Small But Mighty or Big and Powerful? Choosing Between the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus

Apple shook things up when it released the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus back in September 2015. But a little older doesn’t mean less popular, and both offer an affordable and reliable iPhone to users. And if you’re curious which will work better for you, this blog aims to break down the differences between the two, step by step, in a simple, user friendly way. By the time you finish reading this blog, you will exactly know which iPhone is right for all your needs.

1. Size and Design: Big vs. Bigger

One of the biggest differences between the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus is their size.

• iPhone 6S: The 6S is compact and has a 4.7-inch screen. It’s easier to hold, fits in your pocket comfortably, and is great if you prefer a smaller phone.
• iPhone 6S Plus: The 6S Plus has a larger 5.5-inch screen. It’s better for those who love big displays for watching videos, gaming, or reading.

What to Consider:

• If you have small hands or prefer a phone that’s easy to handle, the iPhone 6S is a better choice.
• If you enjoy using your phone for entertainment or need a bigger screen, go for the iPhone 6S Plus.

2. Display: Size Matters, But So Does Quality

Both phones feature a Retina HD display, which makes colors look sharp and vibrant. However, there’s a slight difference in resolution.

• iPhone 6S: Resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, which works perfectly fine for most tasks.
• iPhone 6S Plus: Resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD). The higher resolution means sharper images and clearer text.

What to Consider:

• The 6S Plus’s screen is noticeably better if you’re watching movies or viewing high-quality images. For everyday tasks like texting, browsing, or social media, the 6S is just as good.

3. Battery Life: Who Lasts Longer?

Battery life is a big deal when it comes to smartphones, and here’s how the two compare:

• iPhone 6S: A smaller phone means a smaller battery. You’ll get through most of the day with normal usage, but heavy use (like gaming or video streaming) may drain it quickly.
• iPhone 6S Plus: The larger size allows for a bigger battery, which means more usage time. It lasts longer, even with heavy use.

What to Consider:

• If you’re always on your phone or don’t like carrying a charger, the iPhone 6S Plus is the better choice.
• If you’re okay with charging your phone every night and prefer a smaller device, the 6S works just fine.

4. Camera: Is Bigger Better?

Both phones feature a 12MP rear camera, which was a major upgrade at the time. However, the 6S Plus has an edge when it comes to photography.

• iPhone 6S: Takes great photos and videos, especially in good lighting conditions.
• iPhone 6S Plus: Comes with Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). This helps reduce blur in photos and makes videos smoother, especially in low-light settings.

What to Consider:

• If you’re a casual photo-taker, the iPhone 6S will do the job perfectly.
• If you love photography or recording videos, the 6S Plus’s OIS feature makes it the better option.

5. Performance: Speed and Power

Both models run on the A9 chip, which ensures fast performance for apps, gaming, and multitasking.

• iPhone 6S: Offers the same speed and performance as the 6S Plus. It handles most tasks smoothly without lag.
• iPhone 6S Plus: Since both phones share the same processor and RAM, there’s no difference in speed.

What to Consider:

• In terms of speed, there’s no winner here. Both the 6S and 6S Plus are equally capable.

6. Price: What’s Your Budget?

When it comes to cost, the iPhone 6S is usually more affordable than the 6S Plus.

• iPhone 6S: Smaller size means a lower price tag. If you’re on a tight budget, this could be the better option.
• iPhone 6S Plus: Because of its larger size, better battery, and camera features, it’s priced slightly higher.

What to Consider:

• If saving money is your priority, go for the iPhone 6S.
• If you’re okay spending a little more for a bigger screen and better battery, choose the 6S Plus.

7. Portability: Pocket-Friendly or Not?

• iPhone 6S: Its smaller size makes it easy to carry around. It fits into your pocket or bag without taking up much space.
• iPhone 6S Plus: The larger size means it’s not as portable. It might not fit comfortably in smaller pockets.

What to Consider:

• If you’re always on the go and need something lightweight and portable, the iPhone 6S wins here.
• If portability isn’t an issue and you want a bigger phone, the 6S Plus is a great pick.

8. Gaming and Media: The Entertainment Factor

• iPhone 6S: The smaller screen is fine for casual gaming and watching videos.
• iPhone 6S Plus: The larger screen makes gaming, streaming, and reading much more enjoyable. The Full HD display adds to the experience.

What to Consider:

• If you’re an entertainment enthusiast, the iPhone 6S Plus is better for immersive experiences.
• If you only use your phone occasionally for entertainment, the 6S is more than sufficient.

9. Storage Options: How Much Space Do You Need?

Both models offer the same storage options: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. However, with today’s apps, photos, and videos taking up more space, 16GB is often too small.

Pro Tip:

• Go for at least 64GB if you plan to keep a lot of photos, videos, and apps on your phone.

10. Weight: Light vs. Heavy

• iPhone 6S: Weighs 143 grams, making it lighter and easier to carry.
• iPhone 6S Plus: Weighs 192 grams. The extra weight might not matter to some but could feel bulky to others.

What to Consider:

• If you prefer a lighter phone, go with the iPhone 6S.
• If the weight doesn’t bother you, the iPhone 6S Plus’s features might be worth it.

11. Software Updates: Staying Up to Date

Both the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus launched with iOS 9 but can be updated to later versions of iOS (up to iOS 15 or 16, depending on your region).

• iPhone 6S and 6S Plus: Both phones receive the same software updates, so you won’t miss out on features, no matter which one you choose.

What to Consider:

• Since both phones are equally capable of running the same software, there’s no difference here.

The Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Now that we’ve covered all the differences step by step, let’s sum it up:

• Choose the iPhone 6S if:
  • You want a smaller, more portable phone.
  • You’re on a tight budget.
  • You don’t need a big screen or longer battery life.
• Choose the iPhone 6S Plus if:
  • You love watching videos or playing games on a bigger screen.
  • You want a longer-lasting battery.
  • You’re into photography and want better camera performance.

It all boils down to your preferences. Both are great choices, even years after being released. But if portability and affordability are top priority, then the iPhone 6S is your best bet. If you prefer a larger screen and longer battery life and are prepared to pay extra for it, the iPhone 6S Plus will be worth it.

Still Unsure? Here’s a Quick Comparison Table

No matter which one you choose, both the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus are reliable devices that continue to perform well for everyday tasks. Think about what’s most important to you size, battery life, or budget and make your d