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 see what 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.
Quick Actions with 3D Touch
3D Touch builds on the multitouch gestures we already know, adding pressure sensitivity to the screen. Quick Actions allows you to press in on an app icon to access to certain frequently used features. Apple also introduced Peek and Pop gestures which let you preview links, messages and photos before popping them open on the screen.
Peek and Pop with 3D Touch
The Taptic Engine, a feature borrowed from the Apple 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 latest A9 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-generation Touch ID sensor. 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 new ion-exchange glass and 7000 Series aluminum make the iPhone much harder and more durable than before.
As a result of this, the iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s weighs about half an ounce 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 a very small number of customers and Apple showed the media the iPhone 6 was just as strong as most phones on the market. With the new 7000 Series aluminum in the 6s, Apple put a quick end 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 a 12-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 called Retina Flash which 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 called Live 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 seconds before and after it was taken.
Live Photos demonstrated at the Apple Keynote
S is for Siri
One of the bonus features of the M9 motion coprocessor is the ability to always listen for the “Hey Siri” command without draining the battery. This command could be done on previous generations of iPhones, but only when they were charging.
Now you can use an iPhone 6s to ask Siri whenever your hands are full – whether it’s when 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 Apple right here. We’ve also been known to get a used iPhone 6s from time to time. You can check our stock on the Orchard website and 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-quality used iPhone 6 right here.
