(Image: Apple)
I've been using the iPhone 6 Plus as my primary smartphone for over a week now, and during that time I've gotten to know Apple's new flagship product pretty well, in particular the pros and cons of owning and using one daily.
Rather than waste your time with a full-blown review, I'm going to keep things simple and to the point, and give you a rundown of what I like and dislike about the iPhone 6 Plus, along with a list of iOS 8 improvements I'd like to see Apple provide to make using the handset easier. And finally, I deliver my verdict.
What I will say from the outset is that this is the first iPhone I've owned where I feel truly torn over how I feel about it. Yes, the iPhone 6 Plus is a great handset, but the ultimate price of ownership isn't the price tag but tolerating a number of compromises. And as a result of that, I don't think that the iPhone 6 Plus is for everyone.
It's easy to think that bigger is always better, but when you're in the realm of 5.5-inch displays, this is not always the case.
Please remember that these are my impressions of iPhone 6 Plus, and you may feel differently. That's OK. I strongly encourage you to read other reviews, and to even go handle one at a store before making a commitment.
Pros
Battery life: I'm really liking the fact that I finally have an iPhone that can not only got for a whole day without needing a recharge, but also a good part of the next day too. Of everything new that the iPhone 6 Plus brings to the table, it is the vastly improved battery life that I love the most.
Brilliant display: The 5.5-inch display of the iPhone 6 Plus is truly gorgeous. Everything from reading ebooks to watching videos to gaming on it feels better thanks to the high-quality screen.
A tool for doing real work: The iPhone 6 Plus is a tool that allows you to get real work done. In fact, I'm amazed how much it has replaced both my iPad and my Kindle Fire HDX over the past week.
Superior camera: The camera on the iPhone 6 Plus isn't just a little better than that found on its predecessor, it's a huge improvement. Sharpness, vibrancy, and low-light shooting abilities are all a huge leap forward.
It's tough: Mine has hit the deck a couple of times with no ill effects, and the screen seems to resist scratches and scrapes well. Despite carrying the iPhone 6 Plus in a pocket, I've not seen any signs of bending at all.
New vibrate motor: Seems like a small point, but the new vibrate motor that Apple has used in the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus is simply amazing. It's powerful and beefy, and you can easily feel this even if the handset is being carried in a jacket pocket.
Call quality: The speakers and microphones are superior in every way to previous-generation iPhones, and deliver excellent call quality.
