From iPhone 5 to iPhone 6S

[slow hand]

Pretty excited to be getting my first new phone in 3 years, a new iPhone 6S, this week. (I pre-ordered through AT&T.)

I got my first iPhone in June 2008 (iPhone 3G). Then the iPhone 4 in 2010, then the iPhone 5 3 years ago in 2012. So I've never owned any other smartphone.

They've been great devices for me. I did have a couple of hardware problems with the 3G - the WiFi transceiver on my original iPhone 3G failed (entire device replaced under warranty), then the replacement eventually quit alerting when texts came through (also replaced under warranty).

No problems at all with my iPhone 4 or iPhone 5.

Apple also won me over with their superb customer service. The one and only time I've damaged a phone, they replaced it for free at the Apple Store in Germantown, TN., no questions asked, even though I didn't have insurance on the phone (cracked screen from being run over when it dropped off my lap into the parking lot when I got out of my truck and forgot about it).

I've also appreciated the durability of the phones - I am an aircraft mechanic by trade, so I'm constantly getting oil, grease, corrosive hydraulic fluid, and fuel on the screen. Still, it works great even after 3 years. My iPhone 4 was the same...

If I've had any complaint at all, it has been the limited storage of this iPhone 5 (it is 16GB). But that's my fault for not buying enough storage to begin with (this will be solved with my new iPhone 6S - I went with the 64GB model).

So I'm thinking this 6S is going to be the biggest performance jump I've had so-far. Going from the 3G to the 4 was a pretty good jump, and then from the 4 to the 5 was even bigger, especially due to the 4G LTE capability.

But they're saying that this new iPhone 6S is gonna be, what...70% faster processor speed than even the iPhone 6? So how much faster than my iPhone 5 will it be?!?!

I can't wait to find out, and also to be able to use, not only all the features that will be new to the 6S, but all the features that were introduced on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, as well!

I have to admit, I am not really super "up to speed" on all the latest tech stuff, although I do appreciate it. I don't even really know all the differences and new features of the post-iPhone 5 phones.

It seems that most of you, here, have been upgrading pretty much every year....

So, from the perspective of someone who hasn't upgraded phones in 3 years, since I got my iPhone 5, what do you guys think the biggest differences I'll notice will be?

Anyone else here who is going from an iPhone 5 to the new iPhone 6S?

P.S. I just received an e-mail from AT&T, as I composed this thread, that my new iPhone 6S has been shipped, via FedEx, and will arrive on my doorstep before 3:00 pm on Friday!

 

[barondebxl]

Congratulations man I'm excited for you. It's going to be quite a big jump in terms of performance

 

[M.Tarek]

Don't forget your impression and how you will find this screen size jump.
I am having 4s and afraid to take that step for 6s just for the screen size (hate that bigger screen), so I am thinking of 5s, but I will wait to see how will you deal with that.
(Don't forget to post here your impression, I will wait)

 

[slow hand]

Don't forget your impression and how you will find this screen size jump.
I am having 4s and afraid to take that step for 6s just for the screen size (hate that bigger screen), so I am thinking of 5s, but I will wait to see how will you deal with that.
(Don't forget to post here your impression, I will wait)

Thanks guys. I'll definitely post my thoughts.

I really like the size of the iPhone 5... It wasn't much bigger than my iPhone 4, and it was easy to get used to. Also, I always use a minimalist, slimline case. My sister has the iPhone 6 with the Lifeproof case and I hate it. Too bulky for me. But, then, I always carry my phone in my pants pocket. Most women don't, and many guys do not, either.

I do need a case that covers the edges of the phone for drop protection, as I do drop my phone every once in a while. Since the day I bought my iPhone 5, I've been using a Body Glove "minimalist" case and I love it.

Anybody know if that type of case will be available for the iPhone 6S?

Will the cases designed for the iPhone 6 also work with the 6S?

 

[M.Tarek]

Anybody know if that type of case will be available for the iPhone 6S?

Will the cases designed for the iPhone 6 also work with the 6S?

You know, when I was thinking about getting 6s, I made my decision about getting that leather case from Apple, specially brown one, it really will fashion your phone, plus it will make the phone less-easy to down from your hand.
I have that leather case for my iPad mini, and I really love the feel of touch an holding it. Give it a think, it worth.

