The Apple iPhone 11 launched in September 2019, and while it’s no longer the newest device on the block, its specs still hold up surprisingly well for everyday use in 2026. With a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, 4GB of RAM, and storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, it remains a capable and practical smartphone for most users. The dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide camera system supports 4K video at up to 60fps and 1080p slow-motion at 240fps, delivering photo and video quality that still impresses. A 3,110mAh battery provides up to 17 hours of video playback, 10 hours of streaming, and 65 hours of audio playback, meaning you can get through a full day without hunting for a charger. It can’t compete with the latest iPhone or Samsung Galaxy flagship on raw power, but it more than makes up for it on value. Save money and count on quality when you buy refurbished iPhones from Gazelle.
Key Takeaways
- The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, 4GB RAM, and storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB.
- Its dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide camera supports 4K video at 60fps and Night Mode for low-light photography.
- A 3,110mAh battery delivers up to 17 hours of video playback, making all-day use on a single charge realistic.
- Key drawbacks include no 5G support, no headphone jack, no expandable storage, and limited future iOS updates.
- Buying a refurbished iPhone 11 from Gazelle offers cost savings, a 30-point quality guarantee, and environmental benefits.
Is The iPhone 11 Worth It? Review Criteria
To evaluate whether the iPhone 11 is worth purchasing, consider some key criteria:
- Design and weight
- Hardware
- Display
- Camera
Together, these four categories cover the most important aspects of a new phone for most users. Here’s a quick breakdown of what the iPhone 11 brings to the table in each area:
- Display: The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, offering solid clarity and color accuracy for everyday use.
- Hardware: It comes equipped with 4GB of RAM and storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. It also supports next-generation Smart HDR for improved photo processing.
- Battery: Powered by a 3,110mAh battery, Apple rates the iPhone 11 for up to 17 hours of video playback, 10 hours of streaming, and 65 hours of audio playback. If battery life is a priority, see which phones have the best battery life before deciding.
- Camera: The dual-lens system includes a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens, with support for 4K video at 24, 30, and 60fps, as well as 1080p slow-motion at 120fps and 240fps.
Keep in mind that as of 2025, the iPhone 11 is several generations behind Apple’s current lineup, so these specs should be weighed against its price point as a budget or refurbished option rather than a flagship purchase. If you’re open to a newer model, our guide to the best iPhone to buy can help you compare your options.
Design
The iPhone 11 retains a design reminiscent of its predecessor, the iPhone XR, with subtle yet notable improvements. It’s slightly larger and heavier than the previous device, but still light and comfortable in the hands of most users.
The back of the phone carries a square camera bump housing a dual-lens system with a 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide lens, which adds to the phone’s distinctive look. The front of the iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, surrounded by slightly thicker bezels compared to its Pro counterparts. Despite this, the display is bright, clear, and pleasant for viewing.
Under the hood, the iPhone 11 packs 4GB of RAM along with storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, giving users a reasonable range of choices depending on their needs. The phone also supports next-generation Smart HDR, enhancing photo and video quality across a variety of lighting conditions.
Hardware
CPU
Apple’s A13 Bionic chip is long since outclassed by the latest releases, but it’s still a capable processor. This 7nm chip includes a hexa-core CPU with respectable speed and efficiency. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or using demanding apps, the A13 should be up to the task for everyday use.
GPU
The A13 Bionic also features a quad-core GPU that supports complex rendering tasks and enhances the overall visual experience, making it well-suited for gaming and media consumption. The GPU supports next-generation Smart HDR, which helped set a strong visual standard at its time of release and still holds up reasonably well today.
RAM
The 4GB of RAM available in this model is sufficient for everyday tasks and some more demanding apps. While newer models offer significantly more RAM, the iPhone 11 remains suitable for most common use cases.
Storage
Storage options include 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. Users who have grown accustomed to higher-capacity devices may be disappointed by the lack of a 512GB option, but 256GB remains adequate for most people. As with all iPhones, there is no MicroSD card slot, so storage cannot be expanded after purchase.
Battery Life
The Apple iPhone 11 houses a 3,110mAh battery. According to Apple, the device provides up to 17 hours of video playback, 10 hours of streaming video, and 65 hours of audio playback. Depending on how heavily you use it, you can generally expect a full day’s use on a single charge.
The phone also supports fast charging via a USB-C power adapter, though the fast charger is sold separately. Wireless charging is supported as well, adding everyday convenience. It’s worth noting that as the device ages, battery health naturally degrades over time — so if you’re buying a used iPhone 11 in 2026, it’s worth checking the battery health in Settings before purchasing or budgeting for a potential battery replacement.
