Looking to upgrade your mobile experience or perhaps diving into the Apple ecosystem for the first time? The choice between older, yet still capable, models can be a tough one. If you’re weighing the merits of two iconic devices, the Apple iPhone 6s and the Apple iPhone 7, you’ve come to the right place.
While both have served users well, significant advancements have been made between these generations. Understanding their differences in performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience is key to making an informed decision.
This comparison will break down what sets the iPhone 6s apart from the iPhone 7, helping you decide which device best fits your needs and budget in today’s market.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | apple iphone 6s | 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| Display Resolution | 750 x 1334 pixels | 750 x 1334 pixels |
| Processor | A9 | A10 Fusion |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB |
| Rear Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 5MP | 7MP |
| Storage Options | 16/64/128GB | 32/128/256GB |
| Water Resistance | No | IP67 |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | No |
| Home Button | Physical | Solid-state with Taptic Engine |
| Battery Capacity | 1715 mAh | 1960 mAh |
| Operating System (Launch) | iOS 9 | iOS 10 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- Apple iPhone 6s: 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness, but lacks the wider color gamut and higher contrast of the iPhone 7.
- 7: 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. Features include a wider color gamut (P3) and higher brightness, resulting in more vibrant and true-to-life colors, especially in HDR content.
- Winner: 7
Processor & Performance
- Apple iPhone 6s: Powered by the A9 chip with 64-bit architecture. It’s still capable for everyday tasks, but shows its age with more demanding applications and multitasking compared to newer chips.
- 7: Features the A10 Fusion chip, a quad-core processor that offers significantly improved performance and power efficiency over the A9. It handles demanding games and apps with ease and provides a smoother overall experience.
- Winner: 7
Camera (Rear)
- Apple iPhone 6s: 12MP rear camera with Focus Pixels and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). It captures good photos in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light and lacks some of the advanced features of the iPhone 7.
- 7: 12MP rear camera with a larger sensor, f/1.8 aperture, and OIS. This combination leads to significantly better low-light performance, sharper images, and improved detail. It also introduces 4K video recording.
- Winner: 7
Camera (Front)
- Apple iPhone 6s: 5MP FaceTime HD camera. Adequate for selfies and video calls, but lacks the resolution and features of the iPhone 7’s front-facing camera.
- 7: 7MP FaceTime HD camera with a wider color capture. Offers sharper selfies and better video quality for FaceTime and other video conferencing apps.
- Winner: 7
Water Resistance
- Apple iPhone 6s: Not officially rated for water resistance. Exposure to liquids can cause significant damage.
- 7: IP67 rated for water and dust resistance. This means it can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, offering peace of mind against accidental spills and rain.
- Winner: 7
Headphone Jack
- Apple iPhone 6s: Features a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. Allows for easy use of wired headphones without adapters.
- 7: Does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. Requires the use of Lightning-connected headphones or a Lightning to 3.5mm adapter, which can be inconvenient for some users.
- Winner: apple iphone 6s
Battery Life
- Apple iPhone 6s: Offers decent battery life for moderate use, but may struggle to last a full day for heavy users.
- 7: Generally offers improved battery life over the iPhone 6s, allowing for longer usage on a single charge, especially with its more power-efficient A10 Fusion chip.
- Winner: 7
Storage Options
- Apple iPhone 6s: Available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB. The 16GB option can be restrictive for many users.
- 7: Available in 32GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The removal of the 16GB option and the introduction of 32GB and 256GB provide more practical storage solutions.
- Winner: 7
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | 7 |
| Camera (Selfie) | 7 |
| Durability (Water Resistance) | 7 |
| Storage Options | 7 |
| Value (for budget-conscious) | apple iphone 6s |
| Headphone Jack | apple iphone 6s |
| Home Button Experience | 7 |
What They Have in Common
- Display Quality: Both iPhones feature a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, offering vibrant colors and sharp text for an excellent viewing experience.
- Camera Capabilities: The primary rear camera on both devices is a 12MP sensor, capable of capturing detailed photos and 4K video. They also share similar software features for image processing.
- Build Materials: Both the iPhone 6s and 7 are constructed with premium aluminum bodies, providing a solid and comfortable feel in hand.
- Touch Id: Both models incorporate Apple’s Touch ID fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and authentication, offering convenience and enhanced security.
- Software Ecosystem: As Apple devices, both phones run on iOS and have access to the vast App Store, ensuring a seamless and familiar user experience with regular software updates.
