Editor's note: Since it was first released on September 20, 2019, the iPhone 11 series has been surpassed by newer iPhone models. We've checked the information below to ensure accuracy and relevance, though pricing and availability will differ from when we first reviewed these devices.
Given how expensive the latest generation iPhones can be, you may be wondering whether it's worth snagging an older model to avoid the higher price tag.
The iPhone 11 Pro is a better option than the iPhone 11 for today’s users. With better specs, including an extra camera in its triple-lens system, higher quality display, and longer-lasting battery, the iPhone 11 Pro has more features for the same price as the iPhone 11 (give or take $20).
Apple stopped manufacturing the iPhone 11 series in 2022, meaning you’ll have to find a refurbished iPhone 11 or 11 Pro from a reseller. Beware the risks of purchasing a refurbished phone, like battery defects or home-repair mishaps. But if you find one in good condition, you can save big on a decent iPhone still used (and loved) by many in 2026.
Should I buy a refurbished iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro?
Between the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro, you should buy an iPhone 11 Pro because it offers more features for a similar price. The iPhone 11 Pro has a longer battery life, higher quality display, and a top-notch camera system that’s still impressive even by today’s standards.
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
Note that both the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro are supported by Apple and can run the latest iOS updates. However, you may find that storage and memory is limited on older iPhones, especially if you opt for a 64GB model. If you plan on downloading endless apps—including the best of this year—consider splurging on an older model with more memory.
Since both phones were discontinued by Apple in 2022, you’ll have to find a refurbished model. Make sure you buy from reputable resellers with warranties to avoid any surprise defects from your fixed-up iPhone. Finding an iPhone 11 or 11 Pro should pose no problem, since most Americans change devices every three years.
Where can I find a refurbished iPhone 11 or 11 Pro?
Go to trusted resellers if you decide to buy a refurbished phone. Not only will reputable resellers, like Best Buy or Amazon, guarantee quality, they also offer the best chance of finding the iPhone 11 or iPhone 11 Pro.
You can buy a refurbished iPhone from:
While you can probably find either device on peer-to-peer platforms (like OfferUp or Facebook Marketplace), you run the risk of potential issues with the phone’s hardware and software. Buying a refurbished iPhone from a trusted source gives you peace of mind, and will probably save you money on possible repairs.
iPhone models compared
| iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 5.8" |
| Camera | Dual camera system: wide and ultra-wide |
Triple camera system: wide, ultra-wide and telephoto |
| Battery life | Video playback: 17 hours | Video playback: 18 hours |
| Display | Liquid Retina LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Water resistant | Up to 2 meters for 30 minutes | Up to 4 meters for 30 minutes |
| Internal memory | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Build material | Aluminum and glass design | Stainless steel and glass design |
| Price | See at Amazon | See at Amazon |
Get cheap unlimited data for your iPhone
Whether you choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max or XS Max, you’re going to need enough data for your daily online habits. You can get unlimited data for half the price of what the Big Three offer by going with a much cheaper MVNO (mobile virtual network operator).
Mint Mobile and Visible are our favorite MVNOs for cheap unlimited data, as well as top speeds, premium data, and unlimited talk and text to boot.
Don’t just take our word for it though, read up on the best cheap unlimited data plans.
|
#1
|
Visible
$25 Visible Plan
$25.00/mo
Taxes & Fees included
|
|
#2
|
Mint Mobile
Unlimited Data Plan
$25.00/mo
$75.00 upfront payment for 3 months (equals to $25.00/month). Intro pricing for new customers only.
|
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#3
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XFINITY Mobile
Mobile Select Plan
$0.00/mo
(for the first year of service) <br>Regular rate of $30/mo. thereafter
|
iPhone 11 camera vs. iPhone 11 Pro camera comparison
The iPhone 11 Pro has superior camera quality. Featuring three rear-facing cameras and ultra-wide capability, it’s the ideal choice for photographers. The iPhone 11, on the other hand, is limited to only two cameras, and inferior image software.
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
The iPhone 11 sports a dual rear-facing camera setup with a redesigned interface that allows for wide and ultra wide photos. Coupled with Night mode, Smart HDR and the new Quicktake video feature, its images still hold up today.
However, the iPhone 11 Pro captures even better pictures with an extra camera and clearer zooming. While the iPhone 11 Pro features all of this same functionality as the base model, a third rear-facing telephoto lens makes the difference. This triple lens setup allows users to zoom in on distant subjects and capture them with even better clarity.
Which iPhone has better battery life: iPhone 11 or 11 Pro?
Both iPhones outdo the battery life of their precedeccor—the iPhone XR—which is quite a feat from these two powerful devices.
The iPhone 11 gives you an hour more battery life when compared against the XR, or 17 hours of video playback. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 Pro gives you an impressive 18 hours of video playback.You're unlikely to be dissatisfied with the battery in either of these phones.
Display and screen size between the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro
Although the iPhone 11 Pro has a slightly smaller screen, it’s insignificant considering it has a much higher quality display. The iPhone 11 has a Liquid Retina HD LCD screen, whereas the Pro version sports a Super Retina XDR OLED display.
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
One way Apple could keep the price of the iPhone 11 so reasonable is by using LCD screens instead of OLEDs. LCD uses a backlight to illuminate the screen, whereas OLED actually produces its own light. Making the iPhone’s display better and (quite lighterally) brighter.
In terms of the size of the displays, the iPhone 11's is 6.1", while the iPhone 11 Pro's is 5.8".
Material and color options for the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro
The iPhone 11 is made of aluminum and glass, while the iPhone 11 Pro sports a surgical-grade stainless steel with a textured matte finish. Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro also feature "the toughest glass in a smartphone" (Apple's words, not ours).
Image: Alex Choros | WhistleOut
The iPhone 11 comes in a range of six brilliant colors—purple, yellow, green, black, white and red. The iPhone 11 Pro features more muted tones: gold, space gray, silver and midnight green.
Extra specs compared: iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro
Processor
Both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro are powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which Apple called "the fastest chip ever in a smartphone" when it was first released.
Water resistance
Both iPhones earn an IP68 waterproof rating. The iPhone 11 Pro is good for up to 4 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 is good for 2 meters for 30 minutes. Either one should sufficiently protect you against errant splashes or a drop in the sink.
Storage Capacity
The iPhone 11 comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB versions, while the Pro comes in 64GB, 256GB and (an insanely big) 512GB version.
Chris Holmes
Staff Writer
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