The Apple iPhone 6, released on September 19, 2014, marked a significant shift in Apple's smartphone design and strategy. As the eighth generation of the iPhone, it succeeded the iPhone 5s and introduced larger screen sizes that would become the new standard for smartphones across the industry. This review delves into everything you need to know about the iPhone 6, from its design and performance to its camera capabilities and current market status.
Design and Display: Bigger and Better
The most striking change with the iPhone 6 was its larger display. Moving away from the 4-inch screen of its predecessors, the iPhone 6 boasts a 4.7-inch "Retina HD display." This display featured a resolution of 1334x750 pixels, offering a pixel density of 326 ppi, a step up from the iPhone 5s. The display was enhanced with IPS technology, dual-domain pixels for wider viewing angles, and an ion-strengthened glass for increased durability. The overall design also evolved, adopting a sleeker, more rounded unibody aluminum chassis, a departure from the sharper edges of previous models. This new design, while elegant, did make the device feel more slippery for some users.
A notable usability feature introduced with the larger screen was "Reachability." This allowed users to double-tap the Home button to slide the top half of the screen down, making it easier to reach elements at the top with one hand.
Performance and Hardware: The A8 Chip Powerhouse
Under the hood, the iPhone 6 was powered by Apple's new A8 processor, a 64-bit dual-core chip clocked at 1.4 GHz, paired with 1GB of LPDDR3 RAM. Despite having less RAM than some contemporary Android competitors, the A8 chip was highly optimized for iOS, delivering excellent performance for everyday tasks, gaming, and demanding applications. The M8 motion coprocessor further enhanced performance, particularly for health and fitness tracking.
Connectivity saw significant upgrades, including support for LTE Advanced with up to 150 Mbps download speeds and VoLTE. Wi-Fi performance was also improved with 802.11ac support, offering speeds up to three times faster than 802.11n. A groundbreaking addition was the inclusion of NFC (Near-Field Communication) for Apple Pay, enabling contactless payments.
Camera Capabilities: Capturing Memories
The iPhone 6 featured an 8-megapixel iSight rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture and Focus Pixels for faster autofocus. It could record 1080p Full HD video at 30 or 60 frames per second, and 720p slow-motion video at 120 or 240 frames per second. While the megapixel count remained the same as the iPhone 5s, improvements in sensor technology and image processing resulted in excellent photo and video quality, especially in low light. The front-facing camera was a 1.2-megapixel FaceTime HD camera capable of 720p video recording.
A notable design change was the rear camera lens, which protruded slightly from the back of the device, a feature that was not present in the iPhone 5s.
Battery Life and Software
The iPhone 6 is equipped with a 1,810 mAh battery, while the iPhone 6 Plus has a larger 2,915 mAh battery. While the battery capacity saw an increase from the iPhone 5s, the larger display meant that battery life was considered mediocre by some, though still capable of lasting a full day for light to moderate users. The battery is not user-replaceable.
Launched with iOS 8, the iPhone 6 was upgradable to iOS 12.5.8. However, it no longer supports iOS 13 or later versions, meaning support for the latest apps and features has waned.
iPhone 6 vs. iPhone 5s: Key Differences
The iPhone 6 represented a significant upgrade over the iPhone 5s. The most apparent differences were:
- Screen Size: 4.7 inches (iPhone 6) vs. 4.0 inches (iPhone 5s).
- Design: Rounded aluminum unibody (iPhone 6) vs. flat, chamfered edges and two-tone back (iPhone 5s).
- Processor: A8 chip (iPhone 6) vs. A7 chip (iPhone 5s).
- NFC: Included on iPhone 6 for Apple Pay, absent on iPhone 5s.
- Video Recording: 60fps 1080p on iPhone 6, compared to 30fps on iPhone 5s.
While the iPhone 6 offered a faster processor and improved connectivity, some users preferred the more compact size and distinctive design of the iPhone 5s.
Current Status and Value
The iPhone 6 was discontinued in most markets around September 2016. While it is no longer supported with the latest iOS updates, it remains a functional device for basic tasks such as calling, texting, and light app usage. It can be a viable option as a starter phone for children, a dedicated music player, or a backup device.
As of early 2024, the price for a used or refurbished iPhone 6 in the United States typically ranges from $45 to $85, depending on storage capacity (16GB, 64GB, 128GB), condition, and seller. Refurbished units from reputable sellers can offer good value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the iPhone 6 still worth buying in 2024? A: For basic communication and light app usage, a used iPhone 6 can still be a budget-friendly option. However, it does not support current iOS versions or many modern apps, and its performance is significantly slower than newer devices.
Q: What is the storage capacity of the iPhone 6? A: The iPhone 6 was originally available in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB storage options. A 32GB model was later introduced in some markets.
Q: Can I use Apple Pay on the iPhone 6? A: Yes, the iPhone 6 was the first iPhone to include NFC support for Apple Pay, allowing for contactless payments.
Q: What is the latest iOS version supported by the iPhone 6? A: The iPhone 6 officially supports up to iOS 12.5.8. It does not support iOS 13 or newer versions.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 6 was a pivotal device in the iPhone's history, ushering in larger screen sizes and modern design elements that defined smartphones for years to come. While it has been surpassed by numerous newer models and no longer receives software updates for the latest operating systems, its legacy as a solid performer with a great camera and appealing design endures. For those seeking an extremely budget-friendly device for simple tasks or as a secondary phone, the iPhone 6 can still find a place in the market.
