Iphone 11 Pro Vs Iphone X Is The Upgrade Really Worth It Or Is My Old Iphone X Still Good

The iPhone X was a landmark device—Apple’s first edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a design language that influenced every model since. For many, it was a revelation. Fast forward to today, and the iPhone 11 Pro sits just a few generations later, promising better performance, longer battery life, and advanced camera capabilities. But if you're still using an iPhone X in 2024, you might be wondering: is upgrading to the iPhone 11 Pro actually worth it?

The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” It depends on how you use your phone, your expectations for longevity, and whether newer features solve real problems in your daily routine.

Design and Build: Evolution, Not Revolution

At first glance, the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone X look strikingly similar. Both feature stainless steel frames, glass backs, and a notch at the top of the display. The dimensions are nearly identical, though the 11 Pro is slightly heavier (188g vs 174g) due to its larger battery and triple-camera system.

The biggest visual difference is the camera array. The iPhone X has a dual-lens setup aligned vertically, while the 11 Pro adds a third ultra-wide lens, arranged in a square module. This gives the 11 Pro a more modern aesthetic but doesn’t drastically alter handling.

Both phones support wireless charging and are IP67/IP68 rated for water resistance. However, the 11 Pro improves from IP67 to IP68, meaning it can survive deeper submersion (up to 4 meters for 30 minutes vs 1 meter).

Tip: If you value pocketability and lightweight design, the iPhone X still holds up well. But if durability and water resistance matter, the 11 Pro offers a tangible improvement.

Display: Brighter, More Efficient

The iPhone X introduced Apple’s Super Retina HD OLED display—a 5.8-inch screen with 1125x2436 resolution. It was sharp, vibrant, and set a new standard at launch.

The iPhone 11 Pro uses a nearly identical panel in size and resolution but improves significantly in brightness and efficiency. Apple claims peak brightness of 800 nits (HDR up to 1200), compared to the X’s 625 nits. In real-world use, this means better visibility outdoors and improved HDR video playback.

More importantly, the 11 Pro’s display is more power-efficient thanks to advancements in OLED technology and iOS optimizations. While both screens deliver excellent color accuracy and contrast, the 11 Pro simply performs better under stress and in bright environments.

Performance: A Generational Leap

This is where the gap becomes undeniable. The iPhone X runs on the A11 Bionic chip—an impressive processor in 2017 but now showing its age in multitasking-heavy scenarios. Apps still open quickly, but complex tasks like photo editing, AR experiences, or extended gaming sessions can cause noticeable lag or thermal throttling.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro is powered by the A13 Bionic, one of Apple’s most efficient and powerful chips. Benchmarks show a 30–40% improvement in CPU performance and nearly double the GPU speed. Real-world impact? Smoother animations, faster app launches, and seamless handling of 4K video recording across all three cameras.

Geekbench 5 scores illustrate the divide:

• iPhone X (A11): ~3,800 (multi-core)
• iPhone 11 Pro (A13): ~5,400 (multi-core)

“Even two years after release, the A13 remains highly competitive. Users upgrading from A11-era devices often report feeling like they’ve jumped forward a decade in responsiveness.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Labs

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Beyond

The iPhone X’s dual-camera system (12MP wide + 12MP telephoto) was excellent in daylight and capable in moderate low light. But it lacks modern computational photography features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR.

The iPhone 11 Pro adds a third ultra-wide lens (12MP, f/2.4, 120° field of view), enabling dramatic landscape shots and creative framing. More crucially, it introduces Night Mode, which automatically activates in low-light conditions, producing brighter, clearer photos without flash.

Smart HDR uses machine learning to balance highlights and shadows across faces, skies, and backlit subjects—something the iPhone X struggles with. And Deep Fusion, launched alongside the A13, enhances texture and detail in mid-to-low light by processing pixels individually.

If you frequently take photos indoors, at night, or in mixed lighting, the 11 Pro delivers visibly superior results.

