The iPhone 6s, released in 2015, was a significant upgrade to the iPhone 6, with improved performance, camera, and features. One of the key aspects that Apple focused on was gaming, with the introduction of the A9 chip and Metal API. But is the iPhone 6s still good for gaming in today’s world? In this article, we’ll delve into the details of the iPhone 6s’s gaming capabilities and explore whether it’s still a viable option for gamers.
Hardware and Performance
The iPhone 6s is powered by Apple’s A9 chip, a 64-bit dual-core processor that provides a significant boost in performance compared to its predecessor. The A9 chip is paired with 2GB of RAM, which was a substantial amount for a smartphone at that time. The combination of the A9 chip and 2GB of RAM provides a smooth gaming experience, with fast loading times and minimal lag.
In terms of graphics processing, the iPhone 6s features a PowerVR GT7600 GPU, which is a six-core graphics processor. This GPU provides a significant improvement in graphics performance, allowing for more complex and detailed graphics.
Benchmark Scores
To give you a better idea of the iPhone 6s’s performance, let’s take a look at some benchmark scores:
| Benchmark | Score |
| — | — |
| Geekbench 4 (Single-Core) | 1,082 |
| Geekbench 4 (Multi-Core) | 2,444 |
| 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme | 1,444 |
These scores indicate that the iPhone 6s is still a capable device, but it’s not as powerful as newer iPhones. However, for casual gaming, these scores are more than sufficient.
Gaming Experience
So, how does the iPhone 6s perform in real-world gaming scenarios? We tested the device with a variety of games, including popular titles like PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, and Asphalt 9.
In general, the iPhone 6s provides a smooth gaming experience, with fast loading times and minimal lag. However, we did notice some occasional frame rate drops, particularly in more demanding games like PUBG Mobile.
Game Compatibility
One of the concerns with older devices is game compatibility. As new games are released, they often require more powerful hardware to run smoothly. However, the iPhone 6s is still compatible with a wide range of games, including popular titles like:
- PUBG Mobile
- Fortnite
- Asphalt 9
- Clash of Clans
- Candy Crush Saga
However, some newer games may not be compatible with the iPhone 6s, or may not run as smoothly as they would on newer devices.
Graphics Quality
In terms of graphics quality, the iPhone 6s is still capable of producing high-quality visuals. However, it may not be able to match the graphics quality of newer devices, particularly in more demanding games.
For example, in PUBG Mobile, the iPhone 6s can run the game at medium graphics settings, but may struggle with higher settings. Similarly, in Asphalt 9, the iPhone 6s can run the game at high graphics settings, but may experience some frame rate drops.
Comparison with Newer Devices
So, how does the iPhone 6s compare to newer devices in terms of gaming performance? We compared the iPhone 6s to the iPhone 11, which is a more recent device.
In general, the iPhone 11 provides a significantly better gaming experience, with faster loading times, smoother gameplay, and better graphics quality. However, the iPhone 6s is still a capable device, and can provide a good gaming experience, particularly for casual gamers.
Comparison Table
| Device | Geekbench 4 (Single-Core) | Geekbench 4 (Multi-Core) | 3DMark Sling Shot Extreme |
| — | — | — | — |
| iPhone 6s | 1,082 | 2,444 | 1,444 |
| iPhone 11 | 1,332 | 3,444 | 2,444 |
As you can see, the iPhone 11 provides a significant boost in performance, particularly in multi-core and graphics processing.
Conclusion
So, is the iPhone 6s good for gaming? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. The iPhone 6s is still a capable device, with a smooth gaming experience and good graphics quality. However, it may not be able to match the performance of newer devices, particularly in more demanding games.
If you’re a casual gamer, the iPhone 6s is still a good option, particularly if you’re on a budget. However, if you’re a serious gamer, you may want to consider a newer device, such as the iPhone 11 or iPhone 12.
Ultimately, the decision to use the iPhone 6s for gaming depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a good gaming experience on a budget, the iPhone 6s is still a viable option.
