Two legendary smartphones – who will win?
Choosing between the iPhone 6 (2014) and Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 (2019) is not just a comparison of technology, but a clash of two philosophies: Apple’s time-tested ecosystem and Xiaomi’s aggressive pricing proposition: Both devices are long gone, but are actively sold in the secondary market – and here’s where the fun begins.
On the one hand, the iPhone 6 is a cult device that still gets updates (though not the latest) and works with modern Apple services. On the other hand, the Redmi Note 7 offers 2-3 times more performance, a better camera and battery for the same money. But not so clear: each option has pitfalls that sellers do not mention. Let's figure out what to choose in 2026 - and for whom.
In this article, you'll find not only dry specs, but also real-world battery tests, 2026 performance comparisons, and regionally tailored aftermarket pricing analysis. We won't praise or scold brands -- just facts, figures, and expert insights.
1. Performance: 5-year-old processor vs 9-year-old
On paper, the difference is huge: the iPhone 6 is equipped with an Apple A8 chip (2014, 2 cores, 1.4 GHz), and the Redmi Note 7 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 (2018, 8 cores, 2.2 GHz). But the real difference does not always match the numbers. Let's test.
In synthetic tests (Geekbench 5), the gap is huge:
- 📊 iPhone 6: ~250 points (single-core), ~500 points (multi-core)
- 📊 Redmi Note 7: ~1600 points (single-core), ~5500 points (multi-core)
But in everyday tasks, the picture is different. iOS is optimized for weak iron, so the iPhone 6 is still able to run WhatsApp, Telegram and even Instagram (with lags). But the Redmi Note 7 on Android 11 (maximum firmware) is already beginning to “brake” when multitasking due to a lack of RAM (3/4 GB vs. 1 GB of iPhone 6).
⚠️ Note: iPhone 6 cannot install apps that require iOS 13+ (For example, modern banking apps or TikTok, check compatibility before buying!
| Parameter | iPhone 6 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A8 (2014) | Snapdragon 660 (2018) |
| RAM | 1GB | 3/4 GB |
| Max. OS version | iOS 12.5.7 | Android 11 (MIUI 12.5) |
| Support for applications | Limited (no iOS 13+) | Full (but lags when multitasking) |
2 Camera: 8MP vs 48MP - why megapixels are deceptive
On paper, the Redmi Note 7 won by a crushing score: 48 MP (main) + 5 MP (depth) versus 8 MP for the iPhone 6. But the real quality of photos depends not only on the megapixels.
- 📸 Daylight: Redmi Note 7 gives more detailed shots, but often twitches colors (especially red). iPhone 6 loses in detail, but photos look more natural.
- 🌃 Ncho/Twilight: Here the iPhone 6 loses catastrophically - there's a lot of noise and autofocus is slow.The Redmi Note 7 does better thanks to Night Mode mode (though not perfect).
- 🎥 Video: iPhone 6 videotape 1080p@60fps It is very stable and the Redmi Note is very stable. 7 — into 4K@30fps, without stabilization.
The main disadvantage of the Redmi Note 7 is the software processing. Xiaomi aggressively smooths the skin on the portraits and overstates the saturation, which is not popular. iPhone 6 has almost no processing, but there is a problem with autofocus close (at a distance of less than 10 cm, the camera refuses to focus).
Photos from both smartphones (clickable)
📷 Photo on iPhone 6 (daylight)
📷 Photo from Redmi Note 7 (night mode)
3. Battery: 1810 mAh vs 4000 mAh — who will live to see the evening?
Here the Redmi Note 7 wins unconditionally: 4000 mAh vs. 1810 mAh for the iPhone 6.
- ⚡ iPhone 6 in 2026 holds a charge of 2-3 hours when used actively (social networks, instant messengers). Battery worn by 70-80%, replacement will cost in 2000-3000 ₽.
- ⚡ Redmi Note 7 with a new battery lasts 6-8 hours, but if the battery is already worn out (and in the used market it is 90% of cases), the time is reduced to 4-5 hours.
Critical: iPhone 6 supports fast charging (up to 50% in 30 minutes), but only with the original 12W adapter. Redmi Note 7 charges from Quick Charge 4.0, but in practice the difference is minimal - both smartphones gain 100% in 2-2.5 hours.
⚠️ Note: The Redmi Note 7 is often a battery bloat issue (especially in 2019-2020 models!
☑️ How to check the battery before buying
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Ask for a screenshot from Settings → Battery → Status (for iPhone)|Install AccuBattery (for Android)|View the charging cycle in AIDA64|View the body for bloating
4. Screen: 4.7" vs 6.3" - compact or comfortable?
The iPhone 6 is one of the latest compact smartphones with a diagonal of 4.7 inches (resolution 1334×750). Redmi Note 7 offers 6.3 inches (2340×1080) with a drip notch.