Camera Feature Comparison

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 11 Pro
Rear Cameras	Dual: Wide + Telephoto	Triple: Wide + Telephoto + Ultra-Wide
Night Mode	No	Yes
Smart HDR	HDR (basic)	Smart HDR + Deep Fusion
Video Recording	4K up to 60fps	4K up to 60fps + Extended Dynamic Range
Front Camera	7MP, f/2.2	12MP, f/2.2, 4K video

Battery Life: From \"Just Enough\" to \"All Day+\"

This may be the most compelling reason to upgrade. The iPhone X offers about 12–13 hours of mixed usage—acceptable in 2017, but tight by today’s standards. Heavy users often need a midday charge.

The iPhone 11 Pro, despite its compact size, packs a 3,046mAh battery and benefits from the A13’s efficiency. Apple rates it for up to 18 hours of video playback. In real-world testing, users consistently report 6–7 hours of screen-on time, enough to last through travel days or long workweeks without anxiety.

Additionally, the 11 Pro supports faster charging (50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter, sold separately) and includes a modest improvement in wireless charging speed.

Tip: If you're tired of carrying a power bank or scrambling for outlets, the 11 Pro’s battery life alone could justify the upgrade.

Software Support and Longevity

As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but their update paths differ. The iPhone X, released in 2017, is nearing the end of its software lifecycle. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years post-release, meaning the X may not receive iOS 18 or beyond.

The iPhone 11 Pro, released in 2019, is expected to get updates through at least 2025, possibly 2026. This means continued security patches, compatibility with new apps, and access to future AI-powered features likely coming in iOS updates.

If you plan to keep your phone for another two years, the 11 Pro offers much better future-proofing.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone X daily for client communication, social media posting, and occasional mobile photography. By late 2023, she noticed slowdowns when editing RAW images in Lightroom and struggled with poor low-light shots during evening events.

She considered switching to Android but decided to test an iPhone 11 Pro at an Apple Store. After using it for a weekend, she was struck by how effortlessly it handled her workflow. Night Mode improved her event photography, and the extra battery let her shoot all day without charging.

She upgraded—and hasn’t looked back. “It felt like I’d been working with one hand tied behind my back,” she said. “The 11 Pro didn’t just keep up; it made me more productive.”

Upgrade Checklist: Are You Ready for the 11 Pro?

Ask yourself these questions before making the leap:

1. Do you regularly experience app crashes or slow performance?
2. Is your battery dead by early afternoon?
3. Do you wish your phone took better photos at night?
4. Are you concerned about missing future iOS updates?
5. Do you use your phone for video calls, gaming, or creative work?

If you answered “yes” to two or more, the iPhone 11 Pro—or a similarly equipped modern iPhone—will provide meaningful improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still run modern apps smoothly?

Most everyday apps (email, social media, banking) still run adequately on the iPhone X. However, newer games, AR apps, and photo/video editors may lag or fail to install in the future as developers optimize for newer hardware.

Is the iPhone 11 Pro worth buying in 2024?

New 11 Pro units are no longer sold by Apple, but used or refurbished models (starting around $350–$500) offer strong value. Given its performance, camera, and software support, it remains a solid choice—especially compared to holding onto a six-year-old device.

Will my iPhone X stop working if it doesn’t get iOS updates?

No—it will continue functioning. However, lack of security updates increases vulnerability, and some apps may eventually drop support for older iOS versions, limiting functionality over time.

Conclusion: To Upgrade or Not?

The iPhone X was a masterpiece of its time. But five years in smartphone evolution is an eternity. The iPhone 11 Pro delivers measurable gains in performance, battery, camera quality, and software longevity.

If you’re satisfied with basic calling, texting, and light browsing, your iPhone X might still serve you—especially if it’s in good condition. But if you rely on your phone for productivity, creativity, or staying connected throughout the day, the upgrade brings real, lasting benefits.

Technology should empower, not frustrate. If your current device is holding you back, don’t wait until it fails. Make the move when it enhances your life—not after it breaks.

💬 Still on the fence? Share your experience with the iPhone X or 11 Pro below. Your insights could help someone else decide their next move.