Apple iPhone 6 Plus: A Review of the Phablet Pioneer
The Apple iPhone 6 Plus, released in September 2014, was a game-changer in the smartphone industry, introducing the phablet concept to a broader audience. With its large display, powerful internals, and innovative features, the iPhone 6 Plus quickly became a favourite among users seeking a blend of smartphone functionality and tablet-like experience. In this review, we delve into the iPhone 6 Plus’s critical aspects, assessing its design, performance, camera capabilities, and more.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 6 Plus is a stunning device that boasts a premium design. The sleek aluminum frame and glass front give it a sophisticated look that will impress. The device measures 158.1 x 77.8 x 7.1 mm and weighs 172 g, making it substantial yet comfortable to hold. The rounded edges and slim profile enhance ergonomics, making navigating the large display easy with one hand. The sharp and vibrant display brings pictures and videos to life with exceptional clarity. The iPhone 6 Plus has three finishes: Space Gray, Silver, and Gold. Each finish is meticulously crafted to exude elegance and sophistication, appealing to users with discerning tastes. The iPhone 6 Plus is a beautiful device that delivers style and substance.
Display
At the heart of the iPhone 6 Plus is its expansive 5.5-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels and a pixel density of approximately 401 ppi. The display boasts vibrant colours and sharp and excellent viewing angles, perfect for enjoying multimedia content. Gaming and productivity tasks. With ion-strengthened glass and oleophobic coating, the display remains resistant to scratches and smudges, ensuring long-term durability and clarity.
Software
When the iPhone 6 Plus was launched, it came with the latest iOS version, iOS 8. Though it can currently be upgraded to iOS 12.5.6, this operating system version provides only basic functionality. Since the release of iOS 8, several newer versions have been released, many of which offer advanced features, enhanced security, and better performance. Unfortunately, users who continue to use their iPhone 6 Plus will miss out on the latest and greatest features available on newer iPhone models, including the latest iOS 17. This means they may need help to take advantage of the latest performance improvements, security patches, and features of newer iPhones.
Performance
Under the hood, the iPhone 6 Plus is powered by the Apple A8 chipset, featuring a dual-core 1.4 GHz Typhoon CPU and PowerVR GX6450 GPU. While it may not match the raw power of newer flagship devices, the A8 chipset delivers smooth performance and efficient multitasking, allowing users to breeze through everyday tasks quickly. Whether browsing the web, streaming videos, or running graphics-intensive games, the iPhone 6 Plus handles everything without sweat.
Camera
The iPhone 6 Plus sports an 8 MP rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, with features like phase detection autofocus (PDAF) and optical image stabilization (OIS). The camera produces detailed and vibrant photos with accurate colors, even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the device supports Full HD video recording at 60fps and slow-motion video capture at 720p@240fps, enabling users to unleash their creativity and capture memorable moments quickly.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 6 Plus offers a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC for Apple Pay transactions. It also supports 4G LTE networks so that users can enjoy fast internet connectivity. The device features a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, which provides convenient and secure authentication for unlocking the device and authorizing payments.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone 6 Plus has a non-removable Li-Po 2915 mAh battery, delivering impressive battery life for extended usage. With up to 24 hours of talk time on 3G networks and up to 384 hours of standby time, the device ensures users stay connected throughout the day without worrying about running out of battery. The device supports fast charging via the Lightning port, allowing users to recharge their devices quickly and return to their busy lives.
Difference between iPhone 6 and 6 plus
The critical difference between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is their size and display. The iPhone 6 offered a more compact design with a 4.7-inch display. At the same time, the 6 Plus went for a larger 5.5-inch screen, venturing into phablet territory. This difference in size also translated to weight, with the 6 Plus being noticeably heavier. While both phones packed the same A8 chip and internal storage options, the 6 Plus boasted an advantage with its image stabilization feature in the rear camera. Battery life also differed slightly, with the 6 Plus having a larger capacity due to its size. Ultimately, the choice between the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus came down to user preference for screen real estate and portability.
Pros
- Large Display
- More Capable Camera
- Potentially Lower Price
Cons
- Outdated Hardware
- No 5G Connectivity.
- Limited Storage
- Dated Software
- Underwhelming Camera
- Large and Bulky Design
- Average Battery Life
Conclusion
The iPhone 6 Plus, a phablet pioneer, boasts a massive 5.5-inch display for immersive entertainment and work. Its powerful A8 chip ensures smooth multitasking, while the elegant aluminium design and advanced camera system make it a head-turner. Though lacking the newest features, it remains reliable for those seeking a versatile and powerful device.