Is the iPhone 11 Still Worth Buying in 2026? Yes, Absolutely.
The iPhone 11 remains an excellent buy in 2024 for most average consumers looking for a high-performing and reliable iPhone at an affordable price. After its September 2019 release, the iPhone 11 delivered tremendous value and has continued impressing over 3 years later thanks to its stellar combination of features, power and real-world usability.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll analyze if the iPhone 11 is still worth purchasing in 2024 based on factors like its:
- Overall value proposition
- Software update lifespan
- Camera performance
- Processing power and speed
- Battery life and durability
- Downsides to consider
- Comparisons to newer iPhone models
After reviewing all these factors in-depth, the verdict is clear: the iPhone 11 is very much still worth buying in 2024 for shoppers who want great iPhone specs and performance without overspending on the latest bells and whistles.
The iPhone 11 Still Delivers Tremendous Overall Value
The iPhone 11 struck an ideal balance of price and features when it launched over 3 years ago. Here‘s a look at why it continues providing tremendous overall value in 2024:
Used/Refurbished iPhone 11 Pricing
- Average Used Price on Swappa: $296 (64GB), $321 (256GB)
- Average Refurbished Price on Back Market: $339 (64GB), $379 (256GB)
This provides flagship-level iPhone performance and features for under $400. Compared to new lower-end iPhone models:
New iPhone Pricing for Comparison
- iPhone SE 2022 Starting Price: $429
- iPhone 12 Mini Starting Price: $599
And the differences compared to those models:
| Phone | Used/New Price | Key Advantages Over iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | $180-$360 used | – |
| iPhone SE 2022 | $429 new | A15 chip, 5G |
| iPhone 12 Mini | $599 new | OLED display, 5G, MagSafe |
For buyers who don‘t need every latest spec but want reliable high-end performance, the iPhone 11 is a tremendous value, delivering similar core features for $200-$400 less.
Longer Software Support Lifespan
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years after release with ongoing iOS updates:
| Phone | Release Date | Estimated End of Software Support |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | September 2019 | iOS 19 (2025) |
| iPhone 12 | October 2020 | iOS 20 (2026) |
| iPhone 13 | September 2021 | iOS 21 (2027) |
This allows the iPhone 11 to remain fast and secure running up through iOS 19, over 6 years from now. Most Android phones stop receiving updates after only 2-3 years.
Great Camera Performance, Even 3 Years Later
The iPhone 11‘s camera hardware and image processing still deliver fantastic results:
- 12MP wide and 12MP ultra wide rear cameras
- Night mode support
- Smart HDR capabilities
- 4K video recording at 60fps
Photo quality stands up well against many 2022-2023 mid-range Android phones costing $300-$500. While it doesn‘t match the iPhone 14 models, it provides camera performance the average user will find highly satisfying for years to come.
Still Fast and Smooth with the A13 Bionic Chip
The iPhone 11 is powered by Apple‘s A13 chip, which was their fastest processor in 2019, outperforming even that year‘s Android flagships. Combined with Apple‘s excellent iOS optimization, it still enables a smooth, snappy experience in everyday use and all but the most demanding games.
For realistic usage, the iPhone 11 is fast enough to continue feeling speedy and responsive for 4-5 years or more. Casual users especially won‘t notice any meaningful performance limitations.
Excellent Battery Life
While its 3,110 mAh battery capacity seems average, efficient software optimization allows the iPhone 11 to deliver fantastic battery life – matching and even exceeding many 2019 Android flagships when new. Power efficiency from the A13 Bionic extends battery lifespan as well.
Real-world tests confirm the iPhone 11 can easily last through a full day of use 3 years later. Battery lifespan does degrade over time, but performance remains strong.
Durable Design with IP68 Water/Dust Resistance
The iPhone 11 retains the same durable design as the iPhone XR, covered in a protective case it can withstand real-world wear and tear for years. And it boasts IP68 ratings for water/dust resistance to safely withstand splashes and accidental submersion without issue.
