The Apple iPhone 11 review is one of the easiest I’ve ever written: it’s the phone that the vast majority of folks switching to a new iPhone this year should buy. It’s a great smartphone that takes fantastic pictures, premium build, and has a battery that lasts all day long.
The Apple iPhone 11 is a system upgrade for the wildly successful iPhone XR from 2018. From the front, it seems identical. It has the same design, a 6.1-inch 720p LCD with elegant rounded edges, huge bezels, and a premium-feeling body, as well as a variety of colors. Though, it’s a more sophisticated technology, particularly in terms of photography capabilities and internal computing power, at a lower price.
Now, let’s take a look at what the Apple iPhone 11 has to offer people who are seeking a more budget-friendly alternative to the rest of Apple’s smartphones.
iPhone 11 Review in 2021
Quick SPEC
- Processor: Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+)
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 64 GB, 128 GB, 256 GB
- Display: 6.1 in
- Camera: 12 MP (wide) + 12 MP (ultrawide)
- Battery: Li-Ion 3110 mAh non-removable battery with fast battery charging (18W): 50 percent charge in 30 minutes.
Pros
- Perfect size
- Flawless performance
- Solid cameras
- Incredible night mode
- Strong battery life
Cons
- No fast charger included
- Bezels are still thick
A quick look at Apple’s most recent smartphone – iPhone 12
Notably, the iPhone 11 is not Apple’s most recent smartphone; that honor goes to the iPhone 12. Apple released the iPhone 12 lineup with the iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, and iPhone 12 Pro Max.
They’re both very similar in design, but with better camera sensors, a newer chipset, and flat, rather than curved, edges. While these are substantial improvements in certain areas, the Apple iPhone 11 is still sold at a lower cost and is worth considering.
It also looks terrific, and the pricing will appeal to a broader audience since it is priced just under $699 on Amazon, about 50 bucks less than the iPhone XR, which starts at $749.
None of this implies that the Apple iPhone 11 is a flawless phone or that it comes equipped with the best specifications and features available. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Nevertheless, it is excellent where it matters, and it is perfectly acceptable everywhere else.
Unlike Apple’s disastrous choice to provide the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone Pro Max with 64GB and then charge a hefty premium to upgrade to 256GB. Apple allows iPhone 11 customers to upgrade from 64GB to 128GB for only $50. Thus, for the majority of individuals, the 128GB is a great and recommended choice.
More like this:
- iPhone 12 vs. iPhone 12 Pro vs. iPhone 12 Pro Max — Which one is right for you?
- Note 20 vs. Note 20 Ultra — Which one should you buy?
- Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Plus vs. S21 Ultra Compared
If you want to stay on the cutting edge of technology, you can spend a bit more extra on an iPhone 12 or one of the high-end Android choices available. However, most people do not need to overthink it: buy an Apple iPhone 11. You’ll be pleased.
iPhone 11 Color Options and Design Review
Suppose you’re reading my review and debating between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro. In that case, you’ll want to know that the cheaper handset is somewhat thicker – albeit just by 0.2mm – but the difference is noticeable when holding both phones.
Apple claims that the iPhone 11 models have the “toughest glass ever used in a smartphone” on both the back and front. Unlike the iPhone 11 Pro, the back glass has no engraved pattern, making it completely smooth.
Though the iPhone 11 sides are built of aluminum, as to the stainless steel on the 11 Pro — that’s a cost-cutting measure we can live with.
The build is 100% premium, with no signs of cheating out. It feels just as sturdy and almost seamless in hand as the more costly Apple model. It was designed with slightly less luxurious materials in certain places.
The iPhone 11 is now available in six different color options, up from three previously. The three most basic colors are black, white, and red.
Colors such as yellow, green, and purple are the newest additions. When exposed to light, these last three are slightly lighter than they seem on the Apple website.
Nevertheless, since their backs are composed of glass, the colors may genuinely fade into pastels when exposed to the light. It’s especially true of the purple, which has a much more lilac-like tone.
It’s an impressive variety of colors, though; I’m happy that so many companies are embracing smartphone design beyond black and off-white.
iPhone 11 review: Is the camera good?
Apple aims for an iconic and consistent design aesthetic with the iPhone 11 line. The model is sporting the same square lens bump on the back.
The iPhone 11 has a dual-lens camera system with a wide-angle lens similar to that found on the iPhone XR. It also includes an ultra-wide-angle lens that captures more of the scene you’re shooting.
The ultra-wide lens offers a 0.5x zoom advantage over the wide-angle lens. It allows you to efficiently zoom out without moving your feet – ideal for landscapes, interior pictures, groups, and architecture.
With the introduction of an ultra-wide f/2.4 camera, a much-upgraded sensor for the primary f/1.8 camera, and an updated front camera with a larger field of vision and the ability to shoot 4K60 video, Apple has boosted the camera in the iPhone 11.
Apple’s Smart HDR technology has also been improved, and it includes a new Night mode. These cameras and functions are identical to those of the iPhone 11 Pro, save for the telephoto lens. The results are just as excellent and should operate identically.
