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iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Which one should you buy?

It’s iPhone buying season again and this year we’re faced with a very tough decision. Apple recently unveiled the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus at its press event on Sept. 9, 2014 and as many rumors indicated, we now have a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model. Normally our choice would be narrowed down between color and capacity, but this year it’s much more than that…

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus may seem very similar on the outside, but that’s not exactly the case. While the screen sizes may differ between these two models, there are also a few different features between them as well. The question is, do you care about the additions that come along with Apple’s iPhone 6 Plus? Let’s find out.

Check out our iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus rundown below:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viJy-BzUlP0]

Starting out with specifications, the iPhone 6 features a 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 1,334 x 750 (326 ppi), while the iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 (401 ppi). The iPhone 6 is a mere 6.9mm thick, with the 6 Plus coming in just a tad thicker at 7.1mm.

Both devices feature an 8-megapixel rear camera with 1080p (30 & 60 fps) and 720p (up to 120 & 240 fps Slo-Mo) video recording capabilities, but the iPhone 6 Plus also features optical image stabilization. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the optical image stabilization in the iPhone 6 Plus utilizes the gyroscope, A8 processor, and M8 coprocessor to track you hand movement and literally move the camera lens around in order to stabilization and jerky motion. It will definitely be a big deal for those who take a lot of photos or recording video on an iPhone.

Next up, we’re talking about battery life. Apple has made some decent improvements in battery life on both models, but the iPhone 6 Plus still gets the win. Apple’s lists the iPhone 6 as getting up to 50 hours of audio playback, 14 hours of 3G talk time, and 10 hours of LTE browsing. That sounds great, but the iPhone 6 Plus actually gets up to 80 hours of audio playback, 24 hours of 3G talk time, and 12 hours of LTE browsing. As you can tell, the iPhone 6 definitely wins this battle, but it’s also a much larger device with a larger battery inside.

The biggest difference between the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus is obviously going to be the dimensions. As you might expect with a larger screen, you’re going to have a much larger device. If you’re coming from an iPhone 5/5s, the difference in size is going to be a big jump. Happen to be switching over from Android? If you’re familiar with Samsung’s Galaxy Note 3, the iPhone 6 Plus is actually a bit taller than it. To put it into perspective, the Note 3 has a 5.7-inch display. Yep, the iPhone 6 Plus is that big.

The massive size alone may be enough to turn people away from buying the iPhone 6 Plus, but it’s also very obvious that many iOS users have been waiting for a device of this size. If you value pocket space and easier one-handed usability, it’s probably best to go with the 4.7-inch iPhone 6.

Apple’s iPhone 6 and 6 Plus come in 16GB, 64GB, and 128GB configurations with a color choice of Silver, Space Gray, or Gold. The iPhone 6 starts at $199 on-contract (16GB model) or $649 off-contract, while the iPhone 6 Plus comes in at $299 on contract (16GB model) or $749 off-contract. If you’re currently locked into a contract, you always have the option to sell your current device to make up some of the difference for the new model.

Currently, eBay is running a promotion that will help you get up to $400 when selling your device. If your phone doesn’t sell, eBay will give you a $100 coupon just for trying. Check out eBay’s “Flip Your Phone” page for more information.

So which iPhone will you be picking up? Let us know down below.

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Comments

  1. plus plus plus!

  2. Aaron Forgas - 10 years ago

    I’ll be getting the iPhone 6+. It’s much bigger than my iPhone 5S, but I’ve always wanted a larger screened phone that runs iOS. In this case, it’s go big, or go home. :)

    • And BATTERY!

    • verizon2828 - 10 years ago

      Same here! Running the 5S now. I ordered some Spigen cases from Amazon a few days ago and got them yesterday. I got a 4.7 and 5.5 case to see how it would feel. The 5.5 is really going to be a big jump. However, it’s going to be so nice to have that extra screen real estate, larger print, WAY better battery life, and the optical image stabilization. Go big or go home. 5.5 all the way.

  3. Zack Gleeson - 10 years ago

    The 6 Plus 64gb. I am looking forward to seeing how useable it is with the size increase.

  4. Andrew Duval - 10 years ago

    iPhone 6. 6 Plus is too big

  5. Kerensa Dessalines - 10 years ago

    i will be getting 6 plus………..

  6. Torrey Huerta - 10 years ago

    I’ve been using iPhone 5 for the last 2 years. I would have been happy with a 4.7″ screen, but since they are releasing them both at the same time, I’m goin big!

  7. iphone 6 for me! :)

  8. Daniel Sims (@SimsDaniel) - 10 years ago

    I’m probably going to have problems with the big screen but I’m not passing up 1080p, improved battery and optical image stabilization.

  9. breakingallillusionsx - 10 years ago

    6+ all the way. Why would u want the phone with less specs.

    • acslater017 - 10 years ago

      I was tempted by the 6 Plus’ longer battery life, OIS, and landscape views. But in real life I would feel too self-conscious to bring out that monster to snap photos in social situations. That, and I already have an iPad Mini – the 6 Plus feels like an iPad Nano.

