The Apple iPhone 6, released in September 2014, marked a significant shift in Apple’s design and functionality approach. As part of the eighth generation of iPhones, it introduced a larger screen, a thinner body, and several technical advancements. Despite being discontinued, it remains a noteworthy product for understanding the evolution of smartphones. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore its design, performance, features, and legacy.
Apple iPhone 6 Key Specifications
See full specifications
Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The Apple iPhone 6 measures 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm and weighs just 129 grams, making it one of the slimmest and lightest phones of its time. Its aluminum body and curved edges provided a comfortable grip, while its sleek design became a benchmark for modern smartphones. The thin profile, coupled with a seamless integration of components, made it a pleasure to hold and use.
Durability and Protection
Equipped with ion-strengthened glass and an oleophobic coating, the display offered reasonable resistance to scratches and smudges. However, the “bendgate” controversy raised concerns about structural durability under pressure. Independent tests revealed that while the device could bend under significant force, normal usage scenarios rarely caused such issues.
Aesthetic Choices
Available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, the iPhone 6 catered to a wide range of aesthetic preferences. The minimalist design, with its clean lines and premium finish, reflected Apple’s commitment to elegance and functionality. The absence of expandable storage or external card slots reinforced Apple’s approach to promoting cloud-based storage solutions.
Display Performance
Size and Resolution
The iPhone 6 featured a 4.7-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, delivering sharp visuals at ~326 pixels per inch (ppi). This resolution, though modest compared to modern standards, offered a Retina Display experience that ensured individual pixels were imperceptible to the human eye during normal use.
Visual Quality
With a nominal contrast ratio of 1213:1 and a sunlight contrast of 3.838, the display provided excellent visibility in various lighting conditions. Whether watching videos, browsing photos, or reading text, the color reproduction was vibrant and natural, a hallmark of Apple’s display technology.
Screen-to-Body Ratio
Boasting a ~65.8% screen-to-body ratio, the iPhone 6’s bezels were prominent by today’s standards. However, during its release, this was a common design element that balanced usability and aesthetics. The rounded edges of the screen seamlessly blend into the frame, enhancing its premium feel.
Performance and Software
The iPhone 6 was powered by Apple’s A8 chipset, built on a 20-nanometer process. Its dual-core 1.4 GHz Typhoon CPU and PowerVR GX6450 quad-core GPU delivered a solid performance for its time. Benchmarks like Base Mark X scored 15841 points, showcasing its ability to handle multitasking, gaming, and everyday applications efficiently.
RAM and Storage Options
Equipped with 1GB of RAM, the iPhone 6 might seem underpowered by today’s standards, but it was optimized for iOS, ensuring smooth performance. Storage options included 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB, with no support for expandable memory. This limitation required users to carefully consider their storage needs before purchasing.
Software Evolution
Initially launched with iOS 8, the iPhone 6 received updates up to iOS 12.5.6, spanning nearly eight years of software support. Features like Apple Pay, improved notifications, and enhanced Siri functionality were part of the iOS ecosystem, ensuring a modern user experience even as the device aged.
Camera Capabilities
Rear Camera
Apple iPhone 6’s 8MP rear camera with a f/2.2 aperture, 29mm focal length, and phase detection autofocus (PDAF) was designed for reliability and simplicity. It captured detailed images with accurate color reproduction and minimal noise, particularly in well-lit environments.
Video Recording: The rear camera supported 1080p video at 60 frames per second and slow-motion recording at 720p at 240fps, providing users with creative options for capturing moments.
Front Camera
The 1.2MP front-facing camera featured a f/2.2 aperture and a 31mm focal length. Though basic, it supported FaceTime over Wi-Fi or cellular networks and offered HDR capabilities for improved selfies. The 720p video recording capability made it suitable for video calls and casual vlogging.
Camera Features
Additional features like dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR, and advanced post-processing algorithms enhanced the camera’s performance. While the iPhone 6’s camera wasn’t the most advanced of its time, it remained a reliable choice for everyday photography and video recording.
Apple iPhone 6 Battery Life
The non-removable 1810 mAh Li-Po battery powered the iPhone 6. Apple claimed a standby time of up to 250 hours on 3G and a talk time of up to 14 hours on 3G. Real-world usage aligned closely with these figures under moderate conditions.
Endurance Rating
With a tested endurance rating of 61 hours, the battery life was adequate for average users but required daily charging for heavy multitaskers. Activities like gaming or streaming drained the battery more quickly, highlighting the need for power banks or frequent recharging.