And about if case for iPhone 6 fits for 6s, I've seen some cases which made for 6s fits for 6, but not the opposite, remember there's some inches thicker and taller between the two models.

 

[wilhub]

I am going from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 6s too. I have had my iPhone 5 since launch day.

Its been a great iPhone. iOS 8 really slowed mine down and killed battery life. My power button is starting to wear out. I have to press it just right to make it work.

I thought about upgrading 6 month back. I made myself wait. I knew 6s was coming.

I think by not upgrading every year it makes it more exciting when you do upgrade.

My iPhone is full. I am excited to not to worry about how full my iPhone is. I am going from 32gb to 128gb. I have a 8 month old son that I take a lot of pictures and video of him.

I have preordered a Otterbox from Amazon, but its not scheduled to arrive till Tuesday. I may try to find a cheap case until it arrives. I am tough on phones. I always keep my iPhone in its case.

 

[slow hand]

I am going from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 6s too. I have had my iPhone 5 since launch day.

Its been a great iPhone. iOS 8 really slowed mine down and killed battery life. My power button is starting to wear out. I have to press it just right to make it work.

I thought about upgrading 6 month back. I made myself wait. I knew 6s was coming.

I think by not upgrading every year it makes it more exciting when you do upgrade.

My iPhone is full. I am excited to not to worry about how full my iPhone is. I am going from 32gb to 128gb. I have a 8 month old son that I take a lot of pictures and video of him.

I have preordered a Otterbox from Amazon, but its not scheduled to arrive till Tuesday. I may try to find a cheap case until it arrives. I am tough on phones. I always keep my iPhone in its case.

The fact I can get.

Some of the same issues here. Did you notice that iOS 9 has improved batt. life? It's probably made my iPhone 5 20% better in that regard.

When I had my iPhone 4, the home button started to lose its spring, so, on this one, I've always used the power button to "wake it up". It seems less susceptible to wearing out. So, that has worked for me on this phone. I'll do the same with the new one.

Honestly my iPhone 5 has been such a good phone, such a perfect size, and so fast, processor-wise, that I haven't seen a need to upgrade. But, with all the new features this new 6S has, I figured it was finally time, especially due to the fact that I don't have any storage on this thing.

You're right - waiting at least 2 years to upgrade (3 in our case) does make it more exciting, obviously. Much bigger jump in performance and tech than when you upgrade every year.

I'm looking forward to it!

Does anyone know if there is a "minimalist" type plastic case available for the 6S? I need to check with Body Glove - they are the ones who made my current case and I really like it. It's grippy on the sides and back, and has held up perfectly over 3 years.

Here's the case I've had for the last 3 years:

http://www.bodyglovemobile.com/cell-phone-cases/apple/iphone-5s/dropsuit/?scheme_id=10

It's a great case for me. I'm going to look at see if they have the same case for the 6S.

 

[macduke]

So I'm thinking this 6S is going to be the biggest performance jump I've had so-far. Going from the 3G to the 4 was a pretty good jump, and then from the 4 to the 5 was even bigger, especially due to the 4G LTE capability.

But they're saying that this new iPhone 6S is gonna be, what...70% faster processor speed than even the iPhone 6? So how much faster than my iPhone 5 will it be?!?!

I can't wait to find out, and also to be able to use, not only all the features that will be new to the 6S, but all the features that were introduced on the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6, as well!

I have to admit, I am not really super "up to speed" on all the latest tech stuff, although I do appreciate it. I don't even really know all the differences and new features of the post-iPhone 5 phones.

It seems that most of you, here, have been upgrading pretty much every year....

So, from the perspective of someone who hasn't upgraded phones in 3 years, since I got my iPhone 5, what do you guys think the biggest differences I'll notice will be?

The iPhone 5 is my most favorite iPhone ever. Don't care much for the glitchiness of my 6 Plus. 6S specs are similar to my iPad Air 2 so I can speak to that. The biggest things you'll notice:

The camera is freaking ridiculously fast now and photos with the flash look a lot better. The front camera will be worlds better.

You can switch between apps faster and have way more tabs open in Safari without waiting for them to reload. This was huge for me on the iPad Air 2.

Scrolling stuff is a lot more fluid, as are all animations in general. It just keeps up.

Touch ID is really cool, especially being twice as fast on the 6S. But it's so fast you'll have to use the lock button to view notifications.