  10. Jörg Wißemann - 10 years ago

    6

  11. eliperelman - 10 years ago

    I’ll be getting a 6+. Also the writing and grammar in this article were terrible.

    • SherlockLogic - 10 years ago

      * “Also, the writing and grammar…”

    • wecklsound - 10 years ago

      I didn’t see it that bad…

  12. Nazar Bartosik - 10 years ago

    Isn’t it too large compared to iPhone 4/5?
    Which size is best, how do you think?
    http://prosvit.org.ua/survey/question/38/?lang=en

  13. Im using iPhone 5 since 2 years, have been waiting for larger screen with iOS, so im buying 6+ for sure, but my bad luck Apple isn’t offering Unlocked phone at this moment.

  14. 9to5 mac has worst comments system, i hope someone from them is reading and try to change it, after commenting the whole page refreshes again.

    • Wes - 10 years ago

      Maybe it would work better if you were using an iPhone 6 (Plus).

  15. iPhone Plus all the way!!!

  16. Titus van Rijn - 10 years ago

    Tuff decision for me – always wanted my iPad mini to make calls. But make no mistake: the OS on the 5.5″ is no iPad OS – even with those landscape OS tweaks. There is a lot of space on this device that will have no use at all.

    4.7″ looks way more elegant in proportion and is more mobile when you are used to take it with you in your pants. I hate to loose image stabilization and better battery when I order the 4.7 though.

  17. Niels (@vbq31797) - 10 years ago

    I want the iphone 6 with the 6+ specs. I’ve been waiting for a larger iPhone for years now, but I’m not going to pay 799euro (over $1000) for an phone w/o a 1080p screen. And the design is just disappointing, maybe they spent too much time working on the apple watch. I don’t like the Android look with the fat antenna bands.

  18. taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

    I printed out the sheet with all 3 sizes. The 6 didn’t seem much different then the 5 and 5s. I like the landscape tweaks for 6 plus and the extra battery.

    I started with 3GS, 4, 5 and now going for the 6+. Just wonder how quick 64 GB models will sell out. The 16 GB for I proved cameras and higher resolution screens should be a no go for anyone. The apps and photos will eat up the storage in no time.

  19. taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

    9 minutes past 12:01 pacific time and no store up on the web page or iOS apps.

    • verizon2828 - 10 years ago

      I know! WTF!! East coast here and still nothing. Checking on Safari and Firefox on the Mac and the Apple Store app on the iPhone and iPad. COME ON APPLE! I GOTTA GET BACK TO BED! LOL!

      • taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

        I have even tried from the AT&T site and it has a big event loading page after you sign in. I keep clinging to my unlimited plan even though they don’t offer mobile share for it.

      • verizon2828 - 10 years ago

        The Apple Store app is loading on my iPhone and there’s a Buy Now button, but it’s not proceeding through with the purchase. It just says Currently Unavailable. DAMMIT.

      • taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

        Try closing the app a couple of time. I think everything is working ok now on the iPhone app

    • verizon2828 - 10 years ago

      3:20am EST and still nothing. Now they’re just being dicks.

      • taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

        Yup all the models says unavailable on the Apple store app on both my iPad and iPhone. Bastards. The store apps always works before the webpage.

      • taoprophet420 - 10 years ago

        Finally got it ordered through the iPhone app. Had several failure to connect to sever after verifying phone account. Then a couple more failures but finally the 64 GB silver plus will be arriving next week))

        Now I need a beer that was 50 minutes of work.

  20. Been holding out with my iPhone 4.
    I will go for the 64G non-plus version. Mostly for pocketability.

    My eyes are not good enough to gain anything from the extra resolution, but the OIS would be great, as would be the improved UI that we can expect to see on 6+ apps. I don’t understand why there is not more focus on the iPad like 2-panes GUI in the plus. Or will it be on both ?

    The plus will not be able to replace the iPad mini, which is another reason I don’t go there.

    • OneOkami (@OneOkami) - 10 years ago

      It has been rumored Apple is working on a dual view feature for iOS on iPads which I would welcome very much. I’m hoping that debuts with the next iPad refresh as I’ll be finally upgrading from my 3rd gen.

      I’m with you that a 6+ will not replace my iPad so all I would personally gain from it is the OIS (which is cool, though). That doesn’t outweigh the personals cons relative to the 4.7″ version for me.

  21. OneOkami (@OneOkami) - 10 years ago

    6 for me. That’s enough of an improvement in screen real estate for me and I still prefer my mobile devices to be usefully compact. When I go jogging or hiking with my dog the increase in phone size is inversely proportional to its convenience as a mobile device. And I’m already gonna have to get a bigger fanny pack as it is for when I’m traveling with a camera bag.

    I also maxed out at 128GB so I’ve spent enough :P

    Enjoy your new phones everyone! I know I will!

