Iphone 11 Vs Iphone X Is Upgrading From The X Really Worth It

The iPhone X was a landmark device—Apple’s first edge-to-edge OLED display, Face ID, and a sleek design that defined a generation. Released in 2017, it set the standard for premium smartphones. Fast forward to 2019, the iPhone 11 arrived with bold upgrades: a faster chip, improved cameras, and significantly better battery life—all at a lower starting price than the original iPhone X.

For users still holding onto their iPhone X, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world value. Is the jump from iPhone X to iPhone 11 substantial enough to justify the cost and effort of switching? The answer depends on your usage, priorities, and how much you rely on photography, battery longevity, and performance over time.

Design and Build: Subtle Changes, Same Feel

At first glance, the iPhone 11 and iPhone X look nearly identical. Both feature glass backs, stainless steel frames (on the X) or aerospace-grade aluminum (on the 11), and a 5.8-inch front display. However, there are subtle but meaningful differences.

The iPhone X uses a more premium stainless steel frame, giving it a slightly heavier, more luxurious feel. In contrast, the iPhone 11 uses aluminum, which makes it lighter and more resistant to dents—but less flashy. The back glass on the iPhone 11 also introduces new color options like green, purple, and yellow, moving away from the minimalist palette of the X.

Both phones have IP67 water resistance, meaning they can survive up to 30 minutes in 1 meter of water. While that’s solid, it falls short of the iPhone 11 Pro’s IP68 rating. Still, for most users, this level of protection is sufficient for everyday spills and rain.

Tip: If you value a premium look and feel, the iPhone X’s stainless steel frame may still appeal—but for durability and practicality, the iPhone 11’s build holds up better over time.

Performance: A Noticeable Leap Forward

The biggest internal upgrade lies in the processor. The iPhone X runs on the A11 Bionic chip, while the iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic—the same chip used in the iPhone 11 Pro. This difference translates into tangible improvements.

The A13 delivers approximately 20% faster CPU performance and up to 30% faster GPU speeds compared to the A11. More importantly, Apple’s efficiency gains mean the iPhone 11 handles multitasking, gaming, and augmented reality apps with noticeably less lag and heat buildup.

In real-world use, this means smoother app launches, quicker photo processing, and longer-term software support. iOS updates are optimized for newer chips, so even if your iPhone X runs the latest iOS today, it may struggle sooner than the iPhone 11 as demands increase.

“Processor longevity is often underestimated. Two years after release, the difference between A11 and A13 becomes very apparent in daily responsiveness.” — Mark Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse

Camera Comparison: Where the iPhone 11 Shines

If photography matters to you, the iPhone 11 offers one of the most compelling reasons to upgrade.

The iPhone X has a single 12MP wide camera with optical image stabilization (OIS), capable of solid photos in daylight but limited in low light and lacking versatility. The iPhone 11 introduces a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens (same as X) and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. This addition opens up creative possibilities—capturing landscapes, architecture, or group shots without stepping back.

More importantly, Apple enhanced computational photography with Night Mode, available on both rear and front cameras. On the iPhone X, low-light photos often suffer from noise and blur. The iPhone 11 automatically detects low-light conditions and captures brighter, clearer images with natural color balance—even in near-darkness.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 11
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide (f/1.8)	12MP Wide (f/1.8) + 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.4)
Front Camera	7MP (f/2.2)	12MP (f/2.2), supports 4K video & Night Mode
Night Mode	No	Yes (rear and front)
Burst Mode Speed	Standard	Faster, with Smart HDR
Video Recording	4K up to 60fps	4K up to 60fps, extended dynamic range

The front-facing camera upgrade is also significant. The iPhone 11’s 12MP TrueDepth camera shoots 4K video and applies Night Mode for better selfies in dim lighting—a feature many users didn’t know they needed until they tried it.

