Hands-on with iPhone 6s and 6s Plus

The iPhones 3GS, 4S and 5s were all rather dull compared to the phones that launched in the years either side of them. That’s because there’s usually very little difference in the ‘s’ models from their predecessors, making it hard to get excited about them.

This time around it’s a little different: the 6s is a great upgrade for those ‘stuck’ on a 5s, and it’s a decent phone in its own right. If you’re ready for an upgrade from the old design and keen to stick with Apple, this is a great time to go for it.

Design

The same stick that some use to beat iPhone fans still exists: yes, the 6s and 6s Plus look almost identical to last year’s models, with the same ceramic feel and slightly protruding camera; placed side by side with that model, you won’t really notice the difference. The only marginal change is the additional thickness, likely to facilitate the new 3D Touch technology and hopefully a larger battery, although there’s no word on that from Apple.

Compared to other phones available, the latest iPhones still manage to mix that feeling of premium build with a light and thin body that’s a joy to hold. Apple’s nod to the improved build as having reinforced 7000 Series aluminium is clearly a direct result of the iPhone 6’s ‘Bendgate’ controversy, where some believed the phone was slightly prone to changing shape if pressure was applied. Though Apple doesn’t need sympathy, it was still a bit harsh that it got singled out for this when many other handsets could also bend if you tried hard enough. Either way it’s now much less prone to bending.

Of course, the 6s Plus needs a bigger battery than the 6s, but the 5.5-inch display feels so much more swamped by the iPhone’s frame compared to other phones, such as LG’s G4. Apple’s largest phone is still very light and easy to hold, but you can’t forget it’s a phablet. If you’re coming at this from the iPhone 5s, you’re going to be blown away by how gargantuan it is to hold, and even Reachability (double-clicking the Home button to bring the top of the screen down within reach) doesn’t really help. However, you’re buying a phablet, not a mini phone, and the bigger screen and battery that such a phone offers – and that comes with compromises.

3D Touch, but the same screen

Now onto the biggest change in this year’s iPhone: 3D Touch. This changes everything about using iOS, and while it’s not enough of a reason to upgrade from the previous

The reinforced 7000 Series aluminium is clearly a direct result of the iPhone 6’s Bendgate controversy