Review update: iPhone 11 in 2021
Because iPhones last for years and are often sold for years, iPhoned looks at every iPhone that Apple still supports with iOS updates in this annual column. In 2020, are these devices still worth bringing home?
This year we’ll be discussing all iPhones running iOS 14: the iPhone 6S, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11, and iPhone 11 Pro. In this article, we look at whether the iPhone 11 is still worthwhile in 2021.
Big difference
Last year we looked back at the iPhone XR. Then that device was also one for 2020 no brainer, because the successor iPhone 11 had hardly changed. That is of course very different this time. The difference between the iPhone 11 and the iPhone 12 is much greater.
The iPhone 12 has been given a completely new design with flat sides. The iPhone 12 also has a firmer OLED screen, while the iPhone 11 still has to do with an LCD screen. The iPhone 12 also has a magnetic back for MagSafe accessories.
But most importantly, the iPhone 12 supports 5G. At the moment, this is of little use to you in the Netherlands, but that will definitely change in the coming years. If you buy an iPhone 11 now and want to use it for years, you will not be able to use 5G all this time.
Speed, camera and price
The iPhone 12 is of course faster, but the iPhone 11 also lasts just fine. You can play the toughest games without any problems and the device has of course received the latest update to iOS 14.
With the iPhone 12, the cameras have hardly improved, except that Night Mode now also works with the selfie camera. The camera of the iPhone 11 still lasts excellently. Although you may not be able to photograph yourself sharply in the dark, the camera on the back of the device does have Night Mode and there is a wide-angle lens.
The iPhone 11 was available at launch from 809 euros with 64GB storage. You lost 859 euros for the 128GB copy. The most comprehensive version with 256GB of storage has a price tag of 979 euros. The device is now a lot cheaper at Apple, with 689 euros for 64GB, 739 euros for 128GB and 859 euros for 256GB.
Conclusion iPhone 11 in 2021 review
The question is mainly how long you want to use the device. The iPhone 12 is clearly a device that is ready for the future. You can use the new MagSafe accessories, which Apple will undoubtedly continue to respond to in the coming years. And you have the new design, which will probably also be used in the coming generations. 5G is also an important addition.
Do you think those things are not that important, or do you only want a new device for the coming year without paying the main price? Then the iPhone 11 is still an excellent smartphone in 2021.
Pros:
Lightning fast device
Good cameras
Much cheaper than the iPhone 12
Cons:
Outdated design
No OLED screen
Not 5G