Iphone 11 Vs Iphone Xs Is The Upgrade Worth It Or Is Xs Still A Beast 2

The iPhone XS and iPhone 11 represent two pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone evolution. The XS, released in 2018, was a premium flagship with a sleek OLED display and refined design. Just one year later, the iPhone 11 arrived as its successor—offering better performance, improved cameras, and longer battery life at a lower price point. But years later, with both devices available secondhand or refurbished, many users are asking: Is upgrading from the XS to the 11 actually worthwhile? Or does the XS still hold up as a “beast” in 2024?

This comparison dives deep into real-world usability, hardware differences, software support, and long-term value to help you decide whether the upgrade makes sense—or if holding onto your XS is still a smart move.

Performance: A12 vs A13 Bionic – Does the Gap Matter?

The iPhone XS runs on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, the first 7nm processor in any smartphone at the time. It was a significant leap over the A11, offering faster CPU and GPU performance along with improved neural engine capabilities for machine learning tasks. The iPhone 11, however, features the A13 Bionic—the same chip found in the more expensive iPhone 11 Pro. Apple claimed the A13 was the fastest CPU in any smartphone at launch, with efficiency gains that extended battery life and thermal management.

In daily use, both chips handle iOS 17 smoothly. Apps open quickly, multitasking is fluid, and even demanding games like Infinity Blade or Minecraft run without hiccups. However, benchmarks tell a clearer story:

Device	Chipset	Geekbench 5 (Single/Multi)	GPU Performance (Relative)
iPhone XS	A12 Bionic	1130 / 2760	100%
iPhone 11	A13 Bionic	1330 / 3400	~18% faster

The A13 delivers about 15–20% better CPU and GPU performance, which translates into faster app launches, smoother frame rates in graphics-intensive apps, and better longevity when future iOS updates demand more processing power.

Tip: If you plan to keep your phone for 2+ years, the A13 in the iPhone 11 offers better future-proofing than the A12.

Camera Comparison: Night Mode and Dual-Lens Advantage

One of the most tangible upgrades from the XS to the 11 is the camera system. The iPhone XS features a single 12MP wide lens (f/1.8) and a telephoto lens (f/2.4), enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait mode on select subjects. The iPhone 11, meanwhile, keeps the same 12MP wide lens but swaps the telephoto for an ultra-wide lens (f/2.4, 120° field of view), opening up creative possibilities.

More importantly, the iPhone 11 introduced **Night mode**—a game-changer for low-light photography. While the XS can take decent night shots using Smart HDR, it lacks dedicated long-exposure algorithms. The iPhone 11 automatically detects low light and activates Night mode, producing brighter, clearer, and more detailed photos in dim environments.

• Low-light performance: iPhone 11 wins decisively due to Night mode.
• Versatility: Ultra-wide lens on the 11 allows for architectural, landscape, and group shots not possible on the XS.
• Portrait mode: XS retains an edge in portrait depth accuracy due to dual telephoto sensors.
• Front camera: Both have 7MP Face ID cameras, but the 11 supports 4K video and slofies (slow-motion selfies).

“Even in 2024, the iPhone 11’s Night mode produces results that rival mid-tier Android phones from 2023.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens Weekly

Battery Life: Where the iPhone 11 Pulls Ahead

Battery endurance is another area where the iPhone 11 clearly outperforms the XS. Despite having a smaller display resolution, the iPhone 11 packs a larger 3,110mAh battery compared to the XS’s 2,658mAh. Combined with the efficiency improvements of the A13 chip and iOS optimizations, this results in noticeably longer usage times.

Apple’s official estimates show:

• iPhone XS: Up to 14 hours video playback
• iPhone 11: Up to 17 hours video playback

In real-world testing, the iPhone 11 consistently delivers 5–6 hours of screen-on time under mixed usage (social media, streaming, messaging, GPS), while the XS averages 3.5–4.5 hours. For heavy users or those who dislike midday charging, this difference is substantial.

Tip: If you frequently travel or work remotely, the iPhone 11’s extra battery life reduces reliance on power banks.

Display and Design: OLED vs LCD – What You Lose and Gain

Here’s where the iPhone XS holds a clear advantage: the display. The XS features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel with true blacks, higher contrast ratios (1,000,000:1), and excellent color accuracy. The iPhone 11 uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, which, while sharp and bright, can’t match OLED’s deep blacks or per-pixel lighting control.

However, the trade-off enables Apple to offer the iPhone 11 at a lower price. LCDs are cheaper to produce and less prone to burn-in over time. Additionally, the slightly larger screen of the 11 appeals to users who prioritize screen real estate over pixel perfection.

Design-wise, both phones share the same stainless steel frame (XS) vs aluminum (11), giving the XS a more premium feel. The 11 is also slightly thicker and heavier, but its matte glass back resists fingerprints better than the glossy XS.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade from iPhone XS to iPhone 11?

Use this checklist to determine if the switch makes sense for you:

1. Are you running out of battery before the end of the day? → Yes = Upgrade
2. Do you often take photos in low light? → Yes = Upgrade
3. Do you value OLED contrast and deeper blacks over battery life? → Yes = Stay
4. Do you want wider-angle photo options? → Yes = Upgrade
5. Are you on a tight budget and buying used? → iPhone 11 offers better value

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Decision

Sarah had been using her iPhone XS since 2018. By late 2023, she noticed her battery barely lasted through her workday, especially during Zoom calls and navigation. She loved the compact size and vibrant OLED screen but struggled with blurry night photos of her kids’ soccer games.

She considered the iPhone 12 or newer models but found a well-maintained iPhone 11 for $280—$100 less than an entry-level iPhone 12. After switching, she immediately appreciated the extra hour of battery life and the ability to capture clear night shots using Night mode. Though she missed the XS’s sleeker build, the practical benefits outweighed the aesthetics.

“It’s not flashy,” she said, “but the iPhone 11 just works better for how I actually use my phone.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone XS still supported by iOS updates?

Yes. As of iOS 17 (2023), the iPhone XS continues to receive full software updates. Given Apple’s typical 5–6 year support window, it will likely get iOS 18 in 2024 but may be dropped from iOS 19.

Can the iPhone 11 last until 2025?

Absolutely. With the A13 chip, ample RAM, and ongoing iOS support, the iPhone 11 remains capable for everyday tasks through at least 2025. Many users report smooth performance even after 4+ years of ownership.

Does the lack of 3D Touch matter on the iPhone 11?

Apple replaced 3D Touch with Haptic Touch—a long-press gesture that simulates pressure sensitivity. While power users initially missed 3D Touch, most find Haptic Touch sufficient for shortcuts and previews. Developers have largely adapted their apps accordingly.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you value display quality, a compact form factor, and premium materials, the iPhone XS remains a strong device—even in 2024. Its OLED screen and polished design still impress.

But for most users, the **iPhone 11 is the smarter choice**. It offers better battery life, superior low-light photography, wider lens flexibility, and a more modern chipset—all at a lower price point. The upgrade isn’t just about specs; it’s about real-world usability and longevity.

If you’re still on an iPhone XS and considering a move, especially if you're buying secondhand or upgrading from a worn unit, the iPhone 11 delivers meaningful improvements that justify the switch. It’s not just a minor refresh—it’s a step toward a more resilient, versatile, and future-ready experience.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Evaluate your current pain points—battery, camera, speed—and see if the iPhone 11 solves them. Whether you upgrade or stay, knowing the real differences puts you in control.