The iPhone 16 Pro enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a pocket-sized photography powerhouse. Apple’s focus on both professional-grade features and user-friendly tools has contributed to this acclaim. Features like the new Photographic Styles and 4K/120fps video capture with audio mixing are impressive. But this progress begs the question: how far has iPhone photography come in the last ten years?
To answer this, I revisited the iPhone 6s, a phone still available refurbished or even sealed. The 6s was a significant leap forward for mobile photography at its launch.
A gold iPhone 6S in the hands of a user.This phone also had a headphone jack, the last generation from Apple to offer that facility. RIP! Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
The iPhone 6s introduced the 12-megapixel sensor, a standard that persists in even the iPhone 16 Pro’s telephoto lens. It also ushered in 4K video recording and Live Photos. Apple incorporated a custom image signal processor (ISP) and enhanced its Focus Pixels technology (a form of Phase Detection Autofocus). These innovations made taking good photos easier, though competitors like the LG G4 and Samsung Galaxy S6 offered compelling alternatives.
So, how does the iPhone 6s hold up against the iPhone 16 Pro after a decade? Let’s find out.
A Classic Showdown with Surprising Results
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S in an alley.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
The comparison reveals some expected differences. The 16 Pro’s stabilization and shutter response are vastly superior. HDR performance and exposure are significantly better, and the portrait mode and larger sensor capture significantly more detail. The 6s shows its age in many areas.
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S showing the insides of a restaurant.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
The iPhone 6s struggles with bright highlights and crushed shadows, exhibits inconsistent exposure compensation, and produces softer edges. These shortcomings are understandable given the lower megapixel count, narrower aperture, lack of sophisticated depth estimation, and the absence of modern techniques like pixel binning and advanced computational photography.
Pictures of cat clicked using iPhone 6S.Photos taken with the iPhone 6s Image used with permission by copyright holder
Surprisingly, with careful framing and exposure adjustments, the iPhone 6s can still produce acceptably sharp images. The photo of my cat, for example, retains a good level of detail.
Low-Light Performance and Unexpected Strengths
As expected, low-light performance is where the 6s falters most. Images exhibit blurry edges, noise, and muted colors.
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S depicting a metro tower.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S showing long-range night capture.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S depicting the insides of a fridge.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
However, the 6s isn’t entirely obsolete. Even with its limitations, its images can be salvaged with some editing.
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S with tree roots as the subject.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
Picture of a hanging tree root clicked and edited using an iPhone 6S.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
In some cases, the 6s even holds its own. Its more natural color reproduction, as seen in the fire extinguisher photo, contrasts with the 16 Pro’s tendency towards over-saturation.
Comparison of pictures taken by iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 6S depicting a cylinder in macro mode.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
The 16 Pro still excels in shadow control, detail, and background elements, but the 6s’ performance is remarkably close for a decade-old device.
A Testament to Software and a Touch of Nostalgia
The iPhone 16 Pro is undoubtedly a powerful imaging device. However, I was surprised by how well the iPhone 6s performed. This highlights Apple’s advancements in image processing. Technologies like Deep Fusion and the Photonic Engine, along with Neural Engine acceleration, have revolutionized image creation. The latest iPhones combine multiple exposures to create images with greater depth, richer textures, and more saturated colors.
A person holding the iPhone 6S in their hand.Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
While this computational photography can sometimes lead to overly processed results, the iPhone 6s offers a more film-like aesthetic with its flatter colors and subtle haze. This characteristic, combined with its inherent grain and noise, provides a unique vintage charm.
Indoor low-light clicked and using the iPhone 6S.Taken with the iPhone 6s Nadeem Sarwar / MaagX
Ultimately, I was impressed by the iPhone 6s’ enduring capabilities. While not perfect, it’s still capable of producing pleasing images, especially with some editing. For those who appreciate a retro aesthetic or enjoy the challenge of transforming flawed photos into something special, the iPhone 6s offers a unique and rewarding experience. It’s a testament to how far mobile photography has come and a reminder that older technology can still hold its own.
