The New iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus: What are the Differences?

After months of rumors and speculations, the new iPhones are finally here. Apple recently introduced the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus along with other products, including the iPad Pro, iPad Mini 4 and the new Apple TV.

Let’s take a look at the key features of these two models and what improvements make them different from their predecessors.

Different Sizes

There’s no doubt about it: The new iPhones definitely bear a striking resemblance to the previous models. Like their predecessors, the new iPhones are available in two sizes: the 4.7-inch iPhone 6S and 5.5-inch iPhone 6S Plus.

3D Touch

While the sizes and appearances look the same as last year’s, the new iPhones are packed with significantly improved hardware and innovative features. The 3D Touch is a touchscreen gesture technology capable of evaluating the pressure from your finger. This technology was first used on the Apple Watch and was then called Force Touch.

The new iPhones are equipped with hardware that measures how the fingers press the cover glass. Pressing the screen harder and longer causes menus to pop up or helps you focus on images or pages you’re presently viewing. 3D Touch lets you perform various tasks conveniently, such as glimpsing emails briefly or saving photos. The feature works on iOS 9 and receives support from third-party app makers, such as Facebook.

Faster A9 Chip

Apple claims that the new A9 chip works 70 percent faster in processing compared to the A8, and it is 90 percent better in graphics. This fast processor is perfect for gaming graphics. The chipset also contains the M9 motion coprocessor, which allows actions such as step tracking from the device.

Live Photos and Enhanced Camera

Live Photos is a breakthrough feature that captures multiple still photos with every shot, allowing users to 3D Touch the pictures for a swift video-like moment. The new iPhones boast a 12-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera, which are significant camera improvements compared to the 8-megapixel rear camera and 1.2-megapixel front camera of the previous models.

Moreover, the camera is capable of shooting and editing 4K video as well as shooting larger panoramic photos. The improved hardware and software seek to improve the camera’s low-light performance and offer more vivid and detailed pictures.

Stronger Aluminum Alloy

Apple says that the aluminum alloy used in making the new iPhones are also used in the aerospace industry. The choice of a stronger metal is possibly linked to the common issue of iPhone 6 users who complained that their devices were easy to bend.

New Rose Gold Color

In addition to the gold, space grey and silver colors, the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus are also available in rose gold, which is actually an aluminum finish and not genuine gold.

Apple intends to sell the new models for the same prices as the existing iPhones. However, the smartphone giant plans to offer an upgrade program for a monthly fee. Preorders start on September 12, and Apple will begin shipping in selected countries on September 25.