Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

6 > 6s/6s+: 3D touch & 2GB RAM opinions?

B

Brenster

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Jul 7, 2008
829
842
Existing iPhone 6 owner here, strongly considering upgrading to either a 6s or a 6s+.

Backstory: Been an entirely satisfied iPhone user since the 3G. Before that I was an extremely heavy iPod user, being utterly music obsessed so with each iPhone I've gone for the highest capacity available each time. 3G 16GB, 4 32GB, 5 64GB, 6 128GB. Upgraded every other year figuring that buying on launch day with Applecare would give me a 24 month supported life, with each upgrade being a worthwhile, significant update.

The natural update to my 128GB iPhone 6 would be the likely 7, especially with the rumoured 256GB model. However the recurring rumours of Apple dropping the 3.5mm headphone jack is giving me serious concern. I own and get daily use out of my Bose Qc25i and Qc20i headphones, cans I use with my MBP & Surface Pro 3 as well. The idea of having to rebuy lightning cabled headphones having spend nearly £600 on my perfectly good existing headphones does not appeal. Nor does having to carry around a lightning > 3.5mm adapter.

Of course everything regarding the 7 is all rumour with nothing that can be be known for certain before the 7 launch keynote.

So why the upgrade consideration?

Music aside, I was concerned moving from the 5 to the 6 on account of the 'huge' screen size. Turns out I needn't have worried as the 6 has been wonderful from a screen size perspective. The Kindle app has been terrific, webpages have been so much more legible and single handed use hasn't been the issue I thought it might have been.Likewise Touch ID wasn't something I initially thought I would make heavy use of. Turns out to the opposite: as well as easy unlocking of the phone, I've made regular use of it with the Amazon apps amongst others. Wouldn't be without it now.

So a 6s would be good, and a 6s+ screen would probably be even better. So it comes down to the two factors mentioned in the title:

  • Has 3D Touch proven to be a worthwhile feature now that time has passed and more third party apps are supporting it? Has it improved the navigability of the phone, Safari and other first & third party apps?

  • Likewise has the 2GB RAM vs the 1GB of the 6 made a meaningful day to day improvement? I appreciate the releasing of RAM pressure on a technical level but has it translated into an appreciable real world benefit?
 
I had a 6 and went with a 6S Plus at launch. If I didn't want a larger size screen, I would have stuck with the 6. I plan on skipping this year and get a 7S next year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Brenster
You would not have to re-buy Lightning connector headphones if you waited for the 7/7+. There will be a Lightning to Headphone adapter. Not sure why so many get the idea that just because the port goes away that all 3.5mm accessories are doomed to never work again.

As for 3D Touch. It's not going away and is going to be a standard feature from here on out (Even new android phones this year will have their own version of it.) it makes some navigation easier/quicker and it is something that will only get better and better as it matures.

More ram is always good and will typically always be a better experience. Also as iOS moves forward each year with new features, they will only work on 2+ GB of ram devices eventually.

I would at this point just wait for the iPhone 7.
 
Add my vote to all the rest and wait for the 7.

If the 7 doesn't have the jack, you can always get the 6s/6s+ and it will be $100 cheaper by then.

I find that the 3D touch doesn't work really well for me, plus not many apps support it but more are coming down the pipe.
 
Why not go to Apple Store and spend some time playing with 6s phone. Try it out doing things against your current 6. That would help you more than other people's opinions, wouldn't it?

Do you have reload issues with current 6? Does it bother you if screen reloads. If not you have your answer. If it does try out the 6s and see if it makes you more satisfied.

Also when the 7 comes out Apple will still be selling the 6s, probably for $100 less so you could decide then which to get, and you will know all the features of the new 7.

Also do you have extra $700-800 burning hole in your pocket?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Simche, Laserducky and Brenster
As of today, 3D Touch is still a gimmick because except stock iOS apps and a very few like Instagram, almost no app fully integrate it other than for the quick actions on the icon.

About the 2GB of RAM that's a different story. It really make a huge difference compared to 1GB, apps stay forever in the background and web browsing is a much more pleasant experience.

