Yes, buying an iPhone 11 in 2023 was considered a great value for budget-conscious users who didn't need 5G, offering strong performance, good cameras, excellent battery life, and continued iOS support for years, making it a solid, reliable choice for everyday use despite its older LCD screen and lack of 5G.
No, the iPhone 11 isn't "too old" to buy in late 2025/early 2026 for budget-conscious users needing a reliable phone with good software support (like iOS 17/18), but newer models offer significant upgrades like OLED screens, 5G, and better cameras, making the iPhone 12 or 13 a smarter long-term buy for most, while the 11 is excellent value if budget is key and you can get a good battery, notes YouTube and Swappie.
Yes, the iPhone 11 can still be worth buying in 2026 as a budget-friendly option for reliable core Apple features (iMessage, FaceTime, apps) with good performance and current iOS 26 support, but its LCD screen, weaker low-light camera, and lack of 5G make newer models like the iPhone 12 or 13 a better investment for a more complete, future-proof experience if your budget allows.
3. Is an iPhone 11 still good to buy? Yes. The iPhone 11 is still a solid purchase in 2025 if you're looking for a reliable iPhone at a budget-friendly price.
Yes. The iPhone 11 is one of the best value upgrades in 2026. It supports iOS 26, receives security updates, and offers a noticeable performance upgrade over the iPhone XR and XS at a much lower cost than newer models.
The iPhone 13 has a more vibrant display with its OLED screen. The iPhone 11 is slightly bulkier and heavier. The iPhone 13 camera supports Night Mode on both lenses of the dual camera, whereas the iPhone 11 only supports it on the main wide lens. The iPhone 13 offers better battery life.
The iPhone 12 is more powerful: A13 Bionic vs A14 Bionic
According to the specs, the six-core A14 Bionic in the iPhone 12 is 40% more powerful than the quad-core A13 Bionic in the iPhone 11. Regular daily use may not get that big a boost, but it's definitely an advantage for games and other demanding applications.
The 20-80 rule for iPhones suggests keeping the battery charge between 20% and 80% to minimize stress on the lithium-ion battery, thereby extending its overall lifespan and health by avoiding the high-stress points of full discharge (0%) and full charge (100%). While not a strict necessity for daily use, this practice reduces battery degradation by avoiding deep discharges and the taxing final 20% of charging, helping maintain battery capacity longer, though modern iPhones have built-in features like Optimized Battery Charging to manage this.
iPhone 11 Cons:
Our repair data shows that these five repairs are the most common on the iPhone 11 series: Screen replacement – Due to drop or impact damage, or a touchscreen that no longer responds. Battery Replacement – For iPhones that no longer last all day. Cleaning or replacing charging port – In case of charging problems.
Despite being vintage now, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still compatible with iOS 26. All models of the Apple Watch Series 3 were also added to Apple's vintage products list today, a little more than eight years after the device launched.
High screen brightness: Keeping your screen brightness at maximum drains your battery quickly. Location services: Apps that constantly access your location can contribute to battery drain. Push notifications: Frequent notifications can cause your phone to stay active longer than necessary.
Truth is we don't know for sure, but on the basis that Apple supports phones for five to seven years after they are removed from sale: iPhone XS (2018-2019) – Approx 2024-2026. iPhone XR (2018-2021) – Approx 2026-2028. iPhone 11 (2019-2022) – Approx 2027-2029.
The Risks of Using Unsupported Devices
Security Vulnerabilities: The most significant risk of using an unsupported device is the exposure to security vulnerabilities. Without regular software updates, your iPhone becomes an easy target for hackers.
It's especially important to avoid exposing your device to ambient temperatures higher than 95° F (35° C), which can permanently damage battery capacity. That is, your battery won't power your device as long on a given charge. Charging the device in high ambient temperatures can damage it further.
You can charge your iPhone every night even if the battery isn't fully depleted. iPhone automatically stops charging when the battery is fully charged, so it's safe to keep your iPhone connected to a charger overnight. Charging resumes automatically if your battery level drops below 95 percent.
Identify Your Usage Habits
For example, streaming videos or music, making calls, and gaming on the go typically cause your battery to drain much more quickly. Other culprits of battery draining include active applications in the background or constantly updating, such as real-time weather apps.
Despite this, many users find that the iPhone 11 still holds its own in the current smartphone landscape. It handles most modern apps and tasks with ease, and many appreciate the value it offers, particularly when compared to the higher costs of newer models.
iPhone 17. The base-model iPhone has been the best for most people for years, but this year the iPhone 17 is closer to the Pro models in features than ever before, making it an instant recommendation.
Apple officially announced that the iPhone 11 will update to iOS 26 this fall, but we estimate that it won't receive further major updates after that. That means it will be supported until fall 2026, when iOS 27 will be released. Our prediction is primarily based on the iPhone 11's release date in 2019.
Unsurprisingly, you'll find a processor chipset that's 2 generations ahead on the iPhone 13 compared to the iPhone 11. The iPhone 13 A15 chip delivers some of the fastest performances on the market, which will be more noticeable when you're playing fast-paced games or working on video or photo edits.
The iPhone 11 still has decent resale value, typically ranging from $100 to $250+ USD, depending heavily on condition (mint vs. damaged), storage (64GB, 128GB, 256GB), and where you sell it (trade-in programs, online marketplaces). Expect more for better condition with higher storage, while damaged phones fetch significantly less.