When it comes to Apple’s iconic iPhone series, two models often find themselves pitted against each other in the minds of loyal fans and newcomers alike: the 6 Plus and the 7 Plus. Both behemoths of the smartphone world boast impressive specs, sleek designs, and innovative features that have redefined the boundaries of mobile technology. But what exactly sets them apart? In this in-depth article, we’ll delve into the differences between these two titans of the iPhone universe, exploring their design, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, and more.
Design and Display: A Tale of Two iPhones
At first glance, the 6 Plus and 7 Plus may appear eerily similar, with their sleek, rounded edges and seamless glass faces. However, upon closer inspection, subtle yet significant differences emerge. The 6 Plus, released in 2014, sports a 5.5-inch Full HD display with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. While its screen is undeniably stunning, it’s worth noting that it lacks the 3D Touch feature, which was introduced in later models.
On the other hand, the 7 Plus, launched in 2016, boasts a 5.5-inch Full HD display with the same resolution, but with the added bonus of 3D Touch capabilities. This feature allows users to interact with their iPhone in a more intuitive way, with subtle pressure-sensitive gestures enabling quick access to app-specific features and functions.
Aesthetically, the 7 Plus takes the cake, with its new dual-lens camera setup and redesigned antenna lines that add a touch of sophistication to its already sleek profile.
Material Matters: The Difference in Build Quality
Another key difference lies in the build quality of the two iPhones. The 6 Plus features an aluminum unibody design, which, while sturdy, is prone to bending and scratching. In contrast, the 7 Plus boasts a more robust, water-resistant design, thanks to its IP67 rating. This means that the 7 Plus can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, making it a more durable and reliable choice for those who lead active lifestyles.
Performance: The Powerhouse Showdown
When it comes to processing power, both iPhones pack a serious punch. The 6 Plus is powered by Apple’s A8 chip, which was a powerhouse in its time, with a 64-bit architecture and M8 motion coprocessor. However, the 7 Plus takes performance to the next level with its A10 Fusion chip, which boasts a quad-core CPU, six-core GPU, and a more efficient M10 motion coprocessor.
The result? The 7 Plus is significantly faster, with Apple claiming it to be up to 40% faster in CPU tasks and 50% faster in GPU tasks compared to the 6 Plus.
RAM and Storage: Where the 7 Plus Pulls Ahead
In terms of memory and storage, the 7 Plus also edges out its predecessor. The 6 Plus comes with 1GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 16GB to 128GB. In contrast, the 7 Plus boasts 3GB of RAM and storage options starting from 32GB, going up to 256GB. This means that the 7 Plus can handle demanding tasks and multitasking with ease, making it a better choice for power users.
Camera Capabilities: The Battle of the Lenses
One of the most significant differences between the 6 Plus and 7 Plus lies in their camera setups. The 6 Plus features a single 8-megapixel iSight camera with a f/2.2 aperture, optical image stabilization, and 1080p video recording capabilities. While it’s a solid camera, it pales in comparison to the 7 Plus’s revolutionary dual-lens setup.
The 7 Plus boasts a 12-megapixel dual-lens camera system, featuring a wide-angle lens with a f/1.8 aperture and a telephoto lens with a f/2.8 aperture.
This dual-lens setup enables features like Portrait mode, which uses the telephoto lens to create a shallow depth of field, and 2x optical zoom, which allows for lossless zooming. Additionally, the 7 Plus’s camera system is capable of capturing stunning 4K video at 30fps and 1080p slo-mo video at 120fps.
Front-Facing Camera: Where the 7 Plus Falls Short
While the 7 Plus’s rear camera setup is undoubtedly superior, its front-facing camera takes a step back. The 6 Plus features a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera, whereas the 7 Plus has a 7-megapixel FaceTime HD camera. However, the 7 Plus’s front-facing camera lacks the Retina Flash feature, which is available on newer iPhone models.
Battery Life: The Endurance Test
When it comes to battery life, both iPhones are designed to last a full day, but the 7 Plus takes the lead. According to Apple, the 6 Plus provides up to 14 hours of internet use on a single charge, whereas the 7 Plus can last up to 15 hours. Additionally, the 7 Plus’s more efficient A10 Fusion chip and improved power management system help to extend its battery life.
Fast Charging: Where the 7 Plus Excels
The 7 Plus also supports fast charging, which can replenish the battery up to 50% in just 30 minutes. This feature is especially useful for those who need to top up their iPhone quickly.
Additional Features: The 7 Plus’s Exclusive Perks
The 7 Plus boasts several features that set it apart from its predecessor, including:
- Water and dust resistance
- Stereo speakers for improved audio quality
- A more responsive and accurate Touch ID fingerprint sensor
- Support for Apple Pay
- Compatibility with Apple’s AirPods
Wireless Headphones: Where the 7 Plus Takes the Lead
The 7 Plus is the first iPhone to abandon the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, instead opting for wireless audio streaming via Apple’s AirPods or Lightning-connected headphones. This move marks a significant shift towards a more wireless future, making the 7 Plus a more forward-thinking choice.
Conclusion: Which iPhone Reigns Supreme?
