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jamezr

macrumors P6
Aug 7, 2011
16,078
19,077
US
Overall of 6S:

Strong competition from rivals means that the Apple iPhone 6s actually moves down in our rankings. The Moto X Style and Google’s Nexus 6P bracket the 6s on performance, but are significantly cheaper to own.

Apple’s technology is unable to keep noise at competitive levels; in fact, noise level is much higher than what can be found on the current leaders of our database.

Detail preservation in bright light has slightly improved with respect to the iPhone 6, but the overall score remains low compared to the best in its class.

The iPhone 6s performed well in our video assessment, with good results in exposure and autofocus accuracy, white balance reliability and color rendering.

Strength and weakness are the same than the previous Apple iPhone 6.

Overall, the Apple iPhone 6s continues to offer a good balance of performance and top-notch user experience, but those looking to upgrade from the iPhone 6 Plus might not find it appreciably compelling; however it’s likely that anyone with an earlier model will be lining up.


Yep even with more MP it's about the same as last years model.
 

MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
In fairness there's only 4 points between the 6S and the 6 Edge but the graph makes 4 points look bigger than it is. Fundamentally there's not a huge difference between the top 9 phones on that list.

Also why are there different heights to the same number. 82 is 82 and yet they have each of the three listed at different bar heights, likewise Moto x style at 83 looks significantly less than G4 at 83 points yet surely they should be same height ... 83 is 83. We're not 83.5 or 83.4 so height should be same.

That graph is quite deceitful.
 
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MRU

macrumors Penryn
Aug 23, 2005
25,370
8,952
a better place
Snap with the 6S Plus

image.jpeg
 

tbayrgs

macrumors 604
Jul 5, 2009
7,467
5,097
In fairness there's only 4 points between the 6S and the 6 Edge but the graph makes 4 points look bigger than it is. Fundamentally there's not a huge difference between the top 9 phones on that list.

Also why are there different heights to the same number. 82 is 82 and yet they have each of the three listed at different bar heights, likewise Moto x style at 83 looks significantly less than G4 at 83 points yet surely they should be same height ... 83 is 83. We're not 83.5 or 83.4 so height should be same.

That graph is quite deceitful.

Agreed. Not going to make excuses, pretty clear from initial impressions on numerous sites that the iPhone 6s isn't the overall top smartphone camera anymore. Doesn't mean it's not any good either. And I really couldn't see trading any of the top 10 or so for any of the others. If I want dramatically difference results from my photos, I'm pulling out the dSLR vs. any smartphone camera.

I didn't read the linked article in detail--did they mention if this represents their review for the iPhone 6s Plus? (I'm guessing no considering the 6s Plus has OIS)
 

apolloa

Suspended
Oct 21, 2008
12,318
7,802
Time, because it rules EVERYTHING!
Agreed. Not going to make excuses, pretty clear from initial impressions on numerous sites that the iPhone 6s isn't the overall top smartphone camera anymore. Doesn't mean it's not any good either. And I really couldn't see trading any of the top 10 or so for any of the others. If I want dramatically difference results from my photos, I'm pulling out the dSLR vs. any smartphone camera.

I didn't read the linked article in detail--did they mention if this represents their review for the iPhone 6s Plus? (I'm guessing no considering the 6s Plus has OIS)

Yes, but next to the Xperia Z5 Compact it's the best small smartphone camera due to what seems to be software issues with the Z5 currently.
I say that as people on here and other reviews have said about the software not coping in low light, or exposure being a bit off, but also the phone can be slow saving HDR photos, in contrast to the reliable performing iPhone. I think real people using these phones in real life offer a much better review then tests performed under laboratory conditions.
 
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epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
I don't think it's small potatoes that the iPhone is being bested in the camera department. Yes, it's true to say that that doesn't mean the iPhone camera is bad (that'd be a foolish argument), but it's also true to say it matters that other smartphones are topping it. The iPhone has long been heralded as the smartphone with the greatest camera. One that chips away at the need for point and shoots, and even some arguing rivaling or at least knocking on the door of DSR's -- debatable, of course, but the point is, that's how good the iPhone camera was always made out to be.