Charging
The device used Apple’s proprietary Lightning cable and USB 2.0 for charging. Fast charging and wireless charging were absent, which became a drawback as competitors began adopting these technologies.
Connectivity and Features
Network Support
The iPhone 6 supported GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE, ensuring compatibility with most global networks. Its versatility made it a popular choice for international travelers.
Wireless Connectivity
Equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS with GLONASS, the iPhone 6 provided robust wireless connectivity. NFC was introduced but limited to Apple Pay transactions, reflecting Apple’s controlled ecosystem approach.
Additional Features
- Sensors: The phone included a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. This enhanced its functionality for various applications, from fitness tracking to navigation.
- Audio: The 3.5mm headphone jack supports 16-bit/44.1kHz audio, delivering excellent sound quality for wired headphones.
Legacy and Reception
Apple iPhone 6 was a commercial success, selling over 82 million units globally. It played a pivotal role in solidifying Apple’s dominance in the smartphone market, appealing to both new and loyal users.
User Opinions
Praised for its sleek design, vibrant display, and intuitive interface, the iPhone 6 received high user satisfaction ratings. However, criticisms included its limited RAM, non-expandable storage, and the “bend gate” issue, which slightly tarnished its reputation.
Current Relevance
While discontinued, the iPhone 6 remains a popular choice in the second-hand market, particularly for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable device for basic tasks. Its extended iOS support makes it a viable option for those prioritizing affordability over cutting-edge technology.
Comparison: Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8
| Feature | iPhone 6 | iPhone 7 | iPhone 8 |
| Design & Finish | Silver, Space Grey, Gold | Silver, Black, Gold, Rose Gold | Silver, Space Grey, Gold |
| Build Material | Aluminum Body | Aluminum Body | Glass Back & Aluminum Frame |
| Display | 4.7″ Retina HD (1334×750, 326ppi) | 4.7″ Retina HD (1334×750, 326ppi) | 4.7″ Retina HD with True Tone (1334×750, 326ppi) |
| Processor | A8 Chip | A10 Fusion Chip | A11 Bionic Chip |
| Camera | 8MP (ƒ/2.2) | 12MP (ƒ/1.8) with OIS | 12MP (ƒ/1.8) with OIS |
| Front Camera | 1.2MP FaceTime HD | 7MP FaceTime HD | 7MP FaceTime HD |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 30fps | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 60fps |
| Storage Options | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB | 32GB, 128GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Water Resistance | Not Available | IP67 (1m up to 30 minutes) | IP67 (1m up to 30 minutes) |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours of video playback | Up to 13 hours of video playback | Up to 13 hours of video playback |
| Charging | Lightning, No Fast Charging | Lightning, No Fast Charging | Lightning, Fast-Charge & Wireless Qi Charging |
| Weight | 129g | 138g | 148g |
| Dimensions | 138.1 x 67.0 x 6.9mm | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm | 138.4 x 67.3 x 7.3mm |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC | 4G LTE Advanced, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC | 4G LTE Advanced, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC |
| Authentication | Touch ID (1st Gen) | Touch ID (2nd Gen) | Touch ID (2nd Gen) |
| Price at Launch | $649 (Base Model) | $649 (Base Model) | $699 (Base Model) |
Key Highlights:
- Performance Boost: The iPhone 8 with its A11 Bionic chip is significantly faster than the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7, offering a 70% GPU improvement over the A10 chip in the iPhone 7.
- Camera Upgrades: While all models feature excellent cameras, the iPhone 8 is best with 4K video at 60fps and enhanced image stabilization.
- Build & Design: The glass back of the iPhone 8 enables wireless charging, a feature absent in the iPhone 6 and 7.
- Display Innovation: The iPhone 8 introduces True Tone display technology for a more natural viewing experience.
- Water Resistance: The iPhone 7 and 8 are rated IP67, a major durability improvement over the iPhone 6.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Sleek and lightweight design
- Bright and vibrant Retina Display
- Decent camera performance
- Extensive software support
- Reliable performance for everyday tasks
Cons
- Limited RAM and storage options
- Non-expandable storage
- Average battery life
- Lacks modern features like fast charging and dual cameras
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 6 represented a pivotal moment in smartphone evolution, offering a mix of aesthetics, performance, and usability. Its sleek design, vibrant display, and reliable performance made it a favorite among millions of users.
While it may not match the capabilities of modern devices, its legacy as a trailblazer in the smartphone industry remains undeniable. For those seeking an affordable and dependable device, the iPhone 6 continues to be worthy of consideration in the pre-owned market.