That said, I would not upgrade from a 6 because you won't gain a lot.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Aston441 and ToroidalZeus
I went from an iPhone 6 to a 6s Plus.

For my daily usage, the increase in RAM and Speed weren't major improvements. Live Photos, I like a lot. 3d touch hasn't been much of game changer. Faster TouchID is nice.

Similarly, I'd wait until the iPhone 7 at this stage in the game. Headphone jack is just going to be another one of those things you think is going to be a big deal but won't be when it happens.
 
arn said:
I went from an iPhone 6 to a 6s Plus.

For my daily usage, the increase in RAM and Speed weren't major improvements. Live Photos, I like a lot. 3d touch hasn't been much of game changer. Faster TouchID is nice.

Similarly, I'd wait until the iPhone 7 at this stage in the game. Headphone jack is just going to be another one of those things you think is going to be a big deal but won't be when it happens.
Click to expand...

Well there you go, you heard it from "The macrumor's God" himself. LOL That has to be the funniest designation I have seen so far. arn a member since 2001, wow! Is that like one of the first? Makes rest of us feel like tadpoles.
 
  • Like
Reactions: arn
I will agree that 3D Touch is a gimmick.

RAM/Speed will really depend on your usage. For it's not that big of a deal. For my bother--who basically uses his smartphone like a pc with a bunch of open tabs and background apps--it is a huge improvement.
 
Let me preface by saying this the iPhone 6sis a beast of a phone. Regardless of what many may say or think it is a big upgrade from the iPhone 6. I had the 6 then got the 6s Plus and the difference is very noticeable.

That said I DO NOT believe 3D Touch is a gimmick like a lot have said. This 3D Touch is going to be major when it truly kicks in. Every phone getting released this year flagship wise will have some sort of force sensitive screen. It's the next generation of multi touch and will be a major game changer in time. It's not going anywhere and will only get better from here on out.

The 2GB of RAM in the 6s has made it by far the best iPhone that's been released. It just makes a major difference...

All that said we are almost in February. To be precise we are 4 months since launch of the 6s which means we are 1/3 of the way through its life as the flagship. If this were March I'd definitely recommend waiting for the 7. However were in the latter part of January and I can't say that waiting for the 7 is something you must do, but you've really got to think hard about this decision. Just remember the iPhone 7 will be here in 8 months...
 
Why would you "carry around" the adapter? Pick your fave pair to use with just your iPhone... put the adapter on them & forget it's there.
 
Tthomas612 said:
That said I DO NOT believe 3D Touch is a gimmick like a lot have said. This 3D Touch is going to be major when it truly kicks in. Every phone getting released this year flagship wise will have some sort of force sensitive screen. It's the next generation of multi touch and will be a major game changer in time. It's not going anywhere and will only get better from here on out.
Click to expand...
The problem with force touch is it's one of the most unintuitive features ever. We just don't know where and how it'll work. I feel this problem has kept and will keep force touch from becoming mainstream. Best case I see a niche in "hardcore" apps like photoshop or games where people will actually "need" the extra functionality.
 
  • Like
Reactions: normanfox and iOSUser7
HEK said:
Well there you go, you heard it from "The macrumor's God" himself. LOL That has to be the funniest designation I have seen so far. arn a member since 2001, wow! Is that like one of the first? Makes rest of us feel like tadpoles.
Click to expand...

Well, Arn does own and run the site. He's technically an admin too.
 
ToroidalZeus said:
The problem with force touch is it's one of the most unintuitive features ever. We just don't know where and how it'll work. I feel this problem has kept and will keep force touch from becoming mainstream. Best case I see a niche in "hardcore" apps like photoshop or games where people will actually "need" the extra functionality.
Click to expand...

I never understand the argument of "never knowing where and when it can be used" for 3D Touch. It's never clear when 2, 3, 4 finger gestures can be used either but yet you never heard anyone complain about those. It costs the user nothing to play around and discover. Also doesn't hurt to read release notes for apps for when they do add the functionality.

