Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Galaxy Note 10 Three Years Later Is The Iphone Still Worth It

When the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ launched in 2019, they represented the peak of their respective ecosystems—Apple’s iOS power user device and Samsung’s productivity flagship. Now, three years later, both phones are well beyond their prime marketing cycle. Yet many users still rely on them daily. The question isn’t just about specs or nostalgia; it’s practical: Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still a better long-term investment than the Galaxy Note 10?

This comparison goes beyond megapixels and processor speeds. It’s about longevity, ecosystem support, real-world performance in 2023, and whether one aging phone holds up better than the other when your next upgrade might still be a year away.

Software Support and Longevity

One of the most decisive factors in a smartphone’s lifespan is software support. Apple typically provides five years of iOS updates for its devices. The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released with iOS 13, has already received updates through iOS 16 and is eligible for iOS 17 in 2023—and possibly iOS 18. That would bring it to five full years of OS upgrades, a rarity in the Android world.

In contrast, Samsung promised four years of major Android updates for select 2019 flagships, including the Galaxy Note 10 series. The Note 10 launched with Android 9 (Pie) and received updates through Android 13—the final major OS update. Security patches may continue into early 2024, but feature development has ended.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone beyond three years, prioritize brands with longer software support. iOS devices often outlive comparable Android models in usable lifespan.

“Long-term software support isn’t just about new features—it’s security, app compatibility, and peace of mind.” — David Chen, Mobile Analyst at TechLifeline

Performance in 2023: Benchmarks vs Real-World Use

The iPhone 11 Pro Max was powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, built on a 7nm process. At launch, it was significantly faster than any Android competitor. Three years later, it still handles everyday tasks smoothly: web browsing, social media, video streaming, and even moderate gaming.

The Galaxy Note 10+ used either the Exynos 9825 (in Europe) or Snapdragon 855 (in the U.S.), both strong chips in their time. However, thermal throttling and less aggressive memory management mean that over time, multitasking and app switching feel slower, especially with newer versions of Android and heavier apps.

In real-world testing today, the iPhone 11 Pro Max opens apps faster, maintains smoother animations, and recovers from background states more efficiently. Apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Chrome remain responsive. On the Note 10+, some users report lag during prolonged use or when multiple apps are open.

Performance Comparison Table (2023 Real-World Assessment)

Metric	iPhone 11 Pro Max	Galaxy Note 10+
Current OS Version	iOS 16 (iOS 17 expected)	Android 13 (final update)
App Launch Speed	Fast, consistent	Moderate, occasional lag
Battery After 3 Years	~75–80% health (replaceable)	~65–75% (non-replaceable)
Gaming Performance	Smooth on medium-high settings	Stuttering in high-demand games
Background App Refresh	Excellent retention	Frequent reloads

Camera Quality: Still Competitive?

In 2019, both phones were praised for their camera systems. The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Night Mode and a triple-lens setup (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto). The Note 10+ featured a versatile quad-camera array, including an RGB depth sensor and laser autofocus.

Today, the iPhone’s computational photography still shines. Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and improved noise reduction in iOS updates have kept its photos looking natural and detailed—even in low light. Videos remain rock-steady thanks to advanced stabilization, and the front-facing TrueDepth camera supports Portrait mode and Animoji, which age well.

The Note 10+’s camera, while capable, suffers from older image processing algorithms. Newer apps and social platforms optimize first for iOS, and Samsung’s camera app lacks ongoing enhancements. Low-light shots appear grainier, and dynamic range isn’t as refined. The lack of continued tuning means photos can look dated compared to current standards.

Tip: Camera software updates matter as much as hardware. iPhones benefit from annual improvements even on older models.

Battery Life and Repairability

Both phones started with strong battery life, but degradation over time tells a different story. The iPhone 11 Pro Max originally offered up to 20 hours of video playback. After three years, with average usage, most units retain 75–80% battery health—especially if users avoided frequent full discharges or overnight charging.

