I’ve enjoyed my iPhone 6 Plus since first realizing #MykeWasRight and trading in my small, junky iPhone 6 for a nicely-sized, amazing iPhone 6 Plus back in the spring.
Like many of you, I pre-ordered a phone a couple of weeks ago, and today it came: a 64GB Space Gray iPhone 6S Plus. There’s a lot I haven’t done with this new phone yet, but I’ll be taking notes for a review. Here are some initial impressions until then:
1. It’s a tad heavier. While only 20 or so grams heavier than the model it replaces, the 6S Plus is noticeably heavier in the hand. I gave both to my wife and asked her what the differences were between the two devices, and the weight was the first thing she said.
That’s not a complaint, mind you. The 6S Plus feels really nice to hold; the touch of extra weight helps it feel more solid, somehow. While I know this impression will fade over time, it’s something I noticed the second I pulled it from the box.
2. It’s a tad grippier. Like the weight thing, the new phone seems slightly more grippy. It’s still a crazy-slippery device with those rounded edges, but the metal seems a little more tacky now. I hope its a sensation that sticks around and doesn’t wear off over time.
3. 3D Touch is awesome. As goofy as the names “Peek” and “Pop” are, this new level of interaction is really nice. I haven’t accidentally triggered anything; like the Watch, the force these touches require is something you have to apply deliberately. It’s great in apps, but it’s really great on the homescreen. I can’t wait until all my apps provide shortcuts here.
4. Taptic Motor > Old Vibrate Motor. It now no longer sounds like a bomb going off if I get a notification and my phone is sitting flat on my wood desk.
5. It’s fast. After the initial post-restore churn settled down, I quickly noticed how fast this phone is. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth and TouchID is so fast, I never see the lockscreen. I’ll need to change my habit of bumping the home button with my thumb to turn on the screen; now it just logs me into the phone instantly.