It's already becoming mainstream with Android phones to be released this year with their own version of 3D Touch. It's not a gimmick, it's literally just another way to input on your screen. It's no different than tap, pinch, swipe, long press, multi touch (2,3,4 finger) gestures.

It's only been 4 months since release. Of course it's going to "seem" underwhelming right now, it's a brand new interaction with your screen.
 
I made the jump from 6+ to 6S+ specifically because it has 2 GB of ram. I believe 2 GB of ram makes the phone much more future proof. I really don't care about 3D Touch.
 
lagwagon said:
I never understand the argument of "never knowing where and when it can be used" for 3D Touch. It's never clear when 2, 3, 4 finger gestures can be used either but yet you never heard anyone complain about those. It costs the user nothing to play around and discover. Also doesn't hurt to read release notes for apps for when they do add the functionality.

It's already becoming mainstream with Android phones to be released this year with their own version of 3D Touch. It's not a gimmick, it's literally just another way to input on your screen. It's no different than tap, pinch, swipe, long press, multi touch (2,3,4 finger) gestures.

It's only been 4 months since release. Of course it's going to "seem" underwhelming right now, it's a brand new interaction with your screen.
Click to expand...
Now that you've brought it up. I vary rarely use 3 finger touch on my MacBook and I never use 4 finger. On iPhone I dont use 3 or 4 finger gestures and only use pinch and zoom 2 finger.
 
ToroidalZeus said:
Now that you've brought it up. I vary rarely use 3 finger touch on my MacBook and I never use 4 finger. On iPhone I dont use 3 or 4 finger gestures and only use pinch and zoom 2 finger.
Click to expand...

3-4 finger for iOS is usually more an iPad thing. I personally don't use 3-4 finger gestures either but I personally find 3D Touch far more useful.

But the point I was making is that no one calls any of those gestures gimmicks but do 3D Touch. When all 3D Touch is, is another input method/way to interact with your screen just like all the familiar ways we've had since the iPhone introduction.
 
Brenster said:
Existing iPhone 6 owner here, strongly considering upgrading to either a 6s or a 6s+.

Backstory: Been an entirely satisfied iPhone user since the 3G. Before that I was an extremely heavy iPod user, being utterly music obsessed so with each iPhone I've gone for the highest capacity available each time. 3G 16GB, 4 32GB, 5 64GB, 6 128GB. Upgraded every other year figuring that buying on launch day with Applecare would give me a 24 month supported life, with each upgrade being a worthwhile, significant update.

The natural update to my 128GB iPhone 6 would be the likely 7, especially with the rumoured 256GB model. However the recurring rumours of Apple dropping the 3.5mm headphone jack is giving me serious concern. I own and get daily use out of my Bose Qc25i and Qc20i headphones, cans I use with my MBP & Surface Pro 3 as well. The idea of having to rebuy lightning cabled headphones having spend nearly £600 on my perfectly good existing headphones does not appeal. Nor does having to carry around a lightning > 3.5mm adapter.

Of course everything regarding the 7 is all rumour with nothing that can be be known for certain before the 7 launch keynote.

So why the upgrade consideration?

Music aside, I was concerned moving from the 5 to the 6 on account of the 'huge' screen size. Turns out I needn't have worried as the 6 has been wonderful from a screen size perspective. The Kindle app has been terrific, webpages have been so much more legible and single handed use hasn't been the issue I thought it might have been.Likewise Touch ID wasn't something I initially thought I would make heavy use of. Turns out to the opposite: as well as easy unlocking of the phone, I've made regular use of it with the Amazon apps amongst others. Wouldn't be without it now.

So a 6s would be good, and a 6s+ screen would probably be even better. So it comes down to the two factors mentioned in the title:

  • Has 3D Touch proven to be a worthwhile feature now that time has passed and more third party apps are supporting it? Has it improved the navigability of the phone, Safari and other first & third party apps?

  • Likewise has the 2GB RAM vs the 1GB of the 6 made a meaningful day to day improvement? I appreciate the releasing of RAM pressure on a technical level but has it translated into an appreciable real world benefit?
Click to expand...

