Apple iPhone 6 Plus: Value for Money in 2025?
Introduction of Apple iPhone 6 Plus
Apple iPhone 6 Plus was once a cutting-edge “big-screen iPhone,” but in 2025 — over a decade after its launch — its value proposition in India depends heavily on what you expect from a smartphone today. Below is an in-depth look at whether it still makes sense to buy (or keep) an iPhone 6 Plus in India now: the pros, the drawbacks, and who it could still serve.
Quick Snapshot: What is iPhone 6 Plus
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Processor: Apple A8 (dual-core, 64-bit).
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RAM + Storage (typical): 1 GB RAM and 16 / 64 / 128 GB storage (no expandable memory).
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Camera: Rear 8 MP with OIS, front 1.2 MP camera.
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Connectivity: LTE / 4G support (on compatible bands), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, NFC, etc.
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Battery: 2915 mAh.
What Still Works — Strengths of iPhone 6 Plus Even in 2025
• Basic smartphone tasks — phone calls, messaging, simple apps
If you just need a phone for calls, SMS/WhatsApp (depending on compatibility), light web browsing or email, the iPhone 6 Plus can still deliver acceptable performance. Its modest hardware is enough for basic tasks, and iOS tends to be quite efficient for simpler workloads.
• Build quality and iPhone “feel” on a budget
As an Apple phone, iPhone 6 Plus still offers the classic iPhone design — premium build, aluminium back (in older models), and a compact, well-optimized iOS experience compared to many cheap Android phones. For someone prioritizing a solid build over high-end specs, it might feel like a more premium “budget iPhone.”
• 4G connectivity (where supported)
Unlike many older phones that only support 3G or 2G, iPhone 6 Plus supports LTE/4G — which means in many urban areas of India its data speeds can remain usable (assuming network compatibility).
• Low cost (if buying second-hand/refurbished)
If you find a used or refurbished unit at a low price, it could serve as a “backup phone” or “secondary device,” perhaps for calls, travel SIMs, or offline music — tasks where you don’t need cutting-edge hardware.
Why It’s Risky / Why Its Value Is Very Limited in 2025
• No official software support — security & apps risk
The iPhone 6 Plus is officially “obsolete” under Apple’s classification. Apple no longer provides hardware support or spare-part services for it. More importantly, the device never got modern iOS updates — its last supported major iOS version was iOS 12. That means:
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No security updates from Apple → risk of vulnerabilities.
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Many modern apps (especially newly updated ones) may not support such old iOS versions — you may face compatibility issues or inability to install apps from App Store.
• Very outdated hardware — slow performance, poor multitasking
With 1 GB RAM and a 2014-era dual-core A8 processor, iPhone 6 Plus struggles by 2025 standards. Trying to run heavier apps, multitask, or use features like modern browsers, social media, or newer apps will likely show sluggishness, lags, and possibly crashes.
• Aging battery and non-replaceable aging parts (risk)
After ~10+ years, battery degradation is almost certain in a used iPhone 6 Plus. Given Apple’s “obsolete” status for the model, getting genuine spare parts or service (battery replacement, repair) becomes difficult.
• Camera, display, and feature gaps — nothing works like modern phones
The 8 MP rear camera and 1.2 MP front camera are inadequate by 2025 standards (low resolution, poor dynamic range, no modern image processing). Display is just a 2014-era LCD — so you miss high refresh rates, HDR, high brightness — common in modern budget phones. Modern features (like biometric sensors, advanced cameras, fast charging, good battery life, 5G, etc.) are missing.
• App & service compatibility — some essential apps may stop supporting old iOS versions
Due to lack of updates, many modern apps, especially security-sensitive apps (banking, payment, social, etc.) may not install or may misbehave. This makes the device risky for daily modern usage. Indeed, many technology reviewers now consider iPhone 6 Plus “not suitable for most users” in 2024/2025.
Who (If Anyone) Should Consider Buying/Using iPhone 6 Plus in India in 2025
Given all the limitations — only the following limited use-cases might justify buying or keeping an iPhone 6 Plus now:
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As a secondary or backup phone (for calls, SIM for travel, emergencies, dual-SIM needs via eSIM in another device)
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As a “basic phone for light tasks” — call, SMS, very light browsing, offline music or videos.
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As a budget “iPhone experience” for nostalgia or simple usage — for someone who prefers iOS’s interface and doesn’t need modern app compatibility.
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For offline usage or minimal needs (e.g. as a media player, for music, as a simple camera, or for personal contacts/backup).
If you want a fully functional smartphone in 2025 — for social media, communication, banking, entertainment, photography, or productivity — iPhone 6 Plus is not a practical choice.
Is iPhone 6 Plus Worth Buying (or Keeping) in 2025 India?
In 2025, the iPhone 6 Plus holds very limited value for money. Once a premium “big iPhone,” it is now a decade-old phone with outdated hardware, no software or security updates, limited app compatibility — making it a risky choice for daily use. Unless you are explicitly seeking a legacy iPhone for minimal tasks or as a backup, it’s wise to look for a more recent device (even a budget Android or newer used iPhone) for a safer, smoother, future-proof experience.
FAQs of Apple iPhone 6 Plus
Q.1. Can iPhone 6 Plus run the latest apps in 2025?
Unlikely. Since it doesn’t get iOS updates anymore, many newer apps — or recent versions of old apps — may not support its old iOS version, leading to compatibility issues.
Q.2. Is 4G supported on iPhone 6 Plus in India?
Yes — the phone supports LTE/4G (on compatible bands), so basic 4G data and browsing can work where networks allow.
Q.3. Can I use WhatsApp and other messaging apps on iPhone 6 Plus in 2025?
That is uncertain: since the OS is outdated, newer versions of apps may not support it — some apps or services may stop working correctly or receive no updates.
Q.4. Should I buy iPhone 6 Plus as a cheap “backup phone”?
If your needs are minimal (calls, SMS, light browsing), yes — as a backup or secondary phone it can still serve. But don’t expect modern smartphone performance.
Q.5. Is it possible to get hardware repair or genuine parts for iPhone 6 Plus now?
Difficult. Apple now marks iPhone 6 Plus as “obsolete,” meaning Apple-authorized service and spare-part support is no longer guaranteed. MacRumors+1
