The Apple iPhone 11, released in September 2019, continues to be a popular choice for budget-conscious users seeking reliable performance and impressive features. Positioned as the successor to the iPhone XR, the iPhone 11 delivers a well-rounded experience with a robust camera system, powerful hardware, and excellent battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the iPhone 11 to help you decide if it’s the right phone for you in 2025.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. While it lacks the OLED brilliance found in the Pro models, the display offers accurate colors, good brightness, and True Tone technology for a natural viewing experience.
Key Design Elements
- Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm
- Weight: 194 grams
- Materials: Aluminum frame with a glass back
- Colors: Wide range, including Purple, Green, Yellow, Black, White, and Product Red
The iPhone 11 is IP68-rated, making it resistant to dust and water, and it can survive submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes.
Performance
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 delivers impressive performance even by today’s standards. The 6-core CPU and 4-core GPU ensure smooth multitasking, gaming, and app performance.
Benchmarks and Real-World Usage
- The A13 Bionic excels in tasks like video editing, gaming, and augmented reality (AR) applications.
- In Geekbench tests, the iPhone 11 scores an average of 1,332 (single-core) and 3,468 (multi-core), comparable to mid-range phones in 2025.
Camera System
The iPhone 11 introduced a dual-camera setup: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens, offering more versatility for photography enthusiasts.
Features and Performance
- Night Mode: Automatically enhances low-light photos for improved detail and brightness.
- Smart HDR: Balances highlights and shadows in photos for a more natural look.
- Video Recording: Supports 4K video at 60fps, with excellent stabilization and dynamic range.
- Front Camera: A 12MP sensor capable of 4K video recording and slow-motion selfies (dubbed “slofies”).
Sample Photos
- Daylight shots deliver vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Portrait mode adds professional-looking depth-of-field effects.
- Ultra-wide shots capture expansive landscapes with minimal distortion.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 boasts a 3,110mAh battery, offering all-day usage for most users.
Battery Performance
- Video Playback: Up to 17 hours
- Audio Playback: Up to 65 hours
- Supports 18W fast charging, though the fast charger is sold separately. It also supports Qi wireless charging.
Software and Updates
The iPhone 11 runs on iOS 17, offering a seamless and secure user experience. Apple’s commitment to long-term software updates ensures that the iPhone 11 remains relevant with the latest features and security patches.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable compared to newer iPhone models
- Excellent camera system for its price
- Powerful A13 Bionic chip for smooth performance
- Long battery life and water resistance
Cons
- LCD display lacks the contrast and sharpness of OLED screens
- No 5G connectivity, limiting future-proofing
- No telephoto lens for optical zoom
Is the iPhone 11 Still Worth Buying in 2025?
The iPhone 11 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize performance, camera quality, and reliability over cutting-edge features like 5G or OLED displays. With a more affordable price tag and continued software support, it’s a great entry point into the Apple ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the iPhone 11 support 5G?
No, the iPhone 11 only supports 4G LTE.
2. Is the iPhone 11 camera good for photography?
Yes, the dual-camera system delivers high-quality photos and videos, especially in good lighting conditions.
3. How long will the iPhone 11 receive iOS updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones for 5-6 years after their release. The iPhone 11 is expected to receive updates until at least 2026 or 2027.
4. Can I use MagSafe accessories with the iPhone 11?
No, the iPhone 11 does not support MagSafe. However, it is compatible with standard Qi wireless chargers.
5. What is the starting price of the iPhone 11 in 2025?
As of early 2025, the iPhone 11 is available in the secondary market for approximately ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 in India.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone 11 remains a solid choice for users seeking a balance of performance, camera quality, and affordability. While it lacks some modern features like 5G and OLED, its enduring appeal lies in its reliable performance and excellent build quality.