When you're searching for a new phone, you want to find the model that works best for your needs at the lowest price. As the most popular smartphone model of 2020, the Apple® iPhone 11 has attracted plenty of positive attention and aged well. The 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max models have also been popular, making this generation an excellent option for potential iPhone buyers.
Even though Apple debuted the iPhone 11 in 2019, these models are still worth considering today. The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models have fantastic cameras, excellent design and a speedy processor. In our head-to-head iPhone 11 comparison below, you'll learn more about the similarities and differences between the iPhone 11 models. If you're in the market for a cell phone upgrade, this iPhone 11 buyer's guide will give you all the information to decide which is the best iPhone 11 for you.
iPhone 11 Display Options
One of the most significant areas where different iPhone models compete is the screen and display features. The iPhone 11 models all have similar display features. For instance, these phones have an all-screen design with no front buttons and a notch in the display for the Face ID camera. All of these devices also have Retina Display, Apple's name for its displays with a higher pixel density than earlier iPhone models.
However, there are significant differences in the display for each type:
1. iPhone 11
The original iPhone 11 has a screen measuring 6.1 inches diagonally. This screen size is significantly larger than earlier iPhones like the iPhone SE, which has a 4.7-inch screen. The larger size is a plus for many iPhone buyers who prefer a larger viewable area.
Screen resolution is another factor to consider. The iPhone 11 has a 1792-by-828-pixel resolution on a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The display has a higher pixel density, giving the iPhone 11 better image quality.
2. iPhone 11 Pro
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) screen. This screen provides better resolution than the iPhone 11's LCD screen. The Pro models have another benefit — a high dynamic range (HDR) display. This display is more sophisticated and enhances the color and detail.
Instead of the iPhone 11's Liquid Retina display, the Pro models have a Super Retina XDR display. This display emits light through the pixels to deliver a higher contrast ratio than the Liquid Retina HD display. The iPhone 11 Pro also has a 2436-by-1125-pixel resolution and a pixel density of 458 PPI.
3. iPhone 11 Pro Max
The 11 Pro Max's 6.5-inch wide OLED screen gives it the largest display of the three iPhone 11 models. The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has an HDR display and Super Retina XDR display, contributing to a higher contrast ratio and better detail.
Of the three iPhone 11 models, the 11 Pro Max has the best image resolution at 2688-by-1242 pixels. This model's screen reaches a maximum brightness of 800 nits and 1200 nits for HDR, which the iPhone 11 Pro can also accomplish. However, Pro Max's higher resolution makes it the winner of a comparison between image quality on these three iPhones.
iPhone 11 Size and Weight Options
The iPhone 11 and 11 Pro models share the same design inspiration. These devices have similar construction and visual appeal. For instance, every model has curved metal edges wrapping around the device to the flat back.
Despite these similarities, each model has unique features that give them a different feel. The standard iPhone 11 has a glossy glass back and aluminum construction, while the Pro models have matte-textured backs and a stainless steel frame. The iPhone 11 also comes in a broader range of colors than the pro models — you can get an iPhone 11 in black, green, purple, yellow, white and red. The 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max, in comparison, only come in black, green, silver and gold.
Size and weight are also quite different between the three iPhone 11 models. These features may not practically influence the phone's performance. However, the phone's physical characteristics impact how the device fits in the user's hand. Here's how the three iPhone 11 models measure up in size and weight:
1. iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 is 5.94 inches tall and 2.98 inches wide. This model also has larger borders around the curved edge of the device than the 11 Pro. This feature makes the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro Max closer in overall size, despite the difference in display measurements. Weighing 6.84 ounces, the iPhone 11 is in the middle of these models in terms of measurements. Its medium size might mean this iPhone 11 fits just right.
All three iPhone 11 models have a similar depth, coming in at around one-third of an inch. However, the iPhone 11 measures just slightly deeper than the Pro models at 0.33 inches. Overall, the iPhone 11 has a solid feeling.
2. iPhone 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 Pro is slightly lighter and smaller than the iPhone 11, measuring 5.67 inches tall and 2.81 inches wide. The iPhone 11 Pro also weighs 6.63 ounces, making it the lightest of all three models. At 0.32 inches deep, the 11 Pro is just slightly thinner than the iPhone 11.
The difference between the size of the 11 Pro and that of the iPhone 11 is modest. However, the smaller construction of the 11 Pro gives it a sleeker feel. People with smaller hands might prefer this device over the larger iPhone 11 models. Many iPhone buyers might also find this iPhone easiest to use with one hand because of its slender build.