Apple iPhone 6S Vs 7 Buying Guide
Performance and Speed
The iPhone 7 boasts a significant leap in processing power with its A10 Fusion chip, offering a noticeably faster and smoother experience than the A9 chip in the iPhone 6S. This translates to quicker app loading times, better multitasking capabilities, and improved performance in demanding games and applications. For users prioritizing speed and future-proofing, the iPhone 7 holds a clear advantage.
While the iPhone 6S still performs admirably for everyday tasks, the iPhone 7’s enhanced architecture provides a tangible upgrade. If you’re a heavy user or enjoy graphically intensive apps, the performance difference will be a key deciding factor. (See Also: Maybelline Exhilarator Vs Pioneer )
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 7 introduced significant camera upgrades, including a larger aperture for better low-light performance and optical image stabilization, which was absent on the 6S. This results in sharper, clearer photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The 7 also gained a wider color gamut, leading to more vibrant and true-to-life images.
While the iPhone 6S camera is still competent, the iPhone 7’s improvements offer a more professional-level photography experience. If capturing high-quality photos and videos is a priority, the iPhone 7 is the superior choice.
Battery Life and Durability
Apple improved battery efficiency with the iPhone 7, offering slightly longer usage times compared to the iPhone 6S. More importantly, the iPhone 7 introduced water and dust resistance (IP67 rating), a feature entirely absent on the 6S. This offers peace of mind against accidental spills and splashes, making it a more durable device for everyday use.
While neither phone is designed for submersion, the IP67 rating on the iPhone 7 provides a significant durability advantage. For those concerned about accidental water damage, this feature alone makes the iPhone 7 a more practical investment. (See Also: Omron Bp5450 Vs Bp7450 )
Design and Display
The iPhone 7 features a more refined design with a sleeker, integrated home button and the removal of the headphone jack, a controversial but forward-thinking move. The display on the iPhone 7 is also brighter and offers a wider color gamut, resulting in more vivid and accurate visuals. The 6S, while still a solid design, feels a bit more dated in comparison.
The iPhone 7’s display improvements contribute to a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and general use. The redesigned home button also offers haptic feedback, adding a modern touch.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy apple iphone 6s If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and looking for a capable iPhone.
- You prefer the tactile feedback of a physical home button.
- You still want to use wired headphones without an adapter.
- Storage needs are modest, with 16GB or 64GB being sufficient.
Buy 7 If…
- You want improved performance and a faster processor for demanding apps.
- Water resistance is a priority for peace of mind.
- You desire a better selfie camera for improved video calls and photos.
- You appreciate the newer design language and the solid-state home button.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 7’s camera significantly better than the 6S?
Yes, the iPhone 7’s camera offers a notable upgrade over the 6S. It features optical image stabilization, a larger aperture for improved low-light shots, and a wider color gamut for more vibrant images. These enhancements result in sharper, clearer photos and videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions, making it a compelling choice for photography enthusiasts.
Does the iPhone 7 have better battery life?
The iPhone 7 generally offers slightly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 6S due to more efficient internal components and software optimizations. While not a drastic difference, you can expect to get a bit more usage out of a single charge with the iPhone 7 for everyday tasks. However, heavy usage on either device will still require daily charging. (See Also: Furnace Rental Vs Purchase )
Is the water resistance of the iPhone 7 a major benefit?
The iPhone 7’s IP67 water and dust resistance is a significant benefit for everyday durability. It provides protection against accidental splashes, rain, and brief submersion, offering peace of mind that the iPhone 6S lacks. This feature makes the iPhone 7 a more robust device for active users or those prone to minor accidents.
Should I upgrade from a 6S to a 7 if I’m on a budget?
If you’re on a tight budget, the iPhone 6S remains a capable device for basic smartphone needs. However, if you can stretch your budget slightly, the iPhone 7 offers noticeable improvements in camera, performance, and durability that justify the upgrade. Consider how much value you place on these enhanced features for your daily usage.
What are the main performance differences between the A9 and A10 Fusion chips?
The A10 Fusion chip in the iPhone 7 is considerably more powerful than the A9 chip in the iPhone 6S. It offers faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and better power efficiency. This translates to quicker app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive experience, particularly in demanding applications and games.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 7 emerges as the clear winner in this comparison, offering substantial upgrades across key areas. Its superior performance, significantly improved camera, enhanced durability with water resistance, and a brighter display make it a more compelling device overall. While the iPhone 6S remains functional, the iPhone 7 provides a more modern and capable smartphone experience.
Winner: Apple iPhone 7