New iPhone 6 Features: Full Breakdown
The iPhone 6 introduced a larger 4.7-inch display, a faster A8 chip, and Apple Pay, marking a major design shift for Apple. It also brought improved cameras, Wi-Fi calling, and a thinner aluminum body compared to the iPhone 5s.
Design and Display
The iPhone 6 moved away from the sharp-edged design of previous models to a rounded, seamless aluminum unibody. It is 6.9 mm thick, noticeably slimmer than the iPhone 5s (7.6 mm), and weighs 129 grams. The display grew from 4 inches to 4.7 inches with a resolution of 1334×750 pixels at 326 ppi, the same pixel density as earlier models but with a larger surface. The screen uses an IPS LCD with dual-domain pixels for wider viewing angles and improved contrast. Apple also introduced “Reachability” – double-tap the Touch ID home button to shift the top of the screen down for easier one-handed use.
Performance and Chipset
Inside, the iPhone 6 runs the A8 chip, a 64-bit processor built on a 20nm process. It has a dual-core 1.4 GHz CPU and a quad-core PowerVR GX6450 GPU. Apple claimed the CPU is 25% faster and the GPU 50% faster than the A7 in the iPhone 5s. The phone also includes the M8 motion coprocessor, which tracks movement data (steps, distance, and elevation) without waking the main processor, improving battery efficiency. The iPhone 6 comes with 1 GB of RAM and storage options of 16, 64, or 128 GB. There is no expandable storage, so choose capacity based on your media needs.
Camera Upgrades
The rear camera remains 8 megapixels with an f/2.2 aperture, but the sensor gains “Focus Pixels” – phase-detection autofocus that locks focus faster. It also supports 1080p video at 30 or 60 fps, slow-motion video at 120 or 240 fps, and time-lapse mode. The front FaceTime camera is 1.2 megapixels with an f/2.2 aperture, and it gains burst mode for selfies. The camera also introduces “HDR for photos” that automatically merges exposures, and a new “Slo-mo” video feature that records at 240 fps at 720p. Image stabilization is digital only (optical stabilization is reserved for the iPhone 6 Plus).
Apple Pay and NFC
The iPhone 6 is the first iPhone to include an NFC chip, enabling Apple Pay. Apple Pay lets you make contactless payments in stores by holding the phone near a payment terminal and confirming with Touch ID. It works with credit and debit cards added to the Wallet app. The NFC chip is also used for other contactless interactions, but Apple initially restricted it to Apple Pay. The service launched in the US in October 2014 and expanded to the UK, Canada, and Australia in 2015.
Connectivity and Battery
The iPhone 6 supports LTE with speeds up to 150 Mbps, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC. It also introduces Wi-Fi calling (on some carriers) and VoLTE (Voice over LTE) for clearer calls. The battery is a non-removable 1810 mAh unit, offering up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G, 10 days of standby, and 11 hours of video playback. It supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes with a 12W adapter) and Qi wireless charging if you use a special case (the phone itself has no built-in wireless charging).
iOS and Software Features
The iPhone 6 shipped with iOS 8, which introduced Continuity (handoff calls and messages between iPhone and Mac), Health app, Family Sharing, and QuickType keyboard with predictive text. Later updates added Apple Pay, Photos improvements, and the ability to use the phone as a digital car key (in iOS 13.4+). The phone is compatible up to iOS 12, so it does not get the latest iOS 15 features like Live Text or Focus modes. If you buy a used iPhone 6, ensure it is on a recent iOS version for security patches.
Common Problems and Issues
Several issues are associated with the iPhone 6. The most notorious is “Touch Disease” – a flickering gray bar at the top of the screen and unresponsive touch caused by a weak solder joint on the touch controller. Apple offered a repair program for affected devices (iPhone 6 Plus only). Other common issues include battery drain, Wi-Fi connectivity problems, and the phone bending if subjected to pressure (the “Bendgate” controversy). If you experience these, try resetting settings, updating iOS, or visiting an Apple Store. For Touch Disease, the only permanent fix is a logic board replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 6 still worth buying in 2024?
No. The iPhone 6 is obsolete and does not receive iOS updates, making it vulnerable to security exploits. Many apps require iOS 13 or later, so you will not be able to install or update many current apps. Battery life is also degraded in used units. If you need a budget iPhone, consider a newer SE model.
Does the iPhone 6 support 5G?
No. The iPhone 6 only supports 4G LTE. It does not have a 5G modem, so it cannot connect to 5G networks. If you want 5G, you need an iPhone 12 or later.
How long does the iPhone 6 battery last?
Apple rated the iPhone 6 for up to 14 hours of talk time, 10 days of standby, and 11 hours of video playback. In real-world use, a new battery lasts about a day of moderate use. After years of use, the battery may need replacement – Apple offers a battery service for about $49.
Can I use wireless charging on the iPhone 6?
Not directly. The iPhone 6 has no built-in wireless charging coil. You can use a third-party case that adds Qi wireless charging, but it adds bulk and is not as efficient. Apple’s official wireless charging (MagSafe) is only available on iPhone 8 and later.
What is the difference between iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus?
The iPhone 6 Plus has a 5.5-inch display (1920×1080), a larger 2915 mAh battery, and optical image stabilization on the rear camera. It also has a landscape mode for the home screen and supports iPad-style split view in some apps. The iPhone 6 is smaller and lighter, with a 4.7-inch screen and a 1810 mAh battery, and it lacks optical stabilization.
Does the iPhone 6 have a headphone jack?
Yes, the iPhone 6 has a standard 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom. This was removed starting with the iPhone 7 in 2016. So you can use any wired headphones with the iPhone 6 without an adapter.
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