iPhone 6s Review: Blast from the Past or Just Old News?
Hello Geeknite readers! Today, we’re diving deep into a piece of tech history: the iPhone 6s. It’s 2025, and while Apple is busy launching iPhone 17 or whatever, let’s take a moment to appreciate one of their classic models. So, is the iPhone 6s still worth buying, or is it as outdated as your grandma’s flip phone? Let’s find out!
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 6s still holds up in terms of design. With its sleek aluminum body and compact size, it feels premium and comfortable in hand. Available in four colors-Silver, Gold, Space Gray, and Rose Gold-there’s a nostalgic charm to its aesthetics. The build quality is solid, and it could probably survive a few accidental drops (not that we’re recommending you try it).
Display
The iPhone 6s features a 4.7-inch Retina display with a resolution of 1334x750 pixels. Sure, it’s not as vibrant as the latest OLED screens, but it gets the job done. The colors are decent, and the brightness is adequate for most lighting conditions.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 6s is powered by the A9 chip, coupled with 2GB of RAM. Yes, it’s ancient by today’s standards, but it can still handle everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and even light gaming. Just don’t expect it to run the latest AAA titles or handle intense multitasking without a sweat.
Camera
The iPhone 6s comes with a 12MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. While it’s no match for modern smartphone cameras, it takes decent photos in good lighting conditions. The night mode is practically non-existent, so don’t expect great results in low light. Selfies are handled reasonably well, though you might need a filter or two to get that Instagram-worthy shot.
Battery Life
One of the weak points of the iPhone 6s is its battery life. The 1715mAh battery struggles to last a full day of heavy use. If you’re planning on using it as your primary device, you’ll need to keep a charger handy. On the bright side, it supports fast charging, so you can juice it up quickly when needed.
Pro Tip: Replace the battery at an authorized service center for $49 - it’ll breathe new life into your old iPhone 6s!
Software
The iPhone 6s runs iOS 15, and while it’s not the latest version, it’s still smooth and functional. Apple has done a good job of supporting older devices, though you might miss out on some of the newer features. iOS 15 was the final major release the 6s received, ending an unprecedented seven years of software support from the original iOS 9 at launch — a longevity record unmatched by any Android device of the same era. Expect occasional lag and slower performance compared to the latest models.
3D Touch: The Forgotten Innovation
The iPhone 6s introduced 3D Touch — a pressure-sensitive display layer that distinguished between a light tap and a firm press. At launch, this enabled “Peek and Pop” gestures for previewing content without fully opening it, quick actions from home screen icons, and pressure-sensitive drawing in supported apps. Apple eventually abandoned 3D Touch with the iPhone 11, replacing it with the software-based Haptic Touch that any screen can replicate. The hardware remains functional in the 6s running iOS 15, making it one of the last devices where this technology still works as originally designed. For artists who used pressure sensitivity in apps like Procreate Pocket, the 6s retains a capability that newer non-Pro iPhones lack entirely.
Practical Uses in 2025
The iPhone 6s still earns its keep in several specific scenarios. As a dedicated music player paired with wired headphones (it retains the 3.5mm headphone jack that Apple removed in the iPhone 7), it handles Spotify and Apple Music without issue. As a home security camera using apps like Alfred or Manything, the 12MP sensor and WiFi connectivity make it a perfectly functional surveillance device. Parents frequently repurpose older iPhones as controlled devices for children — iOS 15’s Screen Time features work fully, and the smaller 4.7-inch screen is better sized for young hands than modern 6.7-inch flagships. The 6s also functions well as a dedicated two-factor authentication device, running Authy or Google Authenticator independently from your primary phone.
Price and Availability
In 2025, you can find the iPhone 6s for a bargain price. It’s available on platforms like eBay and Amazon, making it an affordable option for those who need a secondary device or are on a tight budget.
Conclusion
The iPhone 6s is a solid device that still holds some charm in 2025. It has a premium design, decent display, and reliable performance for basic tasks. While its camera and battery life are lacking compared to modern smartphones, it’s hard to beat the value it offers at its current price point.
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