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Apple iPhone 6s Plus camera review

Lars Rehm | Published: Dec 1, 2015 at 13:01 UTC

Connect smartphone reviews are written with the needs of photographers in mind. We focus on camera features, performance and image quality.

The iPhone 6s Plus is the iPhone 6s' bigger brother and, apart from the larger 5.5-inch screen, mainly distinguishes itself from the smaller model by offering optical image stabilization system in its camera module. In terms of design it's as good as identical to its predecessor iPhone 6 Plus, but the hull is now made out of stronger aluminum and glass that Apple claims is the most durable in the industry.

Under the hood the improvements on the new model are more obvious. In the camera module sensor resolution has been upped to 12MP and there are 50% more phase detection sensors, 'focus-pixels' in Apple terms, located across the chip. In video mode the camera is now capable of recording 4K footage and the panorama mode can capture even larger images than before, up to 63MP. The FaceTime front camera comes with an increased 5MP resolution and, like we've seen on a variety of devices before, can now use the brightness of the display as a flash-substitute in low light conditions.

Naturally, the new model also comes with a more powerful chipset and increased memory. The screen is also now pressure-sensitive, a feature Apple calls 3D Touch. In the gallery app for example, it allows you to preview an image by touching the thumbnail lightly, while a hard press opens it up fully. This works in the same way on websites and for other types of content. We've put the iPhone 6s Plus through its paces, as always, with a focus on the camera and imaging. Read on to find out how we got on.

Key Photographic / Video Specifications

12MP BSI CMOS sensor with on-sensor phase detection
F2.2 aperture
Optical Image Stabilization
Dual-LED flash
4K-video
5MP front camera

Other Specifications

5.5-inch 1080p IPS LCD display (401ppi)
iOS 9 operating system
Apple A9 chipset
2GB RAM
16/64/128GB storage options
Force Touch Display
2750 mAh battery

Our 11-page review

We've considered every aspect of the Apple iPhone 6s Plus with the photographer in mind. We examined the user interface of the native camera app and its special features. We experimented with the camera's performance when taking stills and video, and had a play with the device's many special feature modes. Click any of the links below for more information of specific functions and continue to our conclusion for a final summary of our findings.

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Comments

Total comments: 78

WOW. Pic #3 an update to 1984.

0 upvotes

Come on guys, AGAIN sensor size is not in the "Key Photographic / Video Specifications" list.

There really are just two things that specify the upper limit of the performance of a digital imaging system: aperture and sensor size. All the marketing terms: BSI, MP, CMOS vs CCD (and all the BS without I), etc, come after that. Marketing blah-blah-jargon agains real, tangible numbers.

I refuse to believe that you, who are pretty much the definitive guys regarding digital photography, don't know this. So please explain why, WHY do you not think sensor size is something that should be presented just along with maximum aperture. I honestly want to know!

Comment edited 4 times, last edit 2 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Oh God.

Cheap wannabes running Android?

I don't care if they take pictures like a Nikon 810.

No, thanks.

0 upvotes

Wow... I can't believe how bad the images are. I was really hoping for something better this time around but I guess there are better options these days that produce much better images.
I have tried almost everything and it looks like devices that are a few years old (like the Nokia 1020) or at least 1 year old (like the Panasonic CM 1) are still leaps and bounds above the image quality of the iPhone. The iPhone 6 is better than this.
For low light people shots (which most cell phones are used for) you really need the Xenon flash. More companies should be incorporating it.
I guess Apple gets by on how well the rest of the phone performs and the fact that most people don't care too much about the quality of their images.

0 upvotes

I had the same issue and was ready to condemn the new phone as a piece of junk. Go into your settings and then camera. Change your settings to 4K and the higher resolutions. My opinion has changed, this is a fantastic little camera.

0 upvotes

I picked up a 6S a few weeks ago because my 5 was damaged and non-functional.

At first, I was thinking I should sell my Canon S110 pocket camera as this would replace it.

Having compared shots side by side, they are worlds apart. The phone is great for video and quick snapshots to share, but even the little sensor on the S110 offers a great deal more detail and image quality than the phone. We've still got a few years to go before the mainstream cell phones truly overtake pocketable midrange cameras.

2 upvotes

Agreed, I have Canon DSLR's that can do spectacularly amazing things that can only be done with that level of equipment. The problem is that the professional photographic gear is bulky and it doesn't go everywhere you take your phone. Phone cameras are improving with every upgrade but I do not think that it would be fair to expect a $1000 phone to do the same as a proper camera.

1 upvote

I hope you'll do a review of the camera on the new Microsoft Lumina 950. Great specs, and my initial impression is very good. Would be interesting to see how it compares to others.

