iPhone 6s

The Apple iPhone 6s, a popular smartphone released in 2015, continues to be a sought-after device in Qatar. As of 2024, the price of the iPhone 6s in Qatar ranges from QAR 440 to QAR 1,099, depending on the storage capacity and condition of the device. For instance, a refurbished 16GB iPhone 6s can be found for as low as QAR 440, while a new 32GB model is priced at around QAR 1,099 in major retailers like Jarir Bookstore.

It’s important to note that prices may vary between different sellers and fluctuate over time.

Specifications of the iPhone 6s

Release Date and Availability

The Apple iPhone 6s was officially released on September 25, 2015, marking a significant milestone in smartphone technology. It was introduced alongside its larger sibling, the iPhone 6s Plus, as part of Apple’s ninth generation of iPhones. The device quickly gained popularity worldwide, including in Qatar, where it became available shortly after its global launch.

Upon its release, the iPhone 6s introduced several groundbreaking features that set it apart from its predecessors. One of the most notable innovations was the introduction of 3D Touch, a pressure-sensitive display technology that allowed users to interact with their device in new and intuitive ways. This feature enabled quick actions and previews, enhancing the overall user experience.

Key Features and Innovations

The iPhone 6s came equipped with a powerful A9 chip, which provided a significant performance boost compared to previous models. This 64-bit processor, coupled with 2GB of RAM, ensured smooth multitasking and improved app performance. The device also introduced a 12-megapixel rear camera, a substantial upgrade from the 8-megapixel sensor found in the iPhone 6. This camera was capable of recording 4K video, a first for the iPhone series.

Another notable feature was the second-generation Touch ID sensor, which offered faster and more accurate fingerprint recognition for enhanced security. The iPhone 6s also introduced Live Photos, a feature that captures a few seconds of video before and after a photo is taken, bringing still images to life.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the iPhone 6s maintained the sleek and premium look of its predecessor, the iPhone 6. It featured a unibody aluminum construction with curved edges, available in four colors: Silver, Gold, Space Gray, and the newly introduced Rose Gold. The device measured 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm and weighed 143 grams, making it slightly thicker and heavier than the iPhone 6 due to the addition of 3D Touch technology.

The 4.7-inch Retina HD display offered a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. The screen was protected by Ion-strengthened glass with an oleophobic coating to resist fingerprints and smudges.

Camera Capabilities

The iPhone 6s made significant strides in photography with its 12-megapixel rear camera. This upgrade allowed for more detailed and higher quality photos compared to its predecessors. The camera featured an ƒ/2.2 aperture, autofocus with Focus Pixels, and True Tone flash for improved low-light performance.

One of the standout features was the ability to record 4K video at 30 frames per second, as well as 1080p HD video at 30 or 60 fps. The device also supported slow-motion video recording at 1080p at 120 fps and 720p at 240 fps, offering creative possibilities for videographers.

The front-facing camera also saw an improvement, jumping from 1.2 megapixels in the iPhone 6 to 5 megapixels in the 6s. This upgrade, combined with the Retina Flash feature (which uses the display as a flash for selfies), significantly enhanced the quality of self-portraits and video calls.

Performance and Battery Life

Powered by the A9 chip with 64-bit architecture and an embedded M9 motion coprocessor, the iPhone 6s delivered impressive performance for its time. This chip provided up to 70% faster CPU performance and up to 90% faster GPU performance compared to the A8 chip in the iPhone 6.

The device came with 2GB of RAM, double that of its predecessor, which allowed for better multitasking and app performance. Storage options ranged from 16GB to 128GB, catering to different user needs.

Battery life was a crucial aspect of the iPhone 6s. It featured a 1715mAh battery, which Apple claimed could provide up to 14 hours of talk time on 3G, up to 10 hours of internet use on 3G or LTE, and up to 11 hours on Wi-Fi. While these figures were respectable, some users found that the battery life was slightly shorter than that of the iPhone 6, likely due to the more powerful processor and additional features like 3D Touch.

Software and User Experience

The iPhone 6s launched with iOS 9, which introduced several new features and improvements. These included a more intelligent Siri, a News app, and enhanced multitasking capabilities for iPad. The device was upgradable to iOS 15, ensuring that users could benefit from the latest software features and security updates for several years after its release.

