I haven't enjoyed the 4.7" form factor. Thinking of trying 5.5". Am I making a mistake?

[fancy_pance]

I've been using the 4.7" iPhone 6 for over a year now. It's the first iPhone I haven't liked. Now considering upgrading to 5.5" 6s Plus for camera upgrades and possibly different/better handling experience - am I making a mistake?

I know it may seem like an obvious 'yes', but here's my thinking:

• The camera is maybe the most important aspect of the phone for me. iPhone 6s Plus upgrades in OIS for stills + video and an upgraded front cam are compelling. I think I would benefit since I do a lot of indoor/low light photography and video. However I'm unsure of real world difference.
  
  
• In my time with the iPhone 6 (a little over a year now), much of the frustration has been in physically handling the device. Specifically, in trying to use the phone one-handed, the way I did every other iPhone before it. It almost works, but ultimately just doesn't. It's just slightly too big. Lots of accidental button presses (argh that new wake/sleep button placement!), and the thumb and mental strain add up over time. And I have big hands. It's the first iPhone I can say I haven't loved, and I've used every iPhone since day one.
  

From what I hear, using the Plus one-handed isn't even possible. So the thought occurred to me that maybe the 5.5" form factor, while even larger, might actually force me to use the device differently, and in a way that would be less annoying than the 4.7" size.

I really wish Apple was able to cram all of the new features into the old smaller form factor, but it looks like they're not bringing it back anytime soon. So I feel like it's maybe worth trying to go the other direction at this point, if only to try something different. Frankly, it's my only other choice in the Apple ecosystem.

Any feedback or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Broadus]

The Plus is worth trying in your situation. Try it and see. You have 14 days to return it if it doesn't work out. At least you would have a better understanding of what you're comfortable with.

I just went from the 3.5" 4S to the 4.7" 6s and am fine with it. I was tempted to go with the Plus but felt it would be too large for what I wanted in a smartphone.

 

[Broadus]

The Plus is worth trying in your situation. Try it and see. You have 14 days to return it if it doesn't work out. At least you would have a better understanding of what you're comfortable with.

I just went from the 3.5" 4S to the 4.7" 6s and am fine with it. I was tempted to go with the Plus but felt it would be too large for what I wanted in a smartphone.

I suspect there will always be compromises to make with a phone, but I am looking forward to a 5.5" in a smaller package than the current Plus -- a Plus with reduced bezels.

 

[BeeGood]

I think your rationale is spot on and is similar to mine. The 6/6s isn't really a one-hand device, and if you're going to struggle in that area, you might as well get a camera with true OIS for your troubles since the camera is most important to you.

One caveat. The 6+/6s+ are noticeably heavier, and depending on how you hold it could be fatiguing to the hand. But you get used to that also. I say go big.

 

[jamezr]

I've been using the 4.7" iPhone 6 for over a year now. It's the first iPhone I haven't liked. Now considering upgrading to 5.5" 6s Plus for camera upgrades and possibly different/better handling experience - am I making a mistake?

I know it may seem like an obvious 'yes', but here's my thinking:

• The camera is maybe the most important aspect of the phone for me. iPhone 6s Plus upgrades in OIS for stills + video and an upgraded front cam are compelling. I think I would benefit since I do a lot of indoor/low light photography and video. However I'm unsure of real world difference.
  
  
• In my time with the iPhone 6 (a little over a year now), much of the frustration has been in physically handling the device. Specifically, in trying to use the phone one-handed, the way I did every other iPhone before it. It almost works, but ultimately just doesn't. It's just slightly too big. Lots of accidental button presses (argh that new wake/sleep button placement!), and the thumb and mental strain add up over time. And I have big hands. It's the first iPhone I can say I haven't loved, and I've used every iPhone since day one.

From what I hear, using the Plus one-handed isn't even possible. So the thought occurred to me that maybe the 5.5" form factor, while even larger, might actually force me to use the device differently, and in a way that would be less annoying than the 4.7" size.

I really wish Apple was able to cram all of the new features into the old smaller form factor, but it looks like they're not bringing it back anytime soon. So I feel like it's maybe worth trying to go the other direction at this point, if only to try something different. Frankly, it's my only other choice in the Apple ecosystem.

