The iPhone 11 is a solid device that offers an outstanding balance of design and performance. It is considered a top-of-the-line device even in comparison with newer models.
Design and performance-wise, the iPhone 11 is still strong, but in the camera department, it falls back compared to more recent models, like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14.
The iPhone 11 is compatible with the latest iOS version, making it a hit at this price point.
The iPhone 11 was released in September 2019 and has since been succeeded by the iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 lineups. Although newer series come with advanced features and design upgrades, the iPhone 11 is still a capable device for those who want to buy iPhone in 2023. In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at the design and build quality, display, camera, performance, and battery life of the iPhone 11 to determine whether it is worth buying in 2023.
iPhone 11 Specs
Display
6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD, 828 x 1792, 326 ppi
Body
Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), aluminum frame (7000 series)
Chipset
Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm)
RAM
4 GB
Internal Storage
64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
Battery
3110mAh
Charging
Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 minutes; Wireless (Qi)
Camera
Rear – 12 MP, f/1.8 (wide), dual pixel PDAF, OIS; 12 MP, f/2.4 (ultrawide)
Front – 12 MP, f/2.2, HDR, 1080p
OS
iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 16.2
Weight
194g
Colors
Black, White, Yellow, Green, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 features a glass and aluminum design that feels solid and well-built in hand. The front and rear glass panels are protected by Apple’s own Ion-strengthened glass, designed to be more durable than previous generation iPhone models.
Both the iPhone 14 and the iPhone 11 have a relatively similar build. They have glass on the back and front and aluminum around the edges. The only difference is that the iPhone 11 has curved edges while the iPhone 14 has squared-off edges. Also, the iPhone 11 is larger and heavier than the iPhone 14.
The iPhone 11 comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, green, yellow, purple, and (PRODUCT)RED. Additionally, the device is IP68 rated, meaning it is dust and water-resistant. It can be submerged in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes without damage.
Display
The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, which offers vibrant colors and excellent viewing angles. The display supports True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s color temperature to match the room’s ambient lighting. This results in a more natural viewing experience, as the display automatically adjusts to the lighting conditions of your environment.
iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 have OLED displays, but the iPhone 14’s display is significantly upgraded. For instance, we don’t have the always-on display in the iPhone 11. Also, the iPhone 11 has the notch but not Dynamic Island.
The iPhone 11 display also supports a wide color gamut, which makes colors appear more vivid and accurate. Additionally, the display has a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels, which is more than enough for most users.
Camera
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system on the back, consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens. The camera system supports 4K video recording and includes optical image stabilization, a six-element lens, and a True Tone flash. This allows for high-quality photos and videos even in low-light conditions.
The front-facing camera is a 12 MP TrueDepth camera that supports 4K video recording and includes features such as Smart HDR and Portrait mode. Portrait mode allows users to take beautiful, bokeh-style photos with a blurred background, and Smart HDR allows for more natural-looking images with improved detail and color.
The iPhone 11 camera doesn’t have HDR for the front-facing camera or the ProRes feature, like the iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Performance
The iPhone 11 is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which provides smooth performance and fast app launch times. The device comes with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB of internal storage, which is more than enough storage for most users. The device also supports Face ID, allowing users to unlock their device and make purchases with their own face. This is a secure and convenient way to unlock the device, and it works quickly and accurately.
In terms of performance, the iPhone 11 feels similar to the latest iPhones. However, it doesn’t have a ProMotion display, so it isn’t as smooth as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 Pro models.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 offers decent battery life, lasting up to 17 hours of talk time or 10 hours of internet use. The device also supports fast charging, allowing users to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes. This is an excellent feature for those who need to charge their device quickly throughout the day.
Additionally, the device supports Qi wireless charging, which allows users to charge their device simply by placing it on a wireless charging pad. However, it doesn’t support MagSafe charging like the latest models.
Conclusion
Overall, the iPhone 11 is a solid device that offers an outstanding balance of design, performance, and features. It still holds well in 2023 and is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance device at a more affordable price than the newer models. The device’s dual-camera system, A13 Bionic chip, and Face ID are still considered top-of-the-line compared to more recent models. Additionally, the device’s IP68 rating and fast charging capabilities make it an excellent option for those who want a durable device that can withstand the elements and charge quickly.
If you have an iPhone X or iPhone XR, it may not be worth upgrading to the iPhone 11. But if you’re considering a more recent model, like the iPhone 12 or 13, the iPhone 11 may deliver most of the features in these models with a much cheaper price tag.
You may not find a new iPhone 11 for sale because Apple discontinued it after announcing the launch of the iPhone 14 on September 7, 2022. However, you can find a refurbished or preowned iPhone 11 at third-party retailers like Phone Daddy.