The Apple iPhone 11 remains a strong contender in the smartphone market despite being released in 2019. With its powerful Apple A13 Bionic chipset, dual-camera system, and solid battery life, it continues to attract buyers looking for a premium yet affordable iPhone experience. This review covers the iPhone 11’s performance, display, camera quality, battery life, and other key features.
iPhone 11 Key Specifications
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Table of Contents
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 maintains Apple’s signature design, featuring a glass back and aluminum frame that gives it a premium feel. Measuring 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm and weighing 194 g, it feels solid in hand. The IP68 water and dust resistance rating ensures durability, protecting it against accidental splashes and submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. Its build quality is impressive, with scratch-resistant glass on the front and back, making it a reliable option for daily use.
Display Quality
The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD provides a sharp and vibrant display. With a resolution of 828 x 1792 pixels and a pixel density of ~326 ppi, it may not match modern OLED panels, but it delivers excellent color accuracy and brightness. The typical brightness of 625 nits and a measured maximum brightness of 644 nits ensure good visibility in bright conditions. The scratch-resistant glass offers added protection against minor damages.
Performance and Software
Powered by the Apple A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 offers smooth and efficient performance. The hexa-core CPU (2×2.65 GHz Lightning + 4×1.8 GHz Thunder) and 4-core Apple GPU handle everyday tasks and gaming with ease. The phone is available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, though it lacks expandable storage.
Running on iOS 13 at launch, it is upgradeable to iOS 18.3, ensuring continued software support and security updates. Benchmarks show impressive scores, with an AnTuTu rating of 419,453 and a GeekBench multi-core score of 13,882, making it a solid performer for years to come.
Camera Performance
Rear Camera
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system, including a 12 MP wide (f/1.8, OIS) and a 12 MP ultrawide (f/2.4, 120˚) lens. The camera captures high-quality images with vibrant colors and excellent dynamic range. Night Mode enhances low-light photography, making it a great choice for night shots. It supports 4K video recording at 24/30/60 fps and 1080p at up to 240 fps with stereo sound recording. The camera delivers crisp details and rich contrast, competing well against newer budget-friendly smartphones.
Front Camera
The 12 MP front camera (f/2.2, 23 mm wide) is accompanied by an SL 3D depth sensor, ensuring accurate Face ID authentication and high-quality selfies. It supports HDR and can record videos in 4K at up to 60 fps, making it an excellent option for video calls and vlogging. The Smart HDR processing enhances selfies with better contrast and improved facial details.
Battery Life and Charging
Equipped with a 3110 mAh battery, the iPhone 11 provides impressive battery life, lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. It supports 18W fast charging, reaching a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.
Additionally, Qi-compatible wireless charging offers added convenience. With a battery endurance rating of 94 hours, users can rely on the iPhone 11 for extended usage without frequent recharging. Real-world tests show around 17 hours of video playback and 10 hours of web browsing on a full charge.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 11 supports 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for Apple Pay, and Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. Face ID provides secure and fast authentication, while the stereo speakers deliver rich audio quality.
However, it lacks a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring users to rely on wireless or Lightning accessories. The audio quality is solid, with stereo speakers producing clear sound, and the microphone performs well in calls and recordings.
Price and Availability
The iPhone 11 remains an affordable option, priced at approximately $181.75 / €230.00 / £164.49. It is available in six colors: Black, Green, Yellow, Purple, Red, and White. Given its price and performance, it offers excellent value for budget-conscious buyers who still want a powerful and well-supported Apple device.
While newer models feature 5G connectivity, the iPhone 11’s performance and camera system still make it a great buy at its current price point.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 13: Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s a detailed and SEO-optimized comparison of the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 in a tabular format:
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 | iPhone 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
| Display | 6.1" Liquid Retina LCD (LCD) | 6.1" Super Retina XDR (OLED) | 6.1" Super Retina XDR (OLED) |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 2532 x 1170 pixels | 2532 x 1170 pixels |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| 5G Support | No | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Cameras | 12MP (Wide) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) | 12MP (Wide) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) | 12MP (Wide) + 12MP (Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 12MP | 12MP |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 19 hours video playback |
| MagSafe | No | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Build Material | Aluminum & Glass | Aluminum & Glass | Aluminum & Glass |
| Weight | 194g | 164g | 173g |
| Starting Price (at Launch) | $699 | $799 | $799 |
Choosing between the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 depends on your specific budget and needs. Apple’s iPhone 11 is the most affordable, but it lacks both 5G connectivity and an OLED display. The iPhone 12 strikes a balance between price and performance, featuring an OLED screen and 5G support. The iPhone 13, with its improved battery life, A15 Bionic chip, and larger storage options, is the best option. For those seeking the latest features, the iPhone 13 provides the most advanced technology and overall performance.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent performance with the A13 Bionic chip (AnTuTu 419,453, GeekBench 13,882)
- High-quality dual-camera system with Night Mode and Smart HDR
- Long battery life with fast charging support (50% in 30 minutes)
- IP68 water and dust resistance for durability
- Affordable compared to newer iPhones
Cons:
- 828p resolution is lower than competitors
- No 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling
- No 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing
- No expandable storage, requiring careful selection of storage options
Final Verdict
The Apple iPhone 11 remains a reliable smartphone in 2025, offering powerful performance, a capable camera system, and long battery life at an affordable price. While it lacks 5G and a high-resolution display, it still provides a smooth and enjoyable experience, making it a great option for users who don’t need the latest features. For those looking for a budget-friendly Apple device with great software support, the iPhone 11 is still a strong choice.
FAQs: Apple iPhone 11: A Comprehensive Review
Is an iPhone 11 still worth buying?
Yes, the iPhone 11 is still worth buying in 2024 due to its powerful A13 Bionic chip, dual-camera system, and long battery life. It supports iOS 18 updates, ensuring security and performance improvements. While it lacks 5G connectivity and an OLED display, it remains an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly iPhone with great camera quality and smooth performance.
How much does it cost to PTA approve an iPhone 11?
The PTA approval cost for an iPhone 11 in Pakistan depends on whether it is registered with a passport or CNIC. As of 2025, the estimated PTA tax for an iPhone 11 is:
- With Passport: Around $200 - $210
- With CNIC: Around $240 - $260
These charges may vary, so it’s best to check with the PTA DIRBS system for the latest tax rates.
What is PTA Approved?
A PTA-approved phone means that the device is registered with the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) and can be legally used on local mobile networks. Without PTA approval, imported or unregistered phones will not work with SIM cards in Pakistan. You can check the PTA approval status of your iPhone by dialing *8484# or visiting the DIRBS PTA website.
Is the iPhone 11 waterproof?
The iPhone 11 is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. It comes with an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance can decrease over time due to wear and tear, so it's best to avoid exposing it to water excessively.
Is the iPhone 11 dual SIM?
Yes, the iPhone 11 supports dual SIM functionality. It comes with:
- One physical Nano-SIM slot
- One eSIM (digital SIM)
For users in China, the iPhone 11 supports two physical Nano-SIM cards, making it a true dual SIM phone in that region. In other markets, the eSIM must be activated through a supported carrier.
