Is an iPhone 11 worth buying in 2022?

Since Apple is about to unveil the all-new iPhone 14, the company’s phone lineup is bound to shift. Apple will most certainly discontinue support for older models, and the iPhone 11 may be one of the models that will no longer be supported or receive updates in the future.

Despite the fact that the iPhone 11 is three years old, it may still be suitable for those on a tight budget because Apple has cut the price to $499.

NOW READ: Holiday Deals now live on Amazon & Best Buy. Big brands such as Lenovo and Samsung are also starting to offer Holiday discounts early, with many more to follow.

However, pricing is not the only factor to consider when purchasing a new phone. You should also consider the device’s features and future-proofing.

Now that we’ve cleared things up, let’s look at the iPhone 11 to determine if it’s still worth buying.

iPhone 11 pricing and specifications

Following the release of the iPhone 13 series, Apple retained the iPhone 11 in its lineup at a reduced price. The iPhone 11 costs $499 for the 64GB variant and $549 for the 128GB model.

The iPhone 11 comes in six colors: black, green, yellow, purple, red, and white. For such a price it offers excellent features. See some of its most important specifications for yourself:

It becomes quickly apparent that it gets nowhere near the new releases, but again, this is a bang for the buck. So, let us get to the question again.

Should you buy an iPhone 11 in 2022?

Lack of 5G technology

It is common for a phone that was introduced in 2019 to lack some modern technologies. 5G connectivity is one of the most notable features absent from the iPhone 11 compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12.

The iPhone 11 is an LTE-only smartphone, so if you don’t want to wait for next-generation wireless technology, the iPhone 11 should suffice.

Remember that 5G launched on the iPhone 12 series, and the availability of faster 5G bands depends on where you reside. So purchasing the iPhone 12 makes your purchase more future-proof.

Old but solid display

Most people are now looking for displays with greater refresh rates than 60Hz, and the iPhone 11 will disappoint you if you are one of them.

The iPhone 11 has a sharp LCD that refreshes at 60 frames per second, or 60Hz. In this case, iPhone 12 won’t suffice if you are looking for a higher refresh rate since it only has a better screen technology (OLED) than iPhone 11, but the refresh rate is still 60Hz.

Upgradable OS

Many older iPhones can run Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 15.5. According to Apple’s policy of supporting iPhones for six years, we might estimate that the iPhone 11 will be supported until 2025.

As a result, you may rest assured that your operating system will be up to date at least for a few years.

Less durable than newer models

If you choose the iPhone 11, you will miss a few durability features found on recent iPhone models. The display material on the iPhone 12 is one of the most significant upgrades.

Apple refers to it as “ceramic shield” glass. The ceramic shield glass is supposedly more rigid than most metals. If you’re clumsy and prone to slips and drops, opting for the iPhone 13 or 12 is a sensible decision.

The best use cases for iPhone 11

In four significant scenarios, the iPhone 11 will be the best phone you’ve ever purchased:

• You need a temporary replacement for your phone
• Your adolescent child needs a decent smartphone
• You are a photographer who needs a smartphone with a good camera.
• Battery life is an essential factor for you

Let’s get into more detail about each now.

Temporary replacement

If you are looking for a phone that you can keep for a couple of years, you should go with one of Apple’s current flagships. Given Apple’s existing software support track record, an iPhone 13 should be able to get iOS updates until at least 2027.

However, not everyone is willing to retain the same smartphone for so long. The iPhone 11 will continue to receive updates and meet your demands for a few years, indicating that it is not a future-proof device, but it can serve you well as a temporary replacement.

The best choice for a teen

When it comes time for your teen child to have a phone, your old phone may be the best option if you decide to upgrade.

However, with today’s smartphone prices, trading in your phone for a newer model may minimize the cost, or even selling it may provide revenue to assist you in purchasing a newer phone.

In this case, the iPhone 11 is an excellent choice for your child. It has a more modern design than the cheaper iPhone SE, but it still costs less than $500.

Great camera for photographers

If you primarily use your smartphone to take photos, iPhone 11 can be a good purchase. iPhone 11’s ultrawide angle camera gives you flexibility when capturing spectacular images.

The iPhone 11 is a far superior option for taking shots in low-light situations than the same price range phones.

Long-lasting battery life

Various battery tests revealed that the iPhone 11 lasted over 11 hours. It’s also much better than the iPhone SE (2022). That phone only lasted 9 hours and 5 minutes, which is below the industry standard for a smartphone.

The iPhone 12 mini, Apple’s other low-cost smartphone, performs much worse, failing to reach the 8.5-hour barrier. Remember that the iPhone 11 only has 4G, whereas the iPhone SE and iPhone 12 mini have more power-consuming 5G connections.

There are newer alternatives to the iPhone 11, but none match the battery life of the Apple device.

iPhone 11 – the best option in some cases

With a fast search, you may locate hundreds of smartphones for less than $500. Some may even provide superior features and components, such as a better camera or display.

However, if you favor Apple above any other brand and find that working with iOS is much easier than working with Android, the iPhone 11 may be right for you.

As a three-year-old phone, it will suffice for the time being. If you don’t expect much from your phone and 4G is enough, working with the iPhone 11 would be a dream come true.

The final decision is yours, and depending on your budget; you may determine whether you require the device in your life.

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