Iphone 11 Pro Vs Iphone X Is The Pro Model Really Worth The Upgrade 3

For users still holding onto an iPhone X, the decision to upgrade to the iPhone 11 Pro isn’t just about new features—it’s about whether those improvements translate into meaningful daily benefits. The iPhone X, released in 2017, was a landmark device with its edge-to-edge OLED display and Face ID. But three years later, Apple introduced the iPhone 11 Pro, packing significant upgrades in processing power, camera capabilities, and battery life. So, is it worth stepping up? Let’s break down the differences with real-world insights.

Design and Build: Subtle Refinements, Same Feel

At first glance, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone X share a similar design language—both feature stainless steel frames, glass backs, and a notch at the top. However, the 11 Pro introduces a matte finish on the back glass, which reduces fingerprint smudges and offers a more premium tactile feel compared to the glossy back of the X.

The dimensions differ slightly. The 11 Pro is marginally thicker and heavier (188g vs 174g), giving it a more substantial hand feel. While some may appreciate the added heft as a sign of durability, others might find the iPhone X lighter and more comfortable for one-handed use.

Both phones are IP67 rated for water and dust resistance—meaning they can survive up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water. The 11 Pro doesn’t improve on this spec, so if you were hoping for deeper water protection, you’ll need to wait for newer models.

Tip: If you're upgrading from the iPhone X, consider using your old phone as a dedicated media or security camera—its screen and camera are still excellent for secondary roles.

Display Quality: OLED Still Shines

The iPhone X set a high bar with its 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, offering deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent contrast. The iPhone 11 Pro keeps that same OLED technology but increases brightness—up to 800 nits typical and 1200 nits peak HDR. This makes outdoor visibility noticeably better, especially under direct sunlight.

While resolution remains nearly identical (2436 x 1125 on the X vs 2436 x 1125 on the 11 Pro), the 11 Pro benefits from improved color accuracy and dynamic range thanks to Apple’s updated display calibration. For photographers and video editors, these enhancements matter when reviewing content on-device.

One often-overlooked difference: the 11 Pro supports True Tone across all apps and system interfaces, whereas early iOS versions on the X had limited True Tone coverage. Today, both devices perform similarly in adaptive color temperature, reducing eye strain in low-light environments.

Performance: A Generational Leap

The biggest internal upgrade lies in the chipset. The iPhone X runs the A11 Bionic chip, while the 11 Pro features the A13 Bionic—the fastest smartphone processor at its release. In real-world usage, this means smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better longevity for future iOS updates.

Benchmarks tell part of the story: the A13 delivers around 20% higher CPU performance and 30–40% better GPU efficiency than the A11. But more importantly, the 11 Pro handles demanding tasks like 4K video editing, AR gaming, and machine learning-based photography far more efficiently.

“Even two years after launch, the A13 Bionic outperformed most Android flagships. It’s not just speed—it’s sustained performance without throttling.” — David Kim, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

If you frequently use professional apps like LumaFusion, Procreate, or Adobe Lightroom, the 11 Pro will feel significantly snappier. Even everyday actions—like scrolling through Instagram or switching between Safari tabs—feel more fluid due to increased RAM (4GB vs 3GB).

Camera Comparison: Where the 11 Pro Truly Shines

This is where the iPhone 11 Pro pulls ahead decisively. The iPhone X has a capable dual-camera system: 12MP wide and telephoto lenses with portrait mode and optical zoom. But the 11 Pro expands this with a third ultra-wide lens, opening up creative possibilities.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 11 Pro
Rear Cameras	Wide + Telephoto (2x optical zoom)	Wide + Ultra-Wide + Telephoto (2x optical, 0.5x ultra-wide)
Night Mode	No	Yes (on all rear cameras)
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2, 4K video
Smart HDR	HDR (basic)	Smart HDR (AI-enhanced)
Video Recording	4K at 60fps	4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range

Night Mode is perhaps the most transformative addition. On the iPhone X, low-light photos often suffer from noise and blur unless lit well. The 11 Pro automatically activates Night Mode in dim conditions, capturing brighter, clearer images with natural color balance—even in near-darkness.

The ultra-wide lens (120° field of view) lets you capture landscapes, architecture, or group shots that would otherwise require stepping back—something the iPhone X simply can’t do. Combined with Smart HDR, which intelligently balances highlights and shadows, the 11 Pro produces consistently superior photos across lighting conditions.

Mini Case Study: Travel Photography in Lisbon

Sophia, a freelance travel blogger, upgraded from her iPhone X to the 11 Pro before a trip to Portugal. She noticed immediate improvements: shooting narrow alleyways in Alfama was easier with the ultra-wide lens, and sunset shots over the Tagus River retained detail in both sky and shadow thanks to Smart HDR. Most impressively, she captured clear interior shots of dimly lit churches using Night Mode—something she previously avoided with her X. “I used to carry a mirrorless camera,” she said. “Now, 80% of my blog content comes straight from the 11 Pro.”

Battery Life: From All-Day to Beyond

The iPhone X offers solid battery life—typically lasting a full day with moderate use. But the 11 Pro nearly doubles that endurance. Apple rated it for up to 18 hours of video playback, compared to 13 hours on the X. In real-world mixed usage (email, social media, navigation, calls), the 11 Pro easily lasts 1.5 days, while the X often needs a midday charge.

This improvement stems from both a larger battery and the power-efficient A13 chip. For travelers, remote workers, or anyone who dislikes hunting for outlets, this extra stamina is invaluable.

Tip: Enable Optimized Battery Charging in Settings > Battery to extend long-term battery health, especially if you keep your phone plugged in overnight.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before spending hundreds on a new phone, ask yourself the following. Check off what applies:

• ✅ Do you regularly run out of battery before bedtime?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by slow performance in camera or editing apps?
• ✅ Do you take photos in low light and wish they were clearer?
• ✅ Have you maxed out your iPhone X’s storage?
• ✅ Are you still on iOS 13 or earlier? (The 11 Pro supports newer iOS features longer.)

If you checked three or more, the upgrade makes sense. If not, your iPhone X is still fully functional for daily tasks, messaging, and casual photography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still run the latest iOS?

Yes, the iPhone X supports up to iOS 17, meaning it continues to receive security updates and feature improvements. However, future iOS versions may begin to slow it down due to aging hardware.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro waterproof enough for beach trips?

It’s water-resistant, not waterproof. While it can survive splashes or brief submersion, saltwater exposure can damage seals over time. Rinse with fresh water if exposed, and avoid intentional underwater use.

Does the 11 Pro support fast charging?

Yes, but you’ll need to buy the adapter separately. It supports 18W fast charging (reaches 50% in 30 minutes), but comes with a standard 5W charger in the box—same as the iPhone X did.

Conclusion: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The iPhone 11 Pro isn’t just an incremental update—it’s a meaningful leap in camera versatility, battery endurance, and processing muscle. For iPhone X owners who rely on their phone for photography, productivity, or travel, the upgrade delivers tangible benefits that last for years.

However, if your iPhone X still meets your needs and you’re not pushing it with heavy apps or low-light photography, holding on is perfectly reasonable. Apple’s ecosystem ensures older devices remain secure and functional longer than most smartphones.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on how much you value camera innovation and battery life over cost. If you’re ready to get the most out of iOS’s latest capabilities, the iPhone 11 Pro proves that sometimes, the Pro label truly earns its name.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Evaluate your current usage, consider selling your iPhone X for credit, and explore carrier trade-in deals to reduce the upgrade cost. Your next best photo might be just one ultra-wide shot away.