0 upvotes

so reading the comments below, seeing same ppl repeating hate comments. the conclusion is, apple is still king.
I guess they didnt need to upgrade the camera, ios camera is the king of mobile photography, its intuitiveness, ease of use and the amazing-get-it-right is something android been trying very hard with no success so far.

0 upvotes

King in the crappy world LOL.

0 upvotes

I'm still amazed at how poor the IQ of the 6S is, I got mine and am very disappointed with the results, see thread here http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323 it was always the 'other brands' with too much processing and smearing etc... now its Apple!

2 upvotes

From Apple's own homepage:

'And you can view Live Photos on your other Apple devices, too.'

0 upvotes

NOOOO!!! I JUST ordered a 128gb iPhone 6s Plus, DAMN YOU APPLE!!! I should have just got a Panasonic CM1, they're $500 right now at BH Photo Video

2 upvotes

You won't have regrets. I notice an improvement between the 6 and 6s and if you use a camera app, you will get better pictures than from the native stock app because you will be able to change all the camera settings prior to taking the shot. I use a camera app for 99% of all my shots and shoot in 16:9 rather than what Apple provides, which is a boxy picture. Only when the subject has a lot of height, do I use the in-camera app.

1 upvote

What apps do you recommend? I've been away from Apple since my 4s...

0 upvotes

Cancel the order. Apple has a 2 week money back policy if you don't want it. I initially bought the 6s (which I used for 2 weeks) but I changed it because the 6s Plus has image stabilization. After learning where to change the camera settings, I can now benefit from the 4K video which even works well in quite low light. This is a fantastic piece of equipment.

0 upvotes

I hate the photos that the iPhone 6s Plus produces so much, I am considering going back to the original 6 plus. So much better IQ in every way.

0 upvotes

yes I just upgraded to 6S from 6 and detail is horrid, see this thread I put up today, I'm quite shocked actually http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323

0 upvotes

Check your settings.

0 upvotes

Just another example of Apple dropping the ball lately. Its a similar story elsewhere with their services, apps etc...they seem to have become a victim of their own success...sad.

0 upvotes

This certainly looks like step back. Odd.

2 upvotes

The noise reduction algorithm is just so awful, I can't stand it. The "paint by numbers" effect is pronounced even in good light and gets worse with the light level. This is most noticeable in skin (faces). And this is really difficult and time-consuming to fix in post-production.

What's sad is I actually like the photos I took with my old iPhone 4S better than those I take with my 6S Plus. The saturation, color accuracy, and detail were worse, but at least it had a much more natural noise (grain instead of smearing) and skin tones looked so much nicer.

I really wish Apple would let us turn off or dial back the noise reduction, but I doubt that's ever going to happen.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

yip I'm amazed at how bad detail smearing is on the 6S see here http://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/3933323

0 upvotes

That is no better than ISO-766 of Nexus 5X =D

Here 100% crop

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5792/22613964009_27f6b98d1b_o.jpg

Comment edited 18 seconds after posting

0 upvotes

yip, true. no better, actually a bit worse.

0 upvotes

Just got a Note 5. The pro (manual) mode in that lets you shoot in RAW is really top notch and worth a look. And considering Lightroom is available for Android, the world is your oyster. Of course, people who have the experience and understanding to reap the benefits of raw will benefit more than others.

5 upvotes

..........anyway the iphone/smartphone images just don't make the grade for computer based PP the dynamic range is too limited to tweak.
It is better to do all PP work on the phones or tablets where the images sit well

Comment edited 13 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Wow, Motorola MOTO X Style (Pure?) steps all over this. Unexpected.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

I'm curious as to where the phone camera rankings went. Even though I'm getting a 6S Plus, it's kinda fishy to me that the ranking is gone now that the iPhone isn't at the top. Or maybe I just don't know where it is :X

4 upvotes

The 6S has an 82 vs 87 for the top ranked Sony Xperia Z5:
http://www.dxomark.com/Mobiles/Announcing-a-new-display-order-for-DxOMark-Mobile-scores

I have the 6.44" Sony Xperia Z Ultra and sometimes use it with the Sony QX1 20mp APS-C E mount smartphone camera since I have many E and FE mount lenses along with adapters for my DSLR lenses.
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8878/18415568962_88496633d8_o.png

1 upvote

Pathetic IQ, paying $700 bucks for a smartphone with mediocre features and results like this is laughable. $300 Nexus 5X is much better than this.

6 upvotes

Google wrong footed the competition with the cameras on its new phones. Factor in ten price, and new Nexus models are just a little bit competitive.

0 upvotes

Nexus 5X and 6P are much better in price/performance than any iPhone offering. Even the crappy 5C and 6C.

