What's good
- Improved processor performance
- Good battery life
- Excellent contrast and color reproduction
- Fast auto-focus technology
What's bad
- Screen isn't full HD
- Large bezels around screen
For years, Apple held onto the smaller 4-inch screen size despite the growing popularity of 5-inch+ Android phones. The release of the iPhone 6 is Apple's white flag in the small screen department. At 4.7-inches, it might not be as large as many of the flagship Android phones, but reviewers find it to be a huge improvement over previous iPhones. Its 1334x750 resolution gives it a pixel density of 326PPI. As sharp as the display looks on its own, when compared to Full HD screens reviewers noticed text and images lacked some clarity and crispness. That said, they point out the enhanced screen technology and excellent contrast help make up for the lower resolution screen somewhat.
Besides the larger screen, the iPhone 6 has updated its look to a full glass and aluminum construction. While fairly large at 5.4 inches, it is only 0.3 inches thick and, according to reviewers, feels even thinner due to its curved design and softened angles. CNET states, "The new iPhone feels good to hold and beautifully solid…But it also has a slight aura of fragility." Despite its larger size, experts were still able to handle the phone with one hand easily.
Specs-wise, the iPhone 6 comes with some decent upgrades with an Arm8 dual-core, 1.4GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. Apple claims that the A8 processor gives a 25 percent boost in speed and 50 percent graphics boost over the A7. When put through benchmark tests, the results did show that it was faster than previous processors, but not by a huge margin. In real-life tests, critics also noticed overall improvements in performance from launching and using apps to switching home screens. BGR notes, "The difference is not huge, but it is noticeable and appreciated." Battery life has also improved from its predecessors and lasted critics around 13 hours of light usage.
In the camera department, there isn't an upgrade at all in terms of resolution as it still remains at 8MP. Instead, the biggest improvement comes in autofocus. Apple has included a new sensor with Focus Pixels technology that reduces the time the camera needs to focus and take a picture. When put to the test, experts did notice a marked improvement in overall picture taking speed and video recording. The Verge adds, "I move the phone around and it never appears to be focusing, yet everything is always crisp and ready." Apple has also included additional features such as manual controls, Slow-motion video, cinematic stabilization and time-lapse images. Reviewers also point out that actual photo quality has also improved, though it isn't a huge upgrade over the iPhone 5s. They add that images are sharp with vibrant colors and low-light images are clearer than those from the 5s.
Critics laud the iPhone 6 as the upgrade and feature boost that Apple needs to compete with Android phones. Stuff.tv says, "It's a real looker, with an amazingly slim and deeply attractive build…It's the most powerful iPhone ever…"Techradar adds, "The iPhone 6 is a brilliant phone…if you can forgive the price…[it] should be at the sharp end of your consideration for your next smartphone."
What the Critics Are Saying...
- Walt Mossberg, The VergeThe iPhone 6S is the best smartphone out there, period. If you already own last year’s model, you might not find its new features compelling enough to upgrade. But, if you own an older iPhone, or an Android phone you’re ready to ditch, this new iPhone will make you much happier.
- Evan Kypreos, TrustedReviewsThe iPhone 6 is Apple’s best phone yet – but we expected nothing less. It might not be a design classic like the iPhone 4 or iPad mini, but it nevertheless looks and feels great. Like the 5S before it the iPhone 6 manages to do everything with aplomb – it has no serious weaknesses.
- Sascha Segan, PC MagazineThe real reason to spring for an unlocked iPhone 6 isn't hardware, but software and support. The iPhone and other top smartphones are generally within striking distance of each other on specs. But only the iPhone runs iOS, with its reliable updates, consistent design, and exclusive third-party apps....
- Reviewed.com staff, ReviewedSo should you buy an iPhone 6? That's easy: if you loved an iPhone in the past, you'll love the iPhone 6. It's everything that we've loved about previous iPhones but with a bigger screen, improved user interface, better camera, and faster processor. It has worse battery life than the iPhone 5S, but...
- Scott Stein, CnetThe iPhone 6 -- if you think of it as the overdue screen upgrade that last year's iPhone 5S wasn't -- is a very solid upgrade for any owner of the iPhone 5 or earlier Apple model. And it's finally the sort of phone that an Android owner might once again leap over to buy. But add in Apple Pay, and th...
Prices (Where to Buy)
Common Questions
The iPhone 6 price will vary depending on retailer, age, special offers and whether or not it's purchased with a service plan. If purchased with a 2 year service contract for example, you would likely pay much less for the phone itself up front. You can compare Apple iPhone 6 prices from around the web here on The Informr.
We've got you covered! Download a free PDF copy of the Apple iPhone 6 user manual here.
Apple backs up the iPhone 6 with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.
If your iPhone 6 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Apple support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Apple's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.
Ask the Community
Resources
Manuals / User Guides
- Apple iPhone 6 Manual (PDF)
Maybe one of your friends will find this review helpful? Please help us spread the word.
