The Apple iPhone 6s Plus, released in 2015, was a significant step forward in smartphone technology. While it may not be the newest model, it still holds a place in the hearts of many users due to its robust performance and a range of innovative features. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Apple iPhone 6s Plus characteristics, exploring its key specifications and what made it a standout device in its time.
Design and Display of the iPhone 6s Plus
The iPhone 6s Plus retained the sleek design of its predecessor, the iPhone 6 Plus, but with a stronger aluminum alloy (7000 series) to prevent bending issues. Its dimensions are 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm, and it weighs 192 grams. The phone’s build quality is excellent, providing a premium feel in hand.
Display Technology
The device features a 5.5-inch Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. The display is vibrant and sharp, making it ideal for viewing photos, videos, and text. One of the most notable features is the integration of 3D Touch, which allows the phone to respond differently based on the pressure applied to the screen. This feature enables quick actions and previews without fully opening apps, enhancing user interaction. The viewport resolution, which developers and designers focus on for responsive design, is 414 pixels in width and 736 pixels in height.
Performance and Hardware
Under the hood, the iPhone 6s Plus is powered by Apple’s A9 chip with a dual-core 1.84 GHz Twister CPU and a PowerVR GT7600 GPU. This combination provides a significant performance boost compared to previous models, ensuring smooth multitasking, fast app loading times, and excellent gaming performance.
Memory and Storage
The phone comes with 2GB of RAM, which was considered sufficient at the time for running iOS and handling multiple apps simultaneously. Storage options include 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. It’s worth noting that the storage is non-expandable, so users had to choose their storage capacity carefully at the time of purchase. For users who frequently utilize their phones for multimedia, understanding the storage options is crucial, especially when compared to devices like the Samsung Galaxy On8, which may offer expandable storage.
Battery Life
The iPhone 6s Plus is equipped with a 2750 mAh battery, which offers decent battery life for a phone of its size. Users can expect to get through a full day of moderate usage, including browsing the web, checking emails, and using social media. Video playback and gaming will drain the battery faster, but overall, the battery performance is reliable.
Camera Capabilities
The camera is one of the standout features of the iPhone 6s Plus. It boasts a 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, phase detection autofocus, and dual-LED flash. The camera is capable of capturing stunning photos with excellent detail and accurate colors. It also supports 4K video recording at 30fps, allowing users to create high-quality videos.
Front-Facing Camera
The front-facing camera is a 5-megapixel shooter with an f/2.2 aperture, which is a significant upgrade from previous iPhone models. It captures sharp and clear selfies and is also capable of recording 720p HD videos. The Retina Flash feature uses the screen to illuminate the subject, providing better lighting for selfies in low-light conditions.
Live Photos
One of the innovative features introduced with the iPhone 6s Plus is Live Photos. When enabled, the camera captures a few seconds of video before and after the photo is taken, creating a short animated clip. This feature adds a new dimension to photography, allowing users to relive moments in a more immersive way.
Software and Operating System
The iPhone 6s Plus initially launched with iOS 9, which introduced several new features and improvements, including enhanced multitasking, improved Siri integration, and a redesigned Notes app. Apple provides regular software updates for its devices, so the iPhone 6s Plus has received numerous updates over the years, keeping it up-to-date with the latest features and security patches. This long-term software support is a significant advantage of owning an iPhone.
iOS Features
iOS is known for its user-friendly interface, seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem, and a wide range of apps available on the App Store. The iPhone 6s Plus benefits from all of these features, providing a smooth and intuitive user experience. The 3D Touch feature, in particular, enhances navigation and interaction with the device. The iPhone 6s Plus’s features can be compared with other devices such as the Apple iPhone 7 specs to see how Apple has evolved its technology.
Connectivity and Other Features
The iPhone 6s Plus offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, and NFC (Apple Pay only). It also supports various cellular networks, including GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE. The phone has a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for connecting headphones or external speakers.
Touch ID
The iPhone 6s Plus features a second-generation Touch ID fingerprint sensor, which is faster and more accurate than the first-generation sensor found on previous iPhone models. The Touch ID sensor is integrated into the Home button and allows users to unlock their phone and authenticate purchases with their fingerprint. This adds an extra layer of security and convenience.
Other Sensors
In addition to Touch ID, the iPhone 6s Plus is equipped with a variety of other sensors, including an accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer. These sensors enable various features and functionalities, such as motion tracking, orientation detection, and altitude measurement.
Comparing the iPhone 6s Plus to Other Models
When considering the Apple iPhone 6s Plus characteristics, it’s useful to compare it to other models in the iPhone lineup. The iPhone 6s Plus offers a larger display and better battery life compared to the standard iPhone 6s. It also has a more advanced camera system than older iPhone models. For users looking for a larger screen and longer battery life, the iPhone 6s Plus is a compelling choice. Comparing it to later models, like the Apple iPhone 7 Plus, highlights advancements in processor speed, camera technology, and battery efficiency.
Pros and Cons of the iPhone 6s Plus
Like any smartphone, the iPhone 6s Plus has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a summary of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Large, high-resolution display
- Excellent camera performance
- Fast and responsive performance
- 3D Touch
- Long-term software support
Cons:
- Non-expandable storage
- Relatively large and heavy
- Battery life could be better
The Impact of Losing the Bulk Share Feature
While the iPhone 6s Plus offers many great features, it’s worth noting that some features have been deprecated or changed over time. For example, the potential impact of losing the bulk share feature in newer iOS versions can affect how users share content. Understanding these changes is important for users who rely on specific functionalities.
Is the iPhone 6s Plus Still Worth It?
In today’s market, the iPhone 6s Plus may not be the latest and greatest device, but it can still be a viable option for certain users. If you’re looking for an affordable iPhone with a large display and decent performance, the iPhone 6s Plus can be a good choice. However, keep in mind that it’s an older device, so it may not have all the latest features and technologies found on newer models. Also, consider devices like the Samsung Galaxy J7 Prime as alternatives if you’re open to exploring other brands.
Table of Key Specifications
Here’s a table summarizing the key specifications of the Apple iPhone 6s Plus:
## Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 6s Plus was a remarkable device that offered a range of innovative features and excellent performance. While it may not be the newest model, it still holds value for users looking for an affordable iPhone with a large display and reliable performance. Understanding the Apple iPhone 6s Plus characteristics helps users make an informed decision about whether this device still meets their needs.
