Iphone 11 Vs Iphone X Screen Is The Newer Display Really That Much Better

When Apple released the iPhone 11 in 2019, it positioned the device as a more accessible alternative to its premium Pro models. But for users upgrading from the iPhone X—a flagship released just two years earlier—the question wasn’t just about price or camera improvements. The real debate centered on the display: is the iPhone 11’s screen actually better than the one on the iPhone X, despite being technically “lower-tier”? On paper, the iPhone X has an edge with its OLED panel, while the iPhone 11 uses an LCD. Yet, real-world usage tells a more nuanced story.

This comparison goes beyond specs. It’s about how the screens perform daily—under sunlight, during streaming, when scrolling through social media, or reading in bed. Let’s break down the key differences and determine whether the newer model truly delivers a superior viewing experience.

Display Technology: OLED vs LCD

The most fundamental difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone X lies in their display technology. The iPhone X features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, while the iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD. At first glance, OLED wins: deeper blacks, infinite contrast ratios, and individual pixel illumination. These characteristics make OLED ideal for dark mode interfaces, HDR video, and energy efficiency when displaying darker content.

However, LCDs have evolved significantly. Apple’s “Liquid Retina” branding isn’t just marketing fluff—it refers to advanced color management, wide color support (P3), and precise backlighting. The iPhone 11’s LCD compensates for its lack of per-pixel lighting with excellent brightness, consistent color reproduction, and reduced eye strain in mixed lighting environments.

“OLED offers superior contrast, but modern high-end LCDs like Apple’s Liquid Retina can match or exceed them in peak brightness and daytime legibility.” — Dr. Lena Park, Display Technology Analyst at Mobile Insights Group

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outdoors, prioritize peak brightness over contrast. The iPhone 11 often performs better in direct sunlight despite its LCD panel.

Brightness and Outdoor Visibility

One area where the iPhone 11 shines—literally—is peak brightness. Apple rated the iPhone 11’s display at up to 625 nits of typical brightness, with brief bursts higher under HDR conditions. In contrast, the iPhone X peaks around 600 nits. While this 25-nit difference may seem minor, it translates to noticeably better readability on sunny days.

Independent tests by display analysts confirm that the iPhone 11 maintains clarity in outdoor settings more consistently than the iPhone X. This advantage stems not only from higher brightness but also from improved anti-reflective coatings and screen polarization. For users who spend time outside—commuters, travelers, or those working remotely—this makes a tangible difference.

That said, OLED’s ability to dim individual pixels gives the iPhone X an edge in low-light scenarios. When reading at night or using dark-themed apps, the iPhone X delivers truer blacks and less glare, reducing eye fatigue over extended periods.

Color Accuracy and Viewing Angles

Both phones support the DCI-P3 wide color gamut and True Tone technology, which adjusts white balance based on ambient light. However, due to the nature of LCD versus OLED, there are subtle but perceptible differences.

OLED panels like the one on the iPhone X maintain color accuracy across extreme viewing angles. Whether you’re sharing a photo with someone beside you or watching a video slightly off-axis, colors stay consistent. The iPhone 11’s LCD, while good, exhibits slight color shifting and brightness loss when viewed from sharp angles—particularly noticeable in landscape mode when holding the phone lower than eye level.

In terms of color calibration, both devices are factory-tuned to high standards. Professional photographers and designers report minimal discrepancies when editing on either screen. But purists note that OLED’s per-pixel control allows for finer gradients and smoother shadow transitions, especially in high-dynamic-range content.

Durability and Longevity Concerns

OLED displays, while impressive, come with known trade-offs. One is burn-in—the risk of static elements (like status bars or navigation icons) leaving faint permanent imprints over time. Though Apple implemented mitigation techniques (pixel shifting, auto-brightness limits), long-term iPhone X users have reported mild ghosting after 18+ months of heavy use.

The iPhone 11’s LCD is immune to burn-in, making it a safer choice for users who rely on always-on widgets, fitness trackers, or navigation apps. Additionally, LCDs tend to degrade more uniformly over time, avoiding the sudden contrast drops sometimes seen in aging OLEDs.

On the physical front, both phones feature glass fronts protected by ion-strengthened cover glass. Neither includes sapphire crystal, so scratch resistance is comparable. However, the iPhone 11’s slightly larger bezels offer a small buffer against edge impacts during drops.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone 11
Display Type	Super Retina OLED	Liquid Retina LCD
Size	5.8 inches	6.1 inches
Resolution	2436 × 1125 (458 PPI)	1792 × 828 (326 PPI)
Peak Brightness	~600 nits	~625 nits
Contrast Ratio	1,000,000:1	1400:1
Burn-in Risk	Moderate (long-term)	None
Viewing Angles	Excellent	Good (minor shift)
HDR Support	Yes (Dolby Vision, HDR10)	Yes (Dolby Vision, HDR10)

Real-World Example: A Year of Daily Use

Consider Mark, a freelance photographer who upgraded from an iPhone X to an iPhone 11 in 2020. He expected a downgrade in display quality due to the switch from OLED to LCD. Instead, he found himself preferring the iPhone 11 for fieldwork. “I shoot outdoors all day,” he explained. “The extra brightness on the iPhone 11 means I can review photos without squinting. And since I use dark mode only at night, the lack of perfect blacks doesn’t bother me.”

After 14 months, his iPhone X showed faint remnants of the notification bar along the top edge—a common sign of early OLED retention. His iPhone 11, meanwhile, displayed no image persistence and maintained even brightness across the entire surface.

For Mark, the practical benefits outweighed the theoretical advantages of OLED. His experience reflects a growing trend: real-world usability often trumps spec-sheet superiority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone 11 screen worse than the iPhone X?

Not necessarily. While the iPhone X has superior contrast and deeper blacks thanks to OLED, the iPhone 11 compensates with higher brightness, better sunlight visibility, and no risk of burn-in. The “better” screen depends on your usage patterns.

Can you tell the difference in resolution?

At normal viewing distances, most users cannot distinguish the pixel density difference. The iPhone X has a sharper display (458 PPI vs. 326 PPI), but Apple’s software optimization minimizes perceived fuzziness on the iPhone 11.

Which lasts longer: OLED or LCD?

LCDs generally have longer lifespans in terms of uniformity and resistance to degradation. OLEDs can suffer from uneven pixel wear over time, especially with prolonged static content exposure. For longevity, LCD holds an edge.

Final Verdict: Is the Newer Screen Better?

The answer depends on what you value. If you prioritize cinematic visuals, deep blacks, and cutting-edge display tech, the iPhone X’s OLED remains compelling—even years later. But if you want a durable, bright, and consistent screen for everyday tasks, the iPhone 11’s LCD proves that newer doesn’t always mean compromised.

In fact, Apple’s decision to equip the iPhone 11 with a refined LCD suggests a strategic understanding of user needs: most people care more about clarity in daylight than perfect blacks in a dark room. The iPhone 11 delivers where it counts for the average user—making it a strong contender despite its “inferior” panel type.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone X to iPhone 11? How did the screen feel in daily use? Share your experience and help others decide what matters most in a smartphone display.