How much faster is the 6S than the 6?

[nordique]

Think people are interchanging the 4.7 iPhone 6 (750p screening) with the 1080p 5.5 iPhone 6 Plus and that's a mistake.

The 1gb ram is ok on the 4.7 inch 750p screen. But it's the 5.5 inch iPhone 6 Plus 1080p sceen where the 1gb made the 6 plus stutter "lag" even on Day 1 with iOS 8 Sept 2014.

So the 4.7 inch regular size iPhone 6 was ok with 1gb. Apple just thought they could get away selling the 6 plus 1080p with the same 1gb of ram.

Notice for 2016 apple put 3GB ram in the iPhone 7 plus vs 2gb ram in the regular size iPhone 7. That's to handle the better camera features in the iPhone 7 plus.

Apple knows it made a huge mistake with the iPhone 6 Plus in the ram department. They thought they could get away with it.

You raise a good point in distinguishing the 6 from the 6 Plus, and that is a fair thing to bring up in this thread for others who are in a similar position as the OP.

That said, I don't think the 6 was "ok" with 1GB of RAM....it was still a struggle to multitask with it, just like the 6 Plus or any iPad with 1GB (the Air 1 was abysmal at multitasking). Sure it was smoother than the 6 Plus, but that UI lag is more attributed to the downscaling that the 6 Plus model had to do, not so much the lack of RAM (though it is ultimately a combination)...but you can still experience lag and stuttering on the 6 Plus without any apps open.

I agree with you that the 6/6+ should have had 2GB of RAM, that was an oversight on Apple's part.


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It is worth mentioning in this forum dialogue that the 6 is still quite a capable device today, as is the 5s, on iOS 10. Both are similar in processing power and both give the user reliable performance today. Neither device has to downscale like the 6 Plus did. If someone is on a budget and cannot afford a 6s (for example you may be able to find a 6 for 2x cheaper than a 6s on say Kijiji, or a 5s 3x as cheap...big, tangible savings for some people) then the 6 and 5s are still good investments. 6 will give you better battery life and extra screen real estate, but you effectively get the same performance as you would with a 5s. That said, the 6 plus is not worth the investment I don't think.

Further, if you can afford to get a 6S or 6S Plus, then certainly make that choice over the 5s/6/6Plus. The 6s and 6s plus really improved performance...it wasn't just tossing 2GB of RAM that did it, the type of ram and it's speed was improved, the processors were significantly improved as well...something Apple did not significantly improve going from the A7 to the A8

So if anyone is in same shoes as OP, get the 6s or 6s plus if your budget can accommodate it....but if it can't, don't be afraid to go with a 5s or 6. Stay clear of the 6 Plus. Or use your current, older/other device for a while longer and wait for the 6s/6s Plus to become even more affordable.

 

[Wildhope]

I noticed it as soon as I upgraded.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

6 was the smallest full # upgrade if you ignore the design.

Yes, the bigger screens sold the 6/plus, as there wasn't much else that changed from the 5s (modest speed bump from the A7 to A8, NFC for Apple Pay... not much else...)

I agree. The 7 had more substantial upgrades than the 6 in all honesty.

I disagree.

The larger screen and addition of Apple way in the iPhone 6 were both huge features that I am still greatly benefiting from. Yes perhaps everything else (camera, processor, coprocessor, etc) was minor.

Then we have iPhone 7.
Processor: minor
Camera improvement: minor (the plus camera is a significant difference, but not on the 4.7")
Change of home button: neutral
Removal of headphone jack: negative
Waterproof: moderate

The upgrade from 6 to 7 is significant, but I would argue that's mostly because of the 6s (processor and 3d touch). Upgrading from the 6s to 7, I would say the biggest improvement is waterproofing. From 5s to 6 you get a big display and Apple pay. I benefit from the larger display every time I turn on my iPhone.

 

[bodonnell202]

I disagree.

The larger screen and addition of Apple way in the iPhone 6 were both huge features that I am still greatly benefiting from. Yes perhaps everything else (camera, processor, coprocessor, etc) was minor.

