Is iPhone 6 Too Old in 2024

 

As we reach the end of 2024, the iPhone 6, originally released in September 2014, has become an outdated device. While it was a groundbreaking phone at the time, technological advances over the past decade have left it far behind current models in both performance and functionality. If you’re still holding onto an iPhone 6 or thinking about buying one used, you might want to reconsider.

 

Why the iPhone 6 is Too Old in 2024

 

Lack of iOS Support

Apple has officially stopped supporting the iPhone 6, which means it no longer receives the latest iOS updates. The highest version it can run is iOS 12, while the current version in 2024 is iOS 18. This means no new features, security patches, or performance improvements, leaving your device vulnerable to potential security risks and incompatibility with newer apps.

 

Outdated Hardware

• Processor: The A8 chip powering the iPhone 6 was cutting-edge in 2014, but in 2024, it’s drastically underpowered. Modern apps and tasks require more processing power and memory than the iPhone 6 can handle, leading to sluggish performance, crashes, and limited multitasking capabilities.
• Camera: The 8MP camera on the iPhone 6 simply doesn’t compare to today’s smartphone cameras. Newer iPhones feature significantly improved cameras with features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and 4K video recording, making the iPhone 6's camera outdated for photography enthusiasts.
• Battery Life: The iPhone 6’s battery life was decent for its time, but after several years of use, the battery has likely degraded. Even with a replacement battery, the iPhone 6 will struggle to last a full day of use by 2024 standards.

 

App Compatibility

As apps continue to evolve, developers optimize them for the latest iOS versions. With the iPhone 6 stuck on iOS 12, many modern apps no longer support the device, making it difficult to access popular services and updates. You’ll likely face compatibility issues with banking apps, social media platforms, and even web browsers, reducing the usability of the phone.

 

What Should You Buy Instead?

Given that the iPhone 6 is no longer a viable option in 2024, we recommend upgrading to a Certified Used iPhone XS. Released in September 2018, the iPhone XS offers a modern and reliable alternative at a fraction of the cost of newer models.

 

Why the iPhone XS is a Better Option

• Latest iOS Support: Unlike the iPhone 6, the iPhone XS is still compatible with the latest iOS 18, ensuring that you get all the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility.
• Powerful A12 Bionic Chip: The iPhone XS is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster and more efficient than the iPhone 6’s A8 chip. This means smoother performance, faster multitasking, and the ability to run modern apps without lag.
• Improved Display and Camera: The iPhone XS features a Super Retina OLED display, offering brighter colors and sharper images than the LCD display on the iPhone 6. It also boasts a 12MP dual-camera system, providing superior image quality, Portrait Mode, and 4K video recording.
• Affordable Price: The best part? You can now buy a Certified Used iPhone XS for around $100+, making it an affordable upgrade from the iPhone 6. This way, you get better performance, iOS support, and modern features without breaking the bank.

 

Full Specs Comparison: iPhone 6 vs. iPhone XS

Specification	iPhone 6	iPhone XS
Release Date	September 2014	September 2018
Display	4.7-inch Retina HD (LCD)	5.8-inch Super Retina OLED
Processor	A8 chip	A12 Bionic chip
Operating System	iOS 12 (last supported version)	iOS 18 (latest version in 2024)
Storage Options	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
Rear Camera	8MP single-lens	12MP dual-lens (Wide, Telephoto)
Front Camera	1.2MP FaceTime HD	7MP TrueDepth with Portrait Mode
Video Recording	1080p HD video	4K HDR video recording, Dolby Vision
Battery Life	Up to 10 hours	Up to 14 hours video playback
Face ID	No	Yes
Water Resistance	No	IP68 (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes)
Charging	Lightning cable, no wireless charging	Lightning cable, wireless charging

 

Comparing the Differences Between iPhone 6 and iPhone XS

 

Display

The iPhone 6 features a 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD display, which is small and less vibrant compared to the 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display on the iPhone XS. The XS's OLED screen provides better brightness, color accuracy, and overall visual experience.

 

Processor

The A8 chip on the iPhone 6 is far slower than the A12 Bionic chip found in the iPhone XS. The A12 provides a much faster and more efficient experience, allowing for smoother multitasking and the ability to run the latest apps and games without performance issues.

 

Camera

The iPhone 6 comes with a single 8MP rear camera, which pales in comparison to the 12MP dual-lens system on the iPhone XS. The XS’s camera includes a telephoto lens, allowing for zoom features and Portrait Mode, and offers 4K video recording, making it much better for both photography and videography.

 

Battery Life

The iPhone 6 offers up to 10 hours of usage on a single charge, whereas the iPhone XS provides up to 14 hours of video playback. The XS also supports wireless charging, which the iPhone 6 lacks.

 

Face ID and Security

While the iPhone 6 only supports Touch ID with the home button, the iPhone XS introduced Face ID, offering more secure and faster unlocking through facial recognition.

 

Price

In terms of price, the iPhone XS is currently available for around $100+, while the iPhone 6, being outdated and no longer supported by Apple, has little resale value. The iPhone XS offers significantly better value given the modern features and long-term iOS support.

 

Used vs. Certified Used / Refurbished

When upgrading from the iPhone 6, you may come across two main options: Used and Certified Used/Refurbished devices.

• Used Devices: These are typically sold by individuals on platforms like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. While these might be cheaper, they come with risks such as unknown device history, potential damage, and no warranty.
• Certified Used/Refurbished Devices: These are pre-owned devices that have been inspected, tested, and restored to full functionality. Certified Used and Refurbished devices are typically sold by reputable sellers such as Amazon Renewed, Apple, or Best Buy. They come with warranties and guarantees, offering peace of mind and a more reliable purchase.

 

How UpTrade Can Help

At UpTrade, we make it easy to find the best deals on Certified Used iPhones. Our UpTrade Price Tracker compares prices across trusted sellers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple to ensure that you’re getting the best price for a certified device.

All Certified Used iPhones on UpTrade come with a warranty, so you can shop confidently, knowing your phone has undergone professional inspection and testing. Whether you're looking for an iPhone XS or any other model, UpTrade helps you find the best deal with peace of mind.

 

Conclusion

In 2024, the iPhone 6 is simply too old to meet the demands of modern smartphone users. With no iOS support, outdated hardware, and limited app compatibility, it's time to upgrade. For a budget-friendly option, we highly recommend the Certified Used iPhone XS, which offers far superior performance, supports the latest iOS, and is available for just $100+.