For the second consecutive year, Apple has delivered not one but two new iPhones. Unlike the iPhone 5c, however, the slightly cheaper model this time around isn’t just an old iPhone inside a new shell. The iPhone 6 has the same A8 processor, the same Touch ID fingerprint scanner, and the same improved iSight camera as the iPhone 6 Plus.
So, is size the only difference, and how do you choose which model is right for you? Our in-depth comparison below will help you compare each device — spec for spec, feature for feature — and decide which one most deserves a place in your pocket for the next 12 months.
| iPhone 6 | iPhone 6 Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| OS | iOS 8 | iOS 8 |
| Display |
|
|
| CPU | 2.4GHz A8 (64-bit) | 2.4GHz A8 (64-bit) |
| RAM | 1GB (TBC) | 1GB (TBC) |
| Storage |
|
|
| Rear-facing camera |
|
|
| Front-facing camera |
|
|
| Touch ID | Yes | Yes |
| Other |
|
|
| Size | 138.1 x 67 x 6.9mm | 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1mm |
| Weight | 129g | 172g |
| Battery |
|
|
The chart above shows that when you discount the size differences, both iPhone 6 variants are incredibly similar. However, there are some important differences in key areas that may sway your decision. As you might expect, the larger, more expensive iPhone 6 Plus has the upper hand with the sharper display, slightly better camera, and better battery life — but that might not make it the best option for you.
Display
The iPhone 6 Plus doesn’t just have a bigger display, but a sharper one, too. It has the same resolution as a full HD television, which provides an impressive 401 pixels-per-inch. The smaller iPhone 6, however, has just 326 pixels-per-inch.
It’s not a massive difference, but it is one that your eyes will notice. Take a trip to your local Best Buy and find a 4.7-inch phone with a 720p display and another with a 1080p display, and the difference will be evident. Close up, you’ll be able to make out individual pixels on the 720p panel, while on the 1080p one they’ll be indistinguishable to the naked eye.
Having used lots of Android devices with 1080p displays, I feel the smaller iPhone’s display may be a slight disappointment. Let’s not forget, however, that it has the same pixel-per-inch count as previous iPhones, and for many, that is plenty sharp enough. If you’re upgrading from another iPhone with a Retina display, then, you won’t notice a difference.
The same can be said for the differences in contrast ratio between the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus. On paper, the larger model has a slightly better contract ratio, but the variance is so slight that it’s not one your eyes will notice. You’d have to put both devices side-by-side and really examine the screens closely to see the color differences.
Camera
There’s only one difference between the iSight camera in the iPhone 6 and the one in the iPhone 6 Plus, but it’s a big one. While the former does have software image stabilization, the latter has optical image stabilization — and that’s pretty big.
Working alongside the new A8 processor, the gyroscope, and the M8 motion coprocessor, optical image stabilization in the iPhone 6 Plus uses precise lens movement to compensate for your shaky hands and produce sharper images. It can also reduce subject motion and dramatically improve photos taken in low light.
Optical image stabilization is a feature that’s slowly making its way to flagship Android phones, and it’s one that a lot of people are excited for, because it can make a big difference. Whether it’s something you should care about all depends on how much you use your iPhone to take photos in low light conditions.
Whatever the case may be, if you think a 5.5-inch phone will be too big for you, optical image stabilization alone shouldn’t be enough to force you to buy the iPhone 6 Plus over its smaller sibling.
Apple has made improvements to the iSight camera in other areas that both devices will benefit from. Slo-mo recording is now available at up to 240 frames-per-second, and you can finally capture 1080p video at 60 frames-per-second. There’s also a new feature called Focus Pixels, which promises to provide rapid autofocus.
Battery life
A bigger phone means room for a bigger battery, so you can expect the iPhone 6 Plus to last longer in between charges. Exactly how much more use you’ll get all depends on how you use your device, of course, but the difference will be noticeable.
Apple promises up to 14 hours of 3G talk time on the iPhone 6, while the iPhone 6 Plus will give you another 10 hours on top of that. Movie buffs will also benefit from up to 14 hours of video playback on the larger device versus just 11 hours on the smaller one. As for standby time, the iPhone 6 offers up 10 days, while the iPhone 6 Plus offers an incredible 16 days.
Even if you choose the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, however, you can still expect battery life improvements over previous models. You’ll get as much as an extra hour of 3G talk time and video playback, and up to 10 hours of extra audio versus the iPhone 5s.
