This story is a part of Focal Level iPhone 2022, CNET’s assortment of stories, suggestions and recommendation round Apple’s hottest product.
It has been some time for the reason that debut of the iPhone 11 in 2019, with Apple debuting the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 within the years since. And in a couple of days, we’re more likely to see the debut of the iPhone 14 at Apple’s occasion on Sept. 7. The iPhone 11 could also be over two years previous, nevertheless it would possibly nonetheless be a sensible choice, particularly since Apple discounted it to $499 final 12 months. Whereas we suggest that you simply await this subsequent Apple occasion earlier than shopping for any iPhone in any respect, particularly since costs for present iPhone fashions will possible lower afterward, the iPhone 11 does have loads to love as a telephone that is underneath $500.
As an example, do you thoughts utilizing an iPhone that feels a bit dated? Or do you assume saving a number of hundred {dollars} is extra vital than carrying the most recent telephone? What about 5G — how vital is that to you? In case you’re buying on a price range, the iPhone 11 continues to be an excellent selection. Though you will be lacking out on some newer options, the iPhone 11 offers you all of the fundamentals you’d need from an iPhone, together with battery life that is on par with the iPhone 12, an excellent dual-lens digicam that features evening mode and a processor that is nonetheless quick sufficient for on a regular basis duties.
However if in case you have some wiggle room in your price range, listed below are some inquiries to ask your self. (For the needs of this text, I will assume that you’re at the moment utilizing an iPhone.) And in case you’re nonetheless mulling over your determination after that, this is how the iPhone 13 compares to the final 5 years of iPhones in addition to our checklist of the finest iPhones. Plus, try all of the variations between the iPhone 11, 11 Professional and 11 Professional Max.
5G connectivity: iPhone 11 would not have 5G. However do you actually need it proper now?
One of many iPhone 11’s greatest lacking options in comparison with the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 is 5G connectivity. The iPhone 11 is an LTE-only system, and in case you do not take care of the next-gen wi-fi tech simply but (service is patchy within the US in spite of everything), then the iPhone 11 ought to swimsuit you simply effective. Keep in mind that 5G debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup and gaining access to sooner bands of 5G will depend on the place you reside, so going for the iPhone 12 makes your buy extra future-proof.
Show high quality: You will not get a 120Hz refresh charge on an iPhone 11 (or iPhone 12)
The iPhone 11 makes use of a crisp LCD display screen that refreshes at 60 frames per second, or 60Hz. Apple traded up within the iPhone 12, equipping it with an OLED display screen, although it saved the show at 60Hz similar to most telephones. OLEDs are usually extra vibrant than their LCD counterparts, with richer distinction and inkier blacks. In case you watch lots of movies in your iPhone and need a superior viewing expertise, an OLED display screen would possibly make extra sense for you. The iPhone 13 additionally boasts an OLED panel too, although Apple bumped up the refresh charge for the Professional fashions to 120Hz. The sooner refresh charge will translate to smoother, snappier scrolling via apps and web sites.
Software program help: How lengthy will the iPhone 11 get iOS software program updates?
Apple’s newest working system, iOS 15, is supported on many older iPhones, and the oldest is the 2015 iPhone 6S (This is the way to obtain the brand new OS, however chances are you’ll need to wait.) Primarily based on that and a few fast psychological math, we will deduce that Apple plans to offer iPhone help for as much as six years from launch. In consequence, with the iPhone 11, unveiled in 2019, you may relaxation comfortably realizing that you could anticipate updates via 2025.
Learn extra: iOS 15’s greatest new options: FaceTime, Apple Pockets and Notifications get new tips
Sturdiness and water resistance: How sturdy would you like your iPhone to be?
In case you do go for the iPhone 11, you’ll miss out on a couple of sturdiness options which can be accessible on the newer iPhone fashions. One of many iPhone 12’s large enhancements is the fabric of its show. Apple calls it “ceramic protect” glass. Made by Corning, the ceramic protect glass masking the telephone’s show is seemingly tougher than most metals. Certainly, we will affirm that the iPhone 12’s ceramic protect is hard. Our iPhone 12 drop checks present it protected the {hardware} from drops as excessive as 9 toes. (CNET’s iPhone 12 Mini drop checks yielded related outcomes.) The iPhone 13 additionally has the identical ceramic protect glass on its show.
So in case you’re a giant klutz and are vulnerable to slips and drops, springing for the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 is a sensible transfer (or simply get a very nice iPhone case). Bear in mind, the iPhone 11 is not a fragile darling, both. It additionally survived CNET’s drop and water checks and earned a CNET Editors’ Selection Award. You may learn our iPhone 11 assessment for extra particulars.
Learn extra: Farewell iPhone case: The case for the caseless telephone
Worth and price range: How a lot do you need to spend on an iPhone?
As I stated earlier, Apple is promoting the almost two-year-old iPhone 11 for $300 much less now than when it first launched, making it an excellent selection for these buying on a price range. However, as additionally talked about beforehand, the iPhone 11 might change into even cheaper as soon as Apple debuts its 2022 line of iPhone fashions. Additionally of be aware, the present iPhone 12 and 12 Mini would possibly come down in worth and hit that $499 degree, as usually Apple lowers the worth of present iPhone fashions as soon as the latest mannequin goes on sale.
It is also price contemplating provider offers from Verizon, T-Cellular and AT&T, all of which can subsidize the worth of an iPhone in trade for committing to a mobile service plan. Final 12 months the three corporations supplied a whole bunch of {dollars} off with these contracts, and probably repay the telephone completely with a tool trade-in. Simply remember the fact that there are many caveats to these offers, like commitments starting from 24 to 36 months.
