iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7
Shop iPhone
iPhone 6S
Starting at
£32.09£149.00 new
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 6S and iPhone 7?
iPhone 6S vs 7 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Refurbished, the iPhone 6S starts at £32.09, £34.15 less than the iPhone 7. The iPhone 7 is the newer model, released in 2016.
Refurbished from
Chipset
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
Weight
- Chipset: Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7.
- The iPhone 7 has a bigger battery: 1960 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
- Screen type: IPS LCD on the iPhone 6S, Retina IPS LCD on the iPhone 7.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 specs
The iPhone 6S and iPhone 7 are similar in many ways, with the same screen size, resolution and RAM, but they differ in performance, battery capacity, camera details and connector type. The iPhone 7 has a more recent chipset and a larger battery, which suits those who value smoother performance and longer battery life. The iPhone 6S offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it better for users who want wired audio without an adapter. Storage options also vary, with the iPhone 7 available in higher capacities. Each is suited to different needs depending on what features are most important to you.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 price
Colour
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and operating system are key durability factors. Battery size differs, affecting how long each device can last on a charge.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 has a 1960 mAh battery which is larger than the 1715 mAh battery in the iPhone 6S. This means the iPhone 7 can provide longer usage between charges, suitable for users who need more screen time or use power-intensive apps. The iPhone 6S battery is smaller but still adequate for everyday use.
Operating System Support
Both run iOS, so they offer a similar software experience with the versions available to them.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Year of release
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 performance
Performance depends mainly on the chipset and storage options. Both devices have 2 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for general smartphone tasks, but their processors differ.
Chipset
The iPhone 7 uses the Apple A10 Fusion chipset, while the iPhone 6S has the Apple A9 APL0898. The A10 Fusion is a newer design and generally offers smoother performance for apps and multitasking. This suits users who want quicker app launches and more responsive operation.
Storage Options
The iPhone 6S is available in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB variants, ideal for users with lighter storage needs. The iPhone 7 offers 32GB and 128GB options, making it better for those who want more space for apps, photos and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 screen
Screen size and resolution are the same on both models, but the screen type differs slightly, which can affect display quality.
Screen Type
The iPhone 6S features an IPS LCD screen, while the iPhone 7 has a Retina IPS LCD. The Retina IPS LCD generally provides sharper visuals and better colour accuracy, which benefits users who watch videos or view photos frequently.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 camera
Camera and front camera differences affect photo quality. Both phones have the same main camera resolution, but the front camera offers varied detail.
Front Camera
The iPhone 7 has a 7 megapixel front camera compared to 5 megapixels on the iPhone 6S. This makes the iPhone 7 better for selfies and video calls with more detailed images.
Main Camera
Both phones have a 12 megapixel main camera, which suits users who want good quality photos for everyday use. There is no difference in resolution, so either phone captures similar detail on the main camera.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 size and design
Other practical differences include connectors, weight and storage compatibility, which can influence daily convenience and usage comfort.
Connector Type
The iPhone 6S has both a Lightning port and a 3.5mm headphone jack, making it easy to connect standard wired headphones without an adapter. The iPhone 7 uses only the Lightning connector, so wireless or Lightning headphones are needed for audio.
Weight
The iPhone 7 weighs 138 g, slightly lighter than the iPhone 6S at 143 g. This small difference may be noticeable for users who prefer a lighter phone for comfort during extended use.
Carrier and SIM
Both phones are unlocked and use a physical SIM card, which suits users who want flexibility in choosing or changing mobile networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 6S or iPhone 7: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 6S if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £32.09, £34.15 less than the iPhone 7
- you want a headphone jack
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want a bigger battery (1960 mAh vs 1715 mAh)
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels)
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 143 g)
What our customers say
Customers say the iPhone 6S looks like new and is in excellent condition, often described as perfect or immaculate. Many appreciate its light weight and good quality for everyday use or as a gift. Battery health can vary, with some noting the battery is not perfect but still sufficient for daily needs. The phone suits those who want a simple, reliable smartphone without high storage requirements.
For the iPhone 7, customers praise the excellent condition and good battery life. The phone is described as quick and smooth in operation. Some mention minor cosmetic issues like small scratches but still rate the phone highly for basic tasks such as calls and texts. The physical SIM and battery performance make it suitable for users who want a straightforward phone with better front camera quality and storage options.
Overall, the iPhone 6S fits those seeking a lighter phone with a headphone jack and adequate storage for everyday tasks. The iPhone 7 is better for users who prioritise improved performance, longer battery capacity and a sharper front camera.
iPhone 6S vs iPhone 7 FAQs
iPhone 6S vs 7 comes down to the chipset, battery and screen type. Chipset: Apple A9 APL0898 on the iPhone 6S, Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7. The iPhone 7 has a bigger battery: 1960 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
The iPhone 6S is cheaper refurbished, from £32.09 compared with £66.24 for the iPhone 7.
The iPhone 7 has a bigger battery: 1960 mAh vs 1715 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 6S ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15.
The iPhone 7 adds a bigger battery (1960 mAh vs 1715 mAh), a higher-resolution front camera (7 megapixels vs 5 megapixels) and a lighter build (138 g vs 143 g). Refurbished, it costs £34.15 more (from £66.24 vs £32.09).
Refurbished, the iPhone 6S comes in 16GB, 32GB and 64GB, and the iPhone 7 in 32GB and 128GB.