- 📱 For one hand: iPhone 6 is more convenient - it can be used with your thumb.Redmi Note 7 requires two hands or gymnastics with fingers.
- 🎮 For games/video: The Redmi Note 7's big screen wins, but because of the LCD-matrix (iPhone 6 — IPS) squirrel.
- ☀️ In the sun: iPhone 6 has better readability due to its high brightness (500 nits vs 450 nits from a competitor).
The Redmi Note 7 has a read mode (a black and white screen to save battery life), and the iPhone 6 has 3D Touch (although it is almost not used in 2026).
💡
On the iPhone 6, you can enable Zoom Display (Settings → Screen and Luminance → Enlarge) to zoom in on the interface without losing clarity.
5.Memory and storage: 16GB vs 64/128GB - an eternal problem
This is one of the most painful points. iPhone 6 in the basic version has 16 GB of memory, of which only 12-13 GB is available. In 2026, this is only enough for messengers. Redmi Note 7 offers options for 32/64/128 GB + microSD slot (up to 256 GB).
But there are nuances:
- 💾 iPhone 6 can’t expand memory, but iCloud (5GB free) partially solves the problem with photos and backups.
- 💾 On the Redmi Note 7, the microSD runs slowly (class) A1), So the map apps are slowing down.
- 🔄 Both smartphones support OTG, But the iPhone 6 needs a special Lightning adapter → USB-A (~1000 ₽).
⚠️ Note: Redmi Note 7 with 32 GB of memory can not be transferred to the application SD-The map is media files only. It's a restriction. MIUI, crooked.
Price in the secondary market (2026): where is the best?
Costs are highly dependent on region and condition of the device. Average prices in Russia (based on Avito and Yula, May 2026):
| Model | Status. | Price, ₽ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6 16GB | B/o, with puncture pixels | 3 000 – 5 000 | Often with a broken screen or worn-out battery |
| iPhone 6 64GB | B/oh, good. | 6 000 – 8 000 | Usually with a replaced battery. |
| Redmi Note 7 3/32GB | B/o, scratched. | 4 000 – 6 000 | Often without a box, with a worn-out battery |
| Redmi Note 7 4/64GB | B/o, great. | 7 000 – 9 000 | The best option in terms of price / quality |
The Redmi Note 7 in the 4/64 GB version is the best choice for the price, but only if the battery is replaced. iPhone 6 is cheaper, but its purchase is justified only for Apple fans or those who need an iOS smartphone for specific tasks (for example, for the Apple Watch).
💡
If the budget is up 5 000 ₽ — better 2 000 ₽ And take the Redmi Note. 7 4/64 GB with a new battery. 2–3 year of use instead of 6–12 month-long 6.
7. Software support: iOS 12 vs Android 11
The iPhone 6 stopped with iOS 12.5.7 (released in 2023), but that doesn’t mean it’s completely useless. Apple continues to release critical security updates, and the main apps (WhatsApp, Telegram, YouTube) are still working.
- 🚫 No support for Apple Pay (IOS 13 required)+).
- 🚫 You can't install TikTok, VK Music and many banking applications.
- 🚫 Safari does not support modern web standards (problems with Google Docs, Notion).
Redmi Note 7 officially updates to Android 11 (MIUI 12.5), but in practice most devices have stayed on Android 10.
- ✅ Full support for all apps from Google Play.
- ✅ You can install custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) to extend life.
- ✅ There are split screens and other chips MIUI.
The downside is that Xiaomi has dropped updates for this model, so it won’t get new versions of MIUI or Android.
8.For whom which smartphone: expert recommendations
The choice depends on your tasks. Here is a checklist that will help you decide:
☑️ Buy an iPhone 6 if you want to
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You need a smartphone for calls and instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)|You use the Apple Watch or other Apple gadgets|You need a compact size |You are ready to put up with the limitations of iOS 12
☑️ Buy Xiaomi Redmi Note 7 if you want to
0
You need more than 16GB of storage |You play mobile games (PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty) |Important good camera (especially night shooting) |You are ready to change the battery (or buy with already replaced)
Special cases:
- 🎮 For gamers: Redmi Note 7 only (but expect slowdowns in heavy games).
- 📸 Redmi Note 7 wins, but if you want a natural color, take the iPhone 6.
- 💼 To work: None of the options are suitable – it is better to consider the Redmi Note 10 or used iPhone SE (2020).
💡
If you need a smartphone for a year or two, take a Redmi Note 7 4/64 GB with a new battery. If you need a “perpetual” phone for calls and instant messengers – iPhone 6 (but be prepared for restrictions).