The iPhone 6s Plus: All About Specifications and Features

Introduction to the iPhone 6s Plus

The iPhone 6s Plus offers a larger screen, optical image stabilization, and impressive performance. Check out the specifications and more about the iPhone 6s Plus on iPhones.

The iPhone 6s Plus was introduced in early September 2015 as the larger variant of the iPhone 6s. The device marked a new phase in the development of Apple’s smartphones and delivered improvements on multiple fronts. Thanks to the addition of innovative technologies, the iPhone 6s Plus built on the success of its predecessor, the iPhone 6 Plus, and offered users a more refined experience.

With a screen size of 5.5 inches and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the iPhone 6s Plus distinguished itself as a ‘phablet’, a hybrid between a phone and a tablet. The Retina HD display supported deep colors and improved brightness, making the device ideal for multimedia, such as watching videos and editing photos. The larger screen size also made it easier to multitask and type.

The iPhone 6s Plus also introduced 3D Touch, a technology that could recognize different levels of pressure sensitivity. This enabled new forms of interaction, such as quickly accessing functions with a light or firm press on the screen. Another notable addition was the A9 chip, which was not only more powerful than its predecessors but also brought improvements in energy efficiency.

In terms of design, the iPhone 6s Plus remained true to Apple's characteristic aesthetics. The device was available in four colors: silver, space gray, gold, and rose gold. Made from a stronger aluminum alloy (7000 series), it offered more durability, significantly reducing the chance of damage. As a result, this model was not only powerful but also robust.

The arrival of the iPhone 6s Plus placed a clear focus on photography. The 12 MP iSight camera provided sharper images, more accurate color reproduction, and the ability to record 4K videos. Apple also introduced Live Photos, a function to capture and replay moving images. This made capturing memories even more interactive.

All in all, the iPhone 6s Plus set a new standard in the world of large smartphones. Its advanced features and premium design made it a favorite within the iPhone user community.

Design and Build: A First Impression

The iPhone 6s Plus exudes a refined and premium look thanks to the use of strong 7000-series aluminum, specially designed to guarantee durability. The device feels solid in the hand and has an imposing presence due to its larger size. The material, combined with carefully rounded corners, gives the device a luxurious look without sacrificing ergonomics.

What immediately stands out is the Retina HD screen, which measures 5.5 inches and covers almost the entire front, framed by thin bezels. The home button with integrated Touch ID fingerprint sensor remains an important factor in the design, discreetly placed under the screen. This not only provides security but also contributes to the minimalist aesthetic of the phone.

The color variants, including space gray, silver, gold, and rose gold, offer a wide range of choices to cater to different tastes and styles. The attention to detail is not only visible in the aesthetics but also in the buttons, ports, and speakers, which are carefully placed, keeping the design consistent and functional.

With a weight of 192 grams, the device is somewhat heavy, which is especially noticeable during prolonged use. However, this extra weight gives a feeling of solidity that results in a higher perceived quality. The housing is less susceptible to bending than its predecessor, thanks to the improvement in material use.

The iPhone 6s Plus illustrates the interplay of visual appeal and functionality, where design reflects not only form but also efficiency.

Screen Specifications: Retina Display and 3D Touch

The iPhone 6s Plus is equipped with a 5.5-inch Retina HD display, offering a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 401 ppi. This delivers sharp and vibrant images, where details are clearly visible and colors are accurately reproduced. Thanks to wide color spectrum technology and dual-domain pixels, the display maintains an excellent viewing experience, even at an oblique angle. The improved maximum brightness and contrast ensure that the screen remains legible, even in bright sunlight.

A special innovation that makes the iPhone 6s Plus screen unique is the introduction of 3D Touch. This technology adds a new dimension to the touchscreen by detecting the pressure level of touches. This allows users to perform different actions depending on how firmly they touch the screen. For example, 3D Touch provides quick access to functions such as Peek and Pop, where you can easily preview or open without fully leaving the screen. This function makes navigation more efficient and intuitive.

In addition, Apple uses the Taptic Engine to provide haptic feedback when using 3D Touch. This provides a responsive, refined experience that gives the feeling of physical interaction with the screen. The Retina Display is further supported by strong oleophobic coating, which minimizes fingerprints and smudges.

In combination, the Retina Display and 3D Touch technology deliver an impressive user experience that is both visually appealing and functionally advanced. These features make the iPhone 6s Plus display a key asset in the high-end smartphone segment.

