Iphone 11 Pro Vs Note 10 Three Years Later Is The Iphone Still Worth It

When the iPhone 11 Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 10 launched in 2019, they represented the peak of their respective ecosystems. Apple offered a compact powerhouse with industry-leading build quality and long-term software support. Samsung countered with a stylus-equipped Android flagship featuring a high-refresh-rate display and expansive multitasking. Three years later, both devices are well beyond their prime marketing cycle—but many users still rely on them daily. So, which holds up better today? And more importantly, if you're considering buying one secondhand or holding onto your current device, is the iPhone 11 Pro still worth it?

Performance and Software Longevity

The most critical factor in determining whether a phone remains usable after three years is its ability to handle modern apps and operating system updates. The iPhone 11 Pro runs iOS 17 (as of late 2023), while the Galaxy Note 10 stopped receiving major OS updates after Android 12. Samsung officially ended software support for the Note 10 in 2022, meaning no new security patches beyond occasional emergency fixes.

Apple, by contrast, committed to five years of iOS updates for the iPhone 11 Pro, making it eligible through at least 2024. This extended support translates directly into real-world benefits: smoother app launches, better compatibility with banking and productivity tools, and access to new features like enhanced privacy controls and improved Siri integration.

“Apple’s update policy is unmatched. Devices from 2019 still feel responsive because iOS is optimized tightly to hardware.” — David Kim, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechPulse Insights

In practical use, the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 Pro continues to handle everyday tasks effortlessly—web browsing, social media, video streaming, and even mid-tier gaming. The Note 10’s Exynos 9825 or Snapdragon 855 (depending on region) was competitive in 2019 but now shows signs of strain under heavier loads, especially with background processes piling up over time.

Tip: If you’re choosing between used flagships from 2019, prioritize iOS devices for longer software relevance.

Camera Quality Over Time

Both phones were praised for their photography upon release, but how do they compare today? The iPhone 11 Pro introduced Apple’s Night mode and Deep Fusion processing, significantly improving low-light shots and texture detail. Its triple-camera system (wide, ultra-wide, telephoto) remains versatile, and Apple’s consistent color science ensures photos still look natural and well-balanced—even in 2023.

Samsung’s Note 10+ featured a quad-camera setup including a depth sensor and ToF camera, offering strong dynamic range and vivid colors. However, aggressive sharpening and saturation in early firmware updates led to less authentic-looking images over time. While后期 updates refined this, the lack of ongoing computational photography improvements means the Note 10 can’t match the consistency of newer algorithms available on updated iPhones.

In side-by-side tests today:

• The iPhone produces more reliable HDR results in mixed lighting.
• Night mode on the 11 Pro activates earlier and stabilizes better than the Note 10’s implementation.
• Videography remains a clear win for Apple—the 11 Pro supports Dolby Vision HDR recording, a feature absent on any Samsung phone until much later models.

Real-World Example: Travel Photography in Istanbul

A freelance photographer used both devices during a trip in 2023. In dimly lit mosques, the iPhone captured cleaner shadows with less noise. When shooting fast-moving street scenes, the Note 10 occasionally dropped frames or applied inconsistent exposure. Back home, editing flexibility favored the iPhone’s HEIF format and broader third-party app support.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

The iPhone 11 Pro has a modest 3,046mAh battery. In 2019, it delivered about 10–11 hours of screen-on time. After three years and typical battery degradation, most units now offer 6–8 hours—still respectable for light users but insufficient for heavy multitaskers.

The Galaxy Note 10+ had a larger 4,300mAh cell and initially provided up to 13 hours of screen time. Even with aging, many Note 10+ units maintain 8–10 hours due to more efficient power management in early Android versions. Additionally, Samsung supported faster wired charging (25W with compatible chargers), while Apple limited the 11 Pro to 18W (with an adapter sold separately).

