What Makes the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus Different?

Screen Size & Resolution

The first and least subtle difference between the models is their screens:

• Physical size: The iPhone 6S has a 4.7-inch screen, while the iPhone 6S Plus has a 5.5-inch screen. This is the same set of screen sizes as on the iPhone 7 and 8 series models that succeeded them. 
• Resolution: The screens have different resolutions, too: 1334 x 750 pixels for the 6S vs. 1920 x 1080 for the 6S Plus.

A bigger screen may seem appealing, but the 6S Plus is a very large device. If you're considering the two iPhone 6S series models, but aren't sure which is right for you, make sure to see them in person. You should know pretty quickly whether the 6S Plus will be too big for your pockets and hands.

Camera Image Stabilization

If you only compare the specs of the two models' the cameras, they'll seem identical. And they are, except for one crucial difference: The 6S Plus offers optical image stabilization. 

The quality of our photos and videos is affected by the camera shaking — either from our hands or environmental factors (such as riding in a car while taking the photo). Image stabilization reduces that shaking and delivers better photos.

The 6S stabilizes images using software. That's good but not as good as image stabilization delivered by hardware built into the camera itself. This kind of optical image stabilization makes the 6S Plus different.

Size and Weight

Given the difference in screen sizes, it's no surprise that the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus also differ in size and weight.

• iPhone 6S: 5.04 inches wide x 2.64 tall x 0.28 deep.
• iPhone 6S Plus: 6.23 inches wide x 3.07 tall x 0.29 deep.

The size difference is driven almost entirely by the screen sizes of the two models. Those differences also affect the weight of the phones.

• iPhone 6S: 5.04 ounces.
• iPhone 6S Plus: 6.77 ounces.

The weight probably won't be too much of a factor for most people — 1.73 ounces is fairly light — but the physical size is a big difference when holding one in your hand and carrying it in a purse or pocket.

Battery Life

Apple takes advantage of the 6S Pls being bigger by giving it a bigger battery that delivers longer battery life. Battery life for the two models breaks down this way:

Needless to say, the extra battery will keep you from having to recharge as often, but the 6S Plus's bigger screen also uses more power.