iPhone 6s vs iPhone 7: Which Older Model Is Better?

TL;DR

The iPhone 7 generally outperforms the iPhone 6s due to its quad-core processor, improved battery life, and features like water resistance and optical image stabilization. However, the 6s retains a headphone jack and better repairability, making it a more stable option for some users. Both models are budget-friendly, still suitable for everyday use in 2020.

Transcript

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Key Insights

• 👤 Both the iPhone 6s and 7 are affordable options, priced around $110 and $160, making them accessible to many users seeking budget devices.
• 💋 The removal of the headphone jack on the iPhone 7 marks a significant change that reflects broader trends in smartphone design, pushing for wireless solutions.
• 🤕 Despite their age, both devices support iOS 13, maintaining their relevance through ongoing software updates and capable performance for everyday tasks.
• 🥶 The iPhone 7 features a newer design and offers improved water resistance, tracking more closely with contemporary device expectations, even as its older sibling retains a user-friendly approach to repairs.
• 🎥 Camera capabilities are similar between models, but with the optical stabilization on the 7 providing a notable edge in quality, particularly for video recording.
• 👤 Repair difficulties with the iPhone 7 may discourage some users, especially those inclined to perform their own maintenance.
• 🥶 The market's perception of older iPhone models remains positive, as many users still find these devices suitable for their needs without significant compromise.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the main differences in design between the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7?

The iPhone 6s features a traditional click-in home button, while the iPhone 7 uses a vibration motor which can complicate repairs. Additionally, the iPhone 7 has an IP67 certification for water resistance, whereas the 6s does not, affecting durability and usability in wet conditions.

Q: How does the performance of the iPhone 6s compare to the iPhone 7?

While the iPhone 6s has a dual-core A9 chip, the iPhone 7 boasts a more powerful quad-core A10 Fusion chip. This generally allows the 7 to perform better in app loading and multitasking scenarios, but real-world use may show them as quite comparable for basic tasks.

Q: What are the camera capabilities of the iPhone 6s versus the iPhone 7?

Both phones have 12 MP rear cameras, but the iPhone 7 includes optical image stabilization, improving photo quality in low-light conditions. The front camera offers a slight enhancement on the 7 with 7 MP compared to the 6s’s 5 MP. Otherwise, they share similar shooting capabilities.

Q: Which phone is more future-proof in terms of software updates?

The iPhone 7 is likely more future-proof, as it started with iOS 10 and has a newer chip, suggesting it may receive additional iOS updates compared to the 6s, which started with iOS 9. This trend aligns with Apple's historical support for its hardware.

Q: Are there any significant battery life differences between the iPhone 6s and iPhone 7?

Yes, the iPhone 7 has a slightly larger battery (1960 mAh vs. 1715 mAh), generally providing better performance throughout the day. However, some users have reported random shutdowns with the 7 that have not been issues with the 6s, signaling a potential stability concern.

Q: What are the repairability considerations for both models?

The iPhone 6s allows for easier home button and display replacements while retaining functionality. Conversely, the iPhone 7's display connections complicate repairs; the home button can malfunction if the logic board is changed, making it less user-friendly for repairs.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The iPhone 6s and 7 are budget-friendly smartphones still practical for users, despite being older models. They have similar designs but differ in features like waterproofing and headphone jacks.

• While both devices run iOS 13 and have decent performance, the iPhone 7 generally outperforms the 6s due to its quad-core processor and improved battery life, despite some quirks.

• The iPhone 7 lacks a headphone jack and has repairability issues, but offers extra features like IP67 certification and optical image stabilization in its camera, making it a solid choice over the 6s.