In the end, the choice between the 6 Plus and 7 Plus boils down to your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a reliable, powerful, and feature-packed iPhone with a stunning camera and improved performance, the 7 Plus is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a tighter budget or don’t need the latest and greatest features, the 6 Plus remains a solid choice.
Ultimately, the 7 Plus’s innovative dual-lens camera, faster performance, and water-resistant design make it the superior choice for those seeking the best of the best in an iPhone.
Whether you’re a seasoned Apple fan or a newcomer to the iPhone ecosystem, one thing is certain: both the 6 Plus and 7 Plus are impressive devices that will continue to dominate the smartphone market for years to come.
What’s the main difference between iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus?
The main difference between iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 7 Plus lies in their design, features, and performance. The iPhone 7 Plus comes with a more powerful A10 Fusion chip, which provides a significant boost in performance and power efficiency. Additionally, the iPhone 7 Plus has a more advanced camera system with a dual-lens setup, which allows for features like Portrait mode and optical zoom.
In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus has an A8 chip, which is less powerful than the A10 Fusion chip. Furthermore, the iPhone 6 Plus has a single-lens camera, which lacks the advanced features of the iPhone 7 Plus. Overall, the iPhone 7 Plus offers more advanced features and better performance, making it a more attractive option for those who want the latest and greatest technology.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus worth the extra cost over the iPhone 6 Plus?
The iPhone 7 Plus is indeed worth the extra cost over the iPhone 6 Plus, especially for those who want the latest features and advancements in smartphone technology. The iPhone 7 Plus offers significant upgrades over the iPhone 6 Plus, including a more powerful processor, a better camera system, and new features like water resistance and wireless headphones. Additionally, the iPhone 7 Plus has a more modern design with a sleeker look and feel.
That being said, the iPhone 6 Plus is still a great option for those on a budget or who don’t need the latest and greatest features. The iPhone 6 Plus is still a powerful device with a high-quality camera and sleek design. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the iPhone 6 Plus may be the way to go. However, if you want the best of the best, the iPhone 7 Plus is worth the extra cost.
How does the camera system of the iPhone 7 Plus compare to the iPhone 6 Plus?
The camera system of the iPhone 7 Plus is significantly better than the iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 7 Plus has a dual-lens setup, which allows for features like Portrait mode and optical zoom. This means you can take stunning portraits with a blurred background, and zoom in on your subject without sacrificing image quality. The iPhone 7 Plus also has a wider aperture, which allows for better low-light performance.
In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus has a single-lens camera, which lacks the advanced features of the iPhone 7 Plus. While the iPhone 6 Plus still takes great photos, it can’t match the quality and capabilities of the iPhone 7 Plus. If you’re a serious photographer or want the best camera experience, the iPhone 7 Plus is the clear winner.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus more water-resistant than the iPhone 6 Plus?
Yes, the iPhone 7 Plus is more water-resistant than the iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 7 Plus has a rating of IP67, which means it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This means you can accidentally drop your iPhone 7 Plus in the pool or get caught in the rain without worrying about damage.
In contrast, the iPhone 6 Plus has no official IP rating, which means it’s not designed to withstand water or moisture. While it may still survive a brief encounter with water, it’s not as water-resistant as the iPhone 7 Plus. If you’re someone who’s prone to accidents or works in a wet environment, the iPhone 7 Plus is a better choice.
Does the iPhone 7 Plus have better battery life than the iPhone 6 Plus?
Yes, the iPhone 7 Plus has better battery life than the iPhone 6 Plus. The iPhone 7 Plus has a more efficient A10 Fusion chip, which provides a significant boost in battery life. Additionally, the iPhone 7 Plus has a larger battery, which allows for more power storage.
In real-world use, the iPhone 7 Plus can last up to 12 hours on a single charge, while the iPhone 6 Plus can last around 8-10 hours. This means you can use your iPhone 7 Plus more extensively throughout the day without needing to recharge. If you’re someone who’s always on the go and needs a device that can keep up, the iPhone 7 Plus is a better choice.
Can I use wireless headphones with the iPhone 6 Plus?
No, the iPhone 6 Plus does not support wireless headphones out of the box. The iPhone 6 Plus still has a traditional 3.5mm headphone jack, which means you need to use wired headphones.
In contrast, the iPhone 7 Plus does not have a headphone jack, but it comes with wireless AirPods, which provide a seamless listening experience. Additionally, the iPhone 7 Plus supports other wireless headphones, making it a great option for those who want to ditch the cord.
Is the iPhone 7 Plus heavier than the iPhone 6 Plus?
No, the iPhone 7 Plus is not heavier than the iPhone 6 Plus. In fact, the iPhone 7 Plus is slightly lighter than the iPhone 6 Plus, weighing in at 6.63 ounces compared to the iPhone 6 Plus’ 6.77 ounces. This is despite the fact that the iPhone 7 Plus has a larger battery and more advanced features.
This is due to Apple’s clever design and engineering, which allows them to pack more features into a smaller and lighter package. So, if you’re worried about carrying around a bulky phone, you can rest assured that the iPhone 7 Plus is a great option.