Iphone 11 Vs Galaxy S10 Plus Three Years Later Is The Iphone Still Worth It

In 2019, the Apple iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus stood as flagship rivals representing two dominant mobile ecosystems. Three years later, both devices are well beyond their prime, yet many users still rely on them daily. With newer models flooding the market, a pressing question remains: Is the iPhone 11 still worth holding onto—or investing in secondhand—when compared to the Galaxy S10 Plus today?

The answer isn’t just about raw specs or nostalgia. It’s about longevity, software updates, real-world usability, and ecosystem integration. This analysis dives deep into how each device has aged, what they offer now, and whether one clearly outlasts the other in 2024.

Performance and Real-World Speed Today

At launch, the iPhone 11 was powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, while the Galaxy S10 Plus featured either the Snapdragon 855 (in the U.S.) or Exynos 9820 (internationally). On paper, the gap wasn’t massive—but over time, architecture differences have led to divergent aging curves.

Apple’s tight hardware-software integration allows iOS to squeeze maximum efficiency from older chips. Even in 2024, the A13 handles iOS 17 with remarkable fluidity. Most apps open quickly, multitasking remains smooth, and even graphically intensive games like Genshin Impact run at medium settings without major stutters.

The S10 Plus, while impressive in its day, shows more signs of strain. The Snapdragon 855 still performs adequately for everyday tasks, but Android 13 (its final update) feels heavier. App launches can lag, background processes slow down over time, and animations aren’t as buttery as they once were. The Exynos variant, particularly, suffers from thermal throttling under sustained loads.

Tip: If you're using either device in 2024, disable live wallpapers and reduce animation scales in developer options (Android) or enable Reduce Motion (iOS) to improve responsiveness.

Battery Life and Charging After Three Years

Battery degradation is inevitable, but how each phone manages it tells a story of long-term viability.

The iPhone 11 launched with a 3,110mAh battery. Apple never advertised all-day endurance, but in practice, most users got 1.2 to 1.5 days of moderate use. Now, after three years, that drops to roughly 10–12 hours of screen-on time for a well-maintained unit. However, iOS power management helps mitigate sudden drops. Features like Low Power Mode remain effective, and background app refresh is tightly controlled.

The Galaxy S10 Plus had a larger 4,100mAh cell and supported adaptive battery learning. In 2019, it easily delivered 1.5 days of use. But after repeated charge cycles, many units now struggle to last a full day. Fast charging helped offset this, but battery wear has been a common complaint—especially with third-party replacements lacking proper calibration.

“Battery health is more critical than raw capacity. iPhones provide transparency with maximum capacity metrics, which helps users make informed decisions.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst

Software Support and Security Updates

This is where the iPhone 11 pulls dramatically ahead.

As of 2024, the iPhone 11 runs iOS 17—a full five major updates from its original iOS 13. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years with OS upgrades and regular security patches. That means the iPhone 11 will likely receive updates through late 2025, possibly into 2026.

In contrast, the Galaxy S10 Plus received only three major Android OS updates (up to Android 12) and four years of security patches. Samsung ended official support in early 2023. While some carriers pushed minor fixes, no further security updates are expected. Using an unsupported Android device increases exposure to vulnerabilities, especially when downloading apps or browsing untrusted sites.

iOS also benefits from uniform app optimization. Developers prioritize Apple’s ecosystem due to longer device lifespans and consistent hardware. On Android, fragmentation means some apps may no longer function properly on older OS versions.

Camera Quality in 2024: How Do They Hold Up?

Both phones had strong cameras in 2019, but computational photography advancements have widened the gap.

The iPhone 11’s dual 12MP system (wide and ultra-wide) still delivers reliable point-and-shoot results. Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night mode have improved over updates, making low-light shots surprisingly usable. Video recording remains best-in-class for its era—supporting 4K at 60fps with excellent stabilization.

The S10 Plus offered a triple-lens setup (12MP wide, 12MP telephoto, 16MP ultra-wide) with Live Focus and Scene Optimizer. While versatile, its processing now looks dated. HDR handling is less natural, night shots are noisier, and autofocus can hunt in dim conditions. Without ongoing camera firmware improvements, it hasn’t evolved like the iPhone’s system.