Between great battery life and durability, the iPhone 11 is built to serve buyers‘ needs for 3-4 years, if not longer.
Software Support Through iOS 19 in 2025
One of the iPhone 11‘s biggest advantages is its lengthy software support lifespan. Based on Apple‘s standard 5-6 years of iOS updates, owners can expect to receive software updates until at least September 2025.
This covers updates through iOS 19 in 2025 and possibly even iOS 20 a year later. Here are some key benefits of such long software support:
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Continued Security Updates – Having the latest iOS version ensures you get regular security patches for 6+ years. Vital for protecting sensitive data.
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New Features – Major iOS releases add useful new capabilities. iOS 16 added features like customizable Lock Screen widgets and iCloud Shared Photo Library. Future updates will bring more helpful innovations.
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Latest App Support – New iOS versions allow you to continue running the most recent app updates. Apps often drop support for old iOS versions.
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Performance Improvements – iOS updates include under-the-hood speed and optimization enhancements to sustain smooth performance.
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Long Term Investment Protection – Software support longevity protects your purchase‘s value. An iPhone 11 on iOS 19 will have much higher retained value in 2025 than an Android phone stuck on outdated software.
Having confirmed software support through iOS 19 in 2025 at minimum gives the iPhone 11 tremendous value staying power through the remainder of this decade.
Camera Hardware That Still Delivers in 2024
The iPhone 11‘s rear camera system with 12MP wide and 12MP ultra wide lenses was ahead of its competition in 2019. Here are some sample shots showing it still captures fantastic images versus newer budget phones:
<insert comparison photos showing iPhone 11 camera quality>
Image processing plays a big role too. Smart HDR and Apple‘s computational photography give photos rich detail and accurate colors in varied lighting. The iPhone 11 also introduced Night mode for dramatically improved low light shots.
It lacks some newer high-end camera features like telephoto zoom, macro mode and ProRes video. But core quality remains excellent for social media, memories and everyday shots. For many buyers, sacrificing a bit of camera versatility to save $400+ is well worth it.
Smooth Performance Thanks to the A13 Bionic Chip
The iPhone 11 is powered by Apple‘s A13 Bionic, which was their fastest smartphone processor in 2019. It still enables a very responsive experience in everyday use. Here‘s a look at how the A13 Bionic‘s performance holds up:
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CPU Performance: Approximately 20% faster than today‘s Snapdragon 720G, a competent 2022 upper mid-range Android chipset.
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Graphics Performance: Around 2x faster than the Snapdragon 720G‘s graphics capabilities. Enables smooth gameplay.
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Neural Engine: Next-gen machine learning powers camera features and on-device AI.
For context, the Snapdragon 720G powers phones like the $500+ Galaxy A52 5G. Yet the iPhone 11‘s 3-year-old A13 Bionic still noticeably outperforms it. This demonstrates how well the A13 stands up today.
In real-world use, the only limitations most users might notice are slightly longer app load times or occasional stutters in super demanding games released in 2022-2023. But for everyday usage, the iPhone 11 still feels extremely fast and fluid.
All-Day Battery Life 3+ Years Later
The iPhone 11 has a 3,110 mAh battery, which is considered average capacity by 2023 standards. However, thanks to the power efficiency of the A13 Bionic chip along with iOS software optimizations, it delivers excellent real-world battery life:
- Average Screen-On Time: Approximately 8-10 hours per charge based on usage
- Video Playback Time: Up to 17 hours
- Audio Playback Time: Up to 65 hours
For comparison, those usage times match or even exceed some 2022-2023 Android phones with much larger 4,500+ mAh batteries. The iPhone 11‘s battery life holds up remarkably well.
Of course, all batteries degrade over time. After 3 years, users may notice they don‘t hit quite as long of screen-on times. But performance should still easily last a full day for most people. Overall the battery life remains very competitive.
