Apple iPhone 6 The Complete Guide to Features Pricing and Pros & Cons

Overview

The Apple iPhone 6, announced in September 2014, marked a significant shift for Apple in terms of design and functionality. It was a step forward from its predecessor, the iPhone 5s, offering a larger screen and more advanced features. Despite being discontinued, the iPhone 6 remains a noteworthy part of Apple's history and is still used by several people today. This comprehensive analysis will delve into the specifications, design elements, technological advancements, and overall impact of the iPhone 6.

Design and Build

The iPhone 6 was a major departure from the previous iPhone models in terms of design. With its dimensions measuring 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm and weight at 129 g, it was slimmer and lighter. The device featured a smooth aluminum body that gave it an elegant look and feel, reminiscent of the smooth lines and minimalistic design philosophy Apple is known for. Available in Space Gray, Silver, and Gold colors, it embraced a modern, sleek aesthetic that set a trend for smartphones moving forward. The 4.7-inch display was a significant change, catering to the growing consumer demand for larger screens while still being comfortable to hold in one hand.

Display Features

The iPhone 6 came equipped with a 4.7-inch IPS LCD screen offering a resolution of 750 x 1334 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 326 ppi. The display provided a rich viewing experience with vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles, thanks largely to the IPS technology. It also included Ion-strengthened glass and an oleophobic coating, providing durability and resistance against smudges. The screen-to-body ratio was around 65.8%, striking a fine balance between screen size and device portability.

Camera Capabilities

The camera system in the iPhone 6 was another area where significant improvements were made. The main camera was an 8 MP sensor with an aperture of f/2.2, featuring phase detection autofocus (PDAF), and dual-LED dual-tone flash. This made it capable of capturing high-quality images even in low light conditions. The iPhone 6 was particularly noted for its ability to shoot 1080p videos at 60fps and 720p videos at 240fps, offering various options for different photography and videography needs. The front camera was a 1.2 MP sensor, capable of 720p video with features like face detection and HDR, enhancing the quality of video calls and selfies significantly.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the iPhone 6 was powered by Apple’s A8 chipset, built on a 20nm process that ensured better power efficiency and performance. The dual-core 1.4 GHz Typhoon CPU (ARM v8-based) and PowerVR GX6450 (quad-core graphics) GPU provided a smooth user experience across various applications. With iOS 8 pre-installed, users could upgrade to iOS 12.5.6, providing a range of new features and security updates over time. The device included 1GB of RAM which, although modest by today’s standards, was sufficient for the tasks and applications of its time.

Storage Options

The iPhone 6 offered multiple storage options to cater to different user needs: 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB. However, it did not feature a microSD card slot for expandable storage, which encouraged users to carefully select their desired storage capacity upon purchase. This strategy has been consistently applied by Apple in subsequent iPhone releases as well.

Battery Life

The iPhone 6 featured a non-removable Li-Po 1810 mAh battery, which, although relatively small, was quite efficient due to the optimization between hardware and system software. It provided up to 250 hours of standby time on 3G and up to 14 hours of talk time. The battery performance, combined with the power-efficient A8 chip, offered users all-day usage under moderate conditions.

Connectivity and Sensors

On the connectivity front, the iPhone 6 came equipped with GSM, CDMA, HSPA, EVDO, and LTE technologies, ensuring wide network compatibility. It supported Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.0, and NFC, although the latter was limited to Apple Pay functionality. Also notable was the inclusion of GPS and GLONASS for more accurate positioning. Sensor-wise, it had a front-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, and barometer, enhancing its overall functionality and user experience.

Audio and Multimedia

Despite its compact design, the iPhone 6 maintained a 3.5mm headphone jack alongside its built-in loudspeaker, delivering good quality sound output. The audio experience was further enhanced by the device's ability to deliver high-quality sound through Apple’s EarPods, which were included with the device.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 6 marked a pivotal point for Apple, both in terms of financial success and technological innovation. It solidified Apple’s place in the large-screen smartphone market and paved the way for modern-era iPhones. The sleek design, efficient performance, and robust ecosystem made the iPhone 6 a popular choice and a significant contributor to Apple's dominance in the premium smartphone market.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone 6, despite being discontinued, continues to be remembered as a landmark device in the evolution of smartphones. Its design and functional aspects were embraced widely, setting new standards in the tech industry. By striking a balance between design, performance, and usability, the iPhone 6 remains a testament to Apple’s commitment to innovation and quality. Its legacy is evident in the subsequent iterations of the iPhone series, reflecting its lasting impact on both the company and the industry as a whole.