I think the 6s is a significant upgrade to the 6 - despite looking the same (either a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your perspective), its a different (and much better) phone...3D touch has been a pleasant and satisfying feature to use regularly (multitask switching will never be the same if you get used to it...double clicking the button seems so "old" and slow now haha) and the 2GB of RAM is incredible for multitasking, specifically the ability to have true multitasking without app or internet tab refreshing...and the 6s is lightning fast (no secret now that the A9 is a beast)

....but I will echo those who say wait for the 7.

You might as well, OP. The 6s is approaching the midway mark through its life cycle, and the 6 is more than capable enough to tide you over until later this year. If you were asking in late 2015, I would have said go for the 6s

But now, just wait it out :) Worst come worst, if you really feel the headphone jack is that much of an issue then you can get a 6s even cheaper when the 7 comes out too.

The 6 is still a great device and should be more than enough to tide you over until the 7 comes out, at which point you can make a decision at that time.

If you really feel in a few weeks you can't wait, then pull the trigger on it right now I suppose.

I think you should wait for the 7, but do what it best for your needs.
 
ToroidalZeus said:
The problem with force touch is it's one of the most unintuitive features ever. We just don't know where and how it'll work. I feel this problem has kept and will keep force touch from becoming mainstream. Best case I see a niche in "hardcore" apps like photoshop or games where people will actually "need" the extra functionality.
Click to expand...

I can see this happening too. I could see it going one way or the other. I'm sure most of these companies is hoping it goes the one way and not the other as I've read that most are incorporating it into there flagships this year.

That said I still believe the 6s was a major upgrade and without the 3DTouch. I know Apple had to have a "flagship" Feature to put into the phone, but the major speed bump and the double RAM was quite a bit.

Had the iPhone 6 had 2GB OF RAM then the 6s would not have been such a big upgrade.
 
3D Touch is really useful. With Quick Actions, you can jump right in the view within apps without clicking through menus. It saves time and is my favorite feature.

Here's an example:

IMG_7039.jpg
 
Reading some of the responses, it seems like people are waiting for apps to adapt and include unique 3D Touch features rather than what's built into the OS.

I use 3D Touch for app switcher exclusively. We all have different workflows and uses from our phones but I find myself switching between apps multiple times a day. 3D Touch is a faster and more elegant way of hopping between apps IMO.

I also do a lot of typing and dropping your cursor in the middle of a wall of text using 3D Touch is superior to actually touching that wall of text and hoping my fat finger doesn't either hi light or completely miss the spot I'm trying to touch. It also works a treat for hi lighting sections of text as I don't have to try and touch and drag the little dots to increase my selection.

Having a look at a link before deciding to jump to the page is also nice. It doesn't save a ton of time (if you're often deciding to go to the link anyway), but it is a time saver potentially, depending what you're viewing. This is the least useful built in feature (for me), but I still find myself using it more than never.

All of the above take a bit of getting used to. Ok, maybe more than a bit. But if you use them a lot and teach yourself how it feels you'll get it right every time. I promise.

I was the biggest pessimist about 3D Touch. That said, I love it. Could I live with out it? Yes. But I'd feel like I was missing something. Something that I'd rather not go without unless forced to.
 
Brenster said:
So a 6s would be good, and a 6s+ screen would probably be even better. So it comes down to the two factors mentioned in the title:

  • Has 3D Touch proven to be a worthwhile feature now that time has passed and more third party apps are supporting it? Has it improved the navigability of the phone, Safari and other first & third party apps?

  • Likewise has the 2GB RAM vs the 1GB of the 6 made a meaningful day to day improvement? I appreciate the releasing of RAM pressure on a technical level but has it translated into an appreciable real world benefit?
Click to expand...

I use 3D touch a lot to switch between apps, while I seldom use the quick actions. I also like the preview I can get in Mail and Safari, but the app switcher if you use a lot of apps like me is the real game changer.
And thank to the 2GB of RAM you can switch very quickly between apps and find them ready to use, no more app reloading from scratch.
So the 6s is really useful if you use a lot of apps and jump between them all the time. But is mid February, in 7 months the new iPhone will be out so if you're interested buy it now, or wait for the 7
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back