Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Galaxy Note 10 Plus Is The Older Iphone Still Worth It

Released within months of each other in 2019, the iPhone 11 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ represented the peak of smartphone engineering at the time. Now, nearly five years later, both devices are considered legacy models. Yet they continue to appear in secondhand markets, refurbished listings, and trade-in comparisons. For budget-conscious buyers or those upgrading from even older devices, a critical question remains: Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still worth choosing over the Galaxy Note 10+, especially when prices have dropped significantly?

The answer isn’t straightforward. While both phones were flagships in their day, their long-term usability, software support, and ecosystem integration have diverged in meaningful ways. This article breaks down key aspects—performance, camera quality, battery life, durability, and future-proofing—to help you decide whether the older iPhone holds its ground against its Android rival.

Performance and Longevity: iOS vs Android Updates

One of the most significant advantages Apple has historically held over Android manufacturers is long-term software support. The iPhone 11 Pro Max launched with iOS 13 and has since received updates up to iOS 17, released in 2023. That’s four major OS upgrades and ongoing security patches—rare for any smartphone, let alone one from 2019.

In contrast, the Galaxy Note 10+ launched with Android 9 (Pie) and was officially supported through Android 12. Samsung typically provides three major Android updates and four years of security patches, meaning the Note 10+ stopped receiving updates in late 2022. Without current software support, the device is more vulnerable to security threats and incompatible with newer app requirements.

“Apple’s consistent update policy gives older iPhones a longer functional lifespan than most Android counterparts.” — David Kim, Mobile Analyst at TechTrend Insights

Tip: When buying a used flagship, prioritize models with active software support—even if hardware specs look comparable.

Camera Comparison: Still Competitive After All These Years?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Apple’s first triple-lens system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto cameras. Its computational photography—especially Night mode and Deep Fusion—set new standards for low-light performance and detail retention.

The Galaxy Note 10+ featured a quad-camera setup: 12MP wide, 16MP ultra-wide, 12MP telephoto, and an RGB depth sensor. Samsung leaned into AI-enhanced processing, producing vibrant, contrast-rich photos that appealed to social media users.

In direct comparison today:

• Low-light photography: The iPhone maintains cleaner noise control and more natural color balance.
• Zoom quality: Both offer 2x optical zoom, but the iPhone’s Smart HDR handles mixed lighting better during digital zoom.
• Video recording: The iPhone supports 4K at 60fps across all rear cameras and has superior stabilization. The Note 10+ lacks ultra-wide video at high frame rates.
• Front camera: The Note 10+ wins with a 10MP dual front shooter (standard + depth), ideal for portrait selfies. The iPhone uses a 12MP TrueDepth camera with excellent Face ID integration.

While both cameras hold up well for casual photography, the iPhone’s consistency across lighting conditions and continued optimization via software updates gives it a practical edge in real-world use.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

Battery degradation is inevitable after years of use, but original capacity and charging behavior matter when evaluating older devices.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max packs a 3,969mAh battery. Apple rated it for up to 20 hours of video playback. In daily mixed-use scenarios—email, browsing, streaming—the phone typically lasted a full day in 2019. Today, depending on battery health, many units still manage 12–14 hours of screen-on time.

The Galaxy Note 10+ has a larger 4,300mAh battery and Samsung’s adaptive power management. It often outperformed the iPhone in back-to-back tests at launch, especially under heavy multitasking or gaming.

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro Max	Galaxy Note 10+
Battery Capacity	3,969 mAh	4,300 mAh
Fast Charging	18W (charger not included)	25W (charger sold separately)
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi compatible)	Yes (Qi + proprietary fast wireless)
Reverse Wireless Charging	No	Yes (\"Power Share\")

However, Samsung’s faster charging support (25W) meant the Note 10+ could reach 50% in about 30 minutes—something the iPhone couldn’t match without third-party accessories. On the flip side, iOS’s efficient background process management often results in smoother long-term battery aging.

