iPhone 11 still a good choice now?

Link to Product

With the release of the iPhone 16, Apple's iPhone lineup has seen several advancements in performance, design, and features. However, many people might still wonder if the iPhone 11, launched in 2019, remains a viable option in 2024. Given its lower price and decent performance, the iPhone 11 may still tempt buyers. Let's explore whether it’s still worth purchasing today.

Design: Starting to Feel Dated, But Still Functional

When the iPhone 11 debuted, it featured a design similar to the iPhone XR, with its aluminum frame, glass back, and wide notch at the top. By today’s standards, especially after the iPhone 16's sleeker design with reduced bezels and Dynamic Island across all models, the iPhone 11's aesthetics feel outdated. The larger bezels and wider notch give it a bulkier appearance, especially when compared to the newer models with a more refined look.

Despite this, the iPhone 11’s design is still durable and functional. It's water-resistant with an IP68 rating, making it suitable for everyday use and occasional splashes or rain. It also retains a comfortable form factor with its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display.

Display: Showing Its Age

The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS display on the iPhone 11 was great for its time but feels dated compared to the Super Retina XDR OLED displays of newer iPhones. While the display is still bright, with accurate color reproduction and sufficient for tasks like watching videos, browsing the web, or casual gaming, it lacks the deep contrast, sharper resolution, and vivid colors that OLED screens offer.

Moreover, the iPhone 11 still has a 60Hz refresh rate, which by 2024 standards feels less responsive, especially when compared to the 120Hz ProMotion displays found on the latest iPhones. If you're coming from an older iPhone or a lower-end device, the display may still feel sufficient, but it's clear that the iPhone 11's screen doesn’t match the smoothness and sharpness of newer models.

Performance: Solid but Outclassed by Newer Chips

The iPhone 11 is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which was top-of-the-line when it launched. In 2024, while the A17 Bionic chip in the iPhone 16 offers considerable improvements in terms of processing power, efficiency, and AI capabilities, the A13 still performs well for day-to-day tasks. Basic activities like browsing, using social media, streaming, and even some light gaming are handled smoothly.

However, with apps becoming more resource-intensive and iOS updates continually optimized for newer chips, the A13 is starting to show its limitations, especially in multitasking and more demanding tasks like high-end gaming or 4K video editing. The iPhone 11 will likely continue to handle regular tasks for a couple more years, but its future-proofing is limited compared to newer models.

Camera: Still Competent, But Lacks Modern Features

The dual-camera system on the iPhone 11 includes a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens. It was a significant upgrade at the time, especially with features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion for enhanced low-light photography. In 2024, the iPhone 11’s camera still holds up well for casual photography, delivering detailed shots in well-lit conditions and decent low-light performance.

However, compared to the 48MP and AI-enhanced cameras in the iPhone 16, the iPhone 11 lacks modern photography features like ProRAW, advanced night mode, optical zoom, and superior AI-powered image processing. Video recording on the iPhone 11 maxes out at 4K 60fps, which is still quite good for casual use, but the latest iPhones offer much better video stabilization, HDR recording, and even 8K video on higher-end models.

For everyday social media users, the iPhone 11's camera system is still more than adequate, but for photography enthusiasts, it feels dated.

Battery Life: Good, but Not Great by Today’s Standards

One area where the iPhone 11 still holds up relatively well is battery life. With its 3110mAh battery, the iPhone 11 can last through a full day of moderate usage, including browsing, video streaming, and occasional calls. However, newer iPhones, especially the iPhone 16, have better battery efficiency thanks to more advanced processors and larger battery capacities.

Additionally, the iPhone 11 only supports 18W fast charging and Qi wireless charging, which is slower than the MagSafe and faster wired charging options available on modern iPhones. While the battery life is still serviceable, users coming from more recent models might find the iPhone 11 lacking in terms of charging speed and battery optimization.

Software: Still Supported, But for How Long?

As of 2024, the iPhone 11 runs iOS 17, and Apple’s stellar track record for long-term software support ensures that it will continue receiving updates for at least another year or two. However, with each iOS update, older devices tend to see some performance slowdowns, and new features are often optimized for newer hardware.

While the iPhone 11 will remain usable and secure for the immediate future, buyers should be aware that it's nearing the end of its major software update cycle, and future updates may not include all the new features introduced with upcoming versions of iOS.

Price: The iPhone 11’s Biggest Advantage

One of the most compelling reasons to consider the iPhone 11 in 2024 is its price. Now that the iPhone 16 has launched, the iPhone 11 can be found at significantly lower prices, often under RM900 for refurbished or used models or under RM1900 brand new at authorised resellers. For budget-conscious buyers, it offers a way to enter the iPhone ecosystem without spending premium prices.

While it doesn’t come with the latest hardware or camera innovations, the iPhone 11 still offers a solid iPhone experience at a fraction of the cost of newer models. If you're someone who doesn’t need the latest features but values a smooth user experience and access to the iOS ecosystem, the iPhone 11 remains a value buy in 2024.

What's in the box?

Verdict: 7/10 – Still Good, But Not Future-Proof

Pros:

- Affordable, especially as prices drop further

- Decent performance for day-to-day tasks

- Solid camera for casual use

- Long-lasting battery (for moderate use)

- iOS support for at least another year or two

Cons:

- Outdated design with large bezels and wide notch

- LCD display is inferior to OLED and lacks 120Hz refresh rate

- A13 Bionic chip is showing its age in resource-heavy tasks

- No 5G support (only LTE)

- Cameras lack modern AI features and advanced capabilities

- Limited future-proofing for iOS updates

Final Thoughts: Is the iPhone 11 Still a Good Buy in 2024?

If you’re on a tight budget and can find the iPhone 11 at a good price, it’s still a viable option for basic smartphone needs. It remains reliable for tasks like social media, video calls, web browsing, and casual gaming. However, if you’re looking for future-proofing, better performance, modern features, or 5G connectivity, you’re better off investing in a newer iPhone, such as the iPhone 13 or iPhone 14, which are now more affordable after the release of the iPhone 16.

In short, the iPhone 11 is still a decent option for budget-conscious buyers but is increasingly overshadowed by newer, more powerful devices. Its age is starting to show, so consider whether you’re willing to sacrifice modern features and future updates for a lower price.

PRM

view iPhone 11 , iPhone 13 , iPhone 14