Performance: Processor, RAM, and Storage Options

The iPhone 6s Plus offers impressive performance thanks to the powerful hardware built into it. The device is equipped with the Apple A9 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor that combines speed and efficiency. This chip is specially designed to provide a seamless user experience. The performance is 70% faster in general processing and 90% faster in graphics compared to the A8 chip found in its predecessor, the iPhone 6 Plus.

For multitasking and daily apps, the iPhone 6s Plus offers 2 GB of RAM, a significant upgrade over the 1 GB RAM of its predecessor. This allows users to smoothly switch between apps, perform intensive tasks, and experience better performance when loading larger files or applications. Increasing RAM also contributes to the improved functioning of features such as live photos and 3D Touch.

In terms of storage options, the device is available in three variants: 16 GB, 64 GB, and 128 GB. This wide range of choices allows users to choose a model that perfectly meets their needs. For light users, 16 GB may be sufficient, while the 128 GB option is ideal for those who want to store large numbers of photos, videos, or apps. However, the lack of expandable storage via microSD cards means that internal storage determines the total capacity.

All in all, the combination of a powerful processor, improved RAM, and flexible storage options is a major reason why the iPhone 6s Plus remained popular for a long time with both regular users and professionals.

iOS Software and Updates: What to Expect

The iPhone 6s Plus shipped with iOS 9 at launch, an operating system known for its user-friendliness and robust performance. Since then, Apple has repeatedly released software updates that not only improved security but also added new functionalities. Although the iPhone 6s Plus no longer receives the latest iOS updates, it was one of the models that benefited from extensive software support for years, a unique feature of Apple products.

Apple has introduced numerous optimizations over time through iOS updates. This allowed users to access new features, such as improvements in Siri, expanded privacy settings, and Swiftkey integration for a better typing experience. Apple also introduced the “Live Photos” function and improved 3D Touch capabilities specifically for devices such as the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus. This meant that users received innovative ways to navigate and interact with their device.

Security updates were another important pillar of software support. Apple provided the iPhone 6s Plus with patches for a long time to protect against the latest cyber threats. While these updates were essential for the lifespan of the device, it should be noted that long-term support eventually ends. This has happened with the iPhone 6s Plus, which no longer receives updates from iOS 15.

Looking forward, Apple emphasizes that software and devices continue to seamlessly integrate, despite limitations on older models. Users of the iPhone 6s Plus may find that some modern features, such as the use of ARKit or more advanced camera capabilities, are not available. Nevertheless, core functions continue to work smoothly, demonstrating the solid foundation of iOS ecosystems.

Cameras: Technology Behind the Photos and Videos

The iPhone 6s Plus is equipped with powerful cameras that appeal to both photography and video enthusiasts. On the back is a 12-megapixel iSight camera that delivers bright and detailed shots. This camera features an ƒ/2.2 aperture, which ensures better-performing images in low light. In addition, the True Tone flash makes it possible to maintain natural colors, even in dark conditions.

A striking feature of the iSight camera is the ability to record 4K videos. With a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, this offers four times more detail than standard 1080p videos. Users can also benefit from optical image stabilization, which absorbs vibrations and ensures sharper images and smoother videos, even with hand movements.

On the front, the iPhone 6s Plus has a 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, ideal for selfies and video calls. Thanks to Retina Flash, the display is temporarily illuminated up to three times brighter, so selfies are well-lit even in low light. In addition, the front camera supports 1080p HD video recording for razor-sharp image quality.

Another innovative feature is Live Photos. This records short 1.5-second videos before and after taking a photo, bringing static memories to life. This adds a dynamic dimension to photos while remaining intuitive to use.

With a combination of hardware innovations and software optimizations, the iPhone 6s Plus camera offers an advanced experience for users who value quality and versatility.

Battery and Energy Performance

The iPhone 6s Plus was developed with an improved focus on energy management, allowing users to experience longer usage without compromising performance. The device's battery capacity is 2,750 mAh, which is slightly lower compared to its predecessor, but optimized software and the efficiency of the A9 chip contribute to longer endurance.

Apple claimed at the time that the iPhone 6s Plus offered users the ability to play up to 14 hours of continuous video or 24 hours of talk time via 3G. With normal daily use, users can expect a battery that easily lasts a full day. However, factors such as background apps, screen brightness, and network usage can affect the actual battery life.