Once you use Apple Pay you'll be upset that it's not available everywhere.

You'll be able to use ad blockers in Safari (the 5 seemingly can't) which has drastically sped up my browsing speed.

You can't easily use back buttons in menus on the larger phones so you'll likely have to use two hands or use the double tap Touch ID trick called Reachability. It takes time to get used to but the extra screen space is worth it after the adjustment. You'll also accidentally press the side lock button a bunch at first.

Obviously 3D Touch. I think the 3D Touch keyboard text selection shortcut will be big. But the vibration motor will feel more refined in the Taptic Engine. Gruber said its like a better version of the 4S, which you didn't own, and that's the only iPhone to have an oscillating motor which was noticeably better and less loud.

When I got the 6 I noticed websites pop in a lot faster. The rendering is faster but also the WiFi if you have an AC router. Sites using a lot of JavaScript are much better. I remember being amazed at how quickly MacRumors would just appear on screen.

The battery life on the 5 wasn't the best compared to other iPhones I've had. This will be better.

Your finger feels more like it's touching the display because the distance between the LCD is reduced. It's small but noticeable when you switch.

The iPhone 6 is really slippery. The rounded edges are more comfortable, but a case is needed while many with the 5 went without. I've got a Belkin Candy Sheer SE in black waiting for mine. I used the original on my 5 for two years and loved it. Wasn't available when I got my 6 Plus and wasn't a fan of the Apple red leather case I and that didn't wear well and develop a nice patina over time. It's also open at the bottom to damage so I found myself being overly careful.

 

[cvest]

The iPhone 5 is my most favorite iPhone ever. Don't care much for the glitchiness of my 6 Plus. 6S specs are similar to my iPad Air 2 so I can speak to that. The biggest things you'll notice:

The camera is freaking ridiculously fast now and photos with the flash look a lot better. The front camera will be worlds better.

You can switch between apps faster and have way more tabs open in Safari without waiting for them to reload. This was huge for me on the iPad Air 2.

Scrolling stuff is a lot more fluid, as are all animations in general. It just keeps up.

Touch ID is really cool, especially being twice as fast on the 6S. But it's so fast you'll have to use the lock button to view notifications.

Once you use Apple Pay you'll be upset that it's not available everywhere.

You'll be able to use ad blockers in Safari (the 5 seemingly can't) which has drastically sped up my browsing speed.

You can't easily use back buttons in menus on the larger phones so you'll likely have to use two hands or use the double tap Touch ID trick called Reachability. It takes time to get used to but the extra screen space is worth it after the adjustment. You'll also accidentally press the side lock button a bunch at first.

Obviously 3D Touch. I think the 3D Touch keyboard text selection shortcut will be big. But the vibration motor will feel more refined in the Taptic Engine. Gruber said its like a better version of the 4S, which you didn't own, and that's the only iPhone to have an oscillating motor which was noticeably better and less loud.

When I got the 6 I noticed websites pop in a lot faster. The rendering is faster but also the WiFi if you have an AC router. Sites using a lot of JavaScript are much better. I remember being amazed at how quickly MacRumors would just appear on screen.

The battery life on the 5 wasn't the best compared to other iPhones I've had. This will be better.

Your finger feels more like it's touching the display because the distance between the LCD is reduced. It's small but noticeable when you switch.

The iPhone 6 is really slippery. The rounded edges are more comfortable, but a case is needed while many with the 5 went without. I've got a Belkin Candy Sheer SE in black waiting for mine. I used the original on my 5 for two years and loved it. Wasn't available when I got my 6 Plus and wasn't a fan of the Apple red leather case I and that didn't wear well and develop a nice patina over time. It's also open at the bottom to damage so I found myself being overly careful.

Awesome detailed reply, thank you.

Also, OP, I'm in the same boat as you in terms of iPhone models owned and now getting the 6S.

P.S. I've been browsing here for years and have never seen the Germantown store mentioned; I am from Memphis as well.

 

[OCGirlie]

Also going from the 5 to the 6S and I cannot WAIT!! Can't wait to have a larger screen, better camera, faster processor, and more memory! Friday can't come soon enough!

The 5 was fine, but I feel the battery life is getting worn out, and I'm micro managing my memory (have the 32GB now) on a daily basis, and I feel like whenever my memory dips below 1GB, everything just lags. Did not feel like iOS9 made the battery life better tho.