3. iPhone 11 Pro Max
If you believe bigger is better, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is your best bet from this generation of phones. This model has a height of 6.22 inches and a width of 3.06 inches. The 11 Pro Max is also the heaviest, weighing 7.97 ounces. These specifications make the 11 Pro Max easier to hold with two hands rather than one. Like the 11 Pro, the 11 Pro Max is 0.32 inches deep.
iPhone 11 Battery Options
A phone's battery life is another characteristic that could impact an iPhone buyer's decision. Apple continues to improve its devices' battery life and power, and the iPhone 11 models fit this trend. The iPhone 11 and Pro models all come with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a fixture in Apple devices. Users can also charge these devices faster with a higher-powered Apple charger.
iPhone 11 battery life often corresponds to size — the larger the iPhone battery, the longer its battery life. This fact is simply due to the larger size of a battery in a larger phone. However, the battery life depends on use. For instance, downloading large files and capturing lots of videos and pictures will drain your phone's battery. Here are a few more things to know about the battery life of iPhone 11 models:
1. iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 is larger than the 11 Pro but smaller than the 11 Pro Max, meaning its battery life is also roughly in the center of the other two. This cell phone supports up to 17 hours of video playback and 10 hours of video streaming. When you need to listen to music, podcasts or other audio, the iPhone 11 can keep up for up to 65 hours.
All of these iPhones offer great battery life, and the iPhone 11 will typically last for a whole day on a full charge. This device can also charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes on the 20-watt fast charger.
2. iPhone 11 Pro
As the smallest device of the iPhone 11 models, the iPhone 11 Pro typically includes a smaller, less powerful battery. However, its power is still pretty generous. This phone can handle up to 18 hours of video playback and 11 hours of video streaming. The 11 Pro is also good to go for 65 hours of audio playback. Under normal conditions, an iPhone 11 Pro user should still get a full day's use out of this cell phone.
The iPhone 11 Pro can also fast-charge on an 18-watt charger or higher. This charger can get the device to 50% charge in 30 minutes.
3. iPhone 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has the longest battery life of the three models because it has a physically larger battery. The device can handle up to 20 hours of video playback and 12 hours of video streaming. The 11 Pro Max also has the longest audio playback capacity for up to 80 hours of listening.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max can support two full days of use on a single charge if you use it carefully. An 18-watt charger can bring the device's power up to 50% in around 30 minutes when you need a fast charge.
iPhone 11 Storage Options
When choosing a new iPhone, storage is another primary consideration. You want to be able to keep your favorite phone games and the music albums you've got on repeat. You probably also need space for your work and personal emails, downloaded books, text messages and much more.
Fortunately, iPhone 11 models have various storage capacities, so buyers can ensure they have all the space they need. Here are the storage options for the iPhone 11 variants:
1. iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 bypasses the seemingly meager storage of earlier 32GB devices. Instead, the iPhone 11 has 64GB as its base storage capacity. This storage is ideal for basic use. However, iPhone buyers can also upgrade to 128GB and 256GB storage varieties. While Apple no longer sells the 256GB version online, buyers can still find this model from aftermarket resellers.
Additional storage will cost you upfront. For example, the iPhone 11 128GB variation is generally more costly than the 64GB version. However, having extra space might be a worthwhile investment if you expect to use your iPhone 11 for storing a lot of videos, photos and music offline.
2. iPhone 11 Pro
As with the standard iPhone 11, the iPhone 11 Pro is also available with 64GB and 256GB storage capacities. However, this model does not come in the intermediate 128GB variety.
If you need even greater storage capacity than 256GB, the Pro models are your best option. Whereas the iPhone 11 maxes out at 256GB storage capacity, the 11 Pro also has a larger 512GB version. With this much storage, an iPhone buyer could comfortably store everything they needed on their phone and still have plenty of room.
3. iPhone 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11 Pro Max comes in the same storage capacities as the 11 Pro, including 64GB, 256GB and 512GB. These days, 64GB doesn't feel like much. So if you're interested in the iPhone 11 Pro models, it might be better to ignore the 64GB version and go straight for the 256GB or 512GB capacity versions.
Since you're paying extra for the added benefits of a Pro model, you might as well spend a bit more to ensure you never have to worry about storage again. An aftermarket iPhone 11 Pro Max with extra storage could cost as little as $30 to $90 more than the 64GB version upfront.
iPhone 11 Camera and Video Recording
Finally, let's consider the cameras on these iPhone 11 models, which many people will consider one of the most essential features. The iPhone 11 models boast several camera and video recording improvements compared to previous iPhone generations.
The iPhone 11 models use Apple's A13 Bionic chip processor, which is faster and more efficient than previous chips. All these iPhones can support the same apps, photo edits and functions at the same speed. This central processing unit can handle 4k video recording and processing complex files and images, plus much more.
All of the iPhone 11 cameras have these features:
- Night mode: The iPhone 11 models were the first iPhones to include Apple's Night mode. Night mode automatically takes detailed shots when the camera detects very low light. iPhone owners can use Night mode to take selfies, time-lapse videos and Portrait mode photos.
