Tried 6s Plus for a week...I give up!!!

[mpavilion]

I'm also still evaluating the size, after a workweek with the Plus. I came from a 5c, so it's obviously a big change. I had the feeling that I would find it to be too big/unwieldy, but I had to try the size and "get it out of my system...".

It definitely fills my pocket, and I'm always aware it's there -- there have been a few times when I might call it "uncomfortable" -- but not to the point that I've felt, "I gotta get rid of this thing." I really enjoy using it when I have two hands free; one-handed use is obviously trickier, but not entirely hopeless.

The most awkward aspect for me has been using it as... a cell phone (of all things). It's a little too heavy and hard to grip securely when holding it up to my face. (Of course, like most people these days, I don't spend a ton of time using a smartphone as a handset.)

Somewhat perversely, I find an "advantage" of the large size to be that it inhibits me from pulling out my phone in idle moments. I've been too much of a "phone addict" recently -- and with this phone, I feel like I have to really need to use it before I go to the trouble of whipping it out. This has been helpful for cutting back on rude/mindless smartphone gazing -- though of course, the flipside is that it's also harder to access the phone when I do actually need to respond to a text, etc.

(I've been thinking that if I keep the Plus, I might also get an Apple Watch, so I can receive notifications that way and keep the phone in my pocket even more often... thus feeling like a grade-A weirdo, for contemplating big-$$$ spend to "cure" myself of a "problem" that I could also have solved with a little willpower!)

 

[stulaw11]

The problem is the Plus doesn't DO more. Well I should say outside a few stock Apple apps that use the Plus' screen size like mail and settings for columns.

But really you are just seeing bigger content than the 6S, not more and not a better layout. That's disappointing really. Some apps could really make use of the bigger display to show more or different layout content and still be a universal app. I''m just shocked a year later no apps make use of the bigger display in different ways; instead just scale the content to a larger size, but the same content.

Besides awkwardness of such a large device (they NEED to cut the bezels down and ditch the home button) it just doesn't really DO more for the size- just displays it bigger.

I think they would sell a ton more if they used the screen real estate better and got developers on board. The large display just hasn't persuaded me over the 6 & 6S just because it's bigger while much less pocket and hand friendly on the go. If I want a big screen and better app usage with a big screen I'd just buy an ipad frankly (apps done better for a big screen, multitasking now, video popout, etc). Now if the Plus actually did more, in that it utilized the larger display differently to display more or better organized content, it would be a much harder decision.

 

[mpavilion]

The problem is the Plus doesn't DO more. Well I should say outside a few stock Apple apps that use the Plus' screen size like mail and settings for columns.

But really you are just seeing bigger content than the 6S, not more and not a better layout. That's disappointing really. Some apps could really make use of the bigger display to show more or different layout content and still be a universal app. I''m just shocked a year later no apps make use of the bigger display in different ways; instead just scale the content to a larger size, but the same content.

Besides awkwardness of such a large device (they NEED to cut the bezels down and ditch the home button) it just doesn't really DO more for the size- just displays it bigger. I think they would sell a ton more if they used the screen real estate better and got developers on board.

Yeah, when you try out (say) the Note 5 you see how Samsung makes good use of the big screen / increased resolution, by making elements smaller so you can see a lot more in one view. An example is when you're creating a new calendar entry, and a little window pops up with all the options you need (as opposed to the Plus, where it's the same full-screen view, just bigger). This isn't enough to make me switch back to Samsung, but it's an example that I wish Apple followed.

 

[stulaw11]

Yeah, when you try out (say) the Note 5 you see how Samsung makes good use of the big screen / increased resolution, by making elements smaller so you can see a lot more in one view. An example is when you're creating a new calendar entry, and a little window pops up with all the options you need (as opposed to the Plus, where it's the same full-screen view, just bigger). This isn't enough to make me switch back to Samsung, but it's an example that I wish Apple followed.

I can agree with that. I owned a GS5 at one point and the split view actually was handy, even if two half windows wasn't the most efficient way and didnt look great it was handy when needed to retype text or look stuff up without flipping between apps trying to memorize pieces back and forth to copy over

Not that split screen is how Apple should do it, but devs could at least make their apps use the 5.5" screen better; more like a phablet, rather than just everything is the same as the 6S but blown up in size.