5 upvotes

Good point. It probably has the best IQ in a smartphone in good light right now.
I wonder what is lost though without the OIS as I find its value in low light with HDR mode in the Nexus 5.

0 upvotes

Nexus phones are on par with Samsung S6/Note. Panasonic CM1 is still the king, Pureview 808 next.

Wit regard to IS, seriously, you don't need it for wide shots even on shutter speed of about a sec or two. I don't know why they are making big deal about it.

1 upvote

yip agreed, completely stunned by the poor IQ of my new 6S... Apple have lost the plot it seems!

0 upvotes

@Mister Roboto: "Wit regard to IS, seriously, you don't need it for wide shots even on shutter speed of about a sec or two. "

I'm a hardcore smartphone shooter, having shot tens of thousands of shots with the 808 and some thousands with the Samsung Note 4 and the iPhone 6s Plus.

The 808 becomes increasingly unreliable under 1/30s. Very rare handheld shots are completely unblurred. The Note4, and particularly the 6s+, is ways better in this respect. Very rarely have I got camera shake-blurred photos with the 6s+.

That is, even with the 808 producing significantly better images WRT sharpness / artifacts than the 6s+, in low light, the iPhone is simply much better if you need to shoot handheld. There's simply no comparison - the 6s+ will always be better. (Albeit, of course, you do have the chance to have a sharp 808 shot out of, say, ten.)

BTW, speaking of the Note4 vs. 6s+ comparison, the latter has definitely better IS in 4k mode. (I've made very thorough, synchronized tests.)

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

very poor IQ ... big noise issues at iso 100 :-(

6 upvotes

Very impressive..!

3 upvotes

What are you looking at? The competition?

6 upvotes

LOL, impressive in what? Price!

7 upvotes

The file export comment is misleading as you can always email the "actual size" photos. This does not "require" iTunes. Also, you can just install the Apple Mobile Device drivers (on a Windows PC) to access the device through Windows Explorer. I believe Windows Update will install the drivers for you.

In my opinion, only 3 or 4 of the negative points mentioned are real issues. Yes, the camera app should have extended features but you can't judge the device based upon something it "should" have. Review it for what it is... not what it should be.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Is there a similar software as Airdroid in iOS world? It's so easy and fast to transfer files between Android devices and personal computers (PC or Mac) by WiFi. USB cable is not required anymore.

1 upvote

I also wondered if file export wouldn't go through Dropbox as well?

Of course one wouldn't want to see iTunes on one's Windows PC. Then, rather leave the snaps just in the phone.

But i do remember, when i (normally on Android devices) had to use an iPad temporarily, i was shocked at how difficult it is to actually get to your files and move them somewhere else. When i managed to (don't remember how, but through iTunes), i felt like i acted against the system and better hide.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Hmm that's a good idea. I would think Dropbox might work. I'll have to give it a shot. I just never bothered to download the iOS app -- only use it for PC.

0 upvotes

of course there's all sorts of hacks to get your files off the device, but you can't just plus in the cable and download them to your computer or laptop the old-fashioned but quick way. This requires iTunes to start, at least on the Windows Laptops I own.

2 upvotes

I don't know why Airdrop wasn't mentioned as an option for easily and quickly moving files between devices. Next to each photo is a button which says Share. Click on it and the first option is Airdrop. Perhaps the reviewer doesn't know his way around iOS so well? alternatively the share button offers several other options including iCloud Photo Sharing.

BTW if you want to share between iOS devices or any platform there is the free app Instashare.

Comment edited 10 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

If the reviewer doesn't know their way around iOS then they should not be doing a review. :P

0 upvotes

Dropbox has an app, Carousel, Google has the Google Photos app and then there is Mylio. All of them will sync photos from iOS to a Windows PC.

0 upvotes

ok, you've won, I have added "via USB" to that particular Con, just so you can stop listing all those apps you can use to transfer files...most of which are only an option if you have a really fast data connection and/or a lot of time. When I need to transfer lots of images I personally still find a USB cable the best way.

2 upvotes

Shareit app works brilliantly across iOS Android and PC, and is over a hundred times faster than transferring via wifi. I was amazed at how easily and efficiently it works.

0 upvotes

How come the app Image Capture on OSX will allow you to simply copy your pics and videos to your MAC but not on the PC? THere is no generic app on the PC that will allow this? Image Capture is not iPhone specific.

0 upvotes

Hehe thanks Lars. Really wasn't trying to bust your balls. I heartily agree that an opened and unlocked USB is the most practical option, especially for 4K video files. ;)

Due to the closed-system design of Apple's operating system, I presume there are security concerns with freely unlocking the USB port.

1 upvote

Glad to know there is a similar software to AirDroid for Android devices, great.

