Do you want it big, or do you want it bigger? That’s the first question when considering the iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6+. The differences don’t stop there, though, so here’s a full rundown to help you decide which will suit you best.
Size and Shape
Both iPhones are bigger than the previous iPhone 5, and that was bigger than the iPhone 4 before it. The trend is clear: the smartphone industry is accommodating the demand for screen space.
The iPhone 6 and the 6+ both feature an aluminum shell and have more of an iPad-style design compared to the previous iPhone, with rounded corners and a thin body.
Specs:
The iPhone 6 measures 4.7 inches long, 2.64 inches wide, .27 inches thick, and weighs 4.55 ounces.
The 6+ measures 5.5 inches long, 3.06 inches wide, .28 inches thick, and weighs 6.07 ounces.
Handling
Do you like to use one hand or two?
Most users suggest the iPhone 6 remains comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand.
The 6+ has mixed reviews on one-handed usability. Some say it’s easy thanks to the Reachability feature, in which a double-tap on the Home button will move the top of the screen down to the middle. Others find it more comfortable to treat the iPhone 6+ like a tablet.
Another potential drawback to the size of the 6+ is that it may easily be bent out of shape when carried in a pocket.
Other users argue the 6+ is no more bendable than other iPhones or competing products. Bottom line: if you choose the iPhone 6+, beware of how you carry it, just in case.
When deciding which size will work best for you, it’s worth your time to try them at a store—or at least simulate a trial by printing out true-to-size images and seeing how each one fits in your hand, purse, etc.
Features
Both iPhones boast faster processors, improved cameras, and the Apple Pay system for checking out at participating retailers.
The first major distinction between the two models is their screen. While both feature “Retina HD Display,” the iPhone 6+ has the larger screen plus higher resolution. (The resolution is 326 pixels-per-inch for the iPhone 6 vs. 401ppi for the 6+.)
Many say the displays appear nearly identical, but others appreciate that on the iPhone 6+, text can be bigger and sharper, video more easily viewable, etc.
The 6+ has three more important, differentiating factors:
1. Optical image stabilization to prevent blurry photos
2. Longer battery life
3. An iPad-style landscape mode that displays more content on the screen
The optical image stabilization is the feature being touted the most. If perfect pictures are your priority, this is the iPhone for you.
As far as battery life, Apple indicates the iPhone 6+ is far superior for audio, 3G talk and standby time. The improvements are smaller for HD video, wi-fi browsing, LTE browsing and 3G browsing. Consider how you use your iPhone most to determine how much the battery improvement of the 6+ would impact you.
The landscape mode on the iPhone 6+ is designed to help users be more productive. It will display apps like Mail, Calendar, and Stocks in a wider view, similar to the way they display on the iPad.
Summary
If you’re looking for ease and mobility, the iPhone 6 is the better choice. It will be simpler to keep in your pocket, to use discreetly, to operate with one hand, to carry with you during sports activities, etc.
If you’re looking for a “phablet” so you can do more on your phone and do it for longer, go for the 6+. It’ll be well worth the extra cost—though you may also need to invest in a bigger purse or a bigger pair of pants.
Pricing for the iPhone 6 starts at $199 on contract, while the iPhone 6+ starts at $299.