Is the iPhone 6s still worth it in 2023?

The initial release of the iPhone 6s

When the Apple iPhone 6S was released in September 2015, it didn’t seem like that big of a deal. It looked exactly like the iPhone 6 and probably didn’t feel noticeably faster at the time. On top of that, the iPhone 6S was launched at the premium introductory price of $649 or the equivalent of $849 in 2023. 

But over time, the iPhone 6S became a classic for many hidden reasons (mysterious, right?)

The iPhone 6S is one of the best looking iPhones ever, but that's just my opinion. Either way, keep reading to find out what makes the iPhone 6S so special, and why we think it's still worth buying.

1. “BendGate” the Achilles' heel of the iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 had a serious defect: it didn’t have enough structural integrity for many users. Some found the iPhone 6 bending in their pockets, and Apple didn’t do anything about it… At least not immediately. People complained, but to no avail.

The tech giant even released a statement claiming that it tested the iPhone 6 extensively and found no problems with it.

The iPhone 6 may have been structurally weaker than other iPhones, but that doesn't make it a bad device. Matter of fact, the iPhone 6 is the best-selling iPhone of all time with over 220 million units sold.

But then the iPhone 6S came out, and people realized that Apple had used a different metal in this version—even though it looked exactly the same as the iPhone 6 on the outside—to avoid any chances of the phone bending. Many called this an admission of guilt, but take it as you will, it’s definitely a sturdier iPhone.

Many of the new iPhones have a back made of glass. Since this has a metal back, it has a much smaller chance of breaking if you drop it without a case. Drop durability is probably not the first thing you think about when shopping for an iPhone, but if you're buying this phone for a child, it's definitely a plus.

2. This iPhone is still worth it because it's still able to run Apple's iOS 15

Until iOS 16 was released in September 2022, a used iPhone 6S was still able to run the most recent Apple mobile operating system: iOS 15. It is the oldest iPhone to receive the iOS 15 update (the iPhone 6 is stuck on the last version of iOS 12). It may not seem like much, but it’s always nice to have the newest version of iOS. Apps will work better, you’ll have more features, and your iPhone will feel newer.

Also, despite this not being related to the update, did you know that the iPhone 6S has the same awesome Retina display as many new iPhones? Apple has been using the same great LCD displays for a few years now, so despite the age, all your favorite apps will look just as good on a 6S as they do on newer iPhones.

And while many new iPhones like the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XS use Face ID, this iPhone still uses Touch ID in the form of a fingerprint scanner located inside the home button. Although Face ID is newer, many would argue that it is less convenient, especially if you're trying to unlock your phone while wearing a mask or if it's lying flat on your desk. Just another reason why we love the iPhone 6S and think it's still worth buying for some people in 2023. Especially, because here at Back Market you don't have to wait for Black Friday, instead you can get a cheap deal anytime you want!

If you travel a lot, consider getting an unlocked iPhone 6S! This will work on almost any service carrier, no matter where you go in the world. And even though newer iPhones have slightly better rear-facing cameras with a higher megapixel count and better low-light photography performance, the iSight camera that comes on the iPhone 6S is still plenty sharp. And if you're a fan of video chatting, this phone has the same great industry-leading FaceTime app as the latest iPhones!

3. The iPhone 6S is well worth $100

It’s probably the cheapest iPhone that comes with iOS 14. As of right now, you can get an iPhone 6S starting around $63 on Back Market including free standard shipping, a 1 year warranty and 30 days to change your mind. That's over 90% off compared to it's introductory price just 8 years ago and buying refurbished will ensure you're getting like new performance. Even though the used iPhone 6S isn’t the newest iPhone, it will do everything just as well as the iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 12 (except maybe night photography and mobile gaming), for only a fraction of the price. But I’m really being serious. Open a ton of Safari tabs. Watch your favorite YouTube videos. Binge social media. The iPhone 6S is up to the task. And for the current asking price, you can be sure that the iPhone 6S is worth every penny.

When it comes to data speeds, keep in mind that whatever carrier you're using will have a big impact on your phone's performance. Verizon and AT&T are known for having generally better coverage and speeds than T-Mobile. So with the right network, an older iPhone can be even snappier than a new iPhone!