Iphone 11 Vs 11 Pro Display Is The Pros Screen Really Worth The Extra Cost

The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro were released in the same year, targeting different segments of Apple’s customer base. While they share core features like the A13 Bionic chip and Face ID, one of the most significant differences lies in their displays. The iPhone 11 uses an LCD panel, while the 11 Pro steps up to OLED. But does that upgrade justify the higher price tag? For many users, screen quality is a make-or-break factor—impacting everything from photo editing to late-night scrolling. This article breaks down the technical and experiential differences between the two displays and helps you decide whether the Pro’s screen is truly worth the premium.

Display Technology: LCD vs OLED Explained

The fundamental difference between the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro displays lies in their underlying technology. The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, which is Apple’s marketing term for an advanced IPS LCD. In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. These technologies differ not just in name but in how they produce light, manage contrast, and render colors.

LCDs rely on a backlight to illuminate pixels across the entire screen uniformly. Even when displaying black, some light leaks through, resulting in grayer blacks and lower contrast ratios. OLED, on the other hand, allows individual pixels to turn off completely. When a pixel is black, it emits no light at all—delivering true blacks and infinite contrast. This isn’t just a spec sheet advantage; it translates into sharper visuals, especially in dark environments.

“OLED fundamentally changes how we perceive depth in images. True black isn’t just an absence of color—it’s a visual anchor.” — Dr. Lena Park, Display Technologist at MIT Media Lab

Visual Performance Comparison

Beyond the basic tech difference, real-world performance separates the two models. Let’s examine key metrics:

Feature	iPhone 11 (LCD)	iPhone 11 Pro (OLED)
Display Type	Liquid Retina HD (IPS LCD)	Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Size	6.1 inches	5.8 inches
Resolution	1792 x 828 pixels (~326 ppi)	2436 x 1125 pixels (~458 ppi)
Contrast Ratio	1400:1	2,000,000:1
Peach Brightness (Typical)	625 nits	800 nits
HDR Peak Brightness	Not supported	1200 nits
Color Accuracy (P3)	Fully P3 wide color	Fully P3 with HDR support

The numbers tell a compelling story. The 11 Pro’s OLED display offers significantly higher resolution, far superior contrast, and brighter peak performance—especially important for HDR video playback. If you frequently watch movies on platforms like Netflix or Apple TV+, the difference in dynamic range and shadow detail is immediately noticeable.

Tip: To fully appreciate OLED advantages, view content in dark mode or use HDR videos—this highlights true blacks and high contrast.

Real-World User Experience

Specs are informative, but daily usage shapes long-term satisfaction. Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who upgraded from an iPhone XR to the iPhone 11 Pro primarily for the display. She noticed an immediate improvement when reviewing RAW photos in Lightroom Mobile. “The shadows in my night shots used to look muddy on the LCD,” she said. “With the 11 Pro, I can actually see detail in the dark areas without overexposing. It changed how I edit on the go.”

For users who consume a lot of media, the 11 Pro’s screen provides a more immersive experience. Text appears crisper due to higher pixel density, and dark-themed apps like Twitter or Reddit feel more refined with deep blacks. Scrolling performance feels smoother, partly due to slightly better motion handling and reduced backlight bleed during fast movement.

However, the iPhone 11 is not a poor performer. Its LCD panel is among the best Apple has ever put in a non-Pro model. Colors remain vibrant, viewing angles are strong, and brightness is sufficient for most outdoor use. Casual users who prioritize battery life and larger screen size may find the 11 more than adequate.

Is the Upgrade Worth the Extra Cost?

The iPhone 11 launched at $699, while the 11 Pro started at $999—a $300 difference. Was that gap justified by the display alone? Not entirely, but the screen plays a major role. Here’s a checklist to help you decide if the Pro’s display merits the investment:

• Do you watch HDR content regularly? – The 11 Pro supports Dolby Vision and HDR10, making it ideal for cinematic content.
• Do you work with photos or video? – Higher color accuracy and contrast improve editing precision.
• Do you prefer dark mode or dark-themed apps? – OLED excels here, saving power and enhancing readability.
• Are you sensitive to screen quality? – Some users notice pixel structure or backlight unevenness on LCDs; OLED eliminates this.
• Is battery life a top priority? – Ironically, OLED can be more efficient when displaying dark content, though the 11 generally lasts longer due to its larger battery.

If three or more of these apply to you, the 11 Pro’s display likely justifies the cost. But if you’re mainly browsing, texting, and using social media under varied lighting conditions, the iPhone 11 holds its ground remarkably well.

Long-Term Value and Future-Proofing

Another consideration is longevity. OLED displays have historically raised concerns about burn-in, where static elements leave ghost images over time. However, Apple implemented pixel shifting and automatic brightness adjustments to mitigate this risk. After three years of widespread use, reports of burn-in on the 11 Pro remain rare.

Moreover, Apple shifted entirely to OLED starting with the iPhone 12 lineup. Choosing the 11 Pro aligns you with Apple’s future display direction, ensuring compatibility with upcoming software features optimized for high dynamic range and deeper blacks. Apps are increasingly designed with OLED advantages in mind—dark interfaces, animated transitions, and ambient display effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really see the difference between LCD and OLED?

Yes, especially in controlled lighting. Turn off the lights and open a black image or app in dark mode. The iPhone 11 will show grayish blacks due to backlight bleed, while the 11 Pro delivers true black. The difference in contrast and sharpness becomes obvious.

Does the 11 Pro screen drain the battery faster?

It depends on usage. With bright, white-heavy content, OLED may consume more power. But with dark content, it uses less because black pixels are turned off. Overall, the iPhone 11 still offers longer battery life due to its larger capacity, despite the display efficiency.

Is the smaller screen size of the 11 Pro a drawback?

Some users prefer the compact form factor for one-handed use, while others miss the extra space for multitasking. The 11’s 6.1-inch screen is more suited for media consumption, but the 11 Pro’s higher pixel density compensates with sharper visuals.

Final Verdict: Who Should Upgrade?

The iPhone 11 Pro’s display is objectively superior. It delivers richer colors, deeper blacks, higher brightness, and better HDR performance. For creatives, cinephiles, and users who value visual fidelity, the upgrade is absolutely worth the added cost. The screen alone elevates the overall user experience in ways that persist over time.

But for the average user, the iPhone 11 remains an excellent choice. Its LCD display is bright, colorful, and reliable. You won’t feel shortchanged in daily tasks, and you’ll benefit from longer battery life and a lower entry price.

In the end, the decision hinges on how much you value display quality versus practicality. If your eyes spend hours on your phone each day, investing in a better screen is akin to upgrading from standard definition to HD—it changes how you perceive digital content.

🚀 Ready to make an informed decision? Revisit your usage habits, test both screens in person if possible, and consider what kind of visual experience matters most to you. Whether you choose the 11 or 11 Pro, knowing the real differences puts you ahead of the curve.