Ecosystem and Practical Use in 2024

Choosing between these two phones today isn’t just about hardware—it’s about what happens when you plug them into your digital life.

iOS integration remains a strong selling point. If you own AirPods, a Mac, or an Apple Watch, the iPhone 11 Pro Max seamlessly syncs messages, calls, notes, and iCloud data. Features like AirDrop, Handoff, and Universal Clipboard enhance productivity in ways Android still struggles to replicate.

The Galaxy Note 10+ brings the S Pen—a standout feature for note-takers, artists, and professionals who prefer handwriting input. Even now, air commands and screen-off memos give it niche utility. However, the S Pen requires precise handling and adds complexity to an already large device.

App optimization also favors the iPhone. Many developers prioritize iOS for timely updates, especially in regions with high iPhone adoption. By 2024, some apps either no longer support Android 12 or run poorly on older Exynos or Snapdragon 855 chipsets.

Tip: Check the battery health (Settings > Battery > Battery Health) before buying a used iPhone. Avoid units below 80% capacity unless priced accordingly.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Worth It? A Realistic Case Study

Consider Maria, a freelance graphic designer upgrading from a 2016 iPhone 7. Her priorities: reliable performance for design apps, good camera quality for client work, and seamless file sharing with her MacBook.

She found both phones listed online: a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max for $249 and a Galaxy Note 10+ for $219. Though the Samsung was cheaper, she opted for the iPhone. Why?

• It still receives iOS updates, ensuring compatibility with Adobe Creative Cloud and Dropbox.
• Color accuracy on the OLED display is calibrated for creative workflows.
• Her AirPods Pro pair instantly, and she uses iMessage for client communication.

A year later, Maria reports smooth performance, consistent battery life, and no app crashes. The Galaxy Note 10+, while powerful at the time, would have struggled with updated versions of design tools and lacked the same level of macOS integration.

Quick Checklist: What to Evaluate Before Buying Either Phone

1. ✅ Verify software version: iPhone should be on iOS 16 or 17; Galaxy should be on Android 12 or lower.
2. ✅ Check battery health: Below 80% indicates potential replacement needs.
3. ✅ Test all cameras and sensors: Look for fogging, autofocus lag, or flickering displays.
4. ✅ Confirm storage capacity: 128GB minimum recommended for modern app usage.
5. ✅ Assess ecosystem fit: Do you use Apple or Google services primarily?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 Pro Max run iOS 17 smoothly?

Yes. Despite being a 2019 model, the A13 Bionic chip handles iOS 17 efficiently. Most core functions—including multitasking, camera use, and Safari—remain fluid. Some intensive features like Live Text may lag slightly compared to newer models, but overall performance is solid.

Is the Galaxy Note 10+ obsolete in 2024?

Functionally, yes—for most users. With no security updates since 2022 and limited app optimization, it’s increasingly risky for banking, shopping, or communication apps. It can still serve as a secondary device or media player, but not as a primary smartphone.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max retains higher resale value due to longer software support and global demand for Apple products. Even in 2024, unlocked models in good condition sell for 20–30% more than equivalent-condition Note 10+ units.

Final Verdict: Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Holds Value

Five years after its release, the iPhone 11 Pro Max proves that thoughtful software support and ecosystem integration can extend a device’s relevance far beyond its hardware prime. While the Galaxy Note 10+ was a powerhouse in 2019—with superior screen brightness, faster charging, and the innovative S Pen—its lack of ongoing updates and declining app compatibility make it a riskier choice today.

The iPhone isn’t perfect: its 60Hz display feels dated next to modern 120Hz panels, and the Lightning port lags behind USB-C convenience. But its durable build, consistent camera performance, and access to the latest iOS features ensure it remains a viable option for budget-conscious buyers, secondary device users, or those deeply embedded in Apple’s ecosystem.

If you’re considering either phone in 2024, prioritize the iPhone 11 Pro Max—but only if it comes with verified battery health and a clean update history. For everyone else, waiting for a newer mid-range model might offer better long-term value.

🚀 Still using a 2019 flagship? Share your experience below—has your iPhone or Galaxy stood the test of time? We’d love to hear what’s working (or failing) for you.