I'm going from a 32GB to a 128GB and so stoked that I no longer have to worry about memory. Or do I....? I hope I won't be one of those people that just put bunch of crap in it because...I can! lol.

 

[slow hand]

The iPhone 5 is my most favorite iPhone ever. Don't care much for the glitchiness of my 6 Plus. 6S specs are similar to my iPad Air 2 so I can speak to that. The biggest things you'll notice:

The camera is freaking ridiculously fast now and photos with the flash look a lot better. The front camera will be worlds better.

You can switch between apps faster and have way more tabs open in Safari without waiting for them to reload. This was huge for me on the iPad Air 2.

Scrolling stuff is a lot more fluid, as are all animations in general. It just keeps up.

Touch ID is really cool, especially being twice as fast on the 6S. But it's so fast you'll have to use the lock button to view notifications.

Once you use Apple Pay you'll be upset that it's not available everywhere.

You'll be able to use ad blockers in Safari (the 5 seemingly can't) which has drastically sped up my browsing speed.

You can't easily use back buttons in menus on the larger phones so you'll likely have to use two hands or use the double tap Touch ID trick called Reachability. It takes time to get used to but the extra screen space is worth it after the adjustment. You'll also accidentally press the side lock button a bunch at first.

Obviously 3D Touch. I think the 3D Touch keyboard text selection shortcut will be big. But the vibration motor will feel more refined in the Taptic Engine. Gruber said its like a better version of the 4S, which you didn't own, and that's the only iPhone to have an oscillating motor which was noticeably better and less loud.

When I got the 6 I noticed websites pop in a lot faster. The rendering is faster but also the WiFi if you have an AC router. Sites using a lot of JavaScript are much better. I remember being amazed at how quickly MacRumors would just appear on screen.

The battery life on the 5 wasn't the best compared to other iPhones I've had. This will be better.

Your finger feels more like it's touching the display because the distance between the LCD is reduced. It's small but noticeable when you switch.

The iPhone 6 is really slippery. The rounded edges are more comfortable, but a case is needed while many with the 5 went without. I've got a Belkin Candy Sheer SE in black waiting for mine. I used the original on my 5 for two years and loved it. Wasn't available when I got my 6 Plus and wasn't a fan of the Apple red leather case I and that didn't wear well and develop a nice patina over time. It's also open at the bottom to damage so I found myself being overly careful.

WOW! That is all GREAT information! Thank you so much for posting all that!

I am really looking forward to "Apple Pay", 3D Touch, the fact that it "knows" the difference between running, biking, etc.

And the camera, AdBlock, etc. I've heard that this phone is MORE than the typical "S" upgrade, and I'm believe it.

Thanks again for all the info! That's why I'm here!

 

[wilhub]

The fact I can get.

Some of the same issues here. Did you notice that iOS 9 has improved batt. life? It's probably made my iPhone 5 20% better in that regard.

When I had my iPhone 4, the home button started to lose its spring, so, on this one, I've always used the power button to "wake it up". It seems less susceptible to wearing out. So, that has worked for me on this phone. I'll do the same with the new one.

Honestly my iPhone 5 has been such a good phone, such a perfect size, and so fast, processor-wise, that I haven't seen a need to upgrade. But, with all the new features this new 6S has, I figured it was finally time, especially due to the fact that I don't have any storage on this thing.

You're right - waiting at least 2 years to upgrade (3 in our case) does make it more exciting, obviously. Much bigger jump in performance and tech than when you upgrade every year.

I'm looking forward to it!

Does anyone know if there is a "minimalist" type plastic case available for the 6S? I need to check with Body Glove - they are the ones who made my current case and I really like it. It's grippy on the sides and back, and has held up perfectly over 3 years.

Here's the case I've had for the last 3 years:

http://www.bodyglovemobile.com/cell-phone-cases/apple/iphone-5s/dropsuit/?scheme_id=10

It's a great case for me. I'm going to look at see if they have the same case for the 6S.

I did not install IOS 9 on my iPhone 5. Maybe I should have tried it. I really was debating weather to upgrade to the iPhone 6s.

I agree the iPhone 5 is a good phone.

I had the iPhone 4 too. I had to have my home button replaced.

I use the home button to wake my iPhone 5 because the power button is going out. The only time the power button bothers me is when I am trying to do a screenshot or restart.