  22. bb1111116 - 10 years ago

    The 6 for myself and my wife.
    I just don’t know of an easy way to carry around the 6+.
    I’m not ready for a man purse yet.
    And with keys, glasses and a wallet I don’t have room in my pockets for the 6+. (And a belt holster would be out of the question for the 6+.)

  23. I got through on att’s website and ordered the 6. Done. Screen printed the comformation but no email. back to be for me here in PA

  24. charilaosmulder - 10 years ago

    As a true fan of the philosophy of the iPhone, I’ll have to get the 6.

    The differences: bigger screen is no benefit unless it uses the screen better. The semi-tablet UI looks cool, but the fact that you have to double-tap the home button to access the top way more often than on the 6 doesnt make me more productive. After all the only thing not looking good on a small display is non-scalable websites or PDF files. Adding an inch doesn’t solve the problem, a Mac or at least iPad does. There’s no question the 6 has better ergonomics resulting in better user experience and productivity.

    The 6 has a neat retina resolution with pixel-perfect artwork for all apps to come. The 6+ works with an internat @3x retina which is scaled down to an awkwardly weird @2.46x which destroys the 401 ppi, making it only look good on paper. Oh and the contrast is better on the 6 according to Apple.

    OIS correct for device shaking, doesn’t make the object you want to capture stand still. It’s a user failure thing, and as pointed out by the Verge it works best on DSLRs with huge lenses and in some cases makes the picture worse on smartphones.

    The battery is better, thats the only thing. But the battery on the 6 already lasts longer than any iPhone before it and thats enough for a day without too much Infinity Blade or Vain Glory.

    Hell even the price is better on the 6.

    • Jacob Alford - 10 years ago

      I think I can agree. Ultimately, I’ll be happier with the 6. But it’s what I’m losing out, by NOT getting the 6 plus; that being Optical Image Stabilization, and significantly better battery life. I’ll have to check ’em out in real life before I buy it. But nice comment :-)

  25. André Hedegaard Petersen - 10 years ago

    iPhone 6 Plus

  26. rtdunham - 10 years ago

    Don’t give up. It took me 22 minutes to get to the store and 10 minutes of being told the phone was unavailable. But I stayed at it and finally got an order accepted for pick up on the 19th. Success! 6+, 128 GB

  27. egnat69 (@egnat69) - 10 years ago

    i sure hope there are some pluses left come september 26…

  28. clarkberryman - 10 years ago

    I just bought the iPhone 6 via the ATT website. I was able to buy it for full price, so when I get it’s mine, mine mine! (I sound like my 2 yo daughter, who will probably say the same thing about it!)

  29. verizon2828 - 10 years ago

    FINALLY got mine ordered. Apple Store still not up but after many, many tries I was able to get into the ordering process on Verizon’s website. Got the 6 for the wife and the 6 Plus for me. Gonna hang onto my unlimited for one more year. WAHOO!

  30. Nattera Roa - 10 years ago

    Great video! Thanks for the info! Definitely want the iphone 6 ++++++!!!

  31. thatsdb - 10 years ago

    Excuse me but what happened to the 4G? I see 3G But I keep hearing 4G

  32. borntofeel - 10 years ago

    I want the 4 inch model, thanks.

  33. I still find my iPhone 4s to be perfectly sized. If the battery weren’t flaking out… Went with the 128GB 6+ because of the OIS and I’m a developer who needs to see how stuff runs at the extremes. You can’t go wrong with either. Already decided I want to Apple Watches…one for workouts, one for dress.

  34. Gabriel Hutchinson - 10 years ago

    I just pre ordered the 4.7. The 5.5 is just too big for me (those bezels wtf). But man that battery life is very tempting.

  35. Edward Xu - 10 years ago

    Being using 4 & 5, and now is time to upgrade 6/6+. Since I often travel oversea and carry two phones, plus notebook, glasses, hotel key, wallet and passport, I ordered 6 w/4.7” display, which shall be more than what I need. Waiting for the phone to arrive!

  36. Lé Croix Riché - 10 years ago

    Im using iphone5s right now and ive been always a fan of something new. Bigger is better. Ip6 plus all the way.

  37. dekel kidar (@dekelk) - 10 years ago

    The 6 Plus 64gb

  38. i got iphone 6 plus, and since then have not touched ipad mini or mac book pro its truly one horse race with ip6+.

    but advice on which one to pick

    depends on your hand size iPhone 6 (4.7) will fit better smaller palms
    iPhone 6 Plus (5.5) its big really big and you will struggle to use with one hand for sure if you got small hands / palms but two hands no probs and screen real estate is a joy!

    • verizon2828 - 10 years ago

      I agree. The extra screen size is VERY welcome. Sure there’s been a few times where I needed the extra hand to tap something on the screen but that’s a small thing when compared to the better user experience.

  39. have iP6+ 64GB and been using heavily and charge only every two days!!!!

  40. Matt Malyan - 10 years ago

    Gotta be 6+
    Use Email, Messaging, Safari, Twitter etc more than phone app, so 6+ is a given.
    Besides, i’ll buy a bluetooth ear thingy if ness.