Iphone 11 Pro Vs 6 Plus Is Upgrading Really Worth It Or Am I Wasting Money

If you're still using an iPhone 6 Plus—released in 2014—you’re running a device that’s nearly a decade old. While it may still power on and make calls, the tech world has evolved dramatically since then. The iPhone 11 Pro, released in 2019, represents a major leap forward in Apple’s smartphone design, performance, and capabilities. But is upgrading from the 6 Plus to the 11 Pro actually worth your hard-earned money? Or are you just chasing specs without real-world benefit?

The answer depends on your usage, expectations, and how much modern mobile technology improves your daily life. Let’s take a detailed look at what’s changed between these two devices and whether the upgrade delivers tangible value.

Performance: Night and Day Difference

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 6 Plus and iPhone 11 Pro is raw performance. The 6 Plus runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM. By today’s standards, this is severely underpowered. Even basic tasks like switching apps or loading websites can feel sluggish. iOS updates over the years have only made it worse, as newer operating systems demand more resources than the A8 can comfortably deliver.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro features the A13 Bionic chip—the same processor found in iPads and used for machine learning, augmented reality, and high-end gaming. With 4GB of RAM, it handles multitasking, video editing, and intensive apps with ease. Apps launch instantly, animations are smooth, and background processes don’t slow things down.

Tip: If your current phone takes more than two seconds to open common apps like Messages or Camera, you’re already losing time every day.

For users who rely on their phones for productivity, social media, or entertainment, the performance jump alone makes the upgrade worthwhile. You’ll notice fewer crashes, faster load times, and better app compatibility—especially with newer versions of iOS.

Camera Quality: From Decent to Professional

The camera is where the iPhone 11 Pro truly outshines its predecessor. The iPhone 6 Plus has an 8MP rear camera with basic autofocus and no optical image stabilization (OIS). Low-light photos are grainy, colors are often inaccurate, and there's no portrait mode or depth control.

The iPhone 11 Pro, on the other hand, features a triple-camera system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. It supports Night Mode, Deep Fusion, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording at 60fps. You can shoot professional-looking portraits with bokeh effects, capture sweeping landscapes with the ultra-wide lens, and record cinematic-quality videos.

This isn’t just about taking “better” photos—it’s about having creative control. Whether you're documenting family moments, creating content, or simply want clear shots in dim lighting, the 11 Pro gives you tools the 6 Plus never had.

“Smartphone photography has shifted from convenience to creativity. Devices like the iPhone 11 Pro put pro-level tools in everyday hands.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Instructor

Battery Life and Charging: Real Daily Impact

Battery degradation is inevitable after five-plus years of use. Even if your iPhone 6 Plus still holds a charge, it likely lasts only half a day with moderate use. Fast charging wasn’t supported, and wireless charging didn’t exist on this model.

The iPhone 11 Pro offers up to 18 hours of video playback—more than double the 6 Plus. It supports fast charging (50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and Qi wireless charging. For people on the go, this means less anxiety about finding an outlet and more flexibility in how you power your device.

Feature	iPhone 6 Plus	iPhone 11 Pro
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 14 hours	Up to 18 hours
Fast Charging	No	Yes (with compatible charger)
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi standard)
Charging Port	Lightning	Lighting

The improved battery efficiency also extends to standby time and background optimization, meaning your phone stays ready longer even when not in active use.

Display and Design: Modern Experience Matters

The iPhone 6 Plus featured a 5.5-inch LCD screen with thick bezels and a home button. While it was considered large at the time, today’s smartphones offer edge-to-edge displays with superior brightness, color accuracy, and durability.

The iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. Colors are deeper, blacks are true black, and outdoor visibility is significantly better. The stainless steel frame and matte glass back give it a premium feel, while the compact size fits better in one hand despite the smaller footprint.

More importantly, the 11 Pro introduced Face ID, replacing Touch ID. While some users prefer fingerprint scanning, Face ID is faster and works seamlessly with Apple Pay, app logins, and unlocking the phone—even in the dark.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had been using her iPhone 6 Plus since 2015. She resisted upgrading, thinking “it still works.” But she found herself missing important moments—photos came out blurry, group messages lagged, and her phone would shut down unexpectedly during commutes.

After upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro, she noticed immediate improvements. Her kids’ school events were captured clearly in low light. She could edit and share videos directly from her phone. Apps like Google Maps and Uber responded instantly. Most surprisingly, she gained back time—no more waiting for apps to load or recharging by noon.

“I thought I was saving money by holding onto my old phone,” she said. “But I was actually wasting time and missing out on experiences. The upgrade paid for itself in convenience.”

Is the Upgrade Worth It? A Practical Checklist

Before deciding, ask yourself the following. If you answer “yes” to three or more, upgrading is likely worth it:

• Do apps frequently crash or run slowly?
• Is your battery dead by midday?
• Are you unable to update to the latest iOS version?
• Do your photos lack clarity or struggle in low light?
• Do you feel limited when using modern apps (e.g., TikTok, AR games, video editors)?
• Have you needed to carry a portable charger regularly?

Tip: If your phone hinders rather than helps your daily routine, it’s not saving you money—it’s costing you time and opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 6 Plus still run current apps?

Some basic apps still work, but many newer versions require iOS 13 or later, which the 6 Plus doesn’t support. Over time, more apps will drop compatibility, limiting functionality.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro still supported in 2024?

Yes. As of 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro continues to receive iOS updates and security patches. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years after release, so support should continue into 2025.

Should I consider a cheaper alternative instead?

If budget is a concern, the iPhone 11 (non-Pro) or iPhone SE (2022/2024) offer strong performance at lower prices. However, none match the 11 Pro’s camera system or OLED display quality.

Final Verdict: Upgrade Value vs. Cost

Let’s be honest: spending $600–$900 on a new phone feels significant. But consider what you’re gaining. The iPhone 11 Pro isn’t just a newer version of your old device—it’s a fundamentally different experience. You get:

• 5x faster processing speed
• Triple the camera capabilities
• Nearly double the battery life
• Years of future iOS updates
• Access to modern features like Face ID, Night Mode, and AR apps

If you use your phone for communication, content creation, navigation, banking, or social connection, the upgrade enhances every aspect of your digital life. It’s not about luxury—it’s about reliability, capability, and peace of mind.

Conclusion: Make the Move When It Serves You

Sticking with an aging iPhone 6 Plus might feel frugal, but it can cost you more in frustration, lost moments, and inefficiency. The iPhone 11 Pro delivers real, measurable improvements that affect how you live, work, and connect every single day.

You don’t need the latest phone just because it exists. But if your current device is holding you back, upgrading isn’t wasteful—it’s a smart investment in your time and experience.

🚀 Ready to reclaim your phone experience? Evaluate your needs, check your usage patterns, and consider making the switch. Your future self will thank you.