One of the most significant software features introduced with the iPhone 6s was 3D Touch. This technology allowed the device to distinguish between different levels of pressure applied to the screen, enabling new ways to interact with apps and the operating system. For example, users could “peek” into content without fully opening it or access quick actions from app icons on the home screen.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the iPhone 6s supported a wide range of LTE bands, making it compatible with networks worldwide. It also featured faster Wi-Fi (802.11ac) and Bluetooth 4.2 for improved wireless performance.

The device included NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, primarily used for Apple Pay, allowing users to make secure payments using their iPhone. Other notable features included a barometer for tracking elevation changes and flights of stairs climbed, and support for Voice over LTE (VoLTE) for high-quality voice calls.

Comparison with Other iPhone Models

When compared to its predecessor, the iPhone 5s, the iPhone 6s offers significant improvements across the board. It features a larger display, a more powerful processor, improved cameras, and introduces 3D Touch technology. The 6s also supports more LTE bands and offers better overall performance and features.

When compared to the iPhone 6s Plus, the iPhone 6s offers a more compact form factor with its 4.7-inch display, making it easier to use with one hand. However, the 6s Plus boasts a larger 5.5-inch display, optical image stabilization for the rear camera, and a bigger battery, providing longer usage times. Both devices share the same A9 chip, 2GB of RAM, and 3D Touch technology.

The iPhone SE 1st generation, released in 2016, shares many internal components with the iPhone 6s, including the A9 chip and 2GB of RAM. However, it features a smaller 4-inch display and a design reminiscent of the iPhone 5s, appealing to users who prefer a more compact device. The SE lacks 3D Touch but offers similar performance in a smaller package.

Compared to the iPhone 7, which was released a year later, the iPhone 6s lacks water resistance and has an older A9 chip instead of the A10 Fusion. The iPhone 7 also introduced a dual-speaker system and removed the headphone jack, which the 6s still retains. Camera improvements in the iPhone 7 include optical image stabilization and a wider aperture.

Impact and Legacy

The iPhone 6s played a crucial role in Apple’s smartphone lineup, building upon the success of the iPhone 6 while introducing innovative features like 3D Touch. Its powerful A9 chip and improved cameras set new standards for smartphone performance and photography at the time of its release.

Even years after its launch, the iPhone 6s remained a popular choice for many users, thanks to its balance of performance, features, and affordability. Its ability to receive software updates for several years after release (up to iOS 15) ensured that users could enjoy new features and security improvements long after the device’s initial launch.

Availability in Qatar

In Qatar, the iPhone 6s has been available through various channels since its release. Major electronics retailers like Jarir Bookstore, Lulu Hypermarket, and Al Meera offer the device, often with different storage options and color variants.

Additionally, telecom providers like Ooredoo and Vodafone Qatar have included the iPhone 6s in their smartphone lineups, sometimes offering it with contract plans.

It’s worth noting that as of 2024, while the iPhone 6s is still available in Qatar, it is primarily found as a refurbished or pre-owned device. New units are increasingly rare, and prices can vary significantly based on the condition and seller.

Potential buyers should carefully consider the device’s age and compare it with more recent iPhone models that may offer better long-term value.

Price Trends and Considerations

The price of the iPhone 6s in Qatar has naturally decreased since its initial release. At launch, the device was positioned as a premium smartphone with a corresponding price tag. However, as newer iPhone models have been introduced, the price of the 6s has steadily declined.As of 2024, prices for the iPhone 6s in Qatar can range from as low as QAR 440 for a refurbished 16GB model to around QAR 1,099 for a new 32GB version.

These prices can fluctuate based on factors such as:

1. Storage capacity (16GB, 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB)
2. Condition (new, refurbished, or pre-owned)
3. Retailer or seller
4. Current market demand
5. Availability of newer iPhone models

When considering purchasing an iPhone 6s in Qatar, potential buyers should weigh the following factors:

1. Intended use: The iPhone 6s can still handle most everyday tasks and run many popular apps. However, it may struggle with the latest, most demanding applications or games.
2. Software support: While the iPhone 6s can run up to iOS 15, it will not receive future major iOS updates. This means it may eventually lack access to the latest features and security improvements.
3. Battery life: Older devices may have diminished battery capacity. If purchasing a used or refurbished model, inquire about the battery health or consider budgeting for a battery replacement.
4. 5G compatibility: The iPhone 6s does not support 5G networks, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Qatar.
5. Camera quality: While the 12MP camera was impressive for its time, it lacks features found in newer iPhones, such as Night mode or multiple lenses.
6. Future-proofing: Consider whether investing in a more recent iPhone model might provide better long-term value, even if the initial cost is higher.