The addition of iOS features such as the ‘Low Power Mode’ gives the iPhone 6s Plus an extra advantage. When activated, this mode limits background activity and subtly reduces performance to generate extra battery life. This feature can be useful for times when charging is not immediately possible.

Another important feature is the improved charging technology. Although the iPhone 6s Plus did not offer fast charging or wireless charging capabilities, like later models, charging via a standard Lightning cable supports a consistent and reliable process. Users can expect a fully charged battery in about two hours, depending on the adapter used.

Overall, the iPhone 6s Plus combines a balanced battery capacity with smart software optimizations to provide reliability. This makes the device ideal for both intensive users and those who strive for sustainable energy management throughout the day.

Connectivity Options and Extra Features

The iPhone 6s Plus offers a wide range of connectivity options, making the device versatile for daily use. The device supports LTE Advanced, which provides faster mobile data connections compared to previous generations. Users can expect a seamless experience when streaming videos, downloading files, and browsing the internet. In addition, the device is compatible with multiple LTE bands, making it ideal for international travelers.

For wireless connections, the iPhone 6s Plus has Bluetooth 4.2. This enables efficient connections with devices such as wireless headphones, smartwatches, and other peripherals. Wi-Fi 802.11ac is also integrated, guaranteeing a faster and more stable internet experience within wireless networks, even at higher download speeds.

The iPhone 6s Plus also offers advanced GPS functionalities with support for A-GPS, GLONASS, and iBeacon micro-location. This makes the device extremely accurate for navigation, location-based apps, and services such as Apple Maps and social networks.

Extra features such as the 3.5 mm headphone jack, although now removed in later models, are present in the iPhone 6s Plus. This makes the device compatible with conventional headsets. Furthermore, the Lightning connector is multifunctional, serving both for charging and data transmission. Support for Apple Pay via NFC offers a secure and easy way to pay contactless at compatible terminals.

With a focus on integration, flexibility, and optimal usability, the iPhone 6s Plus delivers a robust set of connectivity options combined with modern extra features.

Comparison with Other Models in the iPhone Series

The iPhone 6s Plus can be compared to other models within the iPhone series, such as its predecessor, the iPhone 6 Plus, and successors such as the iPhone 7 Plus. This provides a clear picture of technological advancements and functionality between generations.

Comparison with the iPhone 6 Plus

The iPhone 6s Plus offers significant improvements over the iPhone 6 Plus:

• Performance: The iPhone 6s Plus is equipped with the A9 chip, a noticeable upgrade from the A8 chip in the iPhone 6 Plus. This processor offers faster performance and better energy efficiency.
• Camera: With a 12-megapixel camera, compared to the 8-megapixel camera of the iPhone 6 Plus, the 6s Plus offers more detail and quality in photos and videos. Live Photos is also exclusively available on the 6s Plus.
• User Experience: Thanks to the introduction of 3D Touch on the iPhone 6s Plus, pressure-sensitive functionality has been added to the screen for the first time. This is missing from the iPhone 6 Plus.
• RAM and Storage Capacity: The iPhone 6s Plus has 2 GB of RAM instead of 1 GB, making multitasking smoother.

Comparison with the iPhone 7 Plus

When comparing it with the iPhone 7 Plus, clear differences are visible:

• Water Resistance: The iPhone 7 Plus introduces IP67 certification, which the iPhone 6s Plus does not have.
• Audio Jack: The 3.5mm headphone jack has been removed from the iPhone 7 Plus, while it is still present in the iPhone 6s Plus.
• Performance: The iPhone 7 Plus is powered by the more powerful A10 Fusion chip, resulting in even smoother operation.
• Camera: While the iPhone 6s Plus has a single camera, the iPhone 7 Plus has a dual lens, including a telephoto lens that enables optical zoom.

Positioning within the Series

The iPhone 6s Plus is positioned as a middle ground between affordability and advanced features. Where the iPhone 6 Plus is simpler, later models such as the 7 Plus offer more innovation.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the iPhone 6s Plus

The iPhone 6s Plus, launched in September 2015, remains a remarkable choice for users who value reliability and performance in a larger smartphone format. Yet, there are clear advantages and disadvantages associated with this model, depending on the user's needs and expectations.

