iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S
Shop iPhone
iPhone 17
Starting at
£713.34£799.00 new
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 17 and iPhone 6S?
iPhone 17 vs 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £681.25 less than the iPhone 17. The iPhone 17 is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S.
- The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S specs
The iPhone 17 and iPhone 6S differ significantly in durability, performance, screen quality, audiovisual features and miscellaneous options. The iPhone 6S suits those looking for a smaller, lighter phone with simpler features and a familiar Lightning connector plus headphone jack. Performance and storage options are much higher on the iPhone 17, ideal for users needing more speed and space. The iPhone 17 also has a bigger, higher resolution screen and more powerful cameras for detailed photos and videos. Each device fits different user needs based on what matters most in daily use.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S price
Colour
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates and operating system compatibility.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 17 has a 3692 mAh battery which supports longer use between charges, useful for heavy phone users or those often away from power sources. The iPhone 6S has a 1715 mAh battery, suitable for lighter daily use or those who prefer smaller phones.
Operating System
Both devices run iOS, which provides familiar functionality and app compatibility. This means users of either phone will have access to the core iPhone experience.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM and storage capacity. These influence speed, multitasking and how much data or apps you can keep on your phone.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 17 uses the Apple A19 chipset with 8 GB RAM. This combination keeps everyday apps running smoothly and handles multitasking with ease. The iPhone 6S has the Apple A9 chipset and 2 GB RAM, making it suitable for basic tasks and simpler usage.
Storage Options
The iPhone 17 is available with 256GB or 512GB storage, ideal for users who store many photos, videos or apps. The iPhone 6S offers 16GB, 32GB or 64GB options, fitting those with lighter storage needs or who prefer lower priced models.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S screen
Screen quality affects how you view videos, photos and apps. Size, resolution and screen type all contribute to the experience.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 17 has a 6.3 inch screen with 2622x1206 resolution, offering a larger and sharper display for watching videos or browsing. The iPhone 6S has a 4.7 inch screen at 750x1334 resolution, which suits users who prefer a compact phone that fits easily in one hand.
Screen Type
The iPhone 17 features a Super Retina XDR screen, providing vibrant colours and deep contrast. The iPhone 6S uses an IPS LCD screen, delivering reliable colour and clarity for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S camera
Audiovisual features include front and main cameras. Higher megapixels capture more detail, which matters for photography and video calls.
Front Camera
The iPhone 17 has an 18 megapixel front camera, producing detailed selfies and clearer video calls. The iPhone 6S has a 5 megapixel front camera, suitable for simple selfies and video chats.
Main Camera
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 17 is designed for capturing high detail photos and videos. The iPhone 6S has a 12 megapixel main camera, which works well for everyday photography needs.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical dimensions and network options that affect daily convenience and compatibility.
Mobile Network and SIM
The iPhone 17 supports 5G mobile networks and offers both a physical SIM and eSIM, giving more flexibility for network choices and faster data connections. The iPhone 6S supports 4G and uses a physical SIM only, fitting users who do not require 5G speeds.
Connector Type
The iPhone 17 uses a USB-C connector for charging and accessories. The iPhone 6S has a Lightning connector and includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing connection to wired headphones without an adapter.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 17 measures 149.6 mm high, 71.5 mm wide and 8 mm deep, weighing 177 g. It suits users who prefer a larger, heavier phone. The iPhone 6S is 138.3 mm high, 67.1 mm wide, 7.1 mm deep and weighs 143 g, making it easier to hold and pocket for those wanting a smaller device.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 17 or iPhone 6S: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 17 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch)
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £681.25 less than the iPhone 17
- you want a lighter build (143 g vs 177 g)
- you want a headphone jack
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 17 looks like new with excellent battery health and minimal signs of use. Many mention the phone feeling like a new model, with smooth performance and a large, vibrant screen. The battery health is consistently noted as 100%, and the phone is praised for meeting expectations for condition and speed. Several customers appreciate the ease of setting up the phone and enjoy the upgrade in camera quality and screen size. Some have used it after previous iPhones and found the iPhone 17 a satisfying step up in features and reliability.
For the iPhone 6S, customers highlight the phone's excellent condition and its suitability as a simpler, good quality smartphone. The phone is often described as feeling like new and fitting well for users who want a smaller, lighter device. Battery health varies with some customers mentioning the battery is not perfect but generally lasts all day with normal use. The 6S appeals to those looking for a straightforward phone for everyday use, including as a gift or a replacement device. Its size and ease of use are commonly appreciated.
Overall, the iPhone 17 suits buyers who want more storage, faster performance, a bigger screen and enhanced cameras. The iPhone 6S fits those who prefer a compact phone with basic smartphone functionality and a familiar connector setup.
iPhone 17 vs iPhone 6S FAQs
iPhone 17 vs 6S comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A19 on the iPhone 17, Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S. The iPhone 17 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £713.34 for the iPhone 17.
The iPhone 17 has a bigger battery: 3692 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
The iPhone 17 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 17 is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 17 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (3692 mAh vs 1715 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.3 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £681.25 more (from £713.34 vs £32.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 17 comes in 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone 6S in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB.
