The iPhone 6+ marked a bold turning point for Apple, introducing a larger, edge-to-edge display and a distinctive curved aluminum frame. This device aimed to blend premium design with everyday usability, setting new expectations for size, photography, and performance.
As a flagship model, the iPhone 6+ combined refined aesthetics with practical upgrades that influenced app design, media consumption, and mobile productivity. Its release reinforced Apple’s shift toward bigger screens without sacrificing a comfortable handheld experience.
| Model | Display | Chip | Camera | Battery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6+ | 5.5-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD, 1920 x 1080 | Apple A8 with 64-bit architecture | 8 MP rear, f/2.2, optical image stabilization | Up to 24 hours talk time |
| iPhone 6 | 4.7-inch LED-backlit IPS LCD, 1334 x 750 | Apple A8 with 64-bit architecture | 8 MP rear, f/2.2 | Up to 14 hours talk time |
| iPhone 6s Plus | 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD, 1920 x 1080 | Apple A9 with 64-bit architecture | 12 MP rear, f/2.2, optical image stabilization | Up to 24 hours talk time |
| iPhone 7 Plus | 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD, 1920 x 1080 | Apple A10 Fusion | 12 MP dual-lens rear, f/1.8, optical image stabilization | Up to 21 hours talk time |
Design and Build Quality
Premium Aluminum Chassis
The iPhone 6+ introduced a sleek, contoured aluminum unibody that felt substantial yet balanced in hand. Anodized finishes and precise antenna lines gave the device a refined industrial look.
Ergonomics and Handling
At 5.5 inches, the iPhone 6+ was large for its time, yet tapered edges and reduced weight improved reachability. Rubberized grip zones helped reduce slips during one-handed use.
Display and Visual Experience
Large Retina LCD Panel
The 5.5-inch 1080p IPS display offered sharp text, wide viewing angles, and strong outdoor readability. Apple’s color calibration prioritized saturation while maintaining natural skin tones.
True Tone and 3D Touch
Adaptive white balancing with True Tone adjusted to ambient lighting to reduce eye strain, while 3D Touch added pressure-sensitive shortcuts to key apps and system controls.
Performance and Battery Life
A8 Chip and Graphics
The Apple A8 delivered smooth multitasking and responsive app launches, with the PowerVR GX6450 GPU handling demanding games without significant throttling during typical use.
Battery Optimization
Intelligent power management and app backgrounding extended usable hours, making the iPhone 6+ suitable for full workdays and media consumption on a single charge.
Camera and Media Capabilities
Main Camera and Low Light
The 8 MP iSight sensor captured detailed images in daylight, while optical image stabilization improved shots at slower shutter speeds. Low-light performance benefited from larger pixels and reduced noise.
Front Camera and Video
The FaceTime HD front camera supported 720p video for clearer selfies and FaceTime calls. Panorama modes and digital stabilization made casual filming more versatile.
Everyday Use and Longevity
The iPhone 6+ remains a practical daily driver for calls, messaging, and streaming when paired with modern accessories and updated software tweaks.
- Prioritize updated apps optimized for larger screens to improve readability and touch accuracy.
- Use low power mode and background app refresh settings to extend battery life between charges.
- Protect the glass back with a reinforced case to mitigate drop damage risks on older models.
- Consider storage configurations carefully, as base models may feel limiting with modern media and app sizes.
- Monitor battery health over time and plan for replacements when maximum capacity drops below 80%.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does the iPhone 6+ compare to older iPhone models in everyday use?
The iPhone 6+ offers noticeably faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and longer battery life than the iPhone 5s, thanks to the A8 chip and larger efficient display.
Is optical image stabilization available on the iPhone 6+ camera?
Yes, the rear 8 MP camera on the iPhone 6+ includes optical image stabilization to help reduce blur from hand shake in low light conditions.
Can the iPhone 6+ handle modern apps and games without lagging? It handles everyday apps and less demanding games well, though graphically intense titles may load longer or drop frames compared to newer devices. What is the real-world battery performance of the iPhone 6+ with mixed usage?
Most users get through a full day with mixed browsing, messaging, and media, though heavy video playback may require a top-up charge by late evening.