Apple iPhone 6 Plus Review: Still a Favorite in 2025

The iPhone 6 Plus, introduced in September 2014, was Apple’s first foray into large-screen smartphones. It sets a new benchmark for design, display, and user experience. With its elegant build, robust hardware, and smooth interface, the iPhone 6 Plus remains a notable device in Apple’s history. This review explores its features, performance, and relevance in 2025.

Apple iPhone 6 Plus Key Specifications

 iPhone 6 Plus Design

The iPhone 6 Plus design showcases Apple’s attention to detail. It features a sleek aluminum body with curved edges that make it comfortable to hold. It combines style and portability at just 7.1mm thick and weighs 172 grams. The iron-strengthened glass on the front adds durability, while the anodized aluminum back provides a premium feel.

Apple introduced the antenna bands on the rear, which became a signature design element. The phone is available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold, offering classic and timeless color choices.

Retina HD: Display

The 5.5-inch Retina HD display is one of the standout features of the iPhone 6 Plus. With a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of 401 ppi, the screen delivers crisp, clear, and vibrant visuals.

The IPS LCD panel ensures excellent viewing angles, making it ideal for watching videos, browsing, or reading. With a 67.8% screen-to-body ratio, the display feels expansive without overwhelming the user.

Performance

At the heart of the iPhone 6 Plus is the Apple A8 chipset. Built on a 20nm process, the dual-core 1.4 GHz Typhoon processor is designed for efficiency. Paired with the Power VR GX6450 GPU, it handles everyday tasks smoothly, including browsing, media consumption, and casual gaming.

However, with only 1GB of RAM, the device struggles with multitasking by modern standards. Apps run well individually, but frequent switching may result in reloading.

Battery Life

The 2915mAh battery was a highlight of the iPhone 6 Plus at its launch. It offers up to 24 hours of talk time on 3G and an impressive 384 hours of standby time.

Even by today’s standards, the battery provides decent performance for light use. Power users may need a midday charge, but the low power mode introduced in iOS extends the phone’s usability when necessary.

The 8MP Rear: Camera

The iPhone 6 Plus was Apple’s first smartphone to feature optical image stabilization (OIS), which greatly enhances photography. The 8MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture delivers sharp and vibrant images, especially in good lighting.

Features like HDR, dual-tone flash, and 1080p video recording at 60fps further enhance the photography experience. The 1.2MP front-facing camera may feel underwhelming today but was sufficient for video calls and selfies in its time.

Reachability

With the larger screen size, Apple introduced Reachability, a feature that allows users to double-tap the home button to bring the top half of the screen within reach. This innovation made the device more manageable for one-handed use.

Interface

The iPhone 6 Plus shipped with iOS 8 and is upgradable to iOS 12.5.6. The interface remains intuitive and user-friendly. It supports many modern apps, though some newer ones may not be compatible.

Features like Apple Pay, Siri, and enhanced security with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor add to its functionality.

A8 Chipset

The Apple A8 chipset marked a significant step forward in efficiency. While the dual-core processor may seem outdated, its integration with iOS ensures smooth operation for basic tasks. The 20mm architecture contributed to better energy efficiency compared to its predecessors.

Health Features

The phone includes health-focused sensors like the barometer, which tracks elevation changes, making it suitable for fitness apps. With HealthKit integration, the iPhone 6 Plus became a useful tool for tracking physical activity and health data.

iPhone 6 Plus for Gaming

The Power VR GX6450 GPU delivers decent graphics performance for casual gaming. Titles like Candy Crush and Subway Surfers run flawlessly. However, intensive games may show limitations due to the 1GB RAM and older processors.

 Comparison: iPhone 6 Plus vs iPhone 7

When Apple released the iPhone 7 in 2016, it marked a leap forward from the iPhone 6 Plus, which had been a popular choice since its launch in 2014. This article provides a detailed comparison of the two devices in terms of design, performance, features, and overall value. Let’s dive into the details to help you decide which one suits your needs better.

Final Verdict

Choose the iPhone 6 Plus if:

• You need a larger display for media consumption.
• You prefer the classic headphone jack.
• Budget constraints are a priority.

Choose the iPhone 7 if:

• You want better performance and future-proofing.
• You prioritize camera quality and water resistance.
• You seek software compatibility with modern apps.

While the iPhone 6 Plus remains a solid choice for basic needs, the iPhone 7 is the better option overall, offering improved features, performance, and durability.

Comparison: iPhone 6 Plus vs. Samsung Galaxy S7

The iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S7 represent two popular smartphones from their respective brands. Although released in different years, these devices still attract interest due to their unique features and specifications. This article compares the two models across key categories to help you make an informed decision.

Final Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy S7 is the better choice for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and modern features like water resistance and fast charging. However, the iPhone 6 Plus remains a reliable device for users seeking simplicity and a larger display in the Apple ecosystem.

Pros and Cons of iPhone 6 Plus

Pros

• Large, vibrant Retina HD display.
• Optical image stabilization for photography.
• Excellent battery life.
• Premium aluminum build.

Cons

• Limited to iOS 12.
• 1GB RAM restricts multitasking.
• Lacks support for modern apps.

Is the iPhone 6 Plus Worth Buying in 2025?

The iPhone 6 Plus, released in 2014, was a game-changer at its time, featuring a large 5.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels (~401 ppi). Its Apple A8 chipset, paired with 1 GB of RAM, offered solid performance for its era. However, in 2025, this device will show its age in several critical areas.

The iPhone 6 Plus supports iOS upgrades only up to iOS 12.5.6, leaving it incompatible with newer apps and security features.

Additionally, its 8 MP rear camera and 1.2 MP front camera lag significantly behind today’s smartphone standards, which commonly feature multi-lens systems and AI-enhanced capabilities. The 2915 mAh battery provides limited endurance compared to modern devices with more efficient processors and larger battery capacities.

In terms of pricing, the iPhone 6 Plus is available on the second-hand market for around $80–$120, making it an affordable option for basic use such as calling, texting, and light web browsing. However, the lack of features like water resistance, wireless charging, and advanced biometric security makes it less appealing.

For users seeking a budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone SE (2nd Gen) or iPhone 8 offers a better balance of cost and functionality, with support for iOS 15 or newer. Thus, while the iPhone 6 Plus may still suffice for minimal usage, it’s not a practical investment for 2025 standards.

Conclusion

The iPhone 6 Plus remains a milestone in smartphone history. While its performance and compatibility are dated, its design, display, and functionality still appeal to fans of classic Apple devices. For those seeking a nostalgic still functional smartphone, the iPhone 6 Plus delivers.

FAQs: Apple iPhone 6 Plus Review: Still a Favorite in 2025