As of 2024, the iPhone 6s Plus has become a significantly outdated device. Apple ceased iOS support for the iPhone 6s Plus in August 2022, with iOS 15.6.1 being its final version. Although Apple continues to provide security updates for the device, the last of which was in July 2024, the lack of iOS updates means that the iPhone 6s Plus will not benefit from new features, optimizations, or compatibility with modern apps and services.
Software and Security Support
The iPhone 6s Plus no longer receives the latest iOS updates, which severely limits its usability in 2024. Without these updates, the device cannot access new features or performance enhancements, and over time, it may encounter compatibility issues as apps and services evolve. However, Apple has continued to provide security updates to the iPhone 6s Plus, with the last one being in July 2024. These updates help protect the device from emerging threats, but the duration of this support is uncertain.
Market Availability and Condition
In 2024, finding an iPhone 6s Plus in good condition is increasingly difficult. Most of the available units are likely to show significant signs of wear and tear, and the battery life may be considerably reduced due to the age of the device. Even if you manage to find an iPhone 6s Plus in decent condition, it’s not a wise investment considering its outdated hardware and software limitations.
Why You Should Consider iPhone XS Max Instead
For those who prefer larger screens, the iPhone XS Max is a far superior option compared to the iPhone 6s Plus. Based on our Price Tracking data, the iPhone XS Max has dropped below $200, making it an affordable choice at just $100+. The iPhone XS Max continues to receive the latest iOS updates and security patches, ensuring compatibility with new apps and features. Additionally, the iPhone XS Max boasts a more modern design, with a larger OLED display, a faster A12 Bionic chip, and enhanced camera capabilities, making it a much more reliable and future-proof option.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification |
iPhone 6s Plus |
iPhone XS Max |
| Release Date |
September 2015 |
September 2018 |
| Display |
5.5-inch Retina HD LCD |
6.5-inch Super Retina OLED |
| Processor |
A9 chip |
A12 Bionic |
| Rear Cameras |
12MP (Wide) |
Dual 12MP (Wide, Telephoto) |
| Front Camera |
5MP FaceTime HD |
7MP TrueDepth |
| Battery Life |
Up to 24 hours talk time |
Up to 25 hours talk time |
| Storage Options |
16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB |
64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Operating System |
iOS 15.6.1 (Final) |
iOS 17+ (Current) |
| Dimensions |
158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm |
157.5 x 77.4 x 7.7 mm |
| Weight |
192 grams |
208 grams |
Display Comparison
The iPhone 6s Plus features a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display, which was considered excellent at the time of its release but has since been surpassed by newer technology. In contrast, the iPhone XS Max offers a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, providing richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast ratios. The OLED display of the XS Max also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, making it far superior for viewing multimedia content.
Chipset Comparison
The iPhone 6s Plus is powered by the A9 chip, which, while powerful in its time, has been outpaced by more recent processors. The A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XS Max delivers significantly faster performance, better energy efficiency, and enhanced machine learning capabilities. In 2024, the A9 chip may struggle with modern apps and multitasking, whereas the A12 Bionic remains highly capable and future-proof.
Camera Comparison
The iPhone 6s Plus has a single 12MP rear camera, which, while still serviceable, lacks the versatility and advanced features found in newer models. The iPhone XS Max, on the other hand, features a dual 12MP rear camera system with wide and telephoto lenses, allowing for better zoom capabilities, improved portrait mode, and enhanced low-light performance. The iPhone XS Max also includes a 7MP TrueDepth front camera, which supports Face ID and offers superior portrait selfies compared to the 5MP FaceTime HD camera on the iPhone 6s Plus.
Battery Comparison
The iPhone 6s Plus offers up to 24 hours of talk time, which was impressive at the time of its release but may no longer be sufficient for users with heavier usage patterns. The iPhone XS Max, with up to 25 hours of talk time, provides slightly better battery life, ensuring it can last through a full day of use even with demanding tasks.
Software Support
The iPhone 6s Plus stopped receiving iOS updates in August 2022, with iOS 15.6.1 being its final version. In contrast, the iPhone XS Max continues to receive the latest iOS updates and security patches, ensuring it remains compatible with new apps and services. The ongoing software support for the iPhone XS Max makes it a much better investment for users who want a device that will remain up-to-date for several more years.
Conclusion
In 2024, the iPhone 6s Plus is no longer a recommended choice for most users. The device’s inability to receive iOS updates, coupled with its age and limited availability in good condition, makes it a poor investment. Instead, consider the iPhone XS Max, which provides a significantly better experience and will remain relevant for several more years. For those looking for a budget-friendly iPhone with a large screen in 2024, the iPhone XS Max is a much wiser choice than the outdated iPhone 6s Plus.
Used vs. Certified Used/Refurbished
When shopping for an older iPhone model, it’s important to understand the difference between a regular used phone and a certified used or refurbished phone. A used iPhone is typically sold as-is, with no guarantees about its condition or functionality. These devices might have unseen defects or wear and tear that could affect their performance over time. On the other hand, a certified used or refurbished iPhone has been thoroughly inspected, tested, and restored to meet high standards, often including a warranty. This ensures that the device is in excellent working condition, providing peace of mind with your purchase.
How to Get the Best Deal with Confidence and Quality Assurance
To ensure you’re getting the best deal on a certified used or refurbished iPhone, it’s crucial to purchase from a reputable source that offers quality assurance. Platforms like UpTrade provide a wide selection of certified refurbished phones that have been rigorously tested for quality and reliability. Only Certified Professional Resellers (e.g., Amazon Renew) can be listed on UpTrade. This ensures that you get a device that is both affordable and reliable. Check out the latest prices of Certified Used/Refurbished iPhone XS Max.
