Iphone 11 Pro Max Vs Note 10 Three Years Later Is The Iphone Still Worth It 3

It’s been over three years since Apple launched the iPhone 11 Pro Max and Samsung released the Galaxy Note 10. Both were flagship devices in 2019, representing the pinnacle of their respective ecosystems. But how do they hold up today? For users still relying on either device—or considering a secondhand purchase—this comparison cuts through marketing hype to deliver a real-world assessment of performance, software support, camera quality, battery life, and overall value in 2024.

While both phones have aged, their post-purchase trajectories have diverged significantly. The iPhone 11 Pro Max continues to receive iOS updates, while the Note 10 reached its end-of-life long ago. This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about understanding which device delivers sustained utility and whether the iPhone’s longevity justifies its original premium price.

Performance and Longevity: Who Ages Better?

At launch, both phones were powered by top-tier processors—the A13 Bionic chip for the iPhone and the Exynos 9825 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region) for the Note 10. On paper, they were closely matched. In practice, three years later, the gap is unmistakable.

The A13 Bionic, built on a 7nm process, was designed with future-proofing in mind. Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software allows older iPhones to run newer versions of iOS efficiently. As of 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro Max supports iOS 17, offering modern features like enhanced Focus modes, improved privacy controls, and better widget functionality.

In contrast, the Galaxy Note 10 stopped receiving major Android updates after Android 12. It never got Android 13 or 14, and critical security patches are now rare. Even if the phone boots quickly, app compatibility has degraded. Many newer apps either don’t install or run sluggishly due to outdated system frameworks.

Tip: When buying used smartphones, prioritize models with ongoing OS support—even more than raw specs.

Camera Quality After Three Years

Cameras age differently than processors. While sensor hardware doesn’t improve over time, computational photography does. This gives Apple a decisive edge.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR—features that have only gotten better with software updates. Photos taken today benefit from refinements rolled out in iOS 15 and 16, such as improved noise reduction and dynamic range. Its triple-camera system (ultrawide, wide, telephoto) remains versatile for everyday use.

The Note 10, despite having a strong 12MP+12MP dual rear setup and a crisp 10MP front shooter, lacks the computational backbone to keep pace. No new camera features have been added since 2021. Low-light performance feels dated, and video stabilization lags behind current standards. While it still takes decent daylight photos, it can't match the consistency of the iPhone’s updated imaging pipeline.

“Software-driven camera improvements mean that a three-year-old iPhone can outperform newer Android phones without AI processing.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechPulse Weekly

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Usage

Battery degradation affects all lithium-ion devices, but usage patterns and charging habits play a big role. After three years, both phones will likely have diminished capacity—but how they handle it differs.

The iPhone 11 Pro Max originally offered around 8–9 hours of screen-on time. With regular use and no battery replacement, most units now deliver 5–6 hours. However, iOS provides tools like Battery Health metrics and Optimized Charging to prolong lifespan. Users can check maximum capacity and enable features that reduce wear.

The Note 10 started with slightly less endurance (about 7 hours SoT) and lacks granular battery diagnostics. Samsung’s adaptive battery learning was useful initially, but without recent firmware updates, optimization has plateaued. Fast charging (25W) still works, but wireless charging efficiency drops noticeably on aging batteries.

Metric	iPhone 11 Pro Max (2024)	Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (2024)
OS Support	iOS 17 (active)	Android 12 (end-of-life)
Security Updates	Monthly (ongoing)	Rare / discontinued
App Compatibility	Excellent	Fair (some apps fail)
Camera Processing	Updated via software	No further enhancements
Battery Management Tools	Yes (Health, Optimization)	Limited

User Experience Case Study: Two Owners, Three Years Later

Consider two users: Maria, who bought an iPhone 11 Pro Max in October 2019, and James, who purchased a Galaxy Note 10 the same month. Both used their phones daily for work, social media, photography, and messaging.

Maria upgraded to iOS 16 in 2022 and then iOS 17 in 2023. She noticed minor slowdowns when multitasking, but core functions—messaging, browsing, banking apps—remain smooth. She replaced the battery in 2022 under Apple’s $69 program, restoring nearly full endurance. Her camera still produces shareable photos, and she uses the LiDAR scanner (indirectly) for AR apps and portrait lighting effects.

James stuck with his Note 10 until early 2023. By late 2022, he experienced frequent app crashes, especially with Google services and newer versions of Instagram. He disabled automatic updates to avoid instability. The lack of Android 13 meant missing out on privacy dashboard features and one-time permissions. In January 2023, he switched to a mid-range Android because the Note 10 could no longer handle basic navigation apps reliably.

This example illustrates a broader trend: iPhones maintain functional relevance longer, even as they age.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Worth It in 2024?

For specific users, yes. If you're looking for a budget-friendly iOS experience with excellent build quality, strong camera performance, and continued software support, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains viable. It runs all current apps, including those requiring advanced security protocols (like mobile banking and corporate email).

However, compromises exist. The OLED display, while still sharp, lacks high refresh rate technology now standard on newer devices. Face ID works well but can struggle with masks or low angles. There’s no USB-C, and charging remains slow (18W max with fast charger not included). Storage options start at 64GB, which fills up quickly with modern photo and video formats.

Compared to the Note 10, though, the iPhone wins decisively in longevity. The Note 10’s S Pen was innovative, and its AMOLED display was stunning at launch, but without ecosystem momentum and update support, it's functionally obsolete.

Checklist: Is an iPhone 11 Pro Max Right for You Today?

• ✅ Need reliable iOS access without buying new
• ✅ Want strong camera performance in varied lighting
• ✅ Prioritize software updates and app compatibility
• ✅ Accept average battery life unless replaced
• ✅ Don’t need 5G or high-refresh-rate display
• ✅ Budget-conscious but want flagship-grade materials

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 Pro Max run iOS 18?

As of mid-2024, Apple has not confirmed iOS 18 support for the iPhone 11 series. Historically, iPhones receive 5–6 years of updates, so support may continue. However, resource-heavy features might be limited or excluded.

Why did Samsung stop updating the Note 10 earlier than Apple?

Samsung typically offers 4 years of OS updates for flagship devices, but the Note 10 launched before this policy was standardized. Most Galaxy flagships from 2019 received only two major Android upgrades. Apple, by contrast, commits to longer support cycles—often 5+ years—for performance and ecosystem loyalty reasons.

Should I buy a used iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2024?

If priced below $250 and the battery health is above 80%, it can be a smart choice for a secondary phone, first-time smartphone user, or iOS newcomer. Always verify iCloud lock status and consider a battery replacement if needed.

Final Verdict: The iPhone Still Holds Value

Three years on, the iPhone 11 Pro Max proves that Apple’s philosophy of long-term support pays off. While neither phone matches today’s standards in speed or features, the iPhone remains usable, secure, and capable in ways the Note 10 simply isn’t. Software updates, battery serviceability, and consistent app performance give it staying power that few Android flagships can match over time.

The Galaxy Note 10 was a great phone in 2019, but it was designed for a three-year lifecycle. The iPhone 11 Pro Max was built to last longer—and for many users, it has. If you’re weighing longevity against initial cost, the iPhone’s extended relevance makes it the more worthwhile investment, even half a decade later.

💬 Still using your iPhone 11 Pro Max or Note 10? Share your experience—how’s it holding up? Join the conversation and help others decide what to keep, repair, or upgrade.