Any feedback or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks!

I think the Plus would be a great fit for you. I tried the 6 last year for a short time. It was way too small for me. I went with the plus and love the bigger phone. I also have a Note 5 so I do indeed like bigger screens.
The 6s Plus is a great phone. Try it....you should have a grace period to return it anyway.

 

[silverblack]

• In my time with the iPhone 6 (a little over a year now), much of the frustration has been in physically handling the device. Specifically, in trying to use the phone one-handed, the way I did every other iPhone before it. It almost works, but ultimately just doesn't. It's just slightly too big. Lots of accidental button presses (argh that new wake/sleep button placement!), and the thumb and mental strain add up over time. And I have big hands. It's the first iPhone I can say I haven't loved, and I've used every iPhone since day one.

Sorry to be blunt here. Your rationale makes no sense to me. You found the iPhone 6 too big after having it for one year. Now you want to buy the 6S PLUS, so its bigger size will force you to change and like it more?

What if you will absolutely hate the Plus, and then what? You will buy yourself an iPad mini LTE and use it as a phone?

People generally choose a phone that suits their needs/habits. Not the opposite, so they get to change and adapt to it.

 

[Phil A.]

I had a 6 and also found I couldn't really use it one handed.

It didn't really bother me but did start off similar thought processes as you, i.e.: "If it's not a one handed phone and that doesn't bother me, why not get the bigger one"

So, that's what I did a couple of weeks ago: I upgraded to the 6S plus and I have to say I am absolutely delighted: I don't find it awkward to use at all (yeah, it's absolutely not a phone I could use one handed, but that's not an issue for me, especially as I have a watch that I use for my "quick glance" stuff) and the extra screen size and battery life has been a revelation.

I'd also read a few comments from people who said the non-plus size felt tiny after using the plus for a while and thought they were exaggerating but that's been my experience too: If I pick my wife's 6 up now it does feel almost too small: the plus size really does feel like the "sweet spot" for the iPhone

 

[MacDevil7334]

I was in the same situation as you around a year ago and ended up switching to the Plus and now the 6S Plus. As you pointed out, while the 5S and earlier were true one-handed devices, the 6 and 6S are mostly one handed but not completely. I found it difficult to reach the far side of the keyboard when typing one-handed for example. Like you, I finally decided that, since I wasn't able to truly use the 6 one-handed, I might as well switch to the Plus and get all the extra perks of the bigger phone. Here's what I found:

• The Plus is definitely NOT a one-handed device. I am able to scroll while reading and reach the icons in the lower part of the screen one-handed but that is about it. One thing I found useful: put your most used apps in the bottom left or bottom right corner of the screen depending on which hand you hold your phone with. This will allow you to reach them easily when you pull your phone out of your pocket. But, forget about doing things like typing one-handed. It's not going to happen.
• OIS does make a noticeable difference in pictures, especially in low light. In regular light, I don't notice much of a difference in quality. But, I don't find I am able to get more consistently in focus pictures using the Plus. In low light, the difference is night and day (no pun intended). Being able to hold the shutter open for up to 4 times longer on the Plus is huge (especially on the 6S version with its smaller camera pixels).
• The extra battery life is really, really nice. You didn't mention it but it's worth noting anyway. I've found that you only get an extra 1-2 hours of on-screen usage. However, the standby time is way better on the Plus due to its bigger battery. If you think about it, most of the time your phone is off and in your pocket. It periodically wakes up to use the radio to check for new data. In this situation, both the regular and plus models use the exact same amount of power since they both have the same processor and radios. But, the Plus has a HUGE advantage due to its much larger battery. This is how people so easily get 1.5-2 days of real-world use between charges. I've found that to be true for me as well. It's nice not to ever really have to worry about my phone even coming close to dying before the end of the day!
• Once you get used to the bigger screen, it's hard to go back. The extra sharpness is nice, but not anything like the jump from non-retina to a retina screen back with the iPhone 4. But, everything is just bigger and more readable on the Plus. I don't find myself holding my phone nearly as close to my face to read things with the Plus and that's really nice.
• The extra size and weight especially do take some getting used to. I found I had some hand fatigue during the first week or so as I got used to handling the larger device. I did eventually get used to it but it does take a little time. My advice would be to use at least a week of the 2-week return period before making a decision one way or another.

