Specification

iPhone 6s Review: A Classic That Still Holds Its Ground?

In today’s fast-paced smartphone world, the iPhone 6s might feel like a relic. But if you look deeper, this classic from Apple still holds some charm — especially for those who want reliability, simplicity, and a premium Apple experience on a budget.

So, in 2025, is the iPhone 6s still usable? Or is it finally time to say goodbye? Let’s break it down — design, display, performance, camera, software, battery life, and more.

1. Design & Build: The timeless iPhone feel

Back in 2015, this was Apple’s best design — and for some, it still feels right in the hand.

• Aluminum 7000 Series body – premium and solid
• Compact 4.7-inch size – rare and pocket-friendly
• Touch ID with the classic Home Button
• No notch, just bezels — a nostalgic design

Weight: Just 143g — ultra-light and comfortable
Colors: Rose Gold, Space Grey, Silver, Gold

Verdict: Small, light, durable. Feels premium even today — but looks outdated beside modern phones.

2. Display: Small but surprisingly sharp

• 4.7-inch Retina IPS LCD
• Resolution: 1334×750 pixels
• Brightness: ~500 nits (good enough indoors)
• No HDR, but great color accuracy
• 3D Touch — a unique feature that Apple later removed

For binge-watching or gaming, it’s small. But for regular use — messaging, calls, light browsing — still enjoyable.

3. Performance: A9 chip — once a beast, now a survivor

At launch, the Apple A9 chip was a powerhouse. In 2025? It’s decent for everyday tasks — but don’t expect magic.

Specs:

• Dual-core CPU (1.85 GHz)
• 2GB RAM
• Storage: 16/32/64/128GB (no SD card support)

Daily Use:

• Calls, messages, WhatsApp, Safari: Smooth
• App switching: Acceptable but slow compared to modern iPhones
• Heavy apps like Instagram, YouTube: Workable, with some stutters
• Gaming: Only light games; modern 3D titles lag

Verdict: Perfect for basic use. Anything beyond that starts pushing it.

4. Camera: Simple, no AI — but still decent!

Rear Camera: 12MP (f/2.2)
Front Camera: 5MP
Video: 4K @ 30fps (rear), 720p front

• Daylight Photos: Surprisingly good — natural colors
• Low Light: No Night Mode, so it struggles
• No AI tricks: What you see is what you get
• Selfies: Okay for casual use
• Video: Sharp and stable in good light

Verdict: Not for content creators, but still better than some budget Androids in this price range.

5. Battery Life: Average by today’s standards

• Battery: 1715mAh
• Charging: 5W standard (slow!)
• No fast charging, no wireless charging

Usage Test:

• Screen-on Time (SOT): 3–4 hours
• Light use: lasts 8–10 hours
• Heavy use: needs charging by afternoon

You’ll need to charge at least once a day — and battery health may be poor if it’s an older unit.

6. Software: iOS in its purest form — but stuck in the past

OS Support: Final update was iOS 15.7.x
No iOS 16, 17, or 18 — so many modern apps and features are missing.

Pros:

• Still secure and fluid
• Classic iOS experience
• Ad-free, clean UI

Cons:

• No Dark Mode (official)
• No Live Activities, Dynamic Island, or AI features
• App compatibility issues may arise in 2025

Verdict: It works, but is no longer “smart.” Great for minimal users.

7. Audio, Connectivity, and Extras

• 3.5mm headphone jack — yes, it has one!
• Single bottom-firing speaker — okay quality
• No Face ID, but Touch ID is fast and reliable
• Bluetooth 4.2, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, 4G LTE

Calls are clear, Wi-Fi is stable — just don’t expect modern speeds or features.

10. Who should still buy it?

The iPhone 6s is a good choice if you:

• Just want calls, WhatsApp, light apps
• Prefer small size and one-hand use
• Want a backup iPhone or secondary device
• Like the classic iPhone design with Touch ID
• Need a simple, non-distracting phone for kids or elders

Avoid it if you:

• Want modern apps or features
• Need good battery or camera
• Plan to use it for the next 2–3 years
• Want gaming or AI tools

Final Verdict:

The iPhone 6s is a piece of history — and for the right user, still useful.
No AI, no fast charging, no flashy features — but it’s simple, stable, and premium-feeling, even in 2025.

It’s not for everyone. But for those who want just enough, the iPhone 6s still delivers — quietly, reliably, and stylishly.