Choosing between the iPhone 6 (released in 2014) and Xiaomi’s modern smartphones in 2026 seems like an unequal battle. But don’t jump to conclusions! Apple’s old flagship is still in demand in the secondary market, and Xiaomi’s budget models offer the latest hardware for the same money. In this article, we’ll look at 7 key criteria — from performance to the ecosystem — to see which option will be more profitable for your tasks.
We will make a reservation right away: comparing the iPhone 6 with the flagships Xiaomi 14 Ultra or even Redmi Note 13 Pro+ is pointless – the generation difference is too great. So as opponents we will take the budget models Xiaomi 2022-2026 (for example, Redmi 12, Poco M6 Pro or Xiaomi 13 Lite), which cost about the same as asking for a used iPhone 6 today (from 8 000 to 15 000 rubles).
1. Performance: 8-year-old chip vs modern budget
The heart of the iPhone 6 is the Apple A8 (2 cores, 1.4 GHz) processor, which was considered revolutionary at the time. But by the standards of 2026, it is an archaic: even the simplest tasks like scrolling through Instagram tape or running Google Maps cause freezes. For comparison, the budget Redmi 12 is equipped with a Helio G88 (8 cores, 2.0 GHz) - the difference in power between a bicycle and a motorcycle.
Here's what the tests show:
| Model | Processor | RAM | AnTuTu (2026) | Support for games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6 | Apple A8 | 1GB | ~50 000 | Just the Lungs (Candy Crush, 2048) |
| Redmi 12 | Helio G88 | 4-8GB | ~220 000 | Medium (PUBG Mobile on low, Genshin Impact - no) |
| Poco M6 Pro | Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 | 6-8 GB | ~300 000 | Medium (Call of Duty Mobile) |
⚠️ Note: You can’t install iOS older than 12.5.7 on iPhone 6 (2022), which means that many modern apps (such as banking or instant messengers) either don’t update or don’t support this version of the OS at all!
On the other hand, even budget Xiaomi receive MIUI updates for at least 2-3 years since release. for example, the Redmi Note 11 (2022) is still supported, and the iPhone 6 has long been abandoned by the manufacturer.
2.Screen: Retina HD vs AMOLED with high frequency
iPhone 6 boast 4.7-inch IPS-resolution-screen 1334×750 (326 ppi - by standards 2014 It was the top of the year, but today even budget Xiaomi is offering:
- 📱 Large diagonal: 6.5–6.7 inches (e.g. Redmi 12 – 6.79″).
- 🔍 High pixel density: 395–405 ppi (vs. 326 for iPhone).
- 🎯 AMOLED-Matrix: in models from Xiaomi 13 Lite and higher (deep black, high contrast).
- ⚡ 90-120 Hz: Scrolling smoothness that the iPhone 6 does not have (60 Hz).
But the iPhone 6 has one undeniable advantage: color calibration, and even today, it's more accurate than many budget Xiaomi screens, where saturation is often overstated, and if you're working with photos or videos, it can be critical.
💡
To check the screen for broken pixels, run a video on your smartphone with a uniform color (such as black or white) at full brightness.
3.Camera: 8 MP vs 50+ MP (but not so simple)
On paper, the difference is enormous:
- 📷 iPhone 6: 8 MP (main), 1.2 MP (front), no night mode.
- 📷 Redmi 12:50MP (main) + 8 MP (ultra-wide) + 2 MP (macro), 8 MP (frontal).
But in reality, software processing is often more important than megapixels. iPhone 6 still takes color-balanced pictures during the day, while budget Xiaomi often overdoses noise cancellation or HDR. Examples:
| The scene. | iPhone 6 | Redmi 12 | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight | Natural colors, but few details | More details, but sometimes overlights | No one. |
| Low lighting. | Noisy, dark shot. | Brighter, but with noise-cancellation artifacts | Redmi 12 |
| Portrait mode | No. | Available (programmatic) | Redmi 12 |
| Video | Full HD 60 fps (stable) | Full HD 60 fps (sometimes shaking) | iPhone 6 |
⚠️ Warning: If you're planning to shoot videos for social networks, the iPhone 6 may be better than the budget Xiaomi due to the stable camera performance and good color reproduction. 10A better.
