When it was first released in 2015, the Apple iPhone 6S was a game-changer in the smartphone industry. Offering improved performance, a sleek design, and innovative features like 3D Touch, many considered it a worthy upgrade from its predecessor, the iPhone 6. However, as time has passed and Apple has introduced newer models with even more advanced technology, it is clear that the iPhone 6S struggles to keep up with the competition. In this review, we will take a closer look at the strengths and weaknesses of the iPhone 6S in comparison to its modern counterparts.

Design and Build

The iPhone 6S sports an aluminum unibody design that feels premium in hand. Its slim profile and rounded edges make for an elegant appearance. However, compared to Apple’s newer models like the iPhone X or the iPhone SE (2020), the design of the 6S seems outdated. The large bezels above and below the display feel clunky compared to edge-to-edge screens found on newer iPhones.

Display

The iPhone 6S features a 4.7-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. While this might have been impressive back in the day when it was first launched, it now pales in comparison to present-day iPhones such as the iPhone 11 Pro which boasts an OLED display with a far superior resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. The color accuracy and overall brightness of the display on newer iPhones have also improved significantly over the years.

Performance

Equipped with an A9 chip, paired with 2GB of RAM, the iPhone 6S still provides decent performance for basic tasks such as phone calls, texting, browsing social media, and light gaming. However, when compared to newer devices like the iPhone 12 with its powerful A14 Bionic chip, it is evident that the iPhone 6S cannot hold its own. The iPhone 6S is also not compatible with many of the latest software updates, including features like Augmented Reality and Animojis.

Camera

The iPhone 6S houses a 12 MP primary camera and a 5 MP front-facing camera. Photos taken on this device are passable, but they simply cannot compete with the quality of pictures taken on newer iPhones. Apple has made significant improvements in low light photography, night mode, and portrait mode in their recent models, leaving the iPhone 6S far behind in terms of overall photo quality and capabilities.

Battery Life

The iPhone 6S has a relatively smaller battery capacity compared to newer models. Considering today’s heavy app usage and multimedia consumption, this will undoubtedly lead to more frequent charging requirements for users.

Conclusion

While there was once a time when the Apple iPhone 6S was an impressive device, it has since been left behind by its newer counterparts. With its dated design, inferior display, decreased performance capabilities, subpar camera quality, and diminished battery life, those considering an upgrade or first-time purchase should look toward the more recent options available in Apple’s lineup to enjoy the best that smartphones have to offer.