It doesnt scream buy a Plus to me. If I wanted the nicer apps and all of the split screens etc Id just get an ipad frankly.

 

[thegrants82]

Same here except I only lasted three days. The plus is huge and heavy. The guy at the apple store said, "I told you" when I returned it for the 6S. Its a great phone on the couch but in real life its a joke.

So I bought a 6s Plus last week, but I just can't get used to the size. The phone is simply too big and clumsy in the hand - trying to whip it out quickly and use with one hand requires constant balancing and hand readjustments to reach the entire screen. I end up balancing the phone on my fingers which is a sure fire recipe for drops. When I need to reach the upper 25% of the screen I kinda slide/bounce the phone down in my hand...then slide/bounce it up when I'm done. The reach-ability thing feels like an extra step I'd rather not do - and it just doesn't feel natural on a touchscreen where my thumb wants to reach out and touch what I want without thinking. It's almost impossible to hold the phone up and use it one handed while laying down (like in the recliner while I'm watching TV). Using one hand to check something quickly in the car or messing with maps is just annoying!

Another issue I have is that pulling out the plus is almost a public event rather than a personal matter. The phone is so big that I feel like anyone near me can see what I'm doing. With the 6s you can sorta cuff it in your hand with a secure grip like the easy-to-one-hand 4 or 4s - it's really not that much bigger feeling to me (0.9" taller/0.33" wider/.09" slimmer). The 4.7" has that natural extension of the hand feeling which I feel is essential for a phone. It doesn't feel like it could get away from me. I can't see the 6s being hard to one hand for anyone with at least an average size woman hand.

And what about cases? I'm one of those that like to keep my expensive phone in pristine condition - how do you folks use a 6 plus with a case that adds say 1/4"+ to the width? I only used the plus without a case, but I can't imagine how bulky it must feel with a case that offers decent protection.

I can understand the plus being a tablet substitute for some, but I just don't see it happening for me. I don't have a tablet, but instead of using the plus like one, I'd rather get on my laptop. Phone on the go/killing time and laptop for when I want to get stuff done (like typing up this post). I NEVER used landscape on the plus or any other phone - granted I'm not a gamer.

The 6s takes good enough pictures for me and I'm guessing 90% would never see a difference. I can't see a difference based on what I've seen.

The screens look the same to me.

IMO, the 6s would be the perfect phone if it had a slightly bigger battery. Relative to the Plus, in test I've seen online, the 6s and 6s plus are separated by only an hour or less. That's not really game changing...especially if you always carry a charger in your car.

It was fun 6s+, but tomorrow I'm switching you out for the 6s.

BTW - I'm no tech geek so take it easy on me.

 

[AtheistP3ace]

I don't blame you. Took me a little while too to get used to it. Now that I have i feel like I would miss the size if I went to the 6 size but to each his own!!

 

[gorkt]

I am a small female and the 6Plus is too big to fit in pockets. Some women are fine with lugging a purse everywhere, but I would rather keep the option of just carrying a phone.

 

[eyeseeyou]

The problem is the Plus doesn't DO more. Well I should say outside a few stock Apple apps that use the Plus' screen size like mail and settings for columns.

But really you are just seeing bigger content than the 6S, not more and not a better layout. That's disappointing really. Some apps could really make use of the bigger display to show more or different layout content and still be a universal app. I''m just shocked a year later no apps make use of the bigger display in different ways; instead just scale the content to a larger size, but the same content.

Besides awkwardness of such a large device (they NEED to cut the bezels down and ditch the home button) it just doesn't really DO more for the size- just displays it bigger.

I think they would sell a ton more if they used the screen real estate better and got developers on board. The large display just hasn't persuaded me over the 6 & 6S just because it's bigger while much less pocket and hand friendly on the go. If I want a big screen and better app usage with a big screen I'd just buy an ipad frankly (apps done better for a big screen, multitasking now, video popout, etc). Now if the Plus actually did more, in that it utilized the larger display differently to display more or better organized content, it would be a much harder decision.

My exact thoughts.

My short term solution would be for apple to allow ipad apps on the 6+

 

[phillytim]

The problem is the Plus doesn't DO more. Well I should say outside a few stock Apple apps that use the Plus' screen size like mail and settings for columns.

