures have good color and great detail. The simplicity of the camera is a plus for some. It is still a viable option for those who want a simple camera without a lot of features.
Battery Life: A Constant Struggle
Battery life was, and still is, a significant weakness of the iPhone 6s. The battery was never outstanding, and with age, it has only gotten worse. I can remember going out for a day, and the battery would barely last for 5 hours. It was bad.
The original battery was rated for around 10 hours of web browsing. In my experience, that number was highly optimistic. After a few years of use, many users found themselves needing to recharge the phone multiple times a day. If you are going to use the iPhone 6s, prepare to charge it frequently.
Replacing the battery can improve things, but even a new battery won’t match the performance of modern smartphones. The smaller battery capacity and the aging hardware contribute to the issue. Honestly, this is one of the biggest drawbacks to the phone, and the main thing you need to worry about.
I once had to attend a long meeting and forgot my charger. I could barely get through the meeting without my phone dying. The phone’s battery life is a stark reminder of the rapid pace of technological change.
Today, with a new battery, you might get 6-7 hours of moderate use, but it’s not a phone you can rely on for a full day’s worth of activity. It is a definite downside.
iOS Updates: The End of the Line?
One of the biggest questions when considering the iPhone 6s is software support. Apple is known for providing long-term software updates for its devices. However, the iPhone 6s is no longer receiving the latest iOS updates. It is stuck with iOS 15.
This means you miss out on new features, security enhancements, and performance improvements that come with newer versions of iOS. Security vulnerabilities are a concern. With an older operating system, the phone is more susceptible to security threats. The older OS also means that you won’t be able to run some newer apps.
I’ve witnessed this firsthand. Certain apps stopped working correctly. This is one of the downsides.
Security updates are still provided, but the lack of major OS updates is a significant limitation. It’s a constant reminder that the phone is aging. It does not feel as new. It feels obsolete.
The end of software updates also means the phone might become less compatible with other devices and services over time. This is because Apple will eventually stop supporting the older operating system. So, the question of is iphone 6s any good, really depends on if you can deal with this lack of support.
According to research by Statista, the average lifespan of a smartphone is about 3-4 years. The iPhone 6s has surpassed that, and it’s showing. (See Also: Can I Chromecast From Iphone )
Performance: Still Usable for Basic Tasks
The A9 chip in the iPhone 6s was a powerhouse for its time. It still handles everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and social media with reasonable speed. The operating system is efficient, and the interface remains responsive.
However, the phone struggles with more demanding tasks. Playing graphic-intensive games, editing videos, or running multiple apps simultaneously can cause lag and slowdowns. Some apps will also not function well with the older operating system.
The 2GB of RAM is a bottleneck. It limits multitasking capabilities. Switching between apps can be slow. I remember trying to switch between apps and having to wait, which was frustrating.
The performance feels sluggish compared to modern smartphones, which have significantly faster processors and more RAM. This makes it feel dated, and can be an issue when assessing the phone today. The performance is not going to blow you away.
It’s like comparing a classic car to a modern sports car. The classic car might still be fun to drive, but it won’t keep up with the latest models on the road. The 6s still works, but it isn’t great.
I’ve had to close multiple applications after using them. This is because the phone struggles to handle more than 2-3 apps at once. It is not ideal.
The Price: A Bargain or a Waste?
The price of the iPhone 6s is a key factor in its appeal. You can find them used at a fraction of their original price. They are definitely more affordable than the newest models. But just because it is cheaper, does that mean it is a good deal?
Consider this: you can find an iPhone 6s for around $50-$100, depending on its condition. That sounds like a good deal. However, you also need to factor in the cost of a new battery, which is essential. You need to consider the cost of accessories, and the fact that you will probably replace the phone in a year or two.
Sometimes a cheaper deal is not a good deal.
Compare that to a new, budget-friendly Android phone that offers better performance, camera quality, and battery life for a slightly higher price. A new Android phone might be a better value in the long run. When I was shopping for a phone for my mother, that is exactly what I did.
I did find a good deal. But I had to look around. I would recommend doing research, and looking around before you buy.
The value proposition of the iPhone 6s depends on your needs and expectations. If you prioritize budget and are willing to compromise on performance and features, it could be a viable option. If you want a more modern experience, it’s better to spend a little more on a newer device. (See Also: If I Reset My Iphone Will I Lose My Number )
Comparing the iPhone 6s to Modern Smartphones
To fully understand the iPhone 6s’s place in today’s market, it’s helpful to compare it to modern smartphones. The differences are significant, and they highlight the progress of technology in recent years.
Here’s a comparison table:
| Feature | iPhone 6s | Modern Smartphone (e.g., iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy A54) | Verdict/Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | A9 | Latest generation (A16 Bionic or equivalent) | Significant performance gap; modern phones are much faster |
| Camera | 12MP | Multiple lenses, advanced features (night mode, portrait mode) | Modern phones offer dramatically improved camera capabilities |
| Battery Life | Poor | Good to excellent | Modern phones have superior battery life |
| Software | iOS 15 (no longer receiving updates) | Latest iOS or Android version with ongoing updates | Modern phones offer better security and access to the latest features |
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina | Larger, higher-resolution displays with better brightness and color accuracy | Modern phones have superior displays |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes | Modern phones offer faster data speeds |
| Price (used) | $50-$100 | $200+ | If you need a phone, and are on a budget, it might work, but you are better off buying a new phone |
It is important to remember that technology advances quickly. The iPhone 6s was a great phone, but there are better options in today’s market.
Frequently Asked Questions About the iPhone 6s
Is the iPhone 6s Still Worth Buying in 2024?
That depends. If you’re on an extreme budget and need a phone for basic tasks, it could be considered. However, the limited battery life, lack of software updates, and outdated performance make it a less-than-ideal choice. There are more capable, affordable smartphones available.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace the Battery on an iPhone 6s?
The cost varies depending on where you get the battery replaced. Apple’s official price is usually around $50-$70. Third-party repair shops might offer lower prices, but make sure they use quality parts. It’s definitely worth replacing the battery, if you are going to use the phone.
What iOS Version Does the iPhone 6s Run?
The iPhone 6s is limited to iOS 15. It will no longer receive updates. This means you won’t get new features or the latest security patches. This is a significant consideration when deciding whether to buy the phone.
Can I Still Use Apps on an iPhone 6s?
Yes, you can still use many apps on the iPhone 6s. However, some newer apps may not be compatible with iOS 15, or older versions might not receive updates. Performance can also be an issue, as the phone’s hardware might struggle to run demanding apps. I have found this to be an issue myself.
What Are the Biggest Drawbacks of the iPhone 6s?
The main drawbacks include poor battery life, the lack of software updates, outdated performance, a relatively small screen, and a dated camera compared to modern smartphones. These are things you need to know before you buy one.
Final Verdict
So, is iphone 6s any good? The answer is nuanced. While it was a great phone in its day, its age shows. You’ll likely face frustration with battery life, limited software support, and slower performance.
For those on a very tight budget and need a phone that is very basic, it might do the job. You’ll have to accept its limitations. It will feel old, slow, and probably make you want a new phone quickly.
Ultimately, the iPhone 6s is a relic of the past. There are far better options available. If you’re considering the iPhone 6s, I recommend spending a little extra and getting something more modern.
If you already own one, consider a battery replacement to extend its life, or start planning for an upgrade.
Recommended Products
Recommended For You
