Better A8 processors
Both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus are now powered by the new Apple-designed 64-bit A8 processing chip. The A8 offers longer sustained performance and better energy efficiency, which makes it run games with better, smoother frame rates. Apple claims the new chip offers up to 25 per cent faster processor speed and 50 per cent faster graphics. This means as compared to the original iPhone, the new processor in the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is 84 times faster.
The new A8 is also up to 50 percent more power-efficient and will be able to sustain power-intensive tasks for longer while generating less heat. Apple has also unveiled the M8 motion coprocessor, which measures data from the accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass. It's more than a step tracker, the new M8 can distinguish between sports such as cycling and running. It also can calculate distance and elevation using an onboard barometer to measure air pressure changes. Third-party app integration also will be available with Nike already confirming it will updates its Nike+ app to support these advanced capabilities.
Camera
Both the devices offer features an 8-megapixel iSight camera with 1.5-micron pixels and a f/2.2 aperture. The new camera sports an all-new Focus Pixels sensor that senses light quickly for swift auto focus. The new sensor also allows for exposure control (the ability to lighten or darken a photo as you're taking it), better face detection, and automatic image stabilization.
Powered by the iPhone's new 64-bit A8 chip, the iPhone 6 Plus features optical image stabilization, in which the A8, M8, and gyroscope work together to compensate for hand-shake and allow for better photos in lower light. The camera sports a five-element lens and a new image signal processor that Apple says vastly improves performance.
Both models have a “best shot” mode. Now users can take Panorams at up to 43 megapixels. The biggest changes might be to video: you can now capture 1080p HD video at 60 fps, or even opt for slo-mo videos at 240 fps. Continuous autofocus and cinematic video stabilization promise to make your recordings look better than ever.
Wireless Capabilities
The iPhone 6 now features faster LTE than iPhone 5s and support for up to 20 LTE wireless bands. You'll benefit from Wi-Fi calling and voice over LTE. The iPhone 6 also supports 802.11ac Wi-Fi, for a connection that's up to triple the speed than that of an iPhone 5s.
NFC & Apple Pay
Finally the iPhone 6 offers the much-awaited NFC (near-field communication) capabilities. These capabilities are an important part of Apple's new mobile-payment service called Apple Pay. Used in conjunction with Touch ID and a data-storage system dubbed Secure Element, the NFC features will allow you to use Apple Pay to quickly, easily, and securely buy goods in retail stores without having to use your actual credit card.
Battery Life
The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus both offer improved battery life. Battery life on the smaller iPhone 6 has seen a minor upgrade, with 10 hours more talk time and an hour more Wi-Fi browsing time. The iPhone 6 Plus offers 3G talk time of 24 hours and 12 hours of web browsing on 3G and 4G.
New Operating System (iOS 8)
The iPhone 6 and the iPhone 6 Plus will ship with iOS 8, Apple's newest mobile operating system. iOS 8's main goal is to improve integration between Apple devices, both mobile and desktop, through the use of "Continuity." This means users can seamlessly transition tasks between iPhones, iPads, Macs, and the Apple Watch. iOS 8 offers features like interactive notifications, widgets in the Notification Center, third-party keyboards, and a new QuickType predictive keyboard.
Pricing
The devices will be available on September 19, 2014 (in the US, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Australia). The rollout to other countries will begin "soon after," according to Apple. As for the price, the iPhone 6 will cost $199 for the 16GB model, $299 for 64GB, and $399 for 128GB. The iPhone 6 Plus will run $100 more: $299 for 16GB, $399 for 64GB, and $499 for 128GB.