But really you are just seeing bigger content than the 6S, not more and not a better layout. That's disappointing really. Some apps could really make use of the bigger display to show more or different layout content and still be a universal app. I''m just shocked a year later no apps make use of the bigger display in different ways; instead just scale the content to a larger size, but the same content.

Besides awkwardness of such a large device (they NEED to cut the bezels down and ditch the home button) it just doesn't really DO more for the size- just displays it bigger.

I think they would sell a ton more if they used the screen real estate better and got developers on board. The large display just hasn't persuaded me over the 6 & 6S just because it's bigger while much less pocket and hand friendly on the go. If I want a big screen and better app usage with a big screen I'd just buy an ipad frankly (apps done better for a big screen, multitasking now, video popout, etc). Now if the Plus actually did more, in that it utilized the larger display differently to display more or better organized content, it would be a much harder decision.

Word. It's a shame developers don't utilize the added real estate of the 6s+ screen. Apple can't be expected to do everything! But, the phone is awesome for those who want a gorgeous screen and for those who have problems seeing a small screen.

The only reasons I even went 6s+ was for awesome battery life and OIS camera stabilization. I'm a tech buff, and I want the latest Apple technology. But I'm still in debate, during my 14 day return period, as to whether this is worth keeping.

 

[d0hv]

I really don't get when people say the Plus is too big. It's really not. I'm not a big guy at 5'5 and the phone is just normal to me. I guess because I'm coming from android and we're used to big phones. I'm glad I didn't get the regular 6s that damn thing is way too small. The big screen and killer battery life makes the 6s+ a far superior phone than the 6s.

 

[spinedoc77]

It's certainly not going to be a one handed device for the vast majority of users. I don't mean to be antagonistic, but I've never heard an argument for one handed tablet use. People
Seem to organically understand that a tablet requires two hands to operate. A very large phone, I would think, would fit that bill perfectly. Apple really should have given us split screen multi tasking too. And just called this thing the iPad micro.

It could have one handed use VERY easily if Apple implemented a one handed mode which made sense like that on Samsung phones. Apples one handed mode is complete crap and doesn't really make sense.

Pick up a Note series phone, put it in one handed mode and that's all the argument for using it one handed you will ever need.

I agree 110% the + should have split screen multi tasking, I miss that a lot from my Note. I'm hoping we can jailbreak it in now that we have 2gb ram.

 

[lordofthereef]

It could have one handed use VERY easily if Apple implemented a one handed mode which made sense like that on Samsung phones. Apples one handed mode is complete crap and doesn't really make sense.

Pick up a Note series phone, put it in one handed mode and that's all the argument for using it one handed you will ever need.

I agree 110% the + should have split screen multi tasking, I miss that a lot from my Note. I'm hoping we can jailbreak it in now that we have 2gb ram.

Unfortunately in unfamiliar with one handed mode on the nite since I've literally never used one (I don't think even the display lol). Do display models have the festure? How do I activate? I'll give it a go next time I'm in Best Buy.

 

[eddiehaskell]

OP, you're right the Plus isn't for everyone, but one thing you're very wrong about is this difference in battery life between the 6s and 6s+. See the post I quoted below.



This is accurate. On my 6 I would unplug it at 9AM and when I got out of work at 3PM it'd be at like 20-30%. By 5PM it was basically dead. That was a relatively easy schedule. Now that I'm back in school it's a lot more tasking and my 6 never made it past 3-4pm at the latest. With my 6s+ I unplug by 7:30-8AM and plug back in at 1AM with 30-50% left. Currently my 6s+ has been unplugged for about 18 hours and has 7 hours of usage and I just hit 40% battery about a minute ago. So yeah, battery life is massively better than it is on the smaller model. That's one thing that cannot be argued.

If I'm understanding this right - you are basically saying the battery life of the 6s+ is over 2x better than the 6s. What are you doing between 9am-3pm that puts you between 20-30%? Considering that's only 6 hours, it seems like you'd have to be on the phone about 4-5 hours using LTE, right? Over the course of a work day, the average person spends what - maybe 1-2 hour on their phone?

 

[p1ally]

Here's my setup:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DU...r+iphone+6&dpPl=1&dpID=415I692SwcL&ref=plSrch People won't STOP asking me about this thing. It's amazing though, I can easily type one handed on my 6s plus.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00SW...+plus+case&dpPl=1&dpID=51EnmK1fARL&ref=plSrch Great case, not bulky, tpu saved my 6 from a drunken 20 ft drop on concrete. Match that with a $10 tempered glass screen protector- golden.