Overall, it is not as intrusive as the bump on 2018’s iPhone since it’s ‘layered’ from the back. And with the glass being raised a tiny amount from the rear glass and the sensors themselves a bit higher.
To quickly go between focal length, push the toggle on the bottom of the interface, and keep the toggle down to activate a scroll wheel with which you may zoom in and out more smoothly.
The iPhone 11 is also a video powerhouse. Apple’s 4K video is exceptionally stunning. The sensor’s increased dynamic range generates stunningly colorful footage with clarity in all areas of the frame, from highlights to shadows.
However, the most significant improvement is the image stabilization, which makes the handheld video seem to shot on a gimbal. It means that everything remains much clearer. The camera will even attempt to prioritize the subject, gently bringing the short closer to the center of the picture.
iPhone 11 review: Display
The iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch display is the same LCD with identical specs as the 2018 model, similarly thick bezel, and off-axis color shift. Apple’s fancy term for the way it bends LCD edges with tiny holes is “Liquid Retina.”
It seems to be a high-resolution, 720p LCD. Despite the new iOS 13 Dark Mode missing deep blacks like an OLED panel, it’s still good-looking. However, it’s not as fantastic-looking as the iPhone 11 Pro, and it’s undoubtedly less pixel-dense than the Pro models.
The good news is that Apple produces excellent LCDs, and this one is no exception. It’s more than satisfactory unless you genuinely care passionately about displays.
The only reason to spent $250 more on the XS over the XR was for the display, and I feel the same way about the iPhone 11—except this time, it’s a $300 premium. To me, it’s certainly worth it, but I suggest seeing them for yourself. I’m guessing the majority of folks will be unable to see any discernible change.
Despite the low resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels, you still get a good display here, as Apple has designed and calibrated the screen to be crisp, bright, and sharp. According to an Apple spokesperson, the iPhone 11 can achieve a maximum brightness of 625 nits, which is enough for most circumstances. Even if you first wake up and open your eyes in the morning
iPhone 11 Review: Enough Performance to Run the Latest Software
Apple’s new A13 Bionic chip powers the iPhone 11 range, which is both more powerful and efficient than the A12 Bionic seen in the iPhone XR. To begin, it’s worth mentioning that iOS 14 is already available. This update introduces many significant new features, including an App Library and home screen widgets.
Apple’s new A13 Bionic processor is lightning quick. Although the A12 Bionic was also very quick, I’m not sure I saw any significant performance difference between the 11 and the XR. I’m guessing iPhone XR users will keep their phones a bit longer than those who run out and purchase the Pro phones, and that’s where the additional processing performance will truly shine. The iPhone 11 has enough headroom to survive and run the newest software for an extended time if Apple’s past is any indication.
Face ID is marginally better over the iPhone XR, but it’s another significant improvement that you may overlook. It’s somewhat quicker and operates from a little wider variety of angles than previously. I’ve grown to like Face ID and would welcome any enhancement, particularly if it pushes users to lock their phones.
Additionally, I appreciated the following new features, which are not unique to the iPhone 11 but are nevertheless helpful:
- New Memoji stickers
- Swipe typing on the keyboard
- Management of Wi-Fi / Bluetooth settings from the Control Center
The ability to change Wi-Fi networks from within the Control Center is a handy one. Now, you no longer need to open up the Settings menu to switch.
Apple iPhone 11 review: the battery life is real
Apple’s A13 processor is optimized for battery efficiency, but the iPhone 11 benefits more modestly than the Pro versions. The iPhone 11 Pro Max’s bigger battery makes it the best smartphone for battery life in 2019, while the iPhone 11 comes in second.
However, talking about a very long lifespan from the iPhone 11 means you’re not short-changed if you don’t want to pay Pro money. Two days is plenty for light users. Heavy users will almost certainly have battery remaining at the end of the day, provided they are not playing Minecraft non-stop.
Apple continues to sell the phone with a 5W charger, which is very affordable at the moment. The Pro versions have an 18W charger, which I believe should be standard. However, it may charge more quickly if you use a higher-power adapter. Additionally, wireless charging is available.
Is it worth upgrading to the Apple iPhone 11 in 2021?
Is it worthwhile to upgrade to the Apple iPhone 11? If you own an iPhone XR or earlier, this is, in my opinion, the optimal upgrading model. The camera is much enhanced, and you’ll get far more battery life than you would with anything other than an XR. That is what the majority of consumers care about, and Apple has delivered on this front.
Additionally, there are many minor quality enhancements, like a boost in performance, not that the X is slow already. It improved wireless connection, new speakers, and quicker Face ID. However, you’ll be trading in your beautiful OLED screen for a somewhat less vibrant OLED – although a larger one. I’d like the 11 over the X mainly for the camera.
I’d recommend upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro if you’re concerned about the display. I don’t believe you’re losing out on anything by not having a telephoto camera lens.
Finally, most Apple users do not need the iPhone 11 Pro or the iPhone Pro Max. When it comes to budget-friendly iPhones in 2021, the iPhone 11 is one of the most acceptable options, and it’s less than half the price of the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
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