It's another item to add to the list. In the past couple of years, the screen, battery, design, and now camera have been topped by others (possibly more, but those are the few things that come to mind). These things will continue to chip away at Apple, and that isn't something any Apple fan nor Apple themselves should ignore or treat lightly. It's a testament to how far Android OEMs have come with the camera. Frankly, it's about damn time they caught up; but it's also no small feat that they've surpassed the iPhone. And it's also interesting (maybe even alarming?) that the overall score of the 6S doesn't even top the 6.

Also, in my opinion, it's not just about camera quality. It's about the camera experience, too. And having had both the S6 and iPhone 6, I can say the camera experience is far easier/better on the S6. Double-tap to launch gets me to my camera faster; the ability to customize my camera modes makes it easier to get to the specific mode I want; access to more camera settings right away makes life easier; etc. At the end of the day, it usually comes down to software experience, and it just seems almost everywhere you look, life is easier on an Android device. That's been my experience anyway across a number of things. And now, Android users can also say for certain things, it's not just easier, but also better.
 
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epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
This is a great comparison of the 6S and the Z5, and in my opinion the 6S wins, the photos look better but that's subjective as it depends on what you want:


I have the money now, just need to wait for John Lewis to get the silver and white 64GB in stock.

I agree. In most of those tests, the iPhone camera produced better shots.
 

I7guy

macrumors Nehalem
Nov 30, 2013
35,160
25,275
Gotta be in it to win it
This is a great comparison of the 6S and the Z5, and in my opinion the 6S wins, the photos look better but that's subjective as it depends on what you want:


I have the money now, just need to wait for John Lewis to get the silver and white 64GB in stock.
I was more interested in the 4K video and while I thought the Sony won:
- both models exhibited the infamous rolling shutter effect
- both models took their time attempting to refocus its that the sony was faster.
 

BlueGoldAce

macrumors 68000
Oct 11, 2011
1,951
1,455
I don't think it's small potatoes that the iPhone is being bested in the camera department. Yes, it's true to say that that doesn't mean the iPhone camera is bad (that'd be a foolish argument), but it's also true to say it matters that other smartphones are topping it. The iPhone has long been heralded as the smartphone with the greatest camera. One that chips away at the need for point and shoots, and even some arguing rivaling or at least knocking on the door of DSR's -- debatable, of course, but the point is, that's how good the iPhone camera was always made out to be.

It's another item to add to the list. In the past couple of years, the screen, battery, design, and now camera have been topped by others (possibly more, but those are the few things that come to mind). These things will continue to chip away at Apple, and that isn't something any Apple fan nor Apple themselves should ignore or treat lightly. It's a testament to how far Android OEMs have come with the camera. Frankly, it's about damn time they caught up; but it's also no small feat that they've surpassed the iPhone. And it's also interesting (maybe even alarming?) that the overall score of the 6S doesn't even top the 6.

Also, in my opinion, it's not just about camera quality. It's about the camera experience, too. And having had both the S6 and iPhone 6, I can say the camera experience is far easier/better on the S6. Double-tap to launch gets me to my camera faster; the ability to customize my camera modes makes it easier to get to the specific mode I want; access to more camera settings right away makes life easier; etc. At the end of the day, it usually comes down to software experience, and it just seems almost everywhere you look, life is easier on an Android device. That's been my experience anyway across a number of things. And now, Android users can also say for certain things, it's not just easier, but also better.


I agree and disagree, for lack of a better word.

Keep in mind that Samsung devices are the flagship android phones. I see a few HTCs and LGs here and there...but to the average consumer its iPhone and Galaxies.

Battery life on the 6s plus is phenomenal. I easily make it through a day of heavy use (lots of screen on time, netflix, run keeper, games, etc). On the note 5 I had to charge it at least once a day. My wife just switched to the 6s because she finally got fed up with the poor battery life of the s6.

I also find the camera to be really great on the 6s plus. I am sure the guys at DXmark (or whatever the website is that people are loosing their minds over) know a thing or two about cameras....but the new moto x above the iPhone 6s? Really?

The design and screen are still great, and yes have been surpassed.