Feature	iPhone 11 Pro	Galaxy Note 10
Battery Capacity	3,046 mAh	3,500 mAh (Note 10) / 4,300 mAh (Note 10+)
Charging Speed	Up to 18W (wired), 7.5W MagSafe not supported	Up to 25W (Note 10+), USB-C PD
Wireless Charging	Yes (Qi standard)	Yes (Qi + reverse wireless)
Stylus Support	No	Yes – S Pen included

Despite smaller capacity, the iPhone benefits from iOS optimizations that reduce background drain. But the absence of fast charging in the box and lack of reverse charging put it behind Samsung’s offering in utility.

Durability and Build Longevity

Build quality plays a major role in longevity. The iPhone 11 Pro uses surgical-grade stainless steel frame and matte glass back, giving it a premium heft and resistance to scratches. Many units from 2019 still show minimal wear if not dropped frequently. The IP68 rating has held up well—users report surviving accidental submersions in coffee or rain without issue.

The Note 10 uses aluminum frame and glass back as well, but its glossy finish attracts fingerprints and micro-scratches over time. Drop survival varies widely; some users report cracked screens after minor falls, while others praise Gorilla Glass 6 protection. Both phones lack official repair programs now, but third-party parts for the Note 10 are more abundant globally due to Samsung’s modular design.

Tip: Replace degraded batteries in either device—it costs around $60–$80 and can restore nearly original endurance.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 11 Pro Still Worth It?

For most users in 2023, yes—the iPhone 11 Pro remains a viable daily driver, particularly within the Apple ecosystem. Its strengths lie in:

• Ongoing iOS updates ensuring app compatibility and security.
• Superior video recording capabilities unmatched by contemporaries.
• Tighter integration with AirPods, iCloud, and other Apple services.
• Better resale value and availability of refurbished units with warranty.

The Galaxy Note 10 shines in niche areas: S Pen functionality for note-takers and artists, slightly better battery life (especially the Plus model), and faster charging. However, its discontinued software support limits long-term viability. Apps like Google Chrome and banking platforms may phase out compatibility in the coming year.

Checklist: Should You Keep or Upgrade?

1. ✅ Is your battery health above 80%? (Check Settings > Battery > Battery Health)
2. ✅ Are you receiving regular iOS updates?
3. ✅ Do your essential apps run smoothly?
4. ✅ Can you live without 5G or modern camera features like Cinematic Mode?
5. ❌ If more than two answers are “no,” consider upgrading.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 Pro run iOS 17 smoothly?

Yes. While not as fast as newer A-series chips, the A13 handles iOS 17 efficiently. Most animations remain fluid, and core functions like Messages, Safari, and Camera work without lag. Heavy multitasking or AR apps may show slight delays.

Is the Galaxy Note 10 safe to use in 2023?

It’s functional but risky. Without official security patches, vulnerabilities could go unpatched. Avoid storing sensitive data or using outdated browsers. Consider using it as a secondary device instead.

Which phone holds value better after three years?

The iPhone 11 Pro retains about 30–40% of its original price in the used market, whereas the Note 10 fetches 15–25%. Apple’s brand loyalty and global service network contribute to stronger residual value.

Conclusion: Make the Smart Choice for Your Needs

Three years is a long lifespan for any smartphone. That both the iPhone 11 Pro and Galaxy Note 10 remain somewhat usable speaks to the quality of engineering in 2019. But only one truly stands the test of time: the iPhone 11 Pro. Thanks to Apple’s unparalleled software support, robust build, and ecosystem advantages, it continues to deliver a satisfying user experience in 2023.

If you value reliability, security, and seamless integration across devices, sticking with—or picking up—an iPhone 11 Pro makes sense. For creative professionals who miss the S Pen, the Note 10 serves best as a legacy tool, not a primary phone.

🚀 Still using a 2019 flagship? Share your experience below—what keeps you loyal to your device? Join the conversation and help others decide whether to upgrade or hold on.