iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus: Here is our first look

Here we go… as is tradition, we always manage to get our hands on Apple’s new iPhones a wee bit early. This year brings two different models, and judging by what has been reported and written, the iPhone 6 is the evolution of the iPhone line, while the iPhone 6 Plus can almost be considering a new type of product for Apple — one that might even be able to replace the iPad mini.

Here are my initial observations, followed by a boatload of photos.

View the full iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus First Look gallery

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See all 7 photos

First, the iPhone 6

The screen is the most beautiful screen that I have ever seen.

It looks like it’s fake, and is closer to the glass than before, more vivid, brighter and clearer. There is so much fluidity as you scroll and tap, bounce and flick on the screen. It feels like you are really manipulating the software in real-time with zero resistance.

The iPhone 6 is also insanely light, yet it still feels like a premium product. The handset is actually much bigger than you would expect without ever seeing one in person. Add the iPhone 6 case and the device starts to feel even bigger, but I’m sure that after using it as my main phone for a short time, it’s going to feel natural just as the 3.5-inch iPhone felt absolutely tiny after the iPhone 5 came out. But it’s still a big change.

The speed seems slightly faster than the iPhone 5s in some quick tests involving launching apps and navigating the interface, and obviously the camera and other features have not been tested yet.

Onto the iPhone 6 Plus

Actually no, this is the most beautiful screen that I have ever seen.

It seems like nothing can be more clear and crisp than the iPhone 6, but the 6 Plus’ display really is. And the difference isn’t just technical, you can perceive it easily.’

And wow is this phone big.

There is just a little bit more girth compared to the iPhone 6, but since the phone is larger all around it isn’t noticeable. But there’s no getting around the fact that this is one large device. I am hurting myself thinking of whether or not I could use this device as my main phone, and the answer to that question is going to have to wait.

I love the iPad-like dual views in apps like Mail and Contacts, and I love that you can see thumbnails of your contacts in iMessage. Moving the power button from the top to the right was a smart one, though not a new one since almost every Android device in the last couple years has made this the default.

While Apple is the last major smartphone maker to the large screen party, that’s like saying Ferrari was the last to make an all-wheel drive vehicle… who cares? These phones are great and we can’t wait to start writing our reviews and publish them in the coming days, so stay tuned!