Overall the iPhone has been the best cell phone I have ever owned. I have never heard of a cell phone lasting so long. People hand their iPhones down. Other cell phones barely make it a year.

I gave my old iPhone 4 to a friend. My boss uses a iPhone 3gs.(he really need to upgrade the speakers are not as loud as they used to be)

I am looking forward to all the new features. Touch ID sounds cool and will be a big time saver. I want to try out Apple Pay. The camera sounds amazing. Its going to nice not to worry about running out of memory. The 3D touch thing sounds like it will be a big time saver. I believe it has a better camera for FaceTime.

I think you really feel like you get a lot for your money when you don't upgrade every year.

Enjoy your new iPhone.

 

[bueller1]

I've been using a 5 for the last two weeks since I sold my 6...you will really appreciate it lol

 

[Gathomblipoob]

I've been using a 5 for the last two weeks since I sold my 6...you will really appreciate it lol

Using my 5s since selling my 6 Plus. Still a great phone, but dat screen...

 

[soupcan]

Going from the 5 to 6S too. Especially looking forward to the upgraded camera, TouchID, 3D touch and the A9.

 

[slow hand]

Well, I've been using my new iPhone 6S since Friday, and I have to say, it is a really nice phone! As expected, the processor is really fast, though maybe not as instant at loading websites as I'd expected, coming from a 3 year old iPhone 5.

TouchID is lightning-fast. That's a really neat feature.

Scrolling, like, on Facebook, is a lot smoother and nicer experience, and the display is not too big (which was a worry).

Haven't been to a retailer who supports Apple Pay yet. That will be really neat. I think that in 5 years time, we'll all be using that, instead of our credit and debit cards. And I look forward to that.

The thinness of the phone is nice. I bought a Body Glove "Satin" case, which does not add much thickness, and adds some grip (without a case, the phone is really slippery, and I could easily see dropping it) and drop protection.

The camera seems very good. It's been cloudy here in Nashville, so I haven't had the opportunity to take photos in broad daylight yet, but I did walk out into the woods yesterday after mountain biking and snapped some relatively low-light photos just as an experiment.

I love how fast the camera is, now, to open up. With my iPhone 5, many times, by the time the camera app would open up, I'd already lost my photo opportunity. Also, as promised, the rear-facing camera is many times better.

 

[Jackorias]

I'm going from a 4 to a 6s, so even more of a technological neanderthal! Can't wait though, very very excited for my phone to come!

 

[slow hand]

I'm going from a 4 to a 6s, so even more of a technological neanderthal! Can't wait though, very very excited for my phone to come!

You're going to love it, especially if you have 4G-LTE available in your area. That was the biggest difference, for me, when I went from an iPhone 4 (which I loved) to my iPhone 5.

 

[macduke]

I'm going from a 4 to a 6s, so even more of a technological neanderthal! Can't wait though, very very excited for my phone to come!

Your face is actually going to melt off. RIP Jackorias, the man who jumped too far.

I'm still waiting for that "iPhone to iPhone 6s" person to come along. Although you can't activate that one any more so I don't even know if it's possible to be using it. Mine is still in the box and boots up fine. Maybe one day I'll sell it but it's the only iPhone I haven't had in a case so it has a small ding in one corner.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Your face is actually going to melt off. RIP Jackorias, the man who jumped too far.

I'm still waiting for that "iPhone to iPhone 6s" person to come along. Although you can't activate that one any more so I don't even know if it's possible to be using it. Mine is still in the box and boots up fine. Maybe one day I'll sell it but it's the only iPhone I haven't had in a case so it has a small ding in one corner.

I just used mine recently. Bought a sim adaptor and popped in the sim from my 6.

AT&T's Edge network is still alive and kicking!

 

[macduke]

I just used mine recently. Bought a sim adaptor and popped in the sim from my 6.

AT&T's Edge network is still alive and kicking!

Mine would always say that I had to activate it with iTunes. Do I need to get it unlocked, and if so is it still possible to do so? My contract is long gone.

 

[Knowlege Bomb]

Mine would always say that I had to activate it with iTunes. Do I need to get it unlocked, and if so is it still possible to do so? My contract is long gone.

I don't believe so. I never unlocked mine. I think it's just a matter of putting an active SIM in and letting it connect to AT&T.