iPhone 6s • Unlocked vs iPhone 8 Plus • Unlocked

The iPhone 6S, released in September 2015, and the iPhone 8 Plus, launched in September 2017, represent two distinct generations of Apple's smartphone evolution. While both devices offer a familiar iOS experience, the iPhone 8 Plus introduces a more advanced processor, a dual-camera system, and a redesigned glass back for new charging capabilities. Both models run on the iOS operating system, though they support different maximum versions, impacting their long-term software experience.

When considering the practical lifespan of these devices, their release timelines and subsequent software support are key factors.

• Software Longevity: The iPhone 6S, released in 2015, received major iOS updates up to iOS 15, with security updates continuing for iOS 15.8.7 as of March 2026. The iPhone 8 Plus, launched two years later in 2017, supports up to iOS 16.7.15, also receiving security updates as of March 2026. This means the iPhone 8 Plus benefits from a longer period of feature updates and will likely receive security patches for a longer duration overall.
• Physical Durability: The iPhone 6S features a 7000 series aluminum alloy chassis, while the iPhone 8 Plus incorporates a glass back and front, reinforced with a more durable glass. The iPhone 8 Plus also boasts an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, offering better protection against environmental elements compared to the iPhone 6S.
• Repairability: Both devices generally receive a similar repairability score of 7 out of 10 from independent assessments, indicating that while some components are straightforward to replace, proprietary screws and specific adhesive techniques require specialized tools and knowledge.

The performance of the iPhone 6S and iPhone 8 Plus differs significantly due to advancements in internal components over their two-year gap.

• Processing Power: The iPhone 8 Plus features a more advanced processor with a neural engine, enabling it to handle demanding applications, complex multitasking, and augmented reality experiences with greater efficiency and speed. The iPhone 6S, with its earlier generation processor, provides a responsive experience for everyday tasks and lighter applications, but may show limitations with newer, more resource-intensive software.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: The iPhone 8 Plus includes 3GB of RAM, providing more headroom for running multiple applications simultaneously and switching between them smoothly. The iPhone 6S comes with 2GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general use but can lead to apps reloading more frequently when many are open.
• Storage Options: Both models were available with various internal storage capacities, allowing users to choose based on their needs for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone 6S initially offered 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB, later adding a 32GB option, while the iPhone 8 Plus was available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB configurations.

The display experience on the iPhone 6S and iPhone 8 Plus offers distinct characteristics, primarily influenced by their respective technologies and features.

• Display Technology and Size: Both devices utilize an LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS technology. The iPhone 6S features a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334-by-750 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi. The iPhone 8 Plus offers a larger 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a higher resolution of 1920-by-1080 pixels, providing a sharper image at 401 ppi.
• Color and Brightness: The iPhone 8 Plus introduces True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the display's white balance to match ambient light, and supports a wide color gamut (P3) for more vibrant and accurate colors. It also offers a higher typical maximum brightness of 625 nits compared to the iPhone 6S's 500 nits, improving outdoor visibility. Both displays include 3D Touch for pressure-sensitive interactions.
• Viewing Experience: The larger screen of the iPhone 8 Plus provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming, while the iPhone 6S offers a more compact form factor that is easier for one-handed use.

The camera systems on the iPhone 6S and iPhone 8 Plus showcase significant advancements, particularly in photographic capabilities and video recording.

• Rear Camera System: The iPhone 6S features a single 12-megapixel rear camera with an f/2.2 aperture, capable of recording 4K video at 30 frames per second. The iPhone 8 Plus elevates this with a dual 12-megapixel camera system, comprising a wide-angle lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.8). This dual setup enables features like Portrait Mode with depth-of-field effects and Portrait Lighting. The iPhone 8 Plus also benefits from optical image stabilization on its wide-angle lens, which helps in capturing clearer photos and smoother videos, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
• Front Camera and Video: For selfies and video calls, the iPhone 6S has a 5-megapixel front camera with Retina Flash. The iPhone 8 Plus features a 7-megapixel front camera, also with Retina Flash, offering improved detail. The iPhone 8 Plus can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and slow-motion video at 1080p at 240 frames per second, surpassing the iPhone 6S's 4K 30fps and 1080p 120fps capabilities.
• Audio Experience: The iPhone 8 Plus includes redesigned stereo speakers that are noted to be louder and deliver deeper bass compared to earlier models, enhancing the audio experience for media playback and speakerphone calls.