Size
Photo: Apple
All of these things might be insignificant to you if you believe the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus will be too big — and if you like your smartphone to be compact, it could just well be. Compared to previous iPhones it’s an absolute giant, and not everyone will be able to get used to carrying and using such a big phone.
Writing for Cult of Android, I’ve used devices of all shapes and sizes, and I like big phones. I’ve owned every Galaxy Note at some point or another and even the Galaxy Note 3 with its 5.7-inch display is easy to get used to after just a couple of days. But I don’t think I’ve ever been able to use one continuously for more than two or three months.
I always get tired of carrying a super-sized phone and feel the need to switch back to something a little more manageable. The iPhone 6 Plus will fit in your pocket — that won’t be an issue — but you’ll know it’s there. Stick it in a case and it gets even bigger.
This is something you should have in the front of your mind when splashing your cash on a new iPhone. If you’re still not sure which size to go for, wait until you can play with them in the Apple Store before deciding which is best for you.
Killian Bell is a freelance writer based in the U.K. He has an interest in all things tech and also covers Android over at CultofAndroid.com. You can follow him on Twitter via @killianbell.
41 responses to “Big vs. bigger: Which iPhone 6 deserves a place in your pocket?”
6 Plus of course.
I was in the 6 plus camp but honestly, as a guy that carries my phone in my pocket all the time and already have an iPad Mini w/Retina, I don’t see the advantage in getting the Plus. If I didn’t have an iPad Mini already that might be a different story but the last thing I want is a huge computer sticking out of my pocket all the time.
It probably won’t be quite as big as you’re expecting; as I mentioned above, it should fit comfortably in a pocket like the Galaxy Note 3. But it will feel much bigger initially if you’re used to an older iPhone.
I’m kind of in the same boat, though. I’ll be getting the 4.7-inch iPhone 6, just because although I like using large phones, I don’t want to be stuck with one ALL the time.
Yeah, I’ve used a Note 3 (we have them at work) and totally agree – carrying that around ALL THE TIME will be annoying, and like I said, since I have an iPad Mini, I can enjoy the bigger screen experience with that while still having my phone feel like a more portable device.
I might sell my Mini if I get the bigger plus. Have to see in my hands.
I know what you mean. I was thinking the same but my pokects 32/32 pants can fit a 7″ tablet with out sticking out so the 5.5″ is fine. Give it a try.
This is the first time that I need to visit the Apple Store to hold the phone in my hand and put it in my pocket, if it fits, in order to make a purchasing decision.
I think a lot of people will feel exactly the same way.
People like me will be waiting for OtterBox to make a clip on belt case.
iPhone belt case? I cringe at the thought
The iPhone 6 has a BETTER contrast ratio than the Plus. 1400:1 vs 1300:1.
Was going to say this and someone beat me to it.
You are correct.
When Killian said:
“On paper, the larger model has a slightly better contract ratio”
he got it backwards:
iPhone 6 Plus 1300:1 contrast
iPhone 6 1400:1 contrast
http://www.apple.com/iphone/compare/
The prices listed on the keynote specified “With a 2 year contract”
I still have about a year on my current ATT contract. Will they let me buy a phone at the lower price – or will I have to pay $100 more?
You’ll have to check AT&T policy, but I’m pretty sure it means you’ll have to pay full boat outright if you want to upgrade now, so more like $700+ :(
Don’t forget about the AT&T Next program.
Unless you absolutely need to have a new phone every year, you’re way better off avoiding Next. You end up paying $200+ more for the phone, then you don’t even own it. At least when you do the standard 2 year contract, you can unlock & sell on ebay for decent profit if its an iPhone.
There’s three ways:
– Pay full price $699 to $999 (model variance)
– Pay contract $199 to $499 (model variance)
– Pay with the Monthly Carrier Plan
Monthly Carrier Plan costs up to $40 a month but it varies on the model of your choice and the policy entitled such as you can’t break the glass, scuff the device up, or cause any harm to it like drop it in the toilet or you have to pay for the full price for damaging or destroying the device while on the plan.
ATT and all carriers want people to get on their NEXT (What ATT calls theirs) plans. So contact ATT and see if they will let you get out of your two year contract if you buy the iPhone 6 on the NEXT Program. This me ans you don’t pay the upgrade fee. They take the retail price of the phone and divide that by 20 or 24 months and add that to your bill. The benefit is you don’t have to pay anything up front for the phone, you don’t pay an upgrade fee, and next year when the new iPhone model comes out you can simply give your phone back to ATT and upgrade to the new model on the NEXT plan.
