In September 2019, Apple introduced the iPhone 11, a smartphone that promised to bring advanced features at a more accessible price point compared to its predecessors. The iPhone 11 quickly gained popularity, boasting an array of enhancements in camera technology, battery life, and overall performance. This comprehensive review covers all aspects of the iPhone 11, including its design, display, camera capabilities, performance, software, battery life, and value for money.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 maintains the familiar design language of its predecessors, with a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. It features an aluminum and glass construction, with the front and back made of the toughest glass in a smartphone at the time of its release. The device measures 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm and weighs 194 grams, making it slightly heavier than the iPhone XR, but still comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
Available in six colors – black, white, yellow, green, purple, and (PRODUCT)RED – the iPhone 11 caters to a wide range of personal styles. The rear of the device is dominated by the dual-camera system housed in a distinctive square module, which has become a signature design element. The Apple logo has been repositioned to the center of the back panel, giving it a more balanced look.
Display
The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, using LCD technology rather than the OLED screens found in the more expensive iPhone 11 Pro models. With a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi, the display is sharp and vibrant, though it lacks the deep blacks and infinite contrast ratios of OLED displays.
Despite not being an OLED panel, the Liquid Retina display supports True Tone, which adjusts the white balance based on the ambient lighting conditions for a more natural viewing experience. It also supports a wide color gamut (P3) and offers excellent color accuracy, making it suitable for watching videos, browsing photos, and general use.
Camera Capabilities
One of the standout features of the iPhone 11 is its camera system. The device is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 12 MP wide-angle lens with an f/1.8 aperture and a 12 MP ultra-wide-angle lens with an f/2.4 aperture. This configuration allows users to capture a variety of perspectives, from standard shots to expansive landscapes.
The camera system benefits from Apple’s advanced computational photography capabilities, including features like Night Mode, which dramatically improves low-light photography, and Smart HDR, which enhances details in both the highlights and shadows of an image. The ultra-wide lens offers a 120-degree field of view, making it perfect for capturing group photos or scenic vistas.
On the video front, the iPhone 11 excels with the ability to record 4K video at 60 fps with extended dynamic range. The device also supports slow-motion video recording at 1080p up to 240 fps, and the front-facing 12 MP TrueDepth camera can also record 4K video, adding versatility for vloggers and selfie enthusiasts.
Performance
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 delivers exceptional performance across all tasks. The A13 Bionic, built on a 7nm+ process, features a hexa-core CPU with two high-performance cores and four efficiency cores, a quad-core GPU, and an octa-core Neural Engine. This combination ensures smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and excellent gaming performance.
Benchmark tests have shown that the iPhone 11’s performance rivals that of some of the best Android flagships available, and it is well-equipped to handle the demands of iOS 13 and future updates. The Neural Engine also enhances machine learning tasks, enabling features like real-time photo and video analysis and improved augmented reality experiences.
Software and Ecosystem
The iPhone 11 shipped with iOS 13 out of the box, offering a range of new features and improvements over previous versions. Key highlights of iOS 13 include Dark Mode, which provides a darker color scheme that is easier on the eyes and conserves battery life on OLED displays, and a revamped Photos app with improved organization and editing tools.
Apple’s commitment to regular software updates means that the iPhone 11 continues to receive the latest features and security patches, keeping it relevant and secure for years to come. The seamless integration with other Apple products, such as the Apple Watch, AirPods, and iCloud services, enhances the overall user experience and reinforces the strength of the Apple ecosystem.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a critical factor for many smartphone users, and the iPhone 11 does not disappoint. Apple claims that the iPhone 11 offers up to 17 hours of video playback, up to 10 hours of streaming video, and up to 65 hours of audio playback on a single charge. In real-world usage, the device comfortably lasts a full day of moderate to heavy use, thanks to the efficiency of the A13 Bionic chip and optimizations in iOS.
The iPhone 11 supports fast charging, capable of charging up to 50% in approximately 30 minutes with an 18W adapter (sold separately). It also supports wireless charging using the Qi standard, adding convenience for users who prefer cable-free charging solutions. However, it is worth noting that the device comes with a standard 5W charger in the box, which is slower compared to the fast charging capabilities.
Value for Money
One of the most compelling aspects of the iPhone 11 is its value for money. Priced at a lower point than the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, the iPhone 11 offers many of the same core features and performance at a more accessible price. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to upgrade from an older iPhone or switch to an Android device without breaking the bank.
The combination of a high-quality camera system, robust performance, and solid battery life, along with the benefits of iOS and the Apple ecosystem, positions the iPhone 11 as a well-rounded smartphone that caters to a broad audience. It strikes an excellent balance between affordability and premium features, making it one of the best choices in its price segment.
Conclusion
The iPhone 11 represents a significant step forward for Apple’s mainstream smartphone lineup. With its improved camera capabilities, powerful A13 Bionic chip, and long-lasting battery life, the iPhone 11 offers a comprehensive package that appeals to a wide range of users. While it may lack the OLED display and some of the premium materials found in the Pro models, the iPhone 11 delivers excellent value for money and a user experience that is hard to beat.
Whether you’re an existing iPhone user looking for an upgrade or someone considering making the switch to iOS, the iPhone 11 is a strong contender that offers many of the features and performance of more expensive models at a more accessible price. Its enduring popularity and continued relevance in the market are testaments to its quality and appeal.