Is the iPhone 6 Plus Out of Date in 2024

 

The iPhone 6 Plus, released in September 2014, was Apple's first foray into larger-screen smartphones. However, by the end of 2024, this once-popular device is undeniably out of date. With technology evolving rapidly, the iPhone 6 Plus is no longer suitable for most users. If you’re still using an iPhone 6 Plus or considering purchasing one, it's important to understand its limitations and explore better alternatives.

 

Why the iPhone 6 Plus is Out of Date in 2024

 

Lack of iOS Support

Apple stopped supporting the iPhone 6 Plus with iOS updates after iOS 12. In 2024, the latest version is iOS 18, which means the iPhone 6 Plus is no longer eligible for the newest features, security patches, and software enhancements. Without these updates, the phone is vulnerable to security risks, and users won’t be able to take advantage of newer apps and services.

 

Outdated Hardware

• Processor: The A8 chip inside the iPhone 6 Plus was impressive when it first launched, but in 2024, it’s significantly outdated. Compared to modern smartphones, it struggles to run multiple apps and handle intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
• Camera: The 8MP camera on the iPhone 6 Plus was great for 2014, but today’s smartphones feature cameras with multiple lenses, higher megapixels, and advanced capabilities like Night Mode and 4K video recording. The iPhone 6 Plus lacks these modern camera features, making it less ideal for photography in 2024.
• Battery Life: The iPhone 6 Plus had decent battery life when it was new, but after years of use, most devices will suffer from significant battery degradation. Even with a replacement battery, the device is likely to struggle to keep up with the energy demands of modern apps and usage habits.

 

App Compatibility

With the iPhone 6 Plus stuck on iOS 12, many apps have moved on to newer iOS versions and are no longer compatible with this device. This limits the number of apps you can install, and you’ll likely encounter compatibility issues with popular apps such as banking, social media, and even basic productivity tools.

 

What Should You Buy Instead?

If you’re still using an iPhone 6 Plus, it’s time for an upgrade. One of the best alternatives is a Certified Used iPhone XS Max, which offers a larger screen and modern features, but at a budget-friendly price. Released in September 2018, the iPhone XS Max remains a solid choice for 2024.

 

Why the iPhone XS Max is a Better Option

• Larger Display: The iPhone XS Max features a 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display, which is not only bigger but also brighter and more color-accurate than the iPhone 6 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD display. This makes the XS Max ideal for media consumption, gaming, and productivity.
• Powerful A12 Bionic Chip: The iPhone XS Max is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster than the A8 chip found in the iPhone 6 Plus. This ensures smoother performance, faster app launches, and the ability to run modern apps without lag.
• Improved Camera: The 12MP dual-camera system on the iPhone XS Max offers Portrait Mode, 4K video recording, and better low-light performance compared to the iPhone 6 Plus’s 8MP single-lens camera. It’s a huge leap in terms of image quality and camera capabilities.
• Latest iOS Support: The iPhone XS Max is still supported by iOS 18, meaning you’ll receive the latest features and security updates, unlike the iPhone 6 Plus, which is stuck on iOS 12.
• Affordable Price: You can buy a Certified Used iPhone XS Max for around $200, and with some luck, you may even find it priced below $200. This is a fantastic deal considering its modern features and large display.

 

Full Specs Comparison: iPhone 6 Plus vs. iPhone XS Max

Specification	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone XS Max
Release Date	September 2014	September 2018
Display	5.5-inch Retina HD (LCD)	6.5-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, 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 12 hours	Up to 15 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 Plus and iPhone XS Max

 

Display

The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch Retina HD LCD display, which, while large for its time, is no match for the 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display on the iPhone XS Max. The OLED display on the XS Max offers superior brightness, color accuracy, and contrast, making it ideal for watching videos and editing photos.

 

Processor

The A8 chip on the iPhone 6 Plus is outdated and struggles with modern apps and multitasking. In contrast, the A12 Bionic chip on the iPhone XS Max provides lightning-fast performance, enabling smooth multitasking and quick app launches.

 

Camera

The 8MP rear camera on the iPhone 6 Plus is far less capable than the 12MP dual-camera system on the iPhone XS Max, which offers Portrait Mode, 4K video recording, and better low-light performance. If you’re into photography or video creation, the iPhone XS Max is the clear winner.

 

Battery Life

The iPhone 6 Plus offers up to 12 hours of battery life, which is decent but falls short of the 15 hours of video playback provided by the iPhone XS Max. Additionally, the XS Max supports wireless charging, which the iPhone 6 Plus lacks.

 

Price

While the iPhone 6 Plus has little to no resale value in 2024, the Certified Used iPhone XS Max is available for around $200, and with some luck, you might find it priced below that. This makes it a worthwhile investment given its modern features, large display, and iOS 18 support.

 

Used vs. Certified Used / Refurbished

When upgrading from the iPhone 6 Plus, you’ll likely come across two main options: Used and Certified Used/Refurbished.

• Used Devices: These are typically sold by individuals on platforms like Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace. While these may be cheaper, buying used devices comes with risks such as unknown device history, potential hidden 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 iPhones are sold by trusted sellers like Amazon Renewed, Apple, or Best Buy, and typically come with warranties, ensuring reliability and peace of mind.

 

How UpTrade Can Help

At UpTrade, we help you find the best deals on Certified Used iPhones. Our UpTrade Price Tracker monitors prices across trusted sellers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple to ensure that you get the best price on a certified device.

Every Certified Used iPhone listed on UpTrade comes with a warranty, giving you the confidence that your phone has been professionally inspected and tested for top performance and reliability.

 

Conclusion

The iPhone 6 Plus is simply out of date in 2024. With no iOS updates, outdated hardware, and limited app compatibility, it's time to upgrade. For those looking for a larger-screen iPhone with modern features, we recommend the Certified Used iPhone XS Max, available for $200, and with some luck, you may even find it for less. It offers far superior performance, supports the latest iOS, and delivers a great user experience at an affordable price.