Then we have iPhone 7.
Processor: minor
Camera improvement: minor (the plus camera is a significant difference, but not on the 4.7")
Change of home button: neutral
Removal of headphone jack: negative
Waterproof: moderate

The upgrade from 6 to 7 is significant, but I would argue that's mostly because of the 6s (processor and 3d touch). Upgrading from the 6s to 7, I would say the biggest improvement is waterproofing. From 5s to 6 you get a big display and Apple pay. I benefit from the larger display every time I turn on my iPhone.

I don't disagree that a larger screen was a huge upgrade for the people that were waiting for an iPhone with a screen larger than 4" and represented a huge change in the user experience. I think the point that people were trying to make (myself included) is that Apple knew that there was pent up demand for an iPhone with a larger screen and capitalized by releasing iPhones (the 6 and 6 plus) which had minimal improvements beyond the larger screens. Obviously the larger screen was a big enough feature for many people since the 6/plus was very popular and sold well.

 

[AmazingTechGeek]

I don't disagree that a larger screen was a huge upgrade for the people that were waiting for an iPhone with a screen larger than 4" and represented a huge change in the user experience. I think the point that people were trying to make (myself included) is that Apple knew that there was pent up demand for an iPhone with a larger screen and capitalized by releasing iPhones (the 6 and 6 plus) which had minimal improvements beyond the larger screens. Obviously the larger screen was a big enough feature for many people since the 6/plus was very popular and sold well.

I had upgraded from the 5S to the 6 a couple years ago and had regretted not waiting for the 6s. The screen was nice at first, but the phone did not really introduce anything thing that added to my user experience. The upgrade from my 6 to 7 definitely feels more impactful. Even an upgrade to the 6s would have been more impactful than the 6.

In all honesty, I feel that the 6/6+ are the least significant numbered upgrades in iPhone history.

 

[nordique]

I disagree.

The larger screen and addition of Apple way in the iPhone 6 were both huge features that I am still greatly benefiting from. Yes perhaps everything else (camera, processor, coprocessor, etc) was minor.

Then we have iPhone 7.
Processor: minor
Camera improvement: minor (the plus camera is a significant difference, but not on the 4.7")
Change of home button: neutral
Removal of headphone jack: negative
Waterproof: moderate

The upgrade from 6 to 7 is significant, but I would argue that's mostly because of the 6s (processor and 3d touch). Upgrading from the 6s to 7, I would say the biggest improvement is waterproofing. From 5s to 6 you get a big display and Apple pay. I benefit from the larger display every time I turn on my iPhone.

You make a good point. Design wise the 7 is more or less the same as the 6/6s design, whereas the 6 did introduce a new design and 2 new sizes with larger screens which in the context of 2014 were significant. It was an extremely successful set of phones in the sales department too. But, one of those posters you replied to did make the caveat about design. And the other posters aren't incorrect either

For instance, some of those upgrade points are subjective. I have yet to find apple pay useful (I dont even use it) so for me, something like waterproofing is more valuable than apple pay.

You raise the camera point, but the 6/6+ camera was even more similar to the 5s than the 7/7 plus camera is to the 6s/6s plus

And you disregard processing power more when comparing the 5s/6 but make it a point when comparing the 6s/7 ... yes, the A10 is a minor spec bump processor wise over the A9 but the A8 in the 6/6+ was *even more* of a minor bump.

So if someone is coming from a processing power standpoint, which some of those posters are coming from, then the 6/6plus were tiny upgrades.

Both the 6 and 7 series used the same type of ram and same touch ID as previous generations. It just depends which perspective you're coming from.

Clearly the 6 series was a much larger design paradigm shift from the 5s than the 7 Series is from the 6s series, so I would agree with you there.

But if someone is commenting on the actual "organs" of the phone, then the 6 series is much closer to the 5s than the 7 series was to 6s series (despite the 7 itself being a minor improvement over the 6s)


I'm sure we can all agree on one thing....The true closest generation iPhones were the original and the 3G as the 3G had exact same internals as the original minus a 3G radio!

 

[AmazingTechGeek]

One thing I notice comparing my 7 to my friend's 6s is that as many apps pile up in the background, the 7 responds marginally faster (and smoother) to them compared to the 6s. Likely because of the A10 efficiency.