0 upvotes

You can also use AirDrop to transfer between iOS devices and your Mac. AirDrop requires no apps.

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

0 upvotes

Since when does file export to PC require iTunes? I plug my phone in, it pops up as an external drive in Windows Explorer, and all the image files are visible for dragging and dropping. Does that not work without iTunes on some computers for some reason?

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

I just don't think Lars knows much about iOS.

0 upvotes

well, all I know is I need to have iTunes installed and running on my computer to make files visible on the internal memory of the phone when it's connected via USB cable. That's all I need to know to put it down as a Con. You go ahead and transfer these 4K video files via AirDrop ;)

Comment edited 1 minute after posting

2 upvotes

All I know is that I plugged my iPhone 6 into my Win 7 work laptop, opened up file explorer, navigated to the camera roll, and copied files via USB. iTunes is installed but not running.

Easy-peasey.

Comment edited 2 times, last edit 1 minute after posting

1 upvote

point is you should not have to install a software to make a file transfer. If you don't have a problem with it just ignore that Con. The same is true for any other Pros and Cons in that Conclusion. Something that is a negative for one person might not be for the next. Still, it's arguably good to be aware of it :)

2 upvotes

I just uninstalled iTunes and Quicktime and it works the same. Nothing wrong with listing it as a con, provided you actually know how things work.

You said you needed to have iTunes running to make the file transfer, and that is simply not true.

Perhaps someone on DPR, who is familiar with iOS on Mac and PC, can look over your review for other inaccuracies. I don't know much about Android so i would never try review an Android phone by myself.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 4 minutes after posting

1 upvote

The fact that you can email a photo doesn't negate how USB cable transfer is. Hardly misleading.

0 upvotes

You can share Using:
iMessage, mail, iCloud photo sharing, Notes, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, PDF, Dropbox, copy to, etc. Once you've saved the image, you can also put it in Box, or other services.

0 upvotes

What's misleading is saying that you have to have iTunes running to transfer a file over USB.

0 upvotes

so, given this point has generated some discussion here I thought it merited some more testing and I have come to the conclusion that yes, you can transfer images without iTunes. You need to unlock the phone and explicitly give permission for the PC to access the iPhone (which you don't have to do on Windows Phone or Android) but then you get access to your images (but not any other folders). So apologies, you were right and I was wrong. I have of course taken that line out of the conclusion.

2 upvotes

Airdrop is limited to newer mac products my older Mac Pro does not want to play that game ..........anyway the iphone images just don't make the grade for computyer based PP the dynamic range is too weak to tweak

0 upvotes

PS: Instashare app is NOT free, hasn't been for quite a long time.

0 upvotes

Shareit app is free and works like a charm.

0 upvotes

Itunes suck big times.That was the main reason I hated Iphone.Everything needed to go through that...this means no movies or music for me to watch. Apple is pathetic with their protectiveness of DRM and their software and their Apple store.

0 upvotes

When review Samsung S6/S6 Edge and Note 5 as they share the same camera and lens?

0 upvotes

we have already reviewed the S6/S6 Edge, check the review section.

3 upvotes

Lars, oh, I found it, thx. But then why S6/Edge is not in your list of cellphone studio Scene?

0 upvotes

yeah, we're looking to add that one sometime soon. I am doing the smartphone reviews in Europe but our studio scene is located at DPR headquarters in the US, so sometimes we are a little out of sync :)

2 upvotes

And much appreciating your photos from there. Besides the charm and interest, they bring back another life, or the kind of companionable mix I think we are headed for -- not least on DPReview. Thanks, Lars, and think you hit the target on judgment. Oh, and Apple's intention of convenience as far as photo download would be iCloud. You can download for your PC, and these days it does work; photos just appear. The arcane arrange of it is, well; but if you stick to the PhotoStream folder shouldn't have to worry about that. I use it with an iPad..

1 upvote

I have the 6s and yes pixel level detail is disappointing (even compared to my Note 4), really hope Apple can sort this out asap! Skin tones especially have a very 'waxy' look about them, don't know what Apple got wrong, but its a far cry from what I was expecting.

7 upvotes

Is there a reason you're looking at pictures taken using your phone, at pixel level?!

5 upvotes

I agree. The fact that pixel level image quality has gotten worse means I won't be upgrading from my lovely 6. Let's hope Apple resumes the trend of improving image quality with each generation with the 7.

0 upvotes

Hi Craig, reason is simple: to compare it to the 6 and other phones... its one of the easiest ways to check IQ. I hope Apple can sort it out with a firmware update to the phone cos the results are quite disappointing and not what one expects from dear ol' Apple, but to have previous gen Android smartphones easily besting the 6S is sad!

2 upvotes

Total comments: 78

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