When looking for a new iPhone, it is beneficial to know the differences between the various models so you can make the right decision. Every iPhone generation has its own features and benefits to explore. Whether you go with one of the iPhone 13 or 11 models, there are great options in both categories.
As you compare and contrast these models, there are important factors to consider. From color options to performance, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to their smartphone.
Learn more about how the iPhone 13 stacks up against the iPhone 11.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11 Models
Over the last 15 years, Apple has shared 34 different models. There are over 1 billion active iPhones across the world. Each new release has been accompanied by fresh and exciting features that can be challenging to keep up with.
Apple introduced the iPhone 11 series in September 2019 and released the iPhone 13 series two years later in September 2021. We’re diving into the main differences between each model in these two series.
iPhone 13 vs. iPhone 11
When looking at the standard iPhone 13 and 11 models, they look and feel very similar. However, there is more than meets the eye when comparing the newest model to a slightly older iPhone. They feature the same size display, yet one features a Super Retina display and the other a Liquid Retina display, meaning they deliver different resolutions.
The 13 model is generally more advanced. The iPhone 13 is compatible with 5G connectivity, while the iPhone 11 utilizes 4G LTE cellular connectivity.
Both models feature two cameras, one with a wide lens and another with an ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 13’s cameras feature a cinematic mode and HDR video recording. Video playback is slightly shorter for the iPhone 11 compared to the 13. Both models are water-resistant, though the 13 is able to withstand deeper submersion.
iPhone 13 Pro vs. iPhone 11 Pro
The next iPhone in both the 13 and 11 series is the Pro model. In comparison, the iPhone 13 Pro features a larger display, though both have Super Retina. The Pro series is slightly more advanced than standard models and are bigger in size.
Both models feature three types of cameras:
- Telephoto
- Wide
- Ultra Wide
Though the 13 Pro’s cameras are slightly more advanced and have six times the optical zoom range, the 11 Pro’s cameras have four times the optical zoom range. The Pro model for both series features longer video playback than the standard models. Again, the iPhone 13 series has 5G cellular connectivity, while the iPhone 11 series still utilizes 4G LTE cellular.
iPhone 13 Pro Max vs. iPhone 11 Pro Max
The Pro Max iPhones are the most highly advanced models in each respective series. When looking at the iPhone 11 Pro Max and iPhone 13 Pro Max, there are some key differences.
Most of the specs for these iPhones are the same as the Pro models. They feature the same cameras and connectivity. Both the 13 Pro Max and 11 Pro Max have longer video playback times than their Pro models.
The 13 Pro Max features a slightly larger display than the 11 Pro Max and an additional color option, though they are available in the same four colors otherwise. The iPhone 13 Pro Max has the largest option for storage available at one terabyte capacity.
iPhone 13 Mini
Unlike the iPhone 11 series, the latest iPhone models feature a smaller option, the iPhone 13 Mini.
The iPhone 13 Mini is slightly larger than the iPhone SE, Apple’s most cost-effective model. The 13 Mini has a Super Retina XDR display, just as the others in the iPhone 13 series. It is very similar to the standard 13 models regarding cameras and connectivity. Though, it does have shorter video playback than the rest.
iPhone Features to Consider
When comparing iPhone 13 and 11 models, consider these key features:
Design and Build
Regarding design and build, there are some key differences between the iPhone 13 models and the iPhone 11 models. One of the greatest differences between these models is that 13 models feature a ceramic shield front while the 11 models have a glass front and back. Another distinction between the series is the dimensions of each device.
The following are the sizes of each model according to height, width and depth:
- iPhone 13: 5.78 inches x 2.82 inches x 0.30 inch
- iPhone 13 Pro: 5.78 inches x 2.82 inches x 0.30 inch
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 6.33 inches x 3.07 inches x 0.30 inch
- iPhone 13 Mini: 5.18 inches x 2.53 inches x 0.30 inch
- iPhone 11: 5.94 inches x 2.98 inches x 0.33 inch
- iPhone 11 Pro: 5.67 inches x 2.81 inches x 0.32 inch
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 6.22 inches x 3.06 inches x 0.32 inch
Display
Screen size is another key differentiator between the iPhone 11 and 13 series. Here are the measurements and types of displays for each model:
- iPhone 13: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- iPhone 13 Pro: 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR with ProMotion
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion
- iPhone 13 Mini: 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR
- iPhone 11: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD
- iPhone 11 Pro: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR
While most models have a Super Retina display with a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, the iPhone 11 features a Liquid Retina HD display with a significantly lower contrast ratio of 1400:1.
