Iphone 6 better be good

Apple iPhone 6 and 6 Plus overview: Bigger & Better

Introduction

iPhone 6 vs Nokia 1020: Better imaging all around from Apple

With its massive 41Mp sensor and some of the best images with respect to noise and detail preservation when shooting under extreme low light, the Nokia 1020 is a great option for shooting stills. So many people have wondered why it only achieved a DxOMark Mobile score of 74, ranking well behind the iPhone 6 with the latter’s score of 82.

The Nokia 1020 excels in noise and texture, but a few strong weaknesses drags down its overall score.

If we take a closer look at the Mobile Video scores for the two devices, the iPhone 6 scores significantly higher, with a DxOMark Mobile Video score of 80 compared to 64 for the Nokia 1020.

iPhone 6 vs Nokia 1020: Photo results are very close

If we look in more detail at the DxOMark Mobile Photo scores for both devices, we see that the results for still image quality are much closer. The new iPhone 6’s DxOMark Mobile Photo score of 83 still trumps the Nokia 1020’s score of 79.

The DxOMark Mobile Photo sub-score is a combination of results across 7 Mobile Photo categories that include Noise, Detail, Flash, Color, Exposure & contrast, Autofocus, and Artifacts. Evaluating image quality across these different aspects provides an indication of the overall image quality for a device, which is then defined by a single score. So while the Nokia 1020 comes in first for noise and texture, the new iPhone 6 is ahead in the other 5 categories, resulting in a higher Mobile Photo score than the Nokia 1020.

Images are shot under both good and low light conditions for each sub category to help us assess the overall Photo image quality before assigning a score for each device.

iPhone 6 vs Nokia 1020: Colder white balance and color shading on the 1020

Auto White Balance and color rendering are important areas of image quality, as they are one of the first things a viewer notices in a picture. These results therefore are weighted in our results, and the new iPhone 6’s algorithm works extremely well, with strong vivid colors and a neutral white balance compared to the cold cast on pictures from the Nokia 1020. Color shading is also better controlled on the iPhone 6, with images from the Nokia 1020 displaying strong color shading whether shot in good light, but particularly in low-light conditions.

Images from the Nokia 1020 generally displayed a colder blue color cast compared to the iPhone 6’s more neutral tones.

Color shading has a significant impact on the overall feel of an image and results from the iPhone 6 were better controlled than those from the Nokia 1020.

Nokia Lumia 1020

iPhone 6 vs Nokia 1020: Nokia 1020 excels in extreme low-light

The Nokia 1020 scores 97/100 compared to 87/100 for the iPhone 6.

Shooting in low light is where the Nokia 1020 really comes into its own, scoring a whopping 80/100 compared to just 56/100 for the iPhone 6.

The same can be said for noise performance, where again the Nokia 1020 clearly excels by recording good resolution when shooting in extreme low-light conditions.

The advantage of the Nokia 1020 for noise and texture is explained by its sensor size, as it uses a larger 1/1.5” camera module compared to the iPhone 6’s 1/3” unit.

Apple’s noise reduction algorithms are very good and narrow the gap between the two devices. It is worth noting that the iPhone 6’s large pixel pitch (compared to the Samsung S5 for example) helps, too.

This said, the Nokia’s noise algorithms for the 1020 are also excellent, resulting in detail preservation in extreme low-light that can compete with the image quality of some compact cameras.

Apple iPhone 6 (1/15 sec)

Nokia Lumia 1020 (1/5 sec)

iPhone 6Plus (1/4 sec)

In addition to noise and detail performance, the Nokia 1020’s sensor size advantage over the two iPhone 6s helps it to achieve very good exposure and contrast results in very low-light conditions.

In brighter lighting conditions (>10 Lux), the iPhone 6’s images have better exposure and higher levels of contrast.

iPhone 6 vs Nokia 1020: Strong difference in video quality

While the Nokia 1020 excelled for Video exposure and contrast, with good texture under bright lighting conditions, it wasn’t a match for the iPhone 6 in any of the other video categories. Video from the Nokia 1020 displayed noticeable row noise and blocking artifacts, with autofocus oscillations visible during refocusing, and walking movements remaining uncorrected by the stabilization system.

This all added up to a far superior video ranking for the iPhone 6, which was a significant factor in boosting its overall DxOMark Mobile score above that of the Nokia 1020.

With the release in 2014 of new flagship Smartphones from three major players in the industry, there has been some jostling for position at the top of the DxOMark Mobile leader board.

Released back in February 2014, Samsung’s Galaxy S5 took the coveted top spot on the leader board with 79 points. Our initial review of the Galaxy S5 noted its good exposure and low levels of noise when shooting still images.

Just a couple of months down the line, Sony released an updated Xperia Z3. Despite minor modifications to the camera unit, including improved low-light capabilities and a maximum ISO sensitivity of 12 8000, the Z3 wasn’t able to better the overall score of 79 set by the S5.

