iPhone 6 vs 6s: What's the difference?

At first glance, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s look almost identical. In fact, if you were to put each model side-by-side, there’s a good chance you wouldn’t be able to tell which is which. Aside from the “S” logo on the back of the iPhone 6s, there are very minimal external differences between the 6 and 6s. Under the surface is where most of the improvements are.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the features that distinguish the two models, and you can see for yourself if there’s enough of a difference to call it a dealbreaker.


So what is the difference between iPhone 6 and 6s?

What’s already been established is that the two models look relatively similar. But what about what’s inside? A few major features that mark the difference between iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s are:

  • Camera
  • 3D Touch
  • Speed and performance

Let’s talk about these in more detail.


iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6s: The camera

Apple has always touted improved Camera specs with each new model of iPhone. And there was nothing different about the release of the iPhone 6s. In iPhone 6, the rear-facing camera was 8 megapixels and was able to record videos at a resolution of 1080p. And with the iPhone 6s, the rear-facing camera was boosted to 12 megapixels and was now able to film 4K videos.

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iPhone 6 and 6s: 3D Touch

While the displays on both iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s look virtually the same and have the same resolution, another key difference between the two models lies in the iPhone 6s’ screen. It was with the 6s release that Apple introduced the new feature, 3D Touch. It’s a new way to interact with your phone by applying pressure to the screen instead of simply tapping. With 3D Touch, you get previews by pressing on links or notifications, and open entirely new app menus with a full click-through.


iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s: Speed and performance

Even though the exterior of both iPhone 6 and 6s are fairly similar, it’s what’s under the hood that makes the biggest difference. Apple bumped up the iPhone 6s with their A9 processor, making it considerably faster than the iPhone 6. And with double the RAM, the speed tests performed by Apple have registered a 70% performance increase over the iPhone 6.


Are iPhone 6 and 6s the same size?

iPhone 6 and 6s have very minor differences in their casing. The iPhone 6 is slightly smaller at 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.27 inches, while the iPhone 6s comes at 5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches. The weight of the iPhone 6s has increased from 4.55 ounces to 5.04 ounces.

While the iPhone 6s is a tiny bit bigger than its predecessor, it’s not the enlarged casing that makes the phone heavier — it’s actually the display. Because of the improved graphical performance and the new parts needed for 3D Touch, the display is adding more weight to the iPhone 6s, bumping it up an extra half an ounce.


Is my iPhone an iPhone 6 or 6s?

If you’re wondering whether your phone is an iPhone 6 or 6s, the easiest way to tell is to look at the back of the phone and see if it has the “S” logo at the bottom of the casing. If you don’t see it, then you’re probably using an iPhone 6.

If for some reason you’re still unsure which model of iPhone you have, you can always check in Settings > General > About > Model Name.


When you compare the iPhone 6 and 6s side by side, the differences are minimal in contrast to other models. Hopefully, this article has sorted them out for you. At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a phone that will take better pictures, run faster, and has a few extra features, then the iPhone 6s should be your phone of choice. And once you've made up your mind and gotten a new iPhone, here's how to seamlessly switch iPhones. Happy shopping!

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