4. Battery and autonomy: where will it live longer?
The original iPhone 6 battery (1810 mAh) is guaranteed to degrade by 2026 — even after being replaced, it will not last long because of the outdated power controller architecture.
- ⏳ 3-4 hours of active screen (with a replaced battery).
- ⚡ No fast charging (maximum) 5W).
- 🔋 In intensive use - discharge in half a day.
For comparison, the Redmi 12 has a 5,000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.
- 📺 7–9 hours of video viewing.
- 🎮 5-6 hours of play.
- 🔋 1.5-2 days in mixed mode.
⚠️ Note: If you buy a used iPhone 6, be sure to check the battery status through Settings → Battery. → Battery status: If the capacity is below 70%, prepare for an early replacement (cost — ~2,000-3,000 rubles).
Originality of the battery (through diagnostics)
Screen state (whether there are yellow spots or broken pixels)
The work of all sensors (gyroscope, accelerometer)
No locking of iCloud (for iPhone)
-->
5. Ecosystem and Software: Indoor Garden vs Freedom of Android
Here the iPhone 6 loses not so much because of the hardware, as because of outdated software. iOS 12.5.7 does not support:
- 🔒 Modern security standards (e.g. Passkeys).
- 📱 Many app features (e.g. Instagram Stories are displayed curved).
- 🎮 Cloud Gaming (GeForce Now, Xbox Cloud).
- 🔄 Continuity (Handoff, Universal Clipboard) features with new Macs.
On the other hand, Apple’s ecosystem is still more stable than Xiaomi’s budget MIUI.
- ✅ Without “lags”: even on a weak hardware, iOS runs smoother than MIUI Helio G88.
- ✅ Long updates: Apps in the App Store are optimized for older iPhones (unlike Google Play).
- ✅ AirDrop and iMessage: If your friends are on iPhones, it’s convenient.
💡 Key takeaway: If you want stability and you use other Apple devices, the iPhone 6 might be a smart choice. If modern features and Android freedom matter, only Xiaomi.
💡
Apple’s ecosystem is closed but robust; MIUI is flexible but can slow down on budget models.
Price and secondary market: which is more profitable?
In the secondary market (Avito, Yula) prices in 2026 are as follows:
| Model | Status. | Price, ₽ | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 6 16/64GB | B/u, chipped, battery <80% | 6 000–9 000 | Case, charge (sometimes) |
| iPhone 6 64GB | Good, battery's been replaced. | 10 000–13 000 | Box, documents (rarely) |
| Redmi 12 4/128GB | New | 12 000–15 000 | Warranty 1 year |
| Poco M6 Pro 6/128GB | New | 14 000–16 000 | Guarantee, branded film |
💰 Withdrawal at price:
- 📱 For 10,000 to 13,000. ₽ You get either an iPhone 6 with outdated hardware or a new Xiaomi with warranty, a modern processor and update support.
- 🔧 Repair iPhone 6 (screen, battery, camera) is more expensive than similar repairs Xiaomi.
- 📉 Next articleIn a year, the iPhone 6 will lose in price more than the budget Xiaomi (demand for 10-year iPhones falls).
⚠️ Note: When buying a used iPhone 6 be sure to check:
- iCloud status (is blocked via Find iPhone)
- Originality of details (in Settings → Basic → About this device).
- Touch ID (often broken after replacing the Home button)
7. Who will the iPhone 6 fit in 2026?
Despite the downsides, the iPhone 6 could be a smart choice for three categories of users:
- 🎨 Designers/Photographers: If you need a smartphone to check color rendering (the iPhone 6 screen is still considered the reference screen).
- 👶 Children / elderly: simple interface, no unnecessary functions, reliability (if not drop).
- 🔄 Secondary sale: if you know how to repair and resell iPhones with a markup.
In all other cases, even budget Xiaomi will be more profitable – and performance, support, and autonomy.