The iPhone 11 and iPhone XS represent two pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone evolution. The XS, released in 2018, was praised for its refined portrait mode and TrueDepth camera system. The iPhone 11, arriving just one year later, introduced a dual-camera setup and next-generation processing power. For photographers who prioritize portrait photography—whether capturing loved ones or building a personal brand—the question remains: does the iPhone 11 offer a meaningful upgrade over the XS in portrait capabilities? The answer depends on how you use your phone and what aspects of image quality matter most to you.
Camera Hardware: A Shift in Strategy
The iPhone XS features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera and a 7MP front-facing TrueDepth camera. Its portrait mode relies heavily on software and facial mapping to simulate depth, particularly for human subjects. While effective, this approach has limitations when photographing pets, objects, or scenes with complex backgrounds.
In contrast, the iPhone 11 introduces a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. More importantly for portraits, Apple enhanced the computational photography engine using the A13 Bionic chip. This allows the iPhone 11 to use both hardware and software more intelligently when creating depth maps. The front camera also sees an upgrade to 12MP with support for Night Mode and improved dynamic range.
The addition of the ultra-wide lens doesn’t directly contribute to portrait shots, but it expands creative flexibility. More critically, the improved sensor and larger aperture (f/1.8 on the main lens vs. f/2.2 on the XS) allow more light capture—essential for indoor and evening portraits.
Portrait Mode Performance: Real-World Differences
Apple’s portrait mode uses edge detection and machine learning to separate the subject from the background. On the iPhone XS, this works well under ideal lighting but struggles with fine details like stray hairs, glasses, or pets with fluffy fur. The depth map is often less accurate, leading to unnatural blurring around the edges.
The iPhone 11 improves on this significantly. Thanks to deeper neural network integration and better depth sensing—even without a dedicated telephoto lens—the iPhone 11 produces cleaner subject isolation. Hair strands are preserved more accurately, and transitions between subject and background appear smoother. This is especially noticeable in backlit scenarios where the XS tends to overexpose halos around hair.
Low-Light and Night Mode Advantages
One of the most significant upgrades in the iPhone 11 is Night Mode, which automatically activates in dim conditions. When shooting portraits in low light—such as candlelit dinners or evening walks—the iPhone 11 can brighten shadows while preserving skin tones and minimizing noise. The XS lacks Night Mode entirely, relying on standard exposure settings that often result in grainy or underexposed images.
In side-by-side tests, the iPhone 11 captures up to three stops more light than the XS in dark environments. This translates to usable portraits at night without flash, maintaining natural ambiance. The front camera also benefits from Night Mode, making selfies far more viable in poor lighting—a common pain point for XS users.
“Night Mode isn’t just a feature—it’s a game-changer for mobile portraiture. It allows users to shoot authentically lit moments without disrupting the scene.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Instructor at SF Art Institute
Comparison Table: Key Portrait Features
| Feature | iPhone XS | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera Setup | Single 12MP wide | Dual: 12MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide |
| Aperture (Main) | f/1.8 | f/1.8 |
| Front Camera | 7MP, f/2.2 | 12MP, f/2.2, Night Mode |
| Portrait Mode Subjects | People only | People, pets, objects |
| Depth Control | After capture (people only) | After capture (all subjects) |
| Night Mode | No | Yes (rear and front) |
| Smart HDR | 1st Gen | 2nd Gen (enhanced tone mapping) |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic (faster image processing) |
Real Example: Family Portraits After Sunset
Sarah, a parent and amateur photographer in Portland, used her iPhone XS for years to document family moments. She upgraded to the iPhone 11 primarily for better low-light performance. During a recent outdoor gathering at dusk, she attempted a group portrait with string lights in the background. On her old XS, the image was dark, with faces appearing muddy and background bokeh uneven. Using the same composition with the iPhone 11, Night Mode activated automatically. The resulting photo showed balanced exposure, clear facial details, and smooth background blur—without any flash or editing.
She noted, “I didn’t realize how much I was missing until I saw the difference. The 11 lets me take real portraits in moments I used to avoid.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Maximizing Portrait Quality
To get the most out of either device, follow these steps when shooting portraits:
- Ensure adequate lighting: Position your subject near a window or use soft ambient light. Avoid harsh overhead lighting.
- Maintain distance: Stay 6–8 feet from your subject for optimal depth sensing, especially on the XS.
- Use Portrait Mode deliberately: Tap to focus on the eyes and wait for the “Natural Light” suggestion to appear before capturing.
- Leverage Depth Control (post-capture): On iPhone 11, edit the f-stop value (f/1.4 to f/16) in Photos to adjust blur intensity.
- Enable Grid Lines: In Settings > Camera > Grid, turn this on to apply the rule of thirds and improve composition.
- Edit subtly: Use built-in tools to tweak exposure, warmth, and sharpness—avoid oversaturating skin tones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone XS take portraits of pets or objects?
No. The iPhone XS only supports portrait mode for human faces due to reliance on facial recognition data. The iPhone 11 removes this limitation, allowing depth effects on animals, statues, flowers, and other non-human subjects.
Is Smart HDR really better on the iPhone 11?
Yes. Second-generation Smart HDR uses machine learning to balance highlights and shadows across multiple frames. In portraits, this means brighter eyes, reduced harsh shadows under chins, and more natural skin texture—especially in high-contrast lighting.
Does the iPhone 11’s portrait mode work in total darkness?
No camera can see in complete darkness, but Night Mode on the iPhone 11 enables usable portraits in very low light—down to about 10 lux (equivalent to a dimly lit room). Results improve significantly with minimal ambient light.
Checklist: Should You Upgrade?
- ☑ Need better low-light portraits (e.g., indoors, evenings)
- ☑ Want to shoot pets, children, or still-life portraits
- ☑ Value Night Mode for both front and rear cameras
- ☑ Desire more post-capture editing flexibility (depth adjustment)
- ☑ Still using iPhone XS and notice slow processing or storage limits
If four or more items apply, the upgrade is likely worthwhile. If you primarily shoot in daylight and mostly photograph people, the XS may still serve you well—especially if budget is a concern.
Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The jump from iPhone XS to iPhone 11 for portrait photography isn't revolutionary, but it is substantial. The combination of Night Mode, improved depth mapping, expanded subject recognition, and superior front camera performance makes the iPhone 11 a more versatile and reliable tool for everyday portrait takers. It excels in real-world conditions where lighting isn’t perfect and spontaneity matters.
For creatives, parents, or social media users who rely on their phone to capture meaningful moments, the iPhone 11 delivers tangible improvements that enhance both usability and output quality. The upgrade cost must be weighed against current needs, but if portrait photography plays a central role in how you use your phone, the investment pays off in sharper, more natural, and emotionally resonant images.
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