Colors
Apple introduces different color options for each of its iPhone model releases. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini are available in the following colors:
- Green
- Pink
- Blue Midnight
- Starlight
- Red
The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are available in different colors, including:
- Alpine Green
- Sierra Blue
- Silver
- Gold
- Graphite
When it comes to the standard iPhone 11 model, there are six color options:
- Purple
- Yellow
- Green
- Black
- White
- Red
And the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are available in four color variations, including:
- Midnight Green
- Silver
- Space Grey
- Gold
Cameras and Video Recording
The cameras are a major selling point for iPhones. Each of the iPhone 11 models features a wide and ultra-wide lens. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have an additional telephoto lens. All three models include the following camera features:
- Night mode
- Deep Fusion
- Depth control
- True Tone flash
The iPhone 13 series cameras are slightly more advanced. Each of the four phones features cinematic mode and Dolby Visions HDR video recording. The iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 13 feature a wide and ultra-wide lens. The 13 Pro and Pro Max have an additional telephoto lens. These two models also have these unique capabilities:
- Macro photography
- Night mode portrait
- Macro video recording
- Video slow motion
- Video time-lapse
Bionic Chips and Software
The Bionic chip in Apple iPhones helps save battery life and lets your device perform trillions of tasks per second, such as:
- Facial recognition
- Speech recognition
- Video playback
All iPhone 13 models have an A15 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 11 series utilizes an A13. The bionic chip impacts video playback hours.
Both series run on the latest version of Apple’s iOS software. In terms of software and features, there are no major differences between them. The interface for iPhone 11 and iPhone 13 models is the same. However, newer devices have 5G connectivity, while iPhone 11 options run with 4G.
Performance and Battery Life
Another feature to consider when comparing iPhone 13 and 11 models is power and battery life. Every model has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charges via a lightning cable. But unlike iPhone 11 models, the iPhone 13 series works with MagSafe accessories.
Battery life and performance go hand-in-hand. The following are the video playback hours for each device:
- iPhone 13: Up to 19 hours
- iPhone 13 Pro: Up to 22 hours
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Up to 28 hours
- iPhone 13 Mini: Up to 17 hours
- iPhone 11: Up to 17 hours
- iPhone 11 Pro: Up to 18 hours
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to 20 hours
And here are the audio playback hours for each device:
- iPhone 13: Up to 75 hours
- iPhone 13 Pro: Up to 75 hours
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: Up to 95 hours
- iPhone 13 Mini: Up to 55 hours
- iPhone 11: Up to 65 hours
- iPhone 11 Pro: Up to 65 hours
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to 80 hours
Storage Capacity
The iPhone 11 has two storage options, 64 gigabytes and 128 gigabytes. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max are available in the following storage capacities:
- 64 gigabytes
- 256 gigabytes
- 512 gigabytes
The iPhone 13 Mini is available in the following storage options:
- 128 gigabytes
- 256 gigabytes
- 512 gigabytes
And in addition to these options, the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max are also available with one terabyte of storage.
Water Resistance
The final iPhone feature to consider when choosing between models is their water resistance. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to go with an option with greater resistance. The following are the depth and time each model can withstand when submerged in water:
- iPhone 11: 2 meters for up to 30 minutes
- iPhone 11 Pro: 4 meters for up to 30 minutes
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 4 meters for up to 30 minutes
All four models in the iPhone 13 series can endure submersion of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes.
5 Factors to Consider Before Buying an iPhone 13 or iPhone 11
When comparing iPhone 13 models against the iPhone 11 options, there are some key factors to consider before making your decision:
1. Storage
Before landing on an iPhone model, ask yourself the following:
- Do you store files on the cloud or on your device?
- Do you take a lot of photos and videos?
- Do you stream videos or music using your iPhone?
As you search for the right model with enough capacity for you, consider the various gigabytes associated with different iPhone models. As a general rule of thumb, Pro Max models have larger storage options than standard models. If you rely on your smartphone for work purposes, you’ll likely need more gigabytes.
2. Use
In addition to asking yourself about storage, consider what kind of iPhone user you are. There are various levels of iPhone users. Some people use their smartphones solely for making phone calls or sending text messages. Others work entirely from their smartphones. How you use your iPhone will inform your decision-making.
Consider the battery life and display quality that you require. Checking out your current iPhone’s Screen Time can give you helpful insights into how much you use your phone and what model you should invest in based on your daily use.
3. Budget
Another factor to consider when choosing an iPhone 13 or 11 is your budget. The following will impact the cost of the smartphone:
- Size: The larger the iPhone’s display and dimensions are, the more expensive the device will be.
- Storage: More gigabytes of storage will cost more money.
- Generation: Newer iPhone models will likely cost more than older options.
Your budget is a very important part of choosing a new phone. iPhone 13 models are generally more expensive than iPhone 11 because they are Apple’s latest release.
4. Size
When picking an iPhone model, it can be helpful to decipher what size you prefer for your device. Consider where you like to store your phone, whether it is in your pants pocket or handbag.
Ask yourself if you want or need an iPhone case. If you like protective cases, they can make your device feel bigger and bulkier. Some people prefer a larger display, and others like to easily reach across a smaller screen. It all comes down to personal preference.
5. Colors
Another factor to consider before landing on the right iPhone model for you is your aesthetic preferences. Between iPhone 13 and iPhone 11 models, there are available in nearly 20 different color options. Some colors are specific to certain iPhone series. If you add an iPhone case, it will likely cover up your device’s color.
What Apple iPhone Model Is Right for You?
In addition to choosing between iPhone 11 and 13 models, you also have to decide which variation is best for you. If you want a simple smartphone with the most basic features, the Mini may be the right choice. If you use your smartphone for communication and streaming purposes, standard and Pro models often have the features you’ll want and need. For people who work from their iPhone, Pro Max options are great because they deliver both the storage and performance you’ll require.
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