 

[err doktor zoidberg]

A cursory search on Google comparing the benchmark results of the iPhone 6 vs the iPhone 6S brought me to this page:
http://www.ubergizmo.com/products/lang/en_us/devices/iphone-6s,iphone-6/

It suggests that there is a significant increase in performance for the 6S when compared to the 6, so in that respect it would ultimately be the better purchase--however, I am curious as to how you intend on getting an iPhone 6S with 10.2 on it? The ipsw is no longer being signed by Apple and it will be quite difficult to find an iPhone 6S with the 10.2 iOS installed on it.

 

[Tthomas612]

In all honesty and this is just my honest opinion, but the SE is a MUCH better but than an iPhone 6 at this point.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

You make a good point. Design wise the 7 is more or less the same as the 6/6s design, whereas the 6 did introduce a new design and 2 new sizes with larger screens which in the context of 2014 were significant. It was an extremely successful set of phones in the sales department too. But, one of those posters you replied to did make the caveat about design. And the other posters aren't incorrect either

For instance, some of those upgrade points are subjective. I have yet to find apple pay useful (I dont even use it) so for me, something like waterproofing is more valuable than apple pay.

You raise the camera point, but the 6/6+ camera was even more similar to the 5s than the 7/7 plus camera is to the 6s/6s plus

And you disregard processing power more when comparing the 5s/6 but make it a point when comparing the 6s/7 ... yes, the A10 is a minor spec bump processor wise over the A9 but the A8 in the 6/6+ was *even more* of a minor bump.

So if someone is coming from a processing power standpoint, which some of those posters are coming from, then the 6/6plus were tiny upgrades.

Both the 6 and 7 series used the same type of ram and same touch ID as previous generations. It just depends which perspective you're coming from.

Clearly the 6 series was a much larger design paradigm shift from the 5s than the 7 Series is from the 6s series, so I would agree with you there.

But if someone is commenting on the actual "organs" of the phone, then the 6 series is much closer to the 5s than the 7 series was to 6s series (despite the 7 itself being a minor improvement over the 6s)


I'm sure we can all agree on one thing....The true closest generation iPhones were the original and the 3G as the 3G had exact same internals as the original minus a 3G radio!

Yeah of course everyone is going to have a different opinion when comparing upgrades. I like to think in terms of overall user experience improvement. This is why I consider 6 a bigger change than 7. Even if camera and processor improvements are greater for the 7 (I'm not knowledgeable to know one way or the other), I would say because of the design changes (screen sizes) the user experience was enhanced more from 5s to 6 than from 6s to 7.

Actually I'm going to dispute your 3G comment. Yes it used the same processor and (I think) even the same camera. But the addition of 3G and GPS was huge. Edge is miserably slow. GPS allowed much better turn by turn directions. For this reason I think the iPhone 3G was a big deal.
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In all honesty and this is just my honest opinion, but the SE is a MUCH better but than an iPhone 6 at this point.

Well... that's cause it is better (or equal) in every objective standard. The only potential point of contention is the purely subjective size difference.

 

[nordique]

Yeah of course everyone is going to have a different opinion when comparing upgrades. I like to think in terms of overall user experience improvement. This is why I consider 6 a bigger change than 7. Even if camera and processor improvements are greater for the 7 (I'm not knowledgeable to know one way or the other), I would say because of the design changes (screen sizes) the user experience was enhanced more from 5s to 6 than from 6s to 7.

Actually I'm going to dispute your 3G comment. Yes it used the same processor and (I think) even the same camera. But the addition of 3G and GPS was huge. Edge is miserably slow. GPS allowed much better turn by turn directions. For this reason I think the iPhone 3G was a big deal.
[doublepost=1492572750][/doublepost]

Again, that is subjective. Some people value processing power more than design. They saved money, and enjoyed their 5s's another year or more. Conversely a very large number of people upgraded from the 5s to the 6/6+ So a lot of people would agree with you, they obviously saw something valuable in the larger screens or more battery life. Much of the general public doesn't care about processing power per se. A lot of them didn't realize the 6 was a minor spec bump from the 5s, but for them it wouldn't have made a difference. They just wanted the new iPhone with the bigger screen. I totally get where you're coming from. The A7 was quite surprising and advanced when it came out, so even though the A8 was a refinement, it was still a very capable chip in 2014 (and is still capable today).