Feature	iPhone 11 (2024)	Galaxy S10 Plus (2024)
Operating System	iOS 17	Android 13 (final)
Last Security Update	March 2024 (ongoing)	February 2023 (ended)
Battery Health Indicator	Yes, built-in	No native tool
Expected Support End	Late 2025 – Early 2026	Early 2023
Camera Processing Updates	Ongoing via software	None since 2021

Real-World Example: Two Users, Three Years Later

Consider Maria and James, both tech-savvy professionals who bought these phones in 2019.

Maria chose the iPhone 11 for its video capabilities and ecosystem fit with her MacBook. She uses it daily for emails, social media, and vlogging. Despite replacing the battery once (at Apple Store, $69), she reports “it still feels fast.” She upgraded to iOS 17 without issue and appreciates continued feature additions like StandBy mode and improved autocorrect.

James opted for the S10 Plus for its expandable storage and headphone jack. He loved the curved display and customization. But by 2022, he noticed sluggishness. By 2023, app crashes increased, and WhatsApp stopped supporting his OS version temporarily until a patch arrived. He now keeps a backup phone handy and avoids public Wi-Fi due to outdated security protocols.

Maria plans to keep her iPhone 11 into 2025. James upgraded to a Pixel 7a in early 2024.

Checklist: Is Your Old Phone Still Viable in 2024?

• ✅ Does it receive current security updates?
• ✅ Can it run essential apps (banking, messaging, maps) without crashing?
• ✅ Is battery life sufficient for a full day?
• ✅ Does the camera meet your basic needs?
• ✅ Is storage adequate or expandable?
• ✅ Are replacement parts and repair services still available?

If three or more apply, your device may still serve you well. The iPhone 11 meets five; the S10 Plus struggles past three.

Should You Buy Either Phone New in 2024?

Neither phone is sold new by major retailers anymore, but both appear frequently on the refurbished and secondhand market.

The iPhone 11, especially in 128GB or 256GB variants, remains a compelling budget iOS option. Refurbished units often come with new batteries and warranties. Its compatibility with AirPods, Apple Watch, and iCloud makes it a functional entry point into the Apple ecosystem.

The S10 Plus, while cheaper on average, carries higher risk. Many used units have degraded batteries, and without official support, software issues won’t be fixed. Enthusiasts might root it or install custom ROMs, but that’s not viable for average users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 still get app updates?

Yes. Most developers continue supporting devices back to the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, which share the same A11–A13 generation. Major apps like Instagram, TikTok, and banking platforms still roll out updates compatible with iOS 15+, which includes the iPhone 11.

Is the Galaxy S10 Plus safe to use in 2024?

It can be, but with caution. Avoid storing sensitive data, using public Wi-Fi, or downloading apps from outside the Google Play Store. Without security patches, it's more vulnerable to exploits discovered after 2023.

Which phone holds resale value better?

The iPhone 11 does. After three years, it retains about 30–40% of its original value depending on condition. The S10 Plus holds closer to 15–20%, reflecting faster depreciation typical of Android flagships.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 11 Still Worth It?

Yes—but with caveats.

If you’re buying secondhand and want a dependable smartphone under $200, the iPhone 11 offers unmatched longevity for its price. Its combination of long-term software support, strong build quality, and seamless ecosystem integration makes it a sensible choice for students, secondary phone users, or those entering the Apple world.

The Galaxy S10 Plus, while groundbreaking in 2019, has aged less gracefully. It served well but has reached its end-of-life. For similar money, consider a newer mid-range Android like the Pixel 7a or Galaxy A54, which offer modern security and multi-year update promises.

Ultimately, the iPhone 11’s staying power proves Apple’s strategy of extended support pays off for users who value stability over novelty.

💬 Still using an iPhone 11 or Galaxy S10 Plus? Share your experience—how’s it holding up in 2024? Your insights could help others decide whether to hold on or upgrade.