iPhone 11 Vs iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 11
iPhone 11
Starting at

£125.00

£489.00 new

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iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Plus
Starting at

£249.00

£699.00 new

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Ratings

The iPhone 11, introduced in 2019, and the iPhone 14 Plus, released in 2022, represent two distinct generations of Apple’s smartphone lineup. While the iPhone 11 remains a popular choice for those seeking a standard-sized device for everyday tasks, the iPhone 14 Plus caters to users who prefer a much larger screen and significantly longer battery life. Both devices run on the iOS operating system, providing a consistent and familiar user experience, though the iPhone 14 Plus includes more modern software capabilities and will receive official updates for several years beyond the older model's support window.

Scores

Durability

The age difference between these two models plays a significant role in their long-term viability and physical resilience during daily use. Choosing a quality-assured refurbished option for either model ensures a reliable device while supporting a more circular economy.

  • Software Support: The iPhone 14 Plus is expected to receive the latest operating system updates and security patches for a much longer duration than the iPhone 11, which is now several years into its lifecycle.
  • Physical Build: Both phones feature an aluminium frame and glass back, but the iPhone 14 Plus uses a more advanced front glass material designed to offer better protection against cracks and scratches from accidental drops.
  • Water Resistance: While both devices are designed to withstand splashes and brief immersion, the newer model has improved seals that provide a higher level of protection against water ingress in deeper environments.

Year of Release

2019

2022

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

The internal hardware of the iPhone 14 Plus offers a noticeable step up in responsiveness, particularly when handling demanding applications or multitasking throughout the day.

  • System Speed: The iPhone 14 Plus handles intensive tasks like video editing and high-end gaming with greater efficiency, whereas the iPhone 11 may occasionally show slight delays when launching the most modern, resource-heavy apps.
  • Battery Endurance: Thanks to its larger physical footprint, the iPhone 14 Plus contains a much larger battery that can easily last through a full day of heavy use, while the iPhone 11 typically requires more frequent charging.
  • Multitasking Capability: The newer model features more memory dedicated to running background processes, allowing users to switch between many open apps without the system needing to refresh or reload them as often.

Memory

4 GB

6 GB

Screen quality

The display is perhaps the most striking difference between these two devices, affecting how users interact with photos, videos, and text on a daily basis.

  • Display Technology: The iPhone 14 Plus features an OLED screen that provides deep blacks and vibrant colours, whereas the iPhone 11 uses an LCD panel which has lower contrast and less vivid colour reproduction.
  • Viewing Area: With a 6.7-inch display, the iPhone 14 Plus offers a significantly larger viewing area for watching movies or reading documents compared to the 6.1-inch screen found on the iPhone 11.
  • Outdoor Brightness: The screen on the iPhone 14 Plus can become much brighter than the iPhone 11, making it far easier to see clearly when using the device outside in direct sunlight.

Resolution

828 x 1792

1284 x 2778

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

Both smartphones utilise a dual-camera system on the rear, but the iPhone 14 Plus benefits from newer sensors and more advanced image processing features for better results.

  • Low-Light Performance: The iPhone 14 Plus captures much more detail and less grain in dark settings, making it better suited for evening photography or indoor shots without a flash compared to the iPhone 11.
  • Video Features: The newer model includes advanced stabilisation that makes handheld videos look much smoother, along with a specialised mode that adds a professional-looking blurred background to video recordings.
  • Audio Clarity: The larger speakers in the iPhone 14 Plus produce a louder and more balanced sound, which improves the experience when listening to music or watching videos without headphones.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Practical considerations such as connectivity and physical handling are important factors when choosing between these two different-sized smartphones for your daily routine.

  • Network Standards: The iPhone 14 Plus is compatible with 5G cellular networks for faster data downloads, while the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE speeds, which may be slower in congested areas.
  • Size and Weight: The iPhone 11 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to carry in a pocket, whereas the iPhone 14 Plus is larger and heavier, often requiring two hands for comfortable use.
  • Charging and Sensors: Both devices utilise a Lightning port for charging and data transfer, and both feature facial recognition for security, though the sensors on the newer model are more refined for faster unlocking.

Weight

194 g

150 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

6.7

Network

4G

5G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

Based on common user discussions, the iPhone 11 is frequently praised for its comfortable ergonomics and its ability to handle basic smartphone tasks reliably even years after its release. However, some users have noted that its screen technology and battery life are starting to feel dated compared to newer releases. On the other hand, the iPhone 14 Plus is highly regarded for its massive screen and its ability to last through long days of heavy usage without needing a charger, though its large size is a common point of criticism for those with smaller hands.

Users who prioritise a portable device for simple communication and social media may find the iPhone 11 to be a practical choice. Conversely, users who frequently watch videos, play games, or need the longest possible battery life will likely find the iPhone 14 Plus better suited to their lifestyle. Opting for a sustainable choice like a refurbished device provides a reliable experience while reducing environmental impact. Ultimately, the decision depends on whether you value the compact nature of the older model or the expansive display and modern connectivity of the newer version.