Iphone 11 Pro Midnight Green Vs Space Grey Does The Color Really Matter

When Apple introduced the iPhone 11 Pro in 2019, it didn’t just bring a powerful triple-camera system and longer battery life—it also launched a new color option that turned heads: Midnight Green. Paired with the classic Space Grey, this fresh hue sparked debates among consumers and tech enthusiasts alike. Was Midnight Green just a fleeting trend, or did it offer something meaningful beyond aesthetics? For many buyers, the decision between Midnight Green and Space Grey wasn’t just about preference—it was about identity, longevity, and even resale value.

While both models share identical hardware, performance, and camera capabilities, the choice of color can influence how the device feels in hand, how it ages over time, and how others perceive it. This article dives deep into whether the color truly matters—examining design philosophy, market trends, user experiences, and long-term considerations.

The Design Philosophy Behind iPhone Colors

Apple has always treated color as more than decoration. It’s a statement of intent. From the original iMac G3 to the iPhone lineup, color choices reflect shifts in consumer taste and brand direction. The introduction of Midnight Green for the iPhone 11 Pro marked a departure from Apple’s recent minimalist streak. Unlike the understated Silver or Space Grey, Midnight Green carried a sense of exclusivity and modern elegance—a muted emerald tone with subtle depth that changes under different lighting.

In contrast, Space Grey has been a staple since the iPhone 5s. It’s reliable, professional, and widely accepted across demographics. But its ubiquity may also make it feel less distinctive. As Dieter Rams, whose design principles heavily influence Apple, once said:

“Good design is as little design as possible.” — Dieter Rams, Industrial Designer

Yet, even minimalism allows for nuance. Midnight Green doesn’t break from minimalism—it enhances it with texture and presence. The finish on both models is matte, reducing fingerprint smudges compared to glossy predecessors, but the green variant often draws more attention due to its rarity.

Visual and Tactile Differences: First Impressions Matter

Holding both phones side by side reveals subtle but significant differences. The Midnight Green has a cooler undertone, appearing almost black in low light but revealing rich green hues in sunlight. It pairs exceptionally well with natural materials like wood or fabric cases, creating a premium, earthy aesthetic. Meanwhile, Space Grey remains consistently dark, blending seamlessly into formal environments.

From a tactile standpoint, both finishes are identical—durable textured glass back with stainless steel frame. However, anecdotal evidence suggests users treat the Midnight Green with slightly more care, perhaps because it feels more “special” or limited-edition.

Tip: Clean your iPhone regularly with a microfiber cloth to preserve the finish, especially on darker colors where oils and dust are more visible.

Resale Value and Market Demand Over Time

One practical factor that answers “does the color really matter?” is resale value. Historical data from trade-in platforms like Gazelle, Swappa, and eBay show that rarer colors often retain value better—especially if they were launch-exclusive or discontinued early.

Midnight Green was initially available only with the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max, making it a symbol of early adoption. Two years after release, devices in Midnight Green commanded an average $20–$30 premium over equivalent Space Grey units in similar condition.

Color	Average Resale Value (2021)	Market Availability	User Perception
Midnight Green	$520	Moderate (limited initial run)	Distinctive, trendy, premium
Space Grey	$495	High (most common option)	Professional, safe, generic

This difference may seem small, but it reflects broader consumer psychology: scarcity increases perceived value. While Space Grey appeals to pragmatists, Midnight Green attracts those who want their device to stand out without being flashy.

Durability and Long-Term Appearance

Over time, all iPhones accumulate wear—but some colors hide it better than others. After 18 months of regular use, both finishes showed minor scuffing along the edges, particularly near charging ports. However, fingerprints and smudges were noticeably less visible on Space Grey.

That said, Midnight Green’s deeper tone masked micro-scratches better than lighter finishes like Silver. The green hue also resisted yellowing or fading—an issue sometimes seen in white or gold coatings exposed to UV light.

• Midnight Green: Excellent scratch camouflage, slight visibility of lint/dust on screen bezels
• Space Grey: High resistance to fingerprints, but fine scratches more apparent on metallic frame

Interestingly, user reports indicate that people using Midnight Green were more likely to invest in protective cases, possibly due to emotional attachment to the unique color.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a graphic designer in Portland, purchased a 64GB iPhone 11 Pro in Midnight Green at launch. She chose it not just for aesthetics but because it aligned with her personal brand—modern, creative, intentional. Over two years, she received frequent compliments at client meetings and networking events. When upgrading to the iPhone 13 Pro, she sold her old device through a local buyback store.

To her surprise, the Midnight Green model fetched $530—$35 more than the store’s estimated value for Space Grey. The buyer, another designer, specifically sought the color for its “vintage Apple” appeal. Sarah later remarked, “I thought I was just picking a color I liked. I didn’t realize it would become a collector’s item.”

Choosing Based on Lifestyle and Identity

The question isn’t whether one color is objectively better—it’s which aligns with your lifestyle.

Consider these scenarios:

1. The Professional: Frequently attends business meetings, values discretion. Space Grey offers neutrality and blends well with suits and office environments.
2. The Creative: Works in design, photography, or fashion. Midnight Green adds personality and starts conversations.
3. The Collector: Keeps devices long-term or trades them later. Rarer colors typically appreciate in niche markets.
4. The Minimalist: Prefers timeless over trendy. Space Grey fits a “forever device” mindset.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for more than two years, choose a color that won’t feel dated. Midnight Green walks the line between bold and enduring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Midnight Green still available for the iPhone 11 Pro?

No. Apple discontinued the Midnight Green option after the iPhone 11 Pro series. Later models like the iPhone 12 and 13 reintroduced green variants, but with different shades (e.g., Green, Alpine Green), making the original Midnight Green increasingly rare.

Does the color affect battery life or performance?

No. All iPhone 11 Pro units—regardless of color—have identical internal components, including battery capacity, processor, and camera systems. Color is purely aesthetic.

Which color is more likely to go out of style?

Space Grey is less likely to feel outdated due to its neutrality. However, Midnight Green has developed a cult following and is now seen as a hallmark of late-2010s Apple design. Its legacy may give it lasting appeal among enthusiasts.

Action Checklist Before You Buy

Before finalizing your decision between Midnight Green and Space Grey, consider the following:

• ✅ Determine your primary use case (work, creativity, collecting)
• ✅ Check current resale values for both colors in your region
• ✅ Think about how long you plan to keep the device
• ✅ Consider pairing with accessories (cases, chargers, watches)
• ✅ Ask yourself: Do I want my phone to blend in or stand out?

Final Thoughts: Yes, the Color Matters—But Not How You Think

The color of your iPhone 11 Pro does matter—not because it changes functionality, but because it shapes experience. Midnight Green isn’t just a shade; it’s a signal. It tells others you paid attention at launch, appreciated a moment in Apple’s design evolution, and weren’t afraid to choose something less common.

Space Grey remains a smart, timeless choice. It’s the default for good reason: it works everywhere, ages gracefully, and never distracts. But Midnight Green offers something rarer—individuality within Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem.

If you’re buying new (from a reseller) or trading in, let this guide inform your decision. Choose Space Grey for reliability and universality. Choose Midnight Green if you value distinction, design history, and the quiet confidence of owning something subtly unique.

💬 What does your iPhone color say about you? Share your thoughts or your own experience with iPhone 11 Pro colors—we’d love to hear why you chose the shade you did.