So 10 days before the release of the iPhone 6, we had three cameraphones tied at the top of the DxoMark leader board.

The first two cameraphones to break through the 80-point barrier, Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus have set a new standard for overall image quality for Smartphones. This doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right cameraphone for you, however, but this in-depth analysis of the three devices will help you make that decision.

iPhone 6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 & Samsung Galaxy S5: iPhone 6 a more complete camera

As previously explained under the Nokia 1020 comparison in this review, the DxOMark Mobile score is a combination of scores across both DxOMark Mobile Photo results and DxOMark Mobile Video scores.

If we look at this breakdown for the new iPhone 6, the Z3, and the S5, we can see that the iPhone 6 scores highest in both the DxOMark Mobile Photo & Video subsections, making it the more complete camera overall.

Samsung’s Galaxy S5 is slightly more consistent across its Photo and Video scores, hitting 80 and 79 points respectively. The S5’s Video score of 79 is just 1 point off the class-leading iPhone 6 (80 points), and as such this is one of the stronger aspects of the Samsung device. Although it’s very close with an overall Photo score of 80, the S5 ranks in 3 rd place for these 3 flagship Smartphones just behind the Z3 and iPhone 6 with 81 and 83 points, respectively.

Sony’s Z3 provides very good photos and its DxOMark Mobile Photo score of 81 is marginally ahead of the Galaxy S5 and just a couple of points behind the new iPhone 6. The Z3’s video capabilities don’t hit the same heights, however, which has affected its overall DxOMark Mobile score, despite the fact the Z3 offers slightly better still photos than the Galaxy S5.

iPhone 6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 & Samsung Galaxy S5: Larger Sony sensor takes the lead in low-light

If we look more closely at detailed Photo scores across the 7 sub- categories, we start to get a clearer idea of the strengths and weaknesses of each device.

The 3 devices are very close for Exposure and contrast overall, but it’s worth noting the added benefit of using the iPhone’s HDR mode (activated in the default mode), which does an effective job of balancing the extremes of brightness.

In terms of autofocus accuracy, the new iPhone 6 is marginally ahead of the Z3 and is a significant improvement over the Galaxy S5, which struggles to keep pace. Although arguably a performance issue, the effectiveness of autofocus is key, as with no ability to focus manually, you have to rely on the accuracy of the cameraphone’s system.

For Color and Artifacts, there’s not much difference between the new iPhone 6 and Galaxy S5, but these are the areas in which the Z3 fails to keep pace. Sony’s device does excel for Noise, however, where it is clearly ahead of both the Galaxy S5 and iPhone 6. As with the Nokia 1020, this is again due to the larger sensor units built into the Sony devices, compared with the smaller camera module in the new iPhone 6.

Processing and noise reduction algorithms play a part, too, and while they are both great on the Xperia Z3 and Galaxy S5, the Z3 is simply a bit better overall for Noise.

So it’s fair to say the iPhone 6 isn’t the best choice for shooting in low light, which could be another significant factor for photographers choosing their next Smartphone. Shooting in bright light, however, the new iPhone 6 delivers some interesting results at its native 8Mp resolution.

Despite the iPhone’s lower resolution and smaller camera unit, in bright light it puts in a very respectable performance for Noise, which is only marginally behind both the Xperia Z3 and Galaxy S5. For recording Texture in bright light, the Z3 is clearly ahead, but again, the iPhone 6 matches the Galaxy S5 for some very respectable results.

So all 3 of these devices provide excellent image quality overall, but as we’ve seen, they all have different strengths and weaknesses, which should have a bearing on which Smartphone offers the best image solution for you and your photography.

iPhone 6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 & Samsung Galaxy S5: Great video stabilisation from the Z3

In terms of comparing video performance across the three devices, two areas stand out, Autofocus and Stabilization. Across the other categories, most users will be satisfied with the results for all of the devices.

For video autofocus however, the Galaxy S5 and the new iPhone 6 are clearly ahead of Sony’s Z3, which is slower and shows some perceptible oscillations, despite the efficient lens breathing correction.

In terms of video stabilization, however, the tables are turned and the Xperia Z3 offers better correction for walking movement than either the S5 or iPhone 6, although the difference is less pronounced here than with the Z3’s video focusing failures.

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iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Which iPhone should you buy?

iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? We help you decide which of Apple’s last generations smartphones you should buy

If you’re not planning on buying the iPhone 6S or iPhone 6S Plus, there’s still plenty of life in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus . Yes, you’ll miss out on the improved camera and 3D Touch, but those are things most of you will be able to live without, if we’re being honest.

To those still trying to weigh up the benefits of going bigger or sticking with a ‘smaller’ iPhone, we’re here to help make that decision to pick between the two a more informed one.