But the whole package comes together really well. Combine that with a still superior app ecosystem, and you have a great phone.

Honestly, all the above doesn't matter. Apple's brand power is remarkable. Even if they are being best by others, its going to take a long time for that brand power to fade. It wouldn't hurt apple to get knocked down a few pegs, if for nothing else then to reduce their prices.
 
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The Game 161

macrumors Nehalem
Dec 15, 2010
30,991
20,174
UK
Yeah amazed it managed to keep 12 apps and 4 games fully in memory when I was testing earlier. Now I'd never normally have that much stuff open but the fact it did it without any issue is quite something.


The new 6S Plus feels heavier than the 6 plus. Kind of wishing I had stuck with white this year rather than black but I'll get over that.
Certainly great it handles so many apps at once. Not that I keep loads open but good to know
 

epicrayban

macrumors 604
Nov 7, 2014
6,517
5,353
I agree and disagree, for lack of a better word.

Keep in mind that Samsung devices are the flagship android phones. I see a few HTCs and LGs here and there...but to the average consumer its iPhone and Galaxies.

Battery life on the 6s plus is phenomenal. I easily make it through a day of heavy use (lots of screen on time, netflix, run keeper, games, etc). On the note 5 I had to charge it at least once a day. My wife just switched to the 6s because she finally got fed up with the poor battery life of the s6.

I also find the camera to be really great on the 6s plus. I am sure the guys at DXmark (or whatever the website is that people are loosing their minds over) know a thing or two about cameras....but the new moto x above the iPhone 6s? Really?

The design and screen are still great, and yes have been surpassed.

But the whole package comes together really well. Combine that with a still superior app ecosystem, and you have a great phone.

Honestly, all the above doesn't matter. Apple's brand power is remarkable. Even if they are being best by others, its going to take a long time for that brand power to fade. It wouldn't hurt apple to get knocked down a few pegs, if for nothing else then to reduce their prices.

Agree with a lot here. The iPhone being topped doesn't mean the iPhone experience is now suddenly bad.

And very much agree with your last comment. I think Apple branding goes a long way in helping them maintain their sales and prestige. I've argued many times as such in the past; their branding is so strong that they're allowed to get away with a lot. Too much, in my opinion.
 
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spinedoc77

macrumors G4
Jun 11, 2009
11,488
5,413
I don't think it's small potatoes that the iPhone is being bested in the camera department. Yes, it's true to say that that doesn't mean the iPhone camera is bad (that'd be a foolish argument), but it's also true to say it matters that other smartphones are topping it. The iPhone has long been heralded as the smartphone with the greatest camera. One that chips away at the need for point and shoots, and even some arguing rivaling or at least knocking on the door of DSR's -- debatable, of course, but the point is, that's how good the iPhone camera was always made out to be.

It's another item to add to the list. In the past couple of years, the screen, battery, design, and now camera have been topped by others (possibly more, but those are the few things that come to mind). These things will continue to chip away at Apple, and that isn't something any Apple fan nor Apple themselves should ignore or treat lightly. It's a testament to how far Android OEMs have come with the camera. Frankly, it's about damn time they caught up; but it's also no small feat that they've surpassed the iPhone. And it's also interesting (maybe even alarming?) that the overall score of the 6S doesn't even top the 6.

Also, in my opinion, it's not just about camera quality. It's about the camera experience, too. And having had both the S6 and iPhone 6, I can say the camera experience is far easier/better on the S6. Double-tap to launch gets me to my camera faster; the ability to customize my camera modes makes it easier to get to the specific mode I want; access to more camera settings right away makes life easier; etc. At the end of the day, it usually comes down to software experience, and it just seems almost everywhere you look, life is easier on an Android device. That's been my experience anyway across a number of things. And now, Android users can also say for certain things, it's not just easier, but also better.

Even though benchmarks may not put my 6s+ as the best camera, it doesn't matter to me because the difference is so small. What's more important to me is having the camera turn on quickly, low light performance, fast moving performance, and to a lesser degree macro shots. Coming from a Note 4 where those things were abysmal I've been happy with my 6s+ so far, although I can't say I've tried many other phones.
 
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