iPhone 11 Vs iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11
iPhone 11
Starting at

Refurbished price:£112.00

Versus £489.00 new

See options
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro
Starting at

Refurbished price:£144.00

Versus £639.00 new

See options

Ratings

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, both launched in 2019, represent two distinct approaches to the same generation of smartphone technology. While they share the same core internal architecture and software capabilities, they are designed to meet different user preferences regarding physical size, display technology, and photographic versatility. As of 2026, both devices continue to operate on the iOS platform, providing a consistent and familiar user interface for those accustomed to the ecosystem.

The primary differences between these two models lie in their physical construction and the hardware used for their screens and cameras. The iPhone 11 serves as the standard, larger-format option, while the iPhone 11 Pro offers a more compact footprint with enhanced display and zoom capabilities. This comparison explores how these differences impact daily usage for modern users.

Scores

Durability

Both the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro share an identical release timeline, which means their expected software longevity and support cycles are closely aligned.

  • Software support: Having been released in late 2019, both models have benefited from many years of operating system updates. By 2026, they are likely reaching the final stages of major version support, though they typically continue to receive essential security patches to maintain safe operation for several years thereafter.
  • Physical resilience: The iPhone 11 is constructed with aerospace-grade aluminium and glass, while the iPhone 11 Pro uses a stainless steel frame and a matte-textured glass back. Both designs offer high levels of water and dust resistance, helping them withstand accidental spills or exposure to the elements during regular use.
  • Maintenance and repair: Because these models are well-established in the market, replacement parts such as batteries and screens are readily available. This makes both devices excellent candidates for a quality-assured refurbished option, allowing users to extend the functional life of the hardware through professional servicing.

Year of Release

2019

2019

Compatible with latest Update

Yes

Yes

OS

iOS

iOS

Foldable

No

No

Performance

Despite their different external appearances, both smartphones deliver nearly identical performance when it comes to running applications and managing daily tasks.

  • System responsiveness: Both devices handle modern applications, social media browsing, and multitasking with a high degree of fluidity. Users will find that switching between apps and loading web pages remains efficient, as the internal hardware was designed to handle demanding processes with ease.
  • Battery behaviour: The iPhone 11 features a larger physical battery which often results in slightly longer runtimes during continuous video playback. However, the iPhone 11 Pro utilises a more power-efficient screen technology, which helps it maintain competitive battery life during standard daily activities like messaging and light browsing.
  • Storage and memory: Both models were released with various storage capacities to suit different needs, ranging from standard amounts for casual users to larger capacities for those who store many high-resolution files. The internal memory management ensures that background tasks do not interrupt the primary user experience on either device.

Memory

4 GB

4 GB

Screen quality

The display is the most significant point of divergence between these two models, affecting everything from colour reproduction to how the device feels in the hand.

  • Display technology: The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display using LCD technology, which provides accurate, natural colours and a larger viewing area. In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro uses a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, offering deeper blacks, more vibrant colours, and a higher contrast ratio for a more intense visual experience.
  • Brightness and outdoor visibility: The OLED screen on the Pro model is capable of reaching higher peak brightness levels. This makes it easier to view content, read text, and compose photos when using the device in bright outdoor environments or under direct sunlight.
  • Clarity and sharpness: While both screens provide clear images, the iPhone 11 Pro has a higher pixel density, resulting in sharper text and finer details when viewing high-definition media. The standard iPhone 11 compensates with a larger screen real estate, which many users find preferable for watching videos or playing games.

Resolution

828 x 1792

1125 x 2436

Screen type

Liquid Retina IPS LCD

Super Retina XDR OLED

Audiovisual

While both phones share the same primary and ultra-wide lenses, the Pro model includes an additional lens that expands its photographic capabilities.

  • Lens configuration: The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system consisting of a wide and an ultra-wide lens, perfect for landscapes and group shots. The iPhone 11 Pro adds a third telephoto lens, which enables optical zoom, allowing users to get closer to distant subjects without sacrificing image clarity.
  • Low-light photography: Both devices utilise advanced software processing to improve images taken in dark settings. This ensures that evening photos remain clear and detailed across both models, regardless of which lens is being used.
  • Video and audio recording: Each model supports high-quality 4K video recording and features spatial audio capture. This results in immersive video content with clear sound separation, making both devices suitable for capturing memories or creating social media content with professional-looking results.

Main camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Front camera

12 megapixels

12 megapixels

Miscellaneous

Beyond the core specifications, several practical hardware features define the everyday handling and connectivity of these two smartphones.

  • Connectivity and ports: Both models support Wi-Fi 6 and 4G LTE for reliable internet access, though they do not support 5G networks. They both utilise the Lightning port for charging and data transfer, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of existing accessories and cables.
  • Biometric security: Facial recognition technology is standard on both devices, providing a secure and fast way to unlock the phone or authorise payments. This system remains highly responsive and works effectively in various lighting conditions and even when the user is wearing glasses.
  • Dimensions and weight: The iPhone 11 is larger and heavier, which may appeal to those who like a substantial feel, whereas the iPhone 11 Pro is more compact and lighter. The smaller dimensions of the Pro model make it particularly well-suited for users who prefer to operate their phone with one hand.

Weight

194 g

188 g

Screen size (in)

6.1

5.8

Network

4G

4G

SIM card

Physical SIM + eSIM

Physical SIM + eSIM

Carrier compatibility

Unlocked

Unlocked

Connector

Lightning

Lightning

In summary, the choice between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 11 Pro depends largely on a user's preference for screen technology and camera versatility. Based on common user feedback from various forums, the iPhone 11 is frequently praised for its comfortable screen size and its dependable battery performance, making it a popular choice for general daily use. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 Pro is often highlighted for its more manageable compact size and the superior visual depth provided by its OLED display. Some users have noted that while the lack of 5G connectivity is a factor to consider for the long term, both devices remain highly capable for current app requirements and standard mobile tasks.

Users who prioritise a larger display for media consumption and do not require a dedicated zoom lens will likely find the iPhone 11 well-suited to their needs. Conversely, those who prefer a more compact device that is easier to use with one hand, or those who frequently take portraits and zoomed-in photos, may lean toward the iPhone 11 Pro. Choosing a sustainable choice like a refurbished model is an effective way to access these features while supporting a more circular economy. Ultimately, both smartphones offer a reliable and high-quality experience for users seeking a functional device that handles modern tasks with ease.

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