We know they both look good. Perhaps not Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge good, but they are two of the best designed smartphones on offer right now. We know both have a strong list of specs, but what are they like to live with on a day-to-day basis?

Here’s our take on how the iPhone 6 compares to the iPhone 6 Plus.

Watch our iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus video

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Design

iPhone 6: Curved aluminium, gold or light/dark silver, 6.8mm thick, 129g
iPhone 6 Plus: Curved aluminium, gold or light/dark silver 7.1mm thick, 172g

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus look identical, but they do inevitably differ in the size and dimension departments. With the iPhone 6 Plus, you’re getting a 2cm taller, 1cm wider and 2mm thicker phone. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it clearly makes a huge difference when you handling the two iPhones.

Related: iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus reviews

Using the iPhone 6 Plus one handed is a dramatically different experience to holding the iPhone 6 and is likely to be a major factor for most picking between the two. Thankfully, it’s not as bad as something like the Nexus 6, but it’s going to be trickier for smaller hands. Reaching over the other side of the virtual keyboard is not easy to do for instance. You got little chance reaching your thumb to the top of the screen as well.

Some will get used to it though. It’s not instant but like the Note 4, it handles its large stature well and does begin to feel more natural after a week or so.

If you’re reticent to move to a big phone, then the iPhone 6 is going to be a better fit. It’s still a bit of jump on the 4-inch iPhone 5S, but Apple strikes a good balance between giving you the extra screen estate and making it easier to handle than the 6 Plus.

While these are arguably not the most memorable phones from a design perspective, but as we’ve come to expect from Apple, they are beautifully designed and built to take some everyday rough and tumble. The screen is the most at risk of damage so Apple has included toughened glass on both displays. That’s not stopped a few of the TR team cracking their iPhone screens, but it’s not the only phone that has not survived an accidental drop on the floor.

Related: iPhone 6S vs Samsung Galaxy S6

Without a case the iPhone 6 Plus feels like a liability. A case increases the dimensions even more but also makes the phones a lot more manageable thanks to the added grip.

Both phones are well crafted, but the smaller size of the iPhone 6 means it’s more ergonomic. It wins the design round.

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Screen

iPhone 6: 4.7-inch 1334 x 750, “Retina HD” LCD
iPhone 6 Plus: 5.5-inch 1920 x 1080 LCD, optimisation in landscape

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way. The 6 Plus has a bigger screen. That means you get more room to browse, watch films and play your games.

But there’s more to it than that and that’s because with the 6 Plus, you get a higher resolution display in comparison the 6. The iPhone 6 Plus features a full HD 1080p screen and offers a 401PPI pixel density to deliver the exceptional clarity. The iPhone 6 has a 1334 x 750 resolution screen with a 326ppi pixel density. Hands down, the The 6 Plus has the sharper display but that’s not to say that the one on the 6 is bad.

In a world where Samsung and LG are offering high resolution screens, Apple’s displays might not sound as cutting edge. But we still love them and they offer solid all-round performance.

you won’t notice it too much unless you bring the phone up to your nose.

Related: iPhone 6 Plus vs Galaxy Note 4

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Camera

iPhone 6: 8MP camera, 1/3.06-inch sensor, true-tone flash,f/2.2 aperture dual-LED flash, phase detection
iPhone 6 Plus: 8MP camera, 1/3.06-inch sensor, true-tone flash,f/2.2 aperture dual-LED flash, phase detection, OIS

Apple’s phone cameras are among the best in the business. They’re easy to use, come with a really straightforward camera app and most importantly take really good photos.

Starting from the front, both have identical cameras so you can expect to get the same level of selfie and Facetime quality. Low light photography is not fantastic, but then the same criticism could be levelled at most front-facing cameras you’d find on most flagships these days.

The rear cameras are similar too. Both use 8 megapixel sensors with 1.5 micron sensor pixels, dual tone flash and include phase detection, which help the iPhones focus with speed.

The major difference here is that the iPhone 6 Plus comes with optical image stabilisation (OIS). This helps you take better photos by eliminating the blur caused by the small hand movements you make when taking a picture.

Related: iOS 8 tips, tricks and secrets

Here’s an example of how the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus cameras compare

In well-lit conditions you won’t notice much difference because the camera can shoot fast enough to minimise the effects of small shudders. When the lights go down the OIS on the 6 Plus shows its worth. Photos are sharper and colours more vivid when it’s dingy, and this applies to video as well.
In low-light the OIS on the iPhone 6 Plus helps

Both phones have great point and shoot cameras, but the OIS makes the iPhone 6 Plus the better camera phone.

