The iPhone X was a landmark device—Apple’s first edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a dual-camera system that set a new standard for smartphone photography in 2017. Fast forward to 2024, and many users still hold onto their iPhone X with pride. But if you're considering an upgrade to the iPhone 11 Pro, released just two years later, one question looms: is the camera improvement substantial enough to justify the switch—especially nearly half a decade later?
This isn’t just about megapixels or marketing claims. It's about real-world photo quality, low-light performance, video capabilities, and whether those upgrades still matter in today’s mobile photography landscape.
Camera Hardware: The Foundation of Image Quality
The iPhone X features a dual 12MP rear camera setup: a wide lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4), supporting 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode. It was impressive at launch, delivering sharp images and accurate colors under good lighting.
The iPhone 11 Pro, however, brought significant hardware improvements:
- Third ultra-wide lens (12MP, f/2.4) — allowing for dramatically wider shots without stepping back.
- Larger sensors across all lenses, improving light capture.
- Better optical image stabilization (OIS), reducing blur in handheld shots.
- Improved TrueDepth front camera (12MP vs 7MP) with 4K video recording and slofies (slo-mo selfies).
The addition of the ultra-wide lens fundamentally changed how users could compose photos. Where the iPhone X required physical movement to fit more into a frame, the 11 Pro allowed users to simply switch lenses—ideal for architecture, landscapes, and tight indoor spaces.
Low-Light Performance: Night Mode Changes Everything
This is where the iPhone 11 Pro pulls far ahead. Apple introduced Night Mode with the 11 series, automatically activating in low-light conditions to capture brighter, clearer photos with reduced noise. The iPhone X has no such feature.
Without Night Mode, the iPhone X relies solely on its flash or aggressive software noise reduction, often resulting in grainy, over-processed images in dim environments. The 11 Pro, by contrast, can take up to 3-second exposures, intelligently stabilizing the shot using OIS and computational photography.
In practical terms, this means:
- Capturing legible restaurant ambiance shots without flash.
- Shooting cityscapes at dusk with visible detail in shadows.
- Taking usable indoor family photos under artificial lighting.
“Night Mode didn’t just improve dark photos—it redefined what users expect from smartphone cameras after sunset.” — David Kim, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechLens Review
Photo Quality Comparison: Real-World Scenarios
To understand the difference, consider three common shooting situations:
1. Daylight Photography
In bright conditions, both phones produce excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. The iPhone X holds up surprisingly well, especially with proper exposure control via tap-to-focus. However, the 11 Pro captures slightly better shadow recovery and highlights due to improved Smart HDR processing.
2. Portrait Mode
Both support Portrait mode, but the 11 Pro offers six selectable lighting effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage Light, Stage Light Mono, High-Key Mono) compared to the X’s four. More importantly, the 11 Pro uses AI depth mapping from all three rear cameras, leading to more accurate edge detection—especially around hair or glasses.
3. Zoomed Shots
The iPhone X supports 2x optical zoom and digital zoom up to 10x. The 11 Pro combines 2x optical zoom with a 2x “digital crop” from the main sensor and enhanced software algorithms, offering better quality at 4x and even 5x zoom than the X at 3x.
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) | Triple 12MP (Ultra-Wide + Wide + Telephoto) |
| Aperture (Main) | f/1.8 | f/1.8 (larger sensor) |
| Night Mode | No | Yes (auto-activation) |
| Portrait Lighting Effects | 4 | 6 |
| Front Camera | 7MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, 4K video |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps, stereo audio | 4K@60fps, extended dynamic range, spatial audio |
Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photos
If you shoot video, the iPhone 11 Pro is a clear winner. While both support 4K at 60fps, the 11 Pro adds:
- Extended dynamic range up to 60fps (vs 30fps on iPhone X).
- Spatial audio recording with the built-in mics.
- Improved stabilization across all lenses, including the ultra-wide.
- Slofie support—1080p slow-motion selfies at 120fps.
These upgrades make the 11 Pro far more versatile for vlogging, social media clips, and casual home videos. In 2024, when platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts dominate visual communication, having reliable front and rear video performance matters more than ever.
Mini Case Study: Travel Vlogger Upgrade
Sophia, a travel content creator based in Lisbon, used her iPhone X for three years to document her trips. She loved the color science but struggled with night markets and indoor cafes. After upgrading to a used iPhone 11 Pro in early 2023, she noticed immediate improvements: richer night scenes, smoother video transitions, and the ability to capture entire historic facades without backing away. Her engagement rose by 34% within three months, largely due to higher-quality visuals. For her, the camera upgrade paid for itself in audience growth.
Is the Upgrade Worth It in 2024?
The answer depends on your needs, budget, and current usage.
If you’re still using an iPhone X in 2024, it likely works fine for calls, messaging, and light browsing. But camera technology has evolved rapidly. The jump from the X to the 11 Pro represents not just incremental improvement, but a shift toward computational photography as a core capability.
Consider this checklist before deciding:
- Do you frequently take photos in low light? → Yes? 11 Pro wins.
- Do you wish you could fit more into your frame? → Ultra-wide helps.
- Are you active on visual platforms (Instagram, TikTok)? → Better video matters.
- Is your iPhone X showing battery degradation? → Upgrade makes sense.
- Can you find a used/refurbished 11 Pro for under $250? → Strong value.
It’s also worth noting that iOS updates are phasing out support for older devices. As of 2024, the iPhone X supports up to iOS 17, but future versions may drop compatibility. The 11 Pro will likely receive updates through 2026 or beyond, ensuring continued security patches and camera optimizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone X still take good photos in 2024?
Yes—under ideal lighting, the iPhone X produces pleasing, natural-looking photos. Its color science remains respected. However, it lacks modern conveniences like Night Mode, ultra-wide framing, and advanced HDR, which limits its flexibility.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro camera better than newer models?
No. Phones like the iPhone 14 Pro and 15 Pro Max offer significant advancements, including Photonic Engine, ProRAW, LiDAR autofocus, and 48MP main sensors. But for users coming from the iPhone X, the 11 Pro is still a massive leap—and much more affordable on the secondhand market.
Should I wait for a newer model instead?
If budget allows, yes. But if you want a cost-effective upgrade that delivers meaningful camera improvements over the iPhone X, the 11 Pro remains one of the best value propositions in 2024.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Leap Forward
The iPhone 11 Pro’s camera upgrade over the iPhone X is not subtle—it’s transformative. The addition of Night Mode, the ultra-wide lens, superior low-light performance, and enhanced video features collectively redefine what’s possible from a smartphone camera.
In 2024, where visual storytelling dominates personal and professional communication, having a capable camera in your pocket isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. If you’re still relying on the iPhone X, upgrading to the 11 Pro breathes new life into your photography, extends your device’s relevance, and ensures you’re ready for the next few years of app evolution and platform demands.
For less than the price of a new lens for a DSLR, you can gain access to a triple-camera system that outperforms its predecessor in nearly every measurable way. That’s not just an upgrade—it’s a smart investment in how you capture and share your world.
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