Camera Quality and Video Recording
The iPhone 11’s camera system is a dual-lens setup with a 12MP wide and a 12MP ultra-wide camera. While not as versatile as more recent iPhones, it still offers solid options for standard photography and landscape shots.
One of the standout features is the automatic Night Mode, which enhances photo brightness and detail in low-light conditions. This mode significantly improves the quality of photos taken in challenging lighting, and remains one of the more impressive features for a phone at this price point in the used market.
The camera system supports 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps, and 60 fps. Additionally, it can record 1080p at 120 fps and 240 fps for smooth slow-motion videos. Optical image stabilization further ensures steady shots and videos, helping reduce blur from hand movement during recording.
While the iPhone 11 lacks the dedicated telephoto lens found on the 11 Pro models, the wide and ultra-wide combination covers most everyday shooting scenarios well. For a device now several generations old, the camera still holds up respectably for casual photography and social media content.
iPhone 11: Pros and Cons
While the iPhone 11 offers a range of impressive features, it also has some drawbacks. Here is a summary of its pros and cons:
Pros:
- Dual 12MP camera system with Night Mode and ultra-wide lens, plus 4K video up to 60fps
- Apple ecosystem integration including Apple accessories, Mac computers, and other iOS devices
- Powerful A13 Bionic chip for smooth performance
- Good battery life with up to 17 hours of video playback (3,110mAh)
- Much more affordable compared to newer iPhone models
- Advanced features such as Face ID
- Wide range of color options
- Stereo speakers for enhanced audio experience
- Supports Apple Pay for convenient transactions
- Splash, water, and dust resistant (IP68)
- Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options
Cons:
- Design is similar to the iPhone XR, lacking major visual updates
- No headphone jack or included headphone dongle
- Thicker bezels compared to Pro models
- Digital zoom only – no optical zoom
- No expandable storage options
- Lacks 5G support, unlike newer models
- Uses Lightning connector rather than USB-C, which has become the standard across Apple’s lineup
- Storage and performance limited compared to more recent devices
- No longer receiving major iOS feature updates as of iOS 18, limiting long-term software support
Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 11 Worth It?
The iPhone 11 remains a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality iPhone at a more affordable price. If you don’t need the latest features of the newer models, you’ll be surprised just how well this older phone holds up. Features like Apple Pay, 4K video recording, dual SIM support (nano-SIM and eSIM), and stereo sound make for a surprisingly capable device even by today’s standards.
Powered by 4GB of RAM and offering storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, the iPhone 11 still handles everyday tasks with ease. Its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display delivers crisp visuals, while the dual 12MP wide and ultra-wide camera system captures impressive shots and supports 4K video at up to 60fps. Battery life is also respectable, with a 3,110mAh cell offering up to 17 hours of video playback according to Apple.
As an older phone, the iPhone 11 strikes a great balance between price and performance. But to get the most out of your money, choose a refurbished iPhone 11 from Gazelle. Not sure how the refurbishment process works? Learn more about how iPhones are refurbished before you buy, or explore how buying refurbished saves you money and helps the environment.
Choose a Refurbished iPhone 11 from Gazelle
Choosing to buy a refurbished iPhone from Gazelle lets you help the environment and your wallet in one move.
Certified Refurbished Guarantee
You can be confident in the quality and reliability of your device when you buy from Gazelle. Our certified refurbished phones pass a 30-point testing process, only use official parts, and function remarkably well. There might be minor scratches, but your phone will be in great working order.
Cost Savings on Great Phones
Buying a refurbished iPhone 11 from Gazelle means you get the same great phone at a fraction of the cost. Enjoy the powerful A13 Bionic chip, the capable dual 12MP camera system, and the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display. With storage options ranging from 64GB to 256GB and a battery that delivers up to 17 hours of video playback, the iPhone 11 still holds its own as a reliable everyday device. If you’re weighing your options, it’s worth considering whether a newer iPhone is right for you before making a decision.
Environmental Benefits
Purchasing a refurbished iPhone 11 from Gazelle supports environmental sustainability. Choosing a pre-owned device helps prevent e-waste from leaking hazardous chemicals into groundwater sources. Producing a new phone also generates industrial pollution, unlike buying refurbished.
Buying a refurbished iPhone 11 from Gazelle is the easiest way to help the environment, save money, and get more value from your phone. Explore our catalog today to find the right phone for you.