Written by: Kamran Sharief
Kamran Sharief is a technology reviewer and digital publisher specializing in software reviews, AI tools, gadgets, VR technology, and SEO research. He has extensive experience analyzing consumer technology products and publishing detailed comparison guides.
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Apple announced the iPhone 11, 11 pro and 11 pro max. This sounds exciting but it comes with the complicated decision that must be taken.

This article is part of our Mobile Phones & Smartphones resource section.

September just passed and this is that time of the month when Apple users have a decision to make. Apple conducts its Apple event sometime mid-September and this year it was on September 10.

Those who follow, know that they launch new products at this event and the pre-booking usually starts a few weeks after.

Which iPhone to buy? The standard version, the mid-tier iPhone or go with the loaded top of the line version. To make the decision easier here’s a quick review to help you decide which one you should go for.

The iPhone 11 lineup represents Apple’s approach to the modern smartphone, with different models aimed at different display, camera, and pricing preferences. Readers considering newer generations can also compare the iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 or explore some interesting facts about the iPhone 12 to see how Apple’s phones evolved after the iPhone 11 series.

Appearance

The new iPhone 11 models aren’t really a new design. They appear to be similar to the older iPhone X. However, there are a few differences. The iPhone 11 is available in new, bright and attractive colors.

This time around you have a great variety of color options to choose from. The iPhone 11 pro and pro max offer the matt glass finish along with the unique square-shaped camera module. In addition, the frame is made up of stainless steel to give it a premium finish.

Apple has continued refining the appearance and materials of its later premium phones. If you are considering a newer model, our Apple iPhone 15 review provides a closer look at another generation of the iPhone, while buyers interested in Apple’s smaller and more affordable devices can explore our iPhone SE 3rd Generation review and earlier iPhone SE review.

The IP68 inclusion ensures you get better dust and water resistance but not all IP68s are created equal. The iPhone 11 can survive up to 30 minutes under 2 meters of water whereas the pro and pro max models can survive a depth of up to 4 meters.

Water resistance can provide some protection against accidental exposure, but it does not replace everyday physical protection against drops and impacts. Owners moving to newer premium models can read our guide to choosing the perfect iPhone 15 Pro Max cover or learn why an iPhone 16 Pro case can be useful.

Display

Apple has yet again offered two displays for its different models. The iPhone 11 comes with an LCD panel whereas the pro and pro max models offer the superior OLED screens. On the surface, it may seem nothing much has changed in the iPhone 11 model since it shares the same technology as the iPhone XR before it but the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina turns out to be brighter than the previous model.

The Super Retina XDR display graces the pro and pro max models. This justifies the high-end prices and the super bright displays. The pro model hits 752 nits on the light meter whereas the pro max beats it by hitting the 761 nits mark. Using outdoor under the sun or the natural light will no longer be an issue.

A larger and brighter iPhone display is useful for much more than watching videos. Users can take advantage of the screen for reading, educational apps, productivity, and other activities, including different ways to learn new skills using an iPhone. When a larger display is needed, you can also explore mirroring an iPhone to a PC for supported content.

Cameras

This is probably the highlight of the differences between the iPhone 11 and the previous models. iPhone 11 comes with two rear cameras. One is a 12-megapixel wide-angle lens with f/1.8 aperture. The second is the 12-MP ultra-wide lens with an f/2.4 aperture. The dual lenses get you a 2x optical zoom, and the 120-degree field of view while the ultra-wide-angle lens equips you to capture more of your surroundings in images.

These two cameras are also featured in the pro and pro max models. In addition, the pro and pro max have a third 12-MP lens. This marvel offers f/2.0 aperture and lets in 40% more light than the telephoto lens on the XS model last year.

Higher-quality photos and videos can also consume considerable storage over time, particularly for users who regularly use the iPhone camera. If available space starts becoming limited, follow these practical methods to free up space on your iPhone. Important photos and other personal files should also be protected with a suitable backup, and our guide to the best iPhone backup software covers several options.

Performance and processors

Apple introduced the A 12 Bionic chip last year which is better performing than the current android models. 2019 further widens this gap with the all-new A 13 Bionic chip. All three models are powered by the same chip so there’s not much to differentiate them in this regard.

You can expect around 20% performance improvement in CPU, GPU, and neutral processors. These chips are all set to be 40% more energy-efficient as well.

Hardware performance is only part of the overall iPhone experience; keeping apps and software properly maintained is also important. App-update procedures can vary by platform, and our guide covering the steps to update an app on Android and iOS provides an example. Users who prefer managing iPhone content through a computer can also explore the best iTunes alternatives for iPhone data management.

Battery

The iPhone XR last year was equipped with the longest-lasting battery in the iPhone series. It lasted around eleven hours while the new 11 pro max model can last at least an hour longer hence, making it the iPhone with the longest-lasting battery ever built. 11 pro model is not lagging too far behind either. It is said to last around eleven hours and sixteen minutes when surfing with LTE turned on.

Regardless of battery life, an iPhone can occasionally encounter software or startup problems. If the device repeatedly restarts without reaching the normal iOS screen, follow our guide to fix an iPhone stuck in a boot loop. If it remains on Apple’s recovery screen instead, see how to fix an iPhone stuck in recovery mode.

If the problem results in inaccessible or accidentally deleted information, specialized tools may provide additional recovery options depending on the condition of the device. You can explore iPhone data recovery software or read our AceThinker iPhone Data Recovery review for another recovery solution.

Conclusion

The new iPhone eleven models are packed with all the goodies that make them stand out. Prices start from $699 for the standard 11 version, $999 for the iPhone 11 pro, and $1099 for the pro max models. When it comes to performance display and features, the winner clearly is the pro max model.

Whichever model you use, protecting access to the device and the information stored on it remains important. If you cannot get into an iPhone because you no longer remember the passcode, see how to access an iPhone when you forgot the password, review additional tips to unlock an iPhone, or learn how to unlock an iPhone passcode without a computer.

Device security is equally important once access has been restored. Familiarize yourself with signs that an iPhone might be at risk and consider how to protect iOS devices through a VPN when connecting through public or otherwise untrusted networks.

Apple’s location and device-management features can also help users keep track of authorized devices. You can explore apps that can track an iPhone online or learn about options to track an iPhone location by number. Location-monitoring tools should always be used responsibly and with appropriate authorization.

For families sharing Apple devices, iOS also provides controls that can help parents manage how younger users interact with apps and online services. Our guides explain how to block apps on a child’s iOS device and discuss appropriate ways to track a child’s iPhone using available family and location features.

While the iPhone 11 is the standard variant with a little more extras in comparison to the previous models. One this is consistent though, that the glass back needs a lot of care as a slip can crack it; you may have to rely on Apple care to treat you like Cox customer support to restore the beauty of your phone.

Once your messages are available on the iPhone, iOS makes it straightforward to share individual conversations when needed. Follow our guide on how to forward a text message on iPhone for the steps involved.

Moving to an iPhone from Android may also require transferring conversations and other personal information. You can explore methods to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone, learn how to transfer WhatsApp from Android to iPhone without resetting, or follow the steps for transferring WhatsApp messages to a new iPhone 13.

If you later move your conversations in the opposite direction, our guide to Backuptrans iPhone WhatsApp to Android Transfer covers an option for transferring WhatsApp data from iPhone to Android. For standard SMS conversations, you can also learn how to transfer messages from Android to iPhone.