My iPhone 5 + Mophie battery case feels tight in my jeans’ front pocket. Have a feeling that the 6 Plus + case, even a slim one, will be pocket splitting. Yikes.
And that is why you don’t use cases. They make these devices thin for a reason, take advantage of it.
I’m not going to throw down $700 and not put a case on it. You must be out of your damn mind. Throwing away a perfectly good iPhone if you have no case.
Step 1: Don’t drop your $700+ iPhone. That’s a major step, not to be forgotten.
Step 2: Spend the same (maybe slightly more) money you would’ve spent on a case on apple care, and if you do somehow manage to shatter an iPhone screen, pay the nominal fee for a brand new phone.
Full disclosure: I have owned a 3GS, 4, and 5 (just bought a 6+) and have taken immaculate care of each, yet still managed to have dropped each once without a case and have never shattered a screen. Maybe I’m just the lucky one.
That’s insane. They are called accidents because no one is perfect. I take excellent care of my iPhones as well, but I have a case on them. It’s like driving around in $100,000 car with no insurance. You’re just asking to get hit.
Ummmm Applecare = insurance
I was not going to upgrade to 6 … But because my 5s is 16 GB probably will go for 64 GB 4,7 one…. After the last night’s euphoria… Sad to say it but nothing WoW …… Anyway .. The best for me… Apple
The price for the UNlocked 128G iPhone 6 Plus on Apple Canada is $1079 Can.
Funny how they fail to mention LTE streaming & browsing battery life!! I’m sure it will still barely make it through the day for commuters that use the phone away from wifi.
I love iPhone and have a high expectation on Apple, but the biggest challenge for Apple now is probably the short of innovation. Bigger size will not solve the problem, and I still prefer the smaller one. Apple products are growing more similarity to Android.Personally, I think iPhone 4s is the most classic one.
http://www.teatat.com/comparison-between-iphone-6-and-nexus/
“Close up, you’ll be able to make out individual pixels on the 720p panel, while on the 1080p one they’ll be indistinguishable to the naked eye”
Hey Killian… Fuck You. Glad you have better than 20×20 vision. Most of us don’t. So bug off.
Best comment in the whole thread.
CPU is not 2.4GHz but only 1.4GHz according to both these sites:
http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_6-6378.php
http://www.takeaclick.com/store/apple/iphone/6/
I dont know which one is correct. Apple site is not disclosing anything on their page though.
I usually carry my 5S in an otterbox Defender, mounted in the holster hanging off either my left-side belt, or clipped into the left-side front pocket which dangles it a bit lower. So all this talk about fitting into a pocket doesn’t really matter to some of us.
However what does matter is how this 6+ is going to feel in our hands during use. Like many others I will hold off on pre-order and make a pilgrimage to local Apple store instead. I don’t need to be the first kid on my block with this, and I think a lot of bloggers and avid fans don’t get that.
Where have the RAM specs been revealed? GSMarena.com states the iPhone 6+ have 2GB of RAM. Apple doesn’t typically reveal these specs and it’s only after release and teardowns begins that we find out.
http://www.gsmarena.com/apple_iphone_6_plus-6665.php
It might be helpful to print them out and actually hold them in your hand…
http://erikras.com/2014/09/11/what-size-to-buy-printable-iphone-6-pdfs/
Any one else notice the 6 Plus has Slightly lower contrast ratio? Going to obsess over this and the downscaling thing, but I’m just gonna preorder it and see if any issues come up after I have it securely in my hands.
Grab the Apple iPhone 6 at freeappleiphone6dotcom (Replace the dot with a . )
If you plan on buying an Apple Watch and using HealthKit to track your fitness activities, consider how an iPhone 6 Plus would look and feel strapped to the side of your arm while you are out cycling or jogging. Not a good look.
What are these mm you speak of? Without a conversion calculator, do you have any idea what 138.1 mm or 158.1 mm is, looks like, or feels like?
but will either really FIT in your pocket? without fallout or fail? The problem remains… clothing pockets are rarely appropriate to handle much, and issue’s exacerbated with these larger smartphones. Women’s clothing is particularly woeful; I wouldn’t count on clothing designers to jump in and make it all work. Perhaps it’s better to start doing something ELSE… I prefer to take the pocket “out” of my clothes (in effect) and simply use it on my body by itself. Works. And no more sitting on, bending on, and sweating on your stuff. And you won’t lose anything (or have it stolen) either. Amen.
if you want to see what I mean: here it is: http://www.portapocket.com (choose an XL size pocket for iPhone6 or 6Plus)