The S is for Speed: iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s (2024)

We’ve all learned to expect a major new iPhone design about every two years. Between these design changes the iPhone receives a feature upgrade, dubbed the “S” model. Since both phones look the exact same, you’re probably left wondering what’s the big difference between the iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s?

The iPhone 6 was released in September 2014 and the 6s was released a year later in September 2015. The iPhone 6s is currently Apple’s flagship phone, with the fastest processor, best camera and latest tech all bundled in one.

If you’re trying to decide which model to choose, or if you’re wondering if the iPhone 6s is a worthy upgrade over the 6, look no further. Let’s seewhat really changed between the iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s.

S is for Screen

The iPhone 6s has almost the same Retina HD display as the iPhone 6, but with the addition of 3D Touch and the Taptic Engine.

3D Touchbuilds on the multitouch gestures we already know, adding pressure sensitivity to the screen. Quick Actionsallows you to press in on an app icon to access to certain frequently used features. Applealso introducedPeek and Popgestures which let you preview links, messages and photos before popping them open on the screen.

The Taptic Engine, a feature borrowed from theApple Watch, enhances the 3D Touch experience with subtle feedback that corresponds with the pressure used on the display.

S is for Speed

As you might have already guessed, the iPhone 6s is all about speed. Featuring the latestA9 processor, the iPhone 6s has a 70% faster CPU and 90% faster GPU when compared to the iPhone 6.

You’ll notice these kinds of improvements even with daily use of iOS 9. Whether it’s pulling down a notification banner or switching apps, the whole experience will feel snappier compared to the slight lag on the iPhone 6.

While we’re on the topic of speed, the iPhone 6s also received a much improved second-generationTouch IDsensor. The new sensor is incredibly fast, so fast you might not even have the chance to look at your lock screen.

S is for Stronger

Although the design of the iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s is identical, Apple changed the glass and metal case ever so slightly. Borrowing another set of features from the Apple Watch, the newion-exchange glass and 7000 Series aluminummake the iPhonemuch harder and more durable than before.

As a result of this, the iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s weighs about half anounce more. It’s not a big difference, but you’ll notice the iPhone 6s feels a lot sturdier in your hand, meaning it can really handle daily wear and tear.

You can probably remember the nonsense of ‘bendgate’ following the launch of the iPhone 6 in 2014. There was an alleged weak point in the design where people could bend the phone provided enough force was used.

Turns out it only affected avery small number of customersand Appleshowed the mediathe iPhone 6 was just as strong as most phones on the market. With the new 7000 Series aluminum in the 6s, Apple put a quickend to the problem.

S is for Superior Cameras

Both the iSight and FaceTime cameras on the iPhone 6s received a big boost in terms of megapixels. The rear iSight camera goes from 8-megapixels on the iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s which now features a12-megapixel camera.

Those extra megapixels combined with the latest image sensors, give you the best photos possible on an iPhone. The iPhone 6s is even capable of capturing 4K video. And with all the speed we were talking about before, you can edit 4K video right on your phone.

Shot on iPhone 6

Shot on iPhone 6s

As for the FaceTime camera, this is the first significant boost it’s seen in a while. The 5-megapixel camera on the iPhone 6s makes a world of difference compared to the 1.2-megapixels on the iPhone 6. There’s also a new feature calledRetina Flashwhich uses the display as a front-facing flash. And don’t worry, Apple used it’s True Tone technology to ensure you look natural, not washed out.

One of the more interesting camera features introduced on the iPhone 6s is calledLive Photos. Essentially capturing a moment in time, Live Photos take a photo with movement and sound. It’s still takes an amazing 12-megapixel photo, but adds the few secondsbefore and after it was taken.

S is for Siri

One of the bonus features of the M9 motion coprocessor is the ability to always listen forthe “Hey Siri” command without draining the battery. This command couldbe done on previous generations of iPhones, but only when they werecharging.

Now you can use an iPhone 6s to ask Siri whenever your hands are full – whether it’swhen your iPhone is sitting in the cupholder of your car or when you want to set a timer for dinner.

Summary: iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s

The iPhone 6 is still an amazing and powerful phone, but the iPhone 6s take it to the next level. With a faster processor, 3D Touch, better cameras and a stronger aluminium body, the iPhone 6s is quite the significant upgrade.

If you want to be on the cutting edge of Apple tech, the iPhone 6s is the right choice for you. You can purchase it unlocked from Appleright here. We’ve also been known to get a used iPhone 6s from time to time. You can check our stock on theOrchard websiteand you can even setup a notification when we get one in our inventory.

If the iPhone 6s seems like it’s a bit too much for you and you don’t need all the latest features, the iPhone 6 is a solid choice. You still get the bigger screen and quite a bit of power for a iPhone that came out in 2014. Check out our selection for a high-qualityused iPhone 6right here.

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