Released in September 2015 alongside the iPhone 6S, the iPhone 6S Plus was Apple’s larger version of the 6S, offering additional features and enhanced performance. It was designed to cater to users seeking a larger display, improved camera capabilities, and a better multimedia experience.
Specifications
- Display: 5.5-inch Retina HD Display, 1080 x 1920 pixels (401 ppi)
- Dimensions: 158.2 x 77.9 x 7.3 mm (6.23 x 3.07 x 0.29 inches)
- Weight: 192 grams (6.77 ounces)
- Storage Options: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (no external storage)
- Processor: Dual-core Apple A9, 1.84 GHz
- RAM: 2 GB
- Operating System: iOS 9 (upgradable to iOS 15.7)
- Camera: 12 MP rear camera with OIS and True Tone flash, 4K video recording, 5 MP front camera
- Battery: 2750 mAh, non-removable, up to 24 hours talk time on 3G, 384 hours standby
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, 3G (HSDPA), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, proximity sensor, compass, barometer, fingerprint sensor (Touch ID), 3D Touch
Design and Display
The iPhone 6S Plus continued the sleek and rounded aluminum design introduced with the iPhone 6 Plus. It was slightly thicker to accommodate the upgraded internal components. Available in Space Gray, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold, it retained the luxurious feel of its predecessors. The 5.5-inch Retina HD Display offered a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels, resulting in a 401 ppi density, providing sharp and clear visuals.
3D Touch
Like the iPhone 6S, the 6S Plus featured 3D Touch, allowing the screen to detect varying levels of pressure. This enabled new interactions such as Peek and Pop for previewing content and quick actions from the home screen, enhancing the overall user experience.
A9 Chip and M9 Co-Processor
The A9 chip in the iPhone 6S Plus, paired with 2 GB of RAM, provided a significant boost in performance compared to the A8. The dual-core processor, clocked at 1.84 GHz, offered up to 70% faster CPU performance and 90% better graphics. The integrated M9 motion co-processor managed data from various sensors and enabled the “Hey Siri” feature for hands-free voice commands.
Camera with Optical Image Stabilization
The standout feature of the iPhone 6S Plus was its 12 MP rear camera with optical image stabilization (OIS). This feature, exclusive to the Plus model, helped reduce blurriness in photos and provided smoother video recording, especially in low-light conditions. The camera also supported 4K video recording at 30 fps and introduced Live Photos, which captured short video clips along with photos.
On the front, the 5 MP FaceTime HD camera provided higher-quality selfies and video calls. The Retina Flash feature used the screen as a flash to brighten selfies in low-light environments.
Battery Life
The iPhone 6S Plus featured a 2750 mAh battery, offering:
- Up to 24 hours of talk time on 3G
- Up to 12 hours of internet use on LTE or Wi-Fi
- 14 hours of video playback
- 80 hours of audio playback
- 384 hours of standby time
This larger battery allowed the iPhone 6S Plus to comfortably last through a full day of heavy use, making it ideal for power users.
Operating System and Software Features
The iPhone 6S Plus launched with iOS 9, introducing new features such as:
- Low Power Mode: Extending battery life by reducing background activity.
- Split View: For running two apps side by side on larger screens (primarily for iPads).
- Proactive Assistance: Siri’s contextual recommendations based on user activity.
The 6S Plus continued to receive software updates up to iOS 15.7, extending its relevance and access to new features and security updates.
Connectivity
The iPhone 6S Plus supported 4G LTE Advanced for faster mobile internet speeds and included Wi-Fi 802.11ac with MIMO for better wireless performance. It also featured Bluetooth 4.2 and NFC for Apple Pay transactions.
Reception and Legacy
The iPhone 6S Plus was well-received for its larger display, camera improvements with OIS, and enhanced performance. The introduction of 3D Touch and Live Photos added new dimensions to the iOS experience, making it a compelling upgrade. The increased battery life and refined design appealed to users looking for a bigger and more feature-rich iPhone.
Conclusion
The iPhone 6S Plus was a substantial upgrade in Apple’s lineup, offering a larger display, improved camera with optical image stabilization, and powerful internals. With features like 3D Touch and the A9 chip, it provided a refined and versatile experience for users. Despite its similarity in design to the iPhone 6 Plus, the internal improvements and new capabilities made the 6S Plus one of the most popular large-screen iPhones.