Winner: iPhone 6 Plus

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Software

iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: iOS 9

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus are both now capable of running on iOS 9 just like the new iPhones. That means you to enjoy new features like the power saving mode and improved Apple Maps. It also brings a raft of changes including the additon of Apple Music. The experiences across both are pretty much identical barring the landscape mode you only get on the 6 Plus Even though the screen is bigger you get the same amount of apps viewable on your home screen – 20 in total.

iOS 7’s radical design makeover remains the same on iOS 9 but Apple has delivered some new features that make it a better operating system. A mixture of Android-esque features and some new additions help lay the foundations for a greater push into health and home automation over the coming months.

You can now add third party keyboards, use widgets, access apps from the new notification centre and have the ability to work across Mac and iOS devices in more intuitive way. Apple’s own keyboard has also had a bit of a makeover with predictive words now making an appearance.

The iPhone 6 Plus’s larger display also means that you get a few more keyboard shortcuts in landscape mode.

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Performance

iPhone 6: Apple A8 64-bit and M8 co-processor
iPhone 6 Plus: Apple A8 64-bit and M8 co-processor

Apple’s new A8 is in both phones and it’s a great processor. It uses a 64-bit dual-core 1.4GHz CPU with a PowerVR GX6450 quad-core graphics chip supported by 1GB RAM.

In our benchmark tests both phones perform extremely well and beat much of the competition in graphics intensive tasks. That’s good news if you like gaming on your phone.

An M8 co-processor also makes an appearance. This looks after all the sensors on the phone and manages the data in a much more energy efficient manner, which means better battery life.

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Storage

iPhone 6: 16GB (£539/$649), 64GB (£619/$749), 128GB (£699/$849), no micro SD card support
iPhone 6 Plus: 16GB (£619/$749), 64GB (£699/$849), 128GB (£789/$949), no micro SD card support

Neither of the new Apple phones offers expandable memory. However, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus do raise the storage ceiling, from 64GB to 128GB.

This year, you get to pick between 16GB models (for the scrimpers), 64GB ones and – for the flush – 128GB phones. There’s no 32GB this year and Apple won’t tell us why. We did ask.

An iPhone 6 Plus with 128GB of internal storage is dream for watching movies on, offering enough memory for a hundred or uncompressed SD-quality films or 25-plus HD ones. It’s going to cost a whole lot of money to own it if you buy the iPhone outright though.

Winner: Draw

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Battery Life

iPhone 6: 1,810 mAh battery, 11 hours video, 11 hours browsing
iPhone 6 Plus: 2,915 mAh battery, 14 hours video, 12 hours browsing

If you think the larger iPhone comes with a larger battery then give yourself a pat on the back because you are absolutely right. The iPhone 6 Plus has a 2915mAh battery compared to the 1810mAh one on the iPhone 6. It means that the iPhone 6 Plus blows its little brother out of the water when it comes to stamina.

If you are a normal user you will be able to make the 6 Plus last two full days, which puts it up there with 2014’s flagship Android phones like the Xperia Z3, One M8 and the Samsung Galaxy S5. It just keeps going and going. The iPhone 6 isn’t bad by any means, it just doesn’t come close to matching the Plus. You’ll easily get a day of use out of it but it’s a phone that you will likely want to charge daily.

In our like for like tests running standard definition video until both phones run out entirely the iPhone 6 Plus lasts for 12 hours while the iPhone 6 for 10 hours.

However, the smaller size of the iPhone 6 means that you can plonk it into a charge case without it becoming too cumbersome. It’s not the most elegant solution, though.

iPhone 6 Plus vs iPhone 6: Price

iPhone 6: 16GB (£539), 64GB (£619), 128GB (£699), no micro SD card support
iPhone 6 Plus: 16GB (£619), 64GB (£699), 128GB (£789), no micro SD card support

These are Apple phones so they were never going to be cheap but the iPhone 6 Plus is more expensive weighing in at a whopping £789/$949 for the top specification 128GB version. By comparison the same spec iPhone 6 costs £699/$849.

If you do decide to buy one of these phones we’d recommend going for the 64GB one unless you like to store lots of media or tinker with video editing on your phone.

The 16GB versions only have 11GB of usable memory. That’s not much at all and the lack of a microSD card means you can’t add storage later. If that’s important it’s well worth considering the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Sony Xperia Z3 or HTC One M8.

Winner: iPhone 6

iPhone 6 vs iPhone 6 Plus: Verdict

Big or small? Apple has taken real pains to make sure the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus offer a consistent experience. Similar screen tech, the same processor and similar-grade cameras make sure there’s no weak link here.

However, we do like that the extra display space of the iPhone 6 Plus and its greater battery life makes it more of a power user device.

We’d opt for the iPhone 6 Plus over the smaller iPhone. But we’ve loved using both. For the better display, battery life and camera, go for the 6 Plus. If you can live without two days battery life and far from fantastic low light images, then the iPhone 6 is a better fit.

iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? Has this helped you decide? Let us know in the comments below.

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