Apple launched the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro in September 2019, offering consumers two powerful devices with distinct features. While both phones share the A13 Bionic chip, they differ in design, display quality, camera setup, and battery performance. This guide provides a detailed comparison to help you decide which device suits your needs best.
Design & Build Quality: Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel
The first major difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro is their build materials.
Materials and Durability
- iPhone 11 – Features an aluminum frame and a glossy glass back. The glossy finish gives it a sleek appearance, but it’s more prone to fingerprints and scratches.
- iPhone 11 Pro – Built with stainless steel and textured matte glass, making it more premium and durable. The matte finish also improves grip and reduces smudges.
Additionally, the iPhone 11 Pro is slightly smaller and lighter than the iPhone 11, making it easier to handle.
Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro |
Frame Material | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
Back Material | Glossy Glass | Matte Glass |
Weight | 194g | 188g |
Display: LCD vs. OLED
Screen Technology & Brightness
- iPhone 11 – Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD) display with a 1792 x 828 resolution. The LCD panel is bright and colorful but lacks deep blacks and high contrast.
- iPhone 11 Pro – Comes with a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR (OLED) display with a 2436 x 1125 resolution. The OLED screen delivers better contrast, HDR support, and true blacks.
Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro |
Screen Size | 6.1 inches | 5.8 inches |
Display Type | LCD | OLED |
Resolution | 1792 x 828 | 2436 x 1125 |
HDR Support | No | Yes |
If you value high-quality visuals, deeper blacks, and better contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro’s OLED display is the clear winner.
Performance & Software: Same Chip, Different Experience
A13 Bionic Chip and iOS Optimization
Both devices run on the A13 Bionic chip, ensuring smooth performance. However, the iPhone 11 Pro has more RAM (4GB vs. 3GB), making it slightly better at handling multitasking and demanding applications.
- Gaming & Multitasking – Both devices run demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile and Genshin Impact smoothly.
- iOS Updates – Since they share the same chipset, both will receive software updates for several years.
Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro |
Chipset | A13 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
Camera System: Dual vs. Triple Cameras
Rear Camera Setup & Features
The iPhone 11 has a dual-camera system, while the iPhone 11 Pro boasts a triple-camera setup, making a big difference in photography.
Camera Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro |
Wide Camera | 12MP (f/1.8) | 12MP (f/1.8) |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP (f/2.4) | 12MP (f/2.4) |
Telephoto Camera | No | 12MP (f/2.0) |
Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
Portrait Mode | Yes (Limited) | Yes (Advanced) |
- Telephoto Lens Advantage: The iPhone 11 Pro‘s third telephoto lens allows 2x optical zoom-in and improved portrait shots.
- Night Mode Performance: Both phones have Night Mode, but the iPhone 11 Pro performs better in low-light due to Deep Fusion technology.
- Video Recording: Both can record 4K at 60fps, but the Pro model has superior stabilization.
If you’re a photography enthusiast, the iPhone 11 Pro is the better choice.
Battery Life & Charging Speed
Endurance & Fast Charging
Apple improved battery life significantly in both models compared to previous generations.
Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 11 Pro |
Battery Size | 3,110 mAh | 3,046 mAh |
Video Playback | Up to 17 hours | Up to 18 hours |
Audio Playback | Up to 65 hours | Up to 80 hours |
Fast Charging | 50% in 30 min (18W) | 50% in 30 min (18W) |
Both support wireless charging, but the iPhone 11 Pro lasts longer due to its OLED efficiency.
Price & Value for Money
Which One Offers Better Value?
The iPhone 11 is more affordable and offers great value for those who don’t need a premium display or an extra camera lens.
Model | Original Price | Current Price (Refurbished) |
iPhone 11 | $699 | ~$300-$400 |
iPhone 11 Pro | $999 | ~$400-$550 |
If you need a better camera and display, go for the iPhone 11 Pro. If you want a solid iPhone at a lower cost, the iPhone 11 is an excellent choice.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
Category | Winner |
Design & Build | iPhone 11 Pro |
Display Quality | iPhone 11 Pro |
Performance | Tie |
Camera | iPhone 11 Pro |
Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro |
Price & Value | iPhone 11 |
Choose the iPhone 11 if:
You want a cheaper iPhone with good performance.
You don’t mind LCD over OLED.
You’re okay with dual cameras instead of triple cameras.
Choose the iPhone 11 Pro if:
You prefer a premium build with a stainless steel frame.
You want a better OLED display with HDR support.
You need a telephoto lens for zoom & better photography.
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