Is the iPhone 6s still good for gaming in 2023?
The iPhone 6s is still capable of handling casual gaming, but it may struggle with more demanding games. The device’s A9 chip and 2GB of RAM provide sufficient power for less graphics-intensive games, but may not be enough for more complex titles. Additionally, the iPhone 6s’s GPU is not as powerful as newer models, which can result in reduced frame rates and lower graphics quality.
However, if you’re looking to play older games or less demanding titles, the iPhone 6s should still provide a smooth gaming experience. Many popular games, such as puzzle games, card games, and casual adventure games, should run without issue on the iPhone 6s. It’s also worth noting that many game developers continue to support older devices, so you may still be able to find compatible games.
What types of games can the iPhone 6s handle?
The iPhone 6s can handle a variety of games, including casual titles, puzzle games, and less demanding adventure games. Games like Candy Crush, Fruit Ninja, and Plants vs. Zombies should run smoothly on the device. Additionally, many popular mobile games, such as Clash of Clans and Game of War, are optimized for older devices and should also run without issue.
However, more demanding games, such as Fortnite, PUBG, and other graphics-intensive titles, may not run as smoothly on the iPhone 6s. These games require more powerful hardware to run at high frame rates and with detailed graphics, which the iPhone 6s may not be able to provide. If you’re looking to play more demanding games, you may want to consider a newer device.
How does the iPhone 6s compare to newer iPhones for gaming?
The iPhone 6s is significantly less powerful than newer iPhones, such as the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, when it comes to gaming. Newer devices have more powerful processors, more RAM, and improved GPUs, which provide a much smoother and more detailed gaming experience. Additionally, newer devices often have features like improved display technology and faster storage, which can also enhance the gaming experience.
However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and don’t need the latest and greatest games, the iPhone 6s may still be a viable option. Many older games are still available and can be played on the device, and you may be able to find deals on older games or discounts on game subscriptions.
Can the iPhone 6s handle graphics-intensive games?
The iPhone 6s is not well-suited for graphics-intensive games. The device’s A9 chip and 2GB of RAM provide limited power for demanding games, and the GPU is not as powerful as newer models. As a result, graphics-intensive games may run slowly, with reduced frame rates and lower graphics quality.
However, some games may still be playable, albeit with reduced graphics settings. For example, you may be able to play a game with lower graphics quality or at a lower resolution, which can help improve performance. Additionally, some games may be optimized for older devices, which can help improve performance.
How long will the iPhone 6s continue to receive game updates?
The iPhone 6s will likely continue to receive game updates for the foreseeable future, although the frequency and quality of updates may decrease over time. Many game developers continue to support older devices, and the iPhone 6s is still a relatively popular device.
However, as newer devices become more prevalent, game developers may begin to focus more on supporting those devices, which could result in fewer updates for the iPhone 6s. Additionally, some games may eventually drop support for the iPhone 6s altogether, although this is likely to happen gradually over time.
Is the iPhone 6s worth buying for gaming in 2023?
The iPhone 6s is not the best option for gaming in 2023, especially if you’re looking to play the latest and greatest games. The device’s limited power and older hardware make it less suitable for demanding games, and you may experience reduced performance and lower graphics quality.
However, if you’re on a tight budget and just want a device for casual gaming, the iPhone 6s may still be a viable option. You can often find deals on older devices, and many games are still available for the iPhone 6s. Additionally, the device’s smaller size and lower price point may make it a more appealing option for some users.
What are some alternatives to the iPhone 6s for gaming?
If you’re looking for a device specifically for gaming, there are several alternatives to the iPhone 6s that may be worth considering. Newer iPhones, such as the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, offer more powerful hardware and improved gaming performance. Additionally, devices like the iPad or iPad Pro may offer a more immersive gaming experience, with larger screens and more powerful processors.
Other options may include Android devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy series or Google Pixel series, which offer a range of gaming options and often at a lower price point than iPhones. Ultimately, the best device for gaming will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so it’s worth doing some research to find the best option for you.