Iphone 11 Vs 14 Pro Is Upgrading Really Worth It For The Screen Size Alone

The iPhone 11, released in 2019, was a benchmark for mid-tier Apple devices—offering excellent battery life, a solid dual-camera system, and reliable performance. The iPhone 14 Pro, launched in 2022, represents Apple’s flagship innovation with advanced internals, a dynamic island, and a significantly improved display. But if you're still using an iPhone 11, is upgrading solely for the larger, more advanced screen truly justified? Let’s break down the real differences beyond marketing claims.

Screen Size and Display Technology: More Than Just Inches

The most noticeable difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 Pro lies in their displays. The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD with a resolution of 1792x828 pixels and a standard 60Hz refresh rate. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Pro boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2556x1179 pixels and Apple’s first-ever Always-On Display capability.

While both phones share the same diagonal screen size, the visual experience diverges sharply. OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and better brightness (up to 2000 nits peak HDR), making media consumption and outdoor visibility far superior on the 14 Pro.

Tip: If you frequently watch videos or use your phone outdoors, the iPhone 14 Pro’s brighter, higher-contrast display offers tangible daily benefits beyond mere size.

Refresh Rate: The Hidden Game-Changer

One often overlooked aspect is the refresh rate. The iPhone 11 runs at a fixed 60Hz, while the iPhone 14 Pro introduces ProMotion with adaptive 120Hz refresh rates. This means smoother scrolling, faster app transitions, and a more responsive feel during gaming or multitasking.

It’s not about raw speed—it’s about fluidity. Once experienced, returning to 60Hz can feel sluggish, especially when navigating complex UIs or switching between apps.

Performance and Longevity: Beyond the Screen

Upgrading isn’t just about how things look—it’s also about how fast they run. The iPhone 11 uses the A13 Bionic chip, which was powerful in its time but now lags behind newer applications and operating systems. iOS updates are optimized increasingly for modern hardware, and older chips show strain with augmented reality, machine learning tasks, and multitasking.

The iPhone 14 Pro, powered by the A16 Bionic chip, handles these demands effortlessly. Benchmark tests show up to 40% faster CPU performance and nearly double the neural engine speed. This translates into longer software support—likely through 2027 or beyond—versus the iPhone 11, which may see diminishing returns as iOS evolves.

“Display improvements matter, but the real longevity of a phone upgrade comes from processing power and future-proofing.” — David Lin, Senior Mobile Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Camera Evolution: Night Mode, Photonic Engine, and Action Mode

If screen size were the only factor, the decision might hinge on personal preference. But camera capabilities have evolved dramatically. The iPhone 11 introduced Night mode, but the 14 Pro enhances low-light photography with larger sensors, sensor-shift stabilization, and Apple’s Photonic Engine, which improves color accuracy and detail in mid-to-low light.

The 14 Pro also adds a 48MP main sensor (defaulting to 24MP for better dynamic range) and a new computational photography pipeline that captures more data per shot. For users who take photos regularly—especially in varied lighting—the jump is significant.

Additionally, video recording sees major upgrades: Cinematic mode now supports 4K HDR at 30fps, and Action mode provides advanced stabilization for shaky handheld footage—ideal for vloggers or active users.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah, a freelance photographer based in Portland, used her iPhone 11 for four years. She initially considered waiting until 2024 to upgrade but found herself frustrated with slow photo processing, limited zoom quality, and poor performance in editing apps like Lightroom. After testing a friend’s iPhone 14 Pro, she noticed immediate improvements: faster exports, richer shadows in night shots, and smoother gallery navigation. While the screen looked sharper, it was the backend performance that sealed her decision to upgrade—even though she hadn’t prioritized screen size initially.

Detailed Comparison Table: iPhone 11 vs iPhone 14 Pro

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 14 Pro
Display Size & Type	6.1\" Liquid Retina HD (LCD)	6.1\" Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Refresh Rate	60Hz	Adaptive 120Hz (ProMotion)
Brightness (Peak HDR)	625 nits	2000 nits
Chipset	A13 Bionic	A16 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual: 12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide	Triple: 48MP Main + 12MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto (3x optical zoom)
Front Camera	12MP TrueDepth	12MP TrueDepth with Auto-Focus & Night Mode
Video Recording	4K@60fps, Extended Dynamic Range	4K@60fps, Dolby Vision HDR, Action Mode, Cinematic Mode 4K
Software Support Outlook	Likely until iOS 18–19	Expected through iOS 21–23+
Starting Price (Launch)	$699	$999

Is the Screen Upgrade Worth It Alone?

If your primary motivation is screen size, the answer is nuanced. Both models are 6.1 inches diagonally, so physical dimensions are nearly identical. However, the quality leap—from LCD to OLED, 60Hz to 120Hz, and standard brightness to extreme HDR—is substantial.

For casual users who browse social media, check emails, and stream occasional videos, the iPhone 11’s screen remains functional. But for those immersed in digital content—reading long articles, editing photos, watching HDR films, or playing graphics-intensive games—the 14 Pro’s display delivers a noticeably richer experience.

Moreover, the Always-On Display feature allows glanceable information without waking the phone, improving convenience. Combined with the Dynamic Island—a contextual interactive UI element—the screen becomes more than a viewing surface; it's an interface layer.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

• ✅ Are you experiencing app lag or slow camera processing?
• ✅ Do you frequently shoot photos or videos in low light?
• ✅ Do you want at least 4–5 more years of iOS updates?
• ✅ Have you noticed reduced battery life (below 80%)?
• ✅ Does your current phone lack features like ProMotion or Always-On Display that you’d genuinely use?

If three or more apply, the upgrade offers value beyond screen aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the iPhone 14 Pro have a bigger screen than the iPhone 11?

No, both have 6.1-inch displays. However, the 14 Pro’s OLED panel offers higher resolution, better contrast, and brighter output, making it visually superior despite the same size.

Can the iPhone 11 still handle iOS 17?

Yes, the iPhone 11 supports iOS 17. However, some newer features like StandBy mode or enhanced autocorrect may perform slower due to hardware limitations.

Is the battery life better on the iPhone 14 Pro?

Battery life is comparable in real-world usage—Apple rates them similarly. But the 14 Pro manages power more efficiently under load thanks to the A16 chip and optimized iOS integration, especially during intensive tasks.

Final Verdict: Upgrade for Experience, Not Just Screen Size

Upgrading from the iPhone 11 to the 14 Pro purely for screen size won’t deliver a dramatic change in physical dimensions. But if you consider the full package—display quality, refresh rate, processing power, camera advancements, and long-term software support—the investment makes sense for users who rely heavily on their phones for creativity, communication, and productivity.

The screen is no longer just a window into your device; it’s an interactive, intelligent surface. When paired with the A16 chip and refined iOS integration, the iPhone 14 Pro offers a holistic upgrade that transcends pixel counts and inch measurements.

💬 Thinking about upgrading? Share your experience below—what made you switch, or what’s keeping you on your iPhone 11?