Apple offers official battery replacements for $89, restoring near-original performance. This extends the phone’s usability significantly.

The Galaxy Note 10+ had a 4,300mAh battery and fast 25W charging (though the charger wasn’t included). However, its non-removable battery and limited third-party repair options make replacements harder and costlier. Many users report needing top-ups twice daily by year three due to capacity loss and inefficient background processes in newer Android versions.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Experience

Sarah, a freelance photographer, used her iPhone 11 Pro Max daily for client communication, photo editing, and shooting reference images. In 2022, she noticed shorter battery life and slight lag in Lightroom. She opted for an Apple-certified battery replacement. After the service, her phone felt noticeably snappier and lasted a full workday again. “It was like getting a mini-upgrade,” she said. “For less than $100, I bought another year of reliable use.”

Her colleague, Mark, held onto his Galaxy Note 10+ for similar reasons but found that after updating to Android 12, the device struggled with large file transfers and GPS tracking in mapping apps. He eventually switched due to inconsistent performance, despite the S Pen still working perfectly.

Ecosystem and Daily Usability Today

Another critical factor is ecosystem integration. The iPhone 11 Pro Max works seamlessly with AirPods, Apple Watch, iCloud, and MacBooks. Handoff, Universal Clipboard, and iMessage continuity remain valuable for Apple users. Even now, receiving messages via iMessage on a Mac or starting an email on iPad and finishing on iPhone feels fluid.

The Galaxy Note 10+ integrates with Samsung DeX, SmartThings, and Galaxy Buds, but DeX adoption remains niche, and cross-device sync isn’t as polished. The S Pen was ahead of its time, enabling quick notes and remote controls, but without active development, those features haven’t evolved meaningfully.

Additionally, app developers often prioritize iOS optimization. Apps like Spotify, Zoom, and banking platforms tend to receive bug fixes and UI updates faster on iOS, partly because of fewer device variants to test against.

Checklist: Is Your 2019 Phone Still Viable in 2023?

• ✅ Has it received the latest OS updates?
• ✅ Does it handle your essential apps without lag?
• ✅ Is the battery lasting at least one full day?
• ✅ Can you easily replace the battery if needed?
• ✅ Are security patches still being issued?
• ✅ Do you rely on ecosystem-specific features (e.g., AirDrop, DeX)?

FAQ

Can the iPhone 11 Pro Max run iOS 17?

Yes. Apple has confirmed that the iPhone 11 series, including the Pro Max, is compatible with iOS 17, expected to launch in fall 2023. This ensures continued security updates and feature support into 2024.

Is the Galaxy Note 10+ still secure to use in 2023?

As of mid-2023, the Note 10+ continues to receive monthly security patches, though these are expected to end by early 2024. Once patching stops, the risk of unpatched vulnerabilities increases, making it less ideal for sensitive tasks like online banking.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 11 Pro Max retains higher resale value. Even in 2023, unlocked models in good condition sell for $200–$300, while the Galaxy Note 10+ typically fetches $120–$180. This reflects stronger market confidence in Apple’s long-term usability.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Worth It?

Three years on, the iPhone 11 Pro Max emerges as the more sustainable choice. Its combination of extended software support, consistent performance, accessible battery replacement, and tight ecosystem integration gives it a clear edge over the Galaxy Note 10+. While the Note 10+ was innovative—especially with the S Pen—its shorter update window and declining performance under modern app loads limit its relevance today.

If you’re still using either device, the iPhone offers a smoother path into 2024. For those considering buying a used model now, the 11 Pro Max is the safer bet—but only if the battery is in good condition or recently replaced.

Ultimately, this comparison underscores a broader trend: Apple’s control over hardware and software allows older devices to remain functional longer. Samsung has improved update policies since 2019, but the Note 10 era reflects a time when long-term support wasn’t a priority.

💬 Still using your 2019 flagship? Share your experience—what keeps you loyal, or what finally pushed you to upgrade? Join the conversation below.