Advantages

• Excellent build quality: The iPhone 6s Plus is made of durable 7000-series aluminum, which protects the device from bending and other physical damage.
• Force Touch technology (3D Touch): This model introduces 3D Touch, allowing the screen to detect different pressure levels, providing extra functionality and faster access to frequently used functions.
• Stable performance: The A9 chip and 2 GB of RAM deliver a stable and reliable experience for daily tasks such as browsing, messaging, and using apps.
• Camera with optical image stabilization: The 12 MP rear camera offers optical image stabilization, which reduces movement in photo and video recordings, which is especially useful for low-light shots.
• Long battery life: Thanks to its larger size, this device contains a more powerful battery, resulting in longer usage compared to smaller models.
• Robust software support: Launched with iOS 9 and later updated with multiple iOS versions, the device remains usable for various apps.

Disadvantages

• Outdated design: The model has thick screen bezels and a physical home button, which may feel outdated compared to modern bezel-less designs.
• Weight and size: With a large casing and a weight of 192 grams, the device is less handy, especially for those used to smaller smartphones.
• Limited hardware: Although powerful in its time, the A9 chip is less suitable for heavy apps and graphically intensive games in the current technological landscape.
• No support for modern features: Features such as Face ID, water resistance, and wireless charging are missing, which is a disadvantage for those looking for the latest technology.
• Storage limits: The entry-level model only offers 16 GB of storage, which can quickly prove insufficient nowadays, especially because of the size of apps and media files.

The iPhone 6s Plus offers clear advantages for users looking for a reliable and solid device, but the technological limitations and older design make it less attractive for those who expect the latest features.

Price and Availability: Is it Still Worth It?

The iPhone 6s Plus, launched in 2015, has now traded its status as a premium smartphone for a place in the category of older devices. This raises the question of whether the price and availability of this device are still justifiable today.

Availability

Although the iPhone 6s Plus is no longer manufactured by Apple itself, the device is still available on the second-hand and refurbished markets. Platforms such as Marktplaats, eBay, and specialized providers of refurbished devices often offer a wide range of options. However, it is important to take into account variations in the condition of the device. Many models have signs of wear or a battery that may no longer perform optimally with intensive use, which may require an additional investment in battery replacement.

Price Level

The price for an iPhone 6s Plus varies depending on the storage capacity and the physical condition of the device. On average, second-hand devices are offered between €100 and €250. Refurbished models, which often come with a limited warranty period, can cost slightly more, up to about €350. This price level is attractive to consumers who are looking for an iPhone experience at a relatively low investment. However, given the age of the hardware, one must remain realistic: the performance and software support may be more limited compared to newer iPhone generations.

Considerations

Buyers should take into account Apple’s software policy, as the device no longer receives support for the latest iOS updates. This can have implications for compatibility and security. In addition, accessories such as cables and cases for this outdated model may be more difficult to obtain. Switching to a newer model may therefore be more attractive, depending on personal preferences.

The appeal of the iPhone 6s Plus lies mainly in the price-quality ratio within a limited budget, but the functional limitations and age of the design remain a point of attention.

Conclusion: Who is the iPhone 6s Plus Suitable For?

The iPhone 6s Plus is designed for users who appreciate a premium smartphone experience combined with a larger screen size. This phone is ideally suited for individuals who value productivity and multimedia. Thanks to the 5.5-inch Retina HD screen with impressive resolutions, it is a choice that perfectly suits lovers of streaming, gaming, and editing photos or videos.

The 6s Plus also targets users looking for a reliable and durable iPhone with solid performance. The A9 chip with 64-bit architecture delivers smooth operation, even with demanding apps and multitasking. Individuals who value a responsive phone will appreciate the addition of 3D Touch, which makes interactions with apps more intuitive and efficient.

Photography enthusiasts will find a valuable partner in the 6s Plus. With a 12-megapixel rear camera and optical image stabilization, this model offers excellent support for those who like to capture high-quality photos or videos, even in low light. The 5-megapixel FaceTime HD camera also makes selfies and video calls sharper and more vibrant.

For those who have long days, the 6s Plus offers a battery capacity that efficiently manages consumption, allowing the phone to last all day. Users who prefer a familiar and streamlined operating system will enjoy iOS, which ensures that the experience remains seamless and user-friendly.

In summary, the iPhone 6s Plus appeals to both tech enthusiasts and everyday users who seek a balance between performance, design, and price.