Hope this helps! I would say definitely give it a try! Apple's return policy is so generous, you really don't have anything to lose.

 

[fancy_pance]

Sorry to be blunt here. Your rationale makes no sense to me. You found the iPhone 6 too big after having it for one year. Now you want to buy the 6S PLUS, so its bigger size will force you to change and like it more?

What if you will absolutely hate the Plus, and then what? You will buy yourself an iPad mini LTE and use it as a phone?

People generally choose a phone that suits their needs/habits. Not the opposite, so they get to change and adapt to it.

That's ok, I understand it's kind of a counter-intuitive idea. But the problem is that what suits my exact wishes doesn't exist - I have no other choice but to go bigger. And I'm thinking it might be worth trying the alternative rather than staying with something I've tried and know I don't like.

 

[0007776]

From what I hear, using the Plus one-handed isn't even possible. So the thought occurred to me that maybe the 5.5" form factor, while even larger, might actually force me to use the device differently, and in a way that would be less annoying than the 4.7" size.

That was my thinking when I got the 6+ and so far I've been happy with it. I would switch back to a 4" or better 3.5" if apple offered one with modern hardware, but seeing that they don't I'll stick with the plus size until they offer something that is usable with one hand.

 

[Broadus]

That's ok, I understand it's kind of a counter-intuitive idea. But the problem is that what suits my exact wishes doesn't exist - I have no other choice but to go bigger. And I'm thinking it might be worth trying the alternative rather than staying with something I've tried and know I don't like.

What you're proposing makes sense. Since you have to use the 4.7" with two hands, you may as well give the 5.5" phone a try.

 

[iphonedude2008]

I really liked the 5.5 inch screen. I got great battery life, the screen was sharper, and the form factor was easy to get used to. I'm probably going to exchange my 6S for the plus since I miss the battery so much.

 

[lordofthereef]

I personally don't follow the logic at all. If you can't use the 6 one handed, aren't you forced to use it two handed as well?

At the end of the day, if both devices are two handed devices for you, you need to decide whether you want a bigger screen and whether the plus fits competently wherever you tend to keep it (pocket, purse, etc).

I've had a plus going on two years and couldn't be happier. It's slightly large for some of my pockets but in otherwise happy. I've never really been a single handed user myself.

 

[fancy_pance]

I personally don't follow the logic at all. If you can't use the 6 one handed, aren't you forced to use it two handed as well?

Not exactly. It's kind of right at the edge of one-handed usability. So even though it's mildly frustrating to do so, I still find myself using it with one hand much of the time. And I think that behavior is rooted in my years of using all the smaller previous iPhones. My thinking here is that using the Plus might physically force me out of old habits.

 

[iphonedude2008]

Not exactly. It's kind of right at the edge of one-handed usability. So even though it's mildly frustrating to do so, I still find myself using it with one hand much of the time. And I think that behavior is rooted in my years of using all the smaller previous iPhones. My thinking here is that using the Plus might physically force me out of old habits.

I see what you mean. Its like if you have the chance to see the answers to a test, you aren't motivated to change your habits and study.

 

[Tom G.]

No, I don't think your making a mistake at all. However, I may be biased as I am very happy with my 6s+. If taking good pictures is important to you then you will really enjoy the 6s+, not only for the pictures it can take but the larger screen makes editing a lot more enjoyable as well.

 

[MacRazySwe]

Sounds like you're trying to rationalize a new gadget!

I'm fine with the iPhone 6. It's not the prettiest iPhone if you ask me, much preferred my iPhone 5S in that regard. However the size is a good tradeoff between usability and one-handed usage. Sure, once in a while it is slightly too large, but the screen-size is worth it to me. Could never see myself using the Plus, however. But then again I bring my phone (in my pocket) to the gym, when I'm out riding Cross-country or Downhill biking, et.c. et.c. Also, I wouldn't want to be seen with an iPad to my ear while in public, but hey that's just me!

 

[BeeGood]

Not exactly. It's kind of right at the edge of one-handed usability. So even though it's mildly frustrating to do so, I still find myself using it with one hand much of the time. And I think that behavior is rooted in my years of using all the smaller previous iPhones. My thinking here is that using the Plus might physically force me out of old habits.