Regarding the 3G, well sure it made the phone a lot faster with network use. But the discussion was about smallest generational differences. The 3G internally had the exact same CPU, ram, gpu, camera, wifi chip, screen, as the original iPhone except for the modernized Bluetooth, a 3G radio, gps, a smaller battery (but similar battery life) and a new polycarbonate design (no headphone jack dongle needed...)

I don't think that one is really disputable, as no other iPhone generation to generation was quantifiably as similar. At least with every other iPhone apple has improved some CPU/gpu/ram related aspect of the phone, somewhere (unless you want to count the 5c as a separate generational device from the 5, maybe that would take the cake?)

 

[AmazingTechGeek]

Again, that is subjective. Some people value processing power more than design. They saved money, and enjoyed their 5s's another year or more. Conversely a very large number of people upgraded from the 5s to the 6/6+ So a lot of people would agree with you, they obviously saw something valuable in the larger screens or more battery life. Much of the general public doesn't care about processing power per se. A lot of them didn't realize the 6 was a minor spec bump from the 5s, but for them it wouldn't have made a difference. They just wanted the new iPhone with the bigger screen. I totally get where you're coming from. The A7 was quite surprising and advanced when it came out, so even though the A8 was a refinement, it was still a very capable chip in 2014 (and is still capable today).


Regarding the 3G, well sure it made the phone a lot faster with network use. But the discussion was about smallest generational differences. The 3G internally had the exact same CPU, ram, gpu, camera, wifi chip, screen, as the original iPhone except for the modernized Bluetooth, a 3G radio, gps, a smaller battery (but similar battery life) and a new polycarbonate design (no headphone jack dongle needed...)

I don't think that one is really disputable, as no other iPhone generation to generation was quantifiably as similar. At least with every other iPhone apple has improved some CPU/gpu/ram related aspect of the phone, somewhere (unless you want to count the 5c as a separate generational device from the 5, maybe that would take the cake?)

Good post.

Everyone will have their unique interests that cater more/less to certain models. I enjoy camera quality, screen quality (not referring to size), and processing power, so the 7 was a bigger jump than the 6 in my opinion. Also, I sometimes notice that 40% power increase over time compared to 6s. Moving on, the 7 just has more to offer as an upgrade compared to what 6 offers from the 5s (speaking from personal experience). Get the 6s or the 7.

 

[Math889]

Huge difference. The A9 chip + 2gb of RAM blows the 6 out of the water.

A9 chip+ 2GB OF RAM+ 3D TOUCH+CAMERA+TOUCH ID 2.0+ALUMINIUM 7000+NEW COLOR OPTION+BETTER BATTERY LIFE
OH AND 3.5MM HEADPHONE JACK!!!!!!
THE FEATURE THAT I LOVE IS 3D TOUCH, VERY USEFUL FOR ME!!!!

 

[bodonnell202]

Yeah of course everyone is going to have a different opinion when comparing upgrades. I like to think in terms of overall user experience improvement. This is why I consider 6 a bigger change than 7. Even if camera and processor improvements are greater for the 7 (I'm not knowledgeable to know one way or the other), I would say because of the design changes (screen sizes) the user experience was enhanced more from 5s to 6 than from 6s to 7.

Actually I'm going to dispute your 3G comment. Yes it used the same processor and (I think) even the same camera. But the addition of 3G and GPS was huge. Edge is miserably slow. GPS allowed much better turn by turn directions. For this reason I think the iPhone 3G was a big deal.
[doublepost=1492572750][/doublepost]

Well... that's cause it is better (or equal) in every objective standard. The only potential point of contention is the purely subjective size difference.

People have different priorities and in some ways the every other year approach that Apple takes manages to convince a good portion of people to upgrade every other year.
The number cycle iPhones focus on design and screen upgrades where processor and camera upgrades are usually minor (exceptions being that the 4 received major camera upgrades both front and back versus the 3GS and the 5 received a major processor upgrade with the A6 and a decent front facing camera upgrade).
The S cycle iPhones tend to focus on speed increases, camera upgrades and usually adds some new feature (Siri, Touch ID, 3D Touch).
For those that value design the number cycle iPhones seem like a no brainer upgrade. For those that value "under the hood" changes the S cycle phones feel like a better buy. People have their priorities and Apple marketing has done a good job selling to both groups.