Rugged Design Built to Last
The iPhone 11 uses the same durable design as the previous iPhone XR, with an aluminum frame and glass front/back. While the glass is fragile, covered in a protective case the iPhone 11 can withstand lots of everyday wear and tear.
It also retains the IP68 rating for water and dust resistance first introduced on the iPhone X line. This allows it to:
- Survive accidental splashes and dunks in water up to 2 meters deep for 30 minutes
- Resist dust ingress that can damage internal components
For buyers wanting a device they can use worry-free in different environments without babying, the iPhone 11 delivers durability and water resistance that holds up extremely well, even 3 years later.
Downsides to Consider
While the iPhone 11 makes a compelling case as a used purchase in 2024, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:
No 5G Connectivity
The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE networks. In areas with poor LTE service, 5G can provide much faster speeds. For buyers who depend on 5G, it may be worth opting for an iPhone 12 or newer.
LCD Display
The 6.1" screen is high-quality LCD, but can‘t match OLED displays for contrast and colors. Users very sensitive to display quality may prefer one of Apple‘s OLED iPhone models.
Large Bezels
The iPhone 11‘s bezels look rather dated compared to newer iPhones with edge-to-edge screens. For users who prioritize sleek aesthetics, the large bezels could be unappealing.
No MagSafe
Newer iPhones support MagSafe charging and accessories. Not a dealbreaker omission, but a nice feature unavailable on the iPhone 11.
No Night Mode for Selfie Camera
The front 12MP selfie camera lacks night mode support, so low light selfies won‘t look great. Only a concern for frequent selfie takers.
Overall these downsides are relatively minor. But they are worth acknowledging for prospective buyers prioritizing certain features like display quality or 5G connectivity.
How the iPhone 11 Compares to Newer iPhone Models
To provide additional context, here‘s a brief look at how the iPhone 11 stacks up against newer iPhone models in terms of value for a 2023 purchase:
iPhone 12 Mini
- Used Price: ~$420+
- Advantages vs. iPhone 11:
- OLED display
- 5G connectivity
- MagSafe charging
- A14 chip (slightly faster)
- Verdict: Justifies its higher used cost for some buyers, but most won‘t need the extras urgently. iPhone 11 remains very competitive.
iPhone 12
- Used Price: ~$530+
- Advantages vs. iPhone 11:
- OLED display, 5G, MagSafe
- Slightly improved cameras
- A14 chip (faster)
- Verdict: You pay a noticeable premium for upgrades most users won‘t desperately need or notice day-to-day. Still not a major leap over the iPhone 11 for many.
iPhone 13
- Used Price: ~$650+
- Advantages vs. iPhone 11:
- Much faster A15 chip
- Improved OLED display
- Significantly upgraded cameras
- 5G connectivity
- Verdict: Delivers more meaningful improvements in performance and camera quality. Justifies its higher used price for shoppers who demand top-of-the-line specs. But still overkill for more casual users.
iPhone SE 2022
- Used Price: ~$250
- Advantages vs. iPhone 11:
- A15 Bionic chip
- 5G connectivity
- Verdict: Chip upgrade provides some future proofing and 5G is nice. But the SE 2022‘s weaker battery life, cameras, and display make the iPhone 11 easily worth the small extra cost in most cases.
Conclusion: The iPhone 11 Is Still a Great Buy in 2024
To summarize, the iPhone 11 remains an excellent purchase option in 2024 for price-conscious shoppers who want great performance and camera capabilities without overspending on the latest features.
Compared to both used older iPhone models and brand new budget iPhone options, the iPhone 11 stands tall as the best value combination of specs, performance, camera quality, and software longevity.
Unless 5G, MagSafe charging, or an OLED display are absolute must-have features, most average consumers can save $200-$400 and be extremely well served by the venerable iPhone 11 this year. It will satisfy the needs of most buyers now and maintain great usability for years to come.