When Apple released the iPhone 6s in 2015, it introduced several notable improvements over its predecessors. Just a year later, the iPhone 7 followed with a few additional refinements and new features. Now, nearly a decade after their release, many users wonder: which iPhone is better— the 6s or the 7?
Let’s break down their key features, performance, and differences to help you decide which device might be the right fit for your needs.
Design and Build Quality
Both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 feature a similar aluminum design with rounded edges, but there are a few notable differences:
- iPhone 6s: The 6s has a 4.7-inch Retina display and comes with a standard headphone jack, which was later removed in the iPhone 7.
- iPhone 7: The iPhone 7 has a slightly refined design with a more robust and water-resistant body. It’s also rated IP67, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The 7’s antenna lines are less visible and the physical Home button was replaced with a solid-state button that uses haptic feedback.
While both phones are durable, the iPhone 7 edges ahead with its improved water resistance and sleeker design.
Display
Both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 feature the same 4.7-inch Retina display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. However, the iPhone 7’s display has improved color accuracy and a wider color gamut, which results in richer, more vibrant colors. This may be particularly noticeable when viewing photos or watching videos.
Performance and Hardware
One of the key differences between the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 is the performance upgrade:
- iPhone 6s: Powered by the A9 chip with 2GB of RAM, the iPhone 6s was significantly faster than its predecessors, offering smooth performance for its time.
- iPhone 7: The iPhone 7 is equipped with the more powerful A10 Fusion chip, which offers improved performance and energy efficiency. It also comes with 2GB of RAM, but the A10 chip is faster and more capable of handling demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease.
If you prioritize performance, the iPhone 7 has a noticeable edge, thanks to its faster processor and improved graphics performance.
Camera
Both devices have impressive cameras for their time, but there are some key differences:
- iPhone 6s: The 6s features a 12MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of recording 4K video. Its front-facing camera is 5MP, perfect for selfies and FaceTime calls.
- iPhone 7: The iPhone 7 improves upon the 6s with an f/1.8 aperture on its 12MP rear camera, allowing for better low-light performance. It also introduces Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) for smoother, clearer photos and video. The front camera remains the same at 7MP, offering improved selfie quality.
For photography, the iPhone 7 is the winner, offering better low-light performance and enhanced image stabilization.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for many iPhone users. While both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 offer similar battery life, the iPhone 7’s more energy-efficient A10 Fusion chip helps it last slightly longer on a full charge. The iPhone 7 also supports fast charging, which the 6s does not.
Software and Updates
Both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 can run iOS 16, meaning they will continue to receive security updates and new features for some time. However, as the iPhone 7 is a newer device, it may receive updates for a longer period than the iPhone 6s, which could be a factor to consider if you’re looking for a device that will be supported for years to come.
Conclusion
While both the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7 are excellent phones for their time, the iPhone 7 is the clear winner in several key areas:
- Performance: The iPhone 7’s A10 Fusion chip is faster and more energy-efficient.
- Camera: The iPhone 7 offers better low-light performance and image stabilization.
- Design: The iPhone 7 is water-resistant and has a more refined design.
If you’re deciding between the two, the iPhone 7 offers more future-proof features and superior overall performance. However, if budget is a concern and you’re not as interested in the latest features, the iPhone 6s still holds up well for everyday tasks.