I believe you're exactly right. The 6 is just on the fringe of one handed usability, so most likely, you're frustrations are coming from trying to use it like a 4" screen.

With the 6+/6s+, that's just not an option. I use my 6s+ one handed, but my grip is radically different than it was a little over a year ago with the 5s. I had the 6 for a couple months and I griped it exactly like my 5s because I could.

Now, having said that, you could learn to grip the 6/6s like the 5.5" screens, but if you have to do that, why not just buy the 5.5" screen phone?

 

[MacRazySwe]

Enjoy the Plus!

No but seriously, no offense to those of you who use it and love it.

 

[AbsynthMinded]

I went from the 4S (3.5") --> 6S+ (5.5"). I basically changed my grip completely with these newer phones. I tried the 6S first before getting the 6S+ and I found that I hold them exactly the same so that I can reach across easily, so I just went with the plus for the bigger screen/battery.

 

[gixxerfool]

I went from a 3GS to a 4S to a 5 to a 6S+. It was an adjustment getting used to the 5.5" screen but I don't regret it. I honestly though I would, but I was surprised.

 

[rocksyoursock]

I upgraded from a 6 to a 6S+ mostly because of the OIS for video.

I don't take many pictures, but I take a ton of videos.

The OIS is worth it for video. It makes a dramatic difference.

You adapt to the size pretty quickly. I was a little overwhelmed by the size at first, but now when I hold my girl's 4.7" version, it seems smallish now. You just adapt. My fingers are long enough to where my grip has adjusted to one handed texting, but it is a reach.

 

[AppleMan2015]

I've been using the 4.7" iPhone 6 for over a year now. It's the first iPhone I haven't liked. Now considering upgrading to 5.5" 6s Plus for camera upgrades and possibly different/better handling experience - am I making a mistake?

I know it may seem like an obvious 'yes', but here's my thinking:

• The camera is maybe the most important aspect of the phone for me. iPhone 6s Plus upgrades in OIS for stills + video and an upgraded front cam are compelling. I think I would benefit since I do a lot of indoor/low light photography and video. However I'm unsure of real world difference.
  
  
• In my time with the iPhone 6 (a little over a year now), much of the frustration has been in physically handling the device. Specifically, in trying to use the phone one-handed, the way I did every other iPhone before it. It almost works, but ultimately just doesn't. It's just slightly too big. Lots of accidental button presses (argh that new wake/sleep button placement!), and the thumb and mental strain add up over time. And I have big hands. It's the first iPhone I can say I haven't loved, and I've used every iPhone since day one.

From what I hear, using the Plus one-handed isn't even possible. So the thought occurred to me that maybe the 5.5" form factor, while even larger, might actually force me to use the device differently, and in a way that would be less annoying than the 4.7" size.

I really wish Apple was able to cram all of the new features into the old smaller form factor, but it looks like they're not bringing it back anytime soon. So I feel like it's maybe worth trying to go the other direction at this point, if only to try something different. Frankly, it's my only other choice in the Apple ecosystem.

Any feedback or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks!

Had the iPhone 6plus then around September this year I really didn't want to keep the bigger form factor. Got the iPhone 6s and love the screen size. I think I still prefer the iPhone 5 form factor is still the. Est,

 

[lordofthereef]

Not exactly. It's kind of right at the edge of one-handed usability. So even though it's mildly frustrating to do so, I still find myself using it with one hand much of the time. And I think that behavior is rooted in my years of using all the smaller previous iPhones. My thinking here is that using the Plus might physically force me out of old habits.

Well, I wouldn't say the plus is physically impossible. If you're willing to deal with single handed teaching and moving the phone around in one hand I've seen it done lol.

Either way, it's worth a shot of you buy from a place that allows you to return it if you don't like it.

 

[coney718]

I recently went from the 6s to the 6s+ and I love it. The size does take getting used to but after a week I was fine with it. I watch alot of tv shows and movies on my commute so the bigger screen definitely makes a difference. Plus the better battery life makes it worth it. One handed use is not impossible for me, obviously the 6s was alot easier to use one handed but the Plus i can use one handed in many situations. One thing I dont like though is the weight. Its noticeably heavier than any phone I've had before.