 

[phillytim]

I'm still not sure which will win out, my love for the 6s+ and its great OIS camera and battery or my strong desire to be as agile and one-handed as I have been accustomed to all these years with iPhone. I have a Wednesday deadline for my return period. We shall see....

 

[evorc]

Ok get the 6. I can't even imagine going back to that puny thing. I use the 6s+ one handed with no case just fine. The same with the 6 plus for a year!

 

[D.T.]

But really you are just seeing bigger content than the 6S, not more and not a better layout. That's disappointing really. Some apps could really make use of the bigger display to show more or different layout content and still be a universal app. I''m just shocked a year later no apps make use of the bigger display in different ways; instead just scale the content to a larger size, but the same content.

That's not the case for many auto-layout controls, lists, text displays, I see more rows, more content per row, more text per page vs. a 6S, I compared them side-by-side right here (we have new 6S and 6S+).

 

[scapegoat81]

I agree & as much as I'd prefer the bigger screen & longer battery life, It just doesn't feel comfortable in one hand.
With that being said, I think Apple has the engineering chops to make a smaller overall + version by scaling down or completely removing the bezels. Until that happens, I'll stay away from the + models.

 

[richard371]

Im in the same boat. I think the plus is a better overall package but the ergonomics of the 6S is a winner. I have so many friends that have the plus and swear by it and they say I will get used to it. I can't decide so I just wiped my 6S and put it back in the box and will return it today. Im going to force myself to like the plus. Who knows maybe I will use it less because of how awkward it is and thats a good thing as I'm whipping my phone out and playing with it 100x a day sometimes for no reason at all.

 

[digitalcuriosity]

Im in the same boat. I think the plus is a better overall package but the ergonomics of the 6S is a winner. I have so many friends that have the plus and swear by it and they say I will get used to it. I can't decide so I just wiped my 6S and put it back in the box and will return it today. Im going to force myself to like the plus. Who knows maybe I will use it less because of how awkward it is and thats a good thing as I'm whipping my phone out and playing with it 100x a day sometimes for no reason at all.

I think when you just find yourself pulling your phone out, and trying to find a good reason to have it,your really just trying to convince yourself it's the right phone you bought.

 

[eyeseeyou]

That's not the case for many auto-layout controls, lists, text displays, I see more rows, more content per row, more text per page vs. a 6S, I compared them side-by-side right here (we have new 6S and 6S+).

Here's 2 pretty popular apps that don't take advantage of the larger screen specifically the landscape view.

Why even enable landscape view?

I have my + in landscape using the stock apps which are able to be viewed in landscape. Tap on FB or Instagram, you cannot view these apps in landscape so turn the phone around. Press the home button and switch back to landscape. Hopping back and forth from safari to fb/ig and your constantly flipping your phone around.

 

[AppleRobert]

I really don't get when people say the Plus is too big. It's really not. I'm not a big guy at 5'5 and the phone is just normal to me. I guess because I'm coming from android and we're used to big phones. I'm glad I didn't get the regular 6s that damn thing is way too small. The big screen and killer battery life makes the 6s+ a far superior phone than the 6s.

Problem is carrying it when not in use. I cannot alter my wardrobe because of my lifestyle, some folks can go around everyday with cargo pants and jeans but most cannot. And depending upon one's clothing the Plus size is very uncomfortable to carry around and not know it is there. My wallet is there when I need it, I do not feel it AND I can bend squat kneel whatever.

 

[pwhitehead]

The 6s+ is more meant for productivity. Working in the field that requires your device to take pictures or video and/or using acrobat pro to sign and send documents. I use lots of adobe's mobile apps and the phone couldn't be any better!

 

[AppleRobert]

Ok get the 6. I can't even imagine going back to that puny thing. I use the 6s+ one handed with no case just fine. The same with the 6 plus for a year!

Video please as most can't handle one handed.

 

[digitalcuriosity]

The 6s+ is more meant for productivity. Working in the field that requires your device to take pictures or video and/or using acrobat pro to sign and send documents. I use lots of adobe's mobile apps and the phone couldn't be any better!

It's people just like you that these larger phones were designed for,you have a real need for it and it fits your needs. So it was money well spent.