Battery Life: One of the Biggest Improvements

This is where the iPhone 11 pulls far ahead. Apple advertised the iPhone 11 offering “one day” of battery life, and in practice, it delivers. Compared to the iPhone X, the iPhone 11 provides up to 1–1.5 additional hours of screen-on time.

Real-world testing shows the iPhone 11 lasting 10–12 hours of mixed usage (browsing, social media, video, calls), while the iPhone X typically maxes out around 8–9 hours. For heavy users, that extra endurance eliminates midday charging anxiety.

The improvement comes from both a larger battery and the power efficiency of the A13 chip. Even though the iPhone 11 has a slightly less advanced display (LCD vs OLED), the overall energy management is superior.

Tip: If you frequently run out of battery before bedtime, upgrading to the iPhone 11 will noticeably reduce your reliance on power banks and chargers.

Display and Audio: Trade-offs Worth Considering

One area where the iPhone X technically wins is the display. It uses a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel with deeper blacks, higher contrast (1,000,000:1), and more vibrant colors. The iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina LCD, which is sharp and bright but lacks the pixel-level precision of OLED.

For most users, the difference is minor in daily use—especially since Apple tunes its LCDs well. But if you watch a lot of HDR video or prefer rich contrast in dark mode, the iPhone X still holds an edge.

On the audio side, both phones have stereo speakers, but the iPhone 11 offers slightly louder and more balanced output. The top speaker doubles as a secondary channel, improving spatial effects during movies and games.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone X since late 2017. By 2021, she noticed her phone slowing down during Instagram uploads, dying by 6 PM, and struggling with blurry night photos of her kids’ soccer games.

She considered waiting for the iPhone 13 but decided to test an iPhone 11 at the Apple Store. The instant improvements were clear: Night Mode lit up her demo photo of a dimly lit café, the battery estimate showed 7 hours remaining at 8 PM, and apps opened instantly.

She upgraded and hasn’t looked back. “It felt like going from a reliable sedan to a sports car,” she said. “Same road, but everything responds faster.”

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

Use this checklist to evaluate whether moving from iPhone X to iPhone 11 makes sense for you:

• ✅ Do you regularly run out of battery before the end of the day?
• ✅ Are you frustrated by poor low-light photos?
• ✅ Have you noticed apps taking longer to load or crashes increasing?
• ✅ Do you want a second camera for wider shots?
• ✅ Is your current phone showing signs of wear (cracked screen, swollen battery)?

If you answered yes to two or more, the upgrade is likely worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone X still run the latest iOS versions?

Yes, the iPhone X supports iOS 17, released in 2023. However, performance may degrade over time, especially with resource-heavy apps and features like Live Text or Visual Look Up.

Is the iPhone 11 waterproof?

It has IP67 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. It’s not fully waterproof, but it’s protected against accidental spills, rain, and brief drops in water.

Will my iPhone X accessories work with the iPhone 11?

Most accessories are compatible. Cases may not fit perfectly due to camera placement changes, but chargers, cables, and wireless chargers work identically since both use Lightning and support Qi wireless charging.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the iPhone X to the iPhone 11 isn’t about chasing the latest trend—it’s about gaining meaningful improvements in areas that affect daily usability. The dual-camera system, Night Mode, extended battery life, and faster A13 chip collectively enhance the experience in ways that add up over time.

While the iPhone X remains a capable device in 2024, especially for light users, the iPhone 11 offers better long-term value. It received support for more iOS updates, handles modern apps more efficiently, and captures significantly better photos. Plus, it launched at a $200 lower price point than the original iPhone X, making it a smarter financial move for those seeking an upgrade.

If your iPhone X is still performing well and meets your needs, there’s no urgent reason to switch. But if you’re experiencing slowdowns, battery drain, or photographic limitations, the iPhone 11 delivers a refreshingly smooth, future-ready experience that justifies the change.

💬 Have you upgraded from iPhone X to iPhone 11? Share your experience below. Your insights could help others decide whether the leap is right for them.