- Deep Fusion: Deep Fusion is another tech advancement Apple introduced with the iPhone 11. Deep Fusion creates sharper photos by layering data from multiple images and synthesizing them for the best results. However, the ultra-wide lens does not use the function.
- Slow Sync: Slow Sync flash opens the camera's shutter for longer and only uses flash before capturing the image. This feature captures the photo without overwhelming the subject with light.
- Advanced Portrait mode: The iPhone 11 models all come with advanced bokeh, the soft, blurry background central to Portrait mode photos. The iPhone 11 models also have enhanced Depth Control and Portrait lighting with six different effects, giving users greater flexibility with their photographs.
- Audio zoom: Audio zoom is a video recording feature that produces sharper, more focused sound. When you zoom in while taking a video on any iPhone 11 device, the microphone also zooms in on your subject.
- QuickTake video: One last notable enhancement in iPhone 11 video recording is QuickTake video. This feature allows users to automatically start a video recording while taking a photo without having to switch to video mode.
Even with these similarities, the iPhone 11 models have a few differences when it comes to their cameras:
1. iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 has a dual-lens rear camera with wide and ultra-wide lenses. The ultra-wide lens is effective at capturing landscapes and wider shots. These cameras can capture 12-megapixel photos. The wide lens is an ƒ/1.8 wide-angle lens, while the ultra-wide has an ƒ/2.4 angle.
The front cameras are all identical on all three iPhone 11 models. The iPhone 11 front camera can take 12-megapixel photos and 4,000-megapixel resolution videos, plus the Portrait mode and QuickTake videos that the rear camera can.
2. iPhone 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 Pro models have more versatile cameras than the iPhone 11, making these models a better option for those who take phone photography seriously. The iPhone 11 Pro has a triple-lens rear camera system. It includes wide and ultra-wide lenses, as well as a telephoto lens. The apertures of the wide and ultra-wide lenses are the same as those for the iPhone 11, though the telephoto camera has an ƒ/2.0 wide-angle lens.
Telephoto lenses offer greater versatility for capturing photos. The iPhone 11 Pro telephoto lens provides a 2x zoom compared to the wide lens, allowing users to shoot photos from farther away. It also creates more detailed close-up shots. If you wish you could zoom in better on the pictures you take, the telephoto lens on an 11 Pro will give you the images you want.
3. iPhone 11 Pro Max
The iPhone 11 Pro Max also has the triple-lens camera of the 11 Pro, with wide, ultra-wide and telephoto lenses. This device has the same capabilities as the iPhone 11 Pro, including QuickTake videos, 2x zoom and enhanced Portrait lighting. Comparatively, the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max cameras have the exact specifications and functions.
Best iPhone for the Everyday User
So how do you decide which Apple iPhone 11 is best for you? If you're an everyday user with average storage and photo capturing needs, the iPhone 11 will suit you just fine. This model brings its powerful camera to the table while sitting in the middle spot for overall size, storage and display.
If you want the benefits of the iPhone 11 without some of the additional features of the 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max, like enhanced image quality, the iPhone 11 is your most affordable option. Even a few years after its release, the iPhone 11 price is still less than for the pro models.
Best Buy for Someone on the Go
When considering the iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro, the 11 Pro comes out on top regarding camera capability and storage varieties. It's on par with the iPhone 11 for battery life and video streaming. However, if you're frequently on the go, the 11 Pro model might be the best option of the three. This phone's smaller size can give it a leg up, and it provides a better quality display and resolution.
The iPhone 11 Pro tends to be more expensive than the standard 11, but aftermarket resellers list the Pro model in affordable ranges compared to new models.
Best iPhone 11 for Super Users
When comparing the standard iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro Max for super users and creatives, the iPhone 11 Pro Max comes out on top. With the longest battery life of the three, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is ideal for iPhone buyers with higher usage at home or work. The 11 Pro Max also comes with the flexible camera of the 11 Pro and the best video playback and streaming of the three models.
Although this device is likely to be the more expensive iPhone 11 out there, the extra price could be worth it for someone who plans to use it extensively.
Browse Affordable iPhone 11 Models at Gazelle
Although the iPhone 11 models are no longer the newest iPhones on the market, these devices are still powerful phones with excellent camera and display quality. Where the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max soar is in storage capacity, camera enhancements, battery life and a sharper display. However, the iPhone 11 is also an outstanding cell phone and may appeal to iPhone buyers for its more affordable price.
Whatever iPhone 11 model suits your preferences, Gazelle has you covered. Our phones never come with contracts or hidden fees, so if your phone isn't a perfect fit, you can send it back within the 30-day return window. We also provide competitive, honest pricing for all our used phones without ever sacrificing performance — with our Gazelle Certified Guarantee, you can be confident that your new device meets strict quality standards.
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