Iphone 11 Vs Pocophone F1 Is The Iphone Still Worth It

The smartphone market has evolved dramatically over the past few years, but some devices continue to hold their ground long after release. The Apple iPhone 11 and Xiaomi’s Pocophone F1 are two such phones—released in 2019, both remain relevant today due to strong performance, solid build quality, and loyal user bases. But when faced with a choice between them now, especially in the secondhand or budget market, is the iPhone 11 still worth the premium over the Pocophone F1?

This isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about real-world usability, ecosystem integration, software updates, camera quality, and long-term value. Let’s break down both phones across key categories to help you decide where your money truly goes further.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

At launch, the Pocophone F1 was marketed as a “flagship killer,” packing the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845—the same chip found in premium Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Google Pixel 3. Paired with up to 8GB of RAM, it delivered snappy multitasking and excellent gaming performance even by today’s standards.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 uses Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which outperformed the Snapdragon 845 in both CPU and GPU benchmarks. More importantly, Apple’s tight hardware-software integration means iOS runs more efficiently on less RAM. Even with only 4GB, the iPhone 11 handles complex tasks, app switching, and augmented reality experiences better than most Android phones of its time—and many current mid-range models.

Tip: For sustained performance in games and creative apps, the A13 Bionic still holds an edge over the Snapdragon 845 despite being from the same era.

Real-World Speed Test Example

A user running Adobe Premiere Rush on both devices noticed significantly faster timeline rendering and export times on the iPhone 11. The Pocophone F1 handled basic edits well but struggled with 4K video processing, occasionally freezing during preview scrubbing. This highlights how Apple’s optimization gives older iPhones staying power in productivity scenarios.

Camera Quality: Photos That Speak Volumes

The iPhone 11 introduced Apple’s Night mode and enhanced Smart HDR, making it one of the best point-and-shoot cameras of its generation. Its dual-camera system (12MP wide + 12MP ultra-wide) captures balanced exposures, accurate colors, and natural depth in portrait mode.

The Pocophone F1, meanwhile, features a 20MP front camera and a 12MP rear Sony IMX363 sensor. While capable in daylight, low-light performance lags behind. Its AI-powered enhancements often oversaturate skies and distort facial details. There’s no optical zoom, night mode, or advanced computational photography.

“Even five years later, the iPhone 11 produces photos that look modern—consistent dynamic range, true-to-life skin tones, and minimal noise.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechScope Weekly

Side-by-Side Camera Features

Feature	iPhone 11	Pocophone F1
Primary Sensor	12MP, f/1.8, OIS	12MP, f/1.9, no OIS
Secondary Camera	12MP Ultra-Wide	N/A
Night Mode	Yes (Auto)	No native support
Front Camera	12MP, TrueDepth	20MP, pop-up
Video Recording	4K@60fps, extended dynamic range	4K@30fps, limited stabilization

If photography matters—even casually—the iPhone 11 offers noticeably better consistency, especially in mixed lighting or fast-moving scenes.

Software Support and Longevity

This is where the gap widens significantly. Apple guarantees five years of iOS updates for its devices. The iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and received updates through iOS 17, with iOS 18 expected in late 2024. That’s six major OS versions and nearly six years of security patches—a rarity in the smartphone world.

The Pocophone F1 shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo) and officially received updates up to Android 10 with MIUI 12. No further OS upgrades are available, though community ROMs like LineageOS extend functionality for tech-savvy users. However, these lack Google Play certification and regular security rollups.

Tip: Always check update policy before buying any phone—long-term software support directly impacts device lifespan and security.

Over time, outdated software leads to app incompatibility, slower performance, and increased vulnerability. By 2025, many new apps may stop supporting Android 10, effectively retiring the Pocophone F1 from daily use unless modified.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

Both phones offer all-day battery life under moderate use, but their charging strategies differ. The Pocophone F1 packs a 4000mAh battery and supports Quick Charge 3.0, reaching full charge in about 70 minutes with the right adapter.

The iPhone 11 has a smaller 3110mAh cell but benefits from iOS power management. Apple rates it for up to 17 hours of video playback. It supports 18W fast charging, but the included charger is only 5W—forcing buyers to purchase a faster brick separately.

In real-world testing, the Pocophone F1 lasts slightly longer during heavy usage (gaming, streaming), while the iPhone 11 excels in standby efficiency and background task handling.

Battery Longevity Consideration

Lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. After three years, an iPhone 11 with 500+ charge cycles may retain 80% capacity—replaceable via Apple’s service. On the Pocophone F1, third-party replacements exist but vary in quality, and calibration issues are common with non-OEM parts.

Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma

Maria, a freelance graphic designer, used her Pocophone F1 from 2019 to 2023. Initially thrilled with its speed and headphone jack, she began facing issues: apps crashing on Android 10, Instagram Stories failing to upload, and sluggishness when editing mockups on Canva. She switched to a used iPhone 11 in early 2023.

Though the screen was smaller and she missed expandable storage, she immediately noticed smoother animations, reliable iMessage syncing with clients, and vastly superior photo quality for portfolio shots. Most importantly, her iPhone received iOS 17, giving her access to new accessibility tools and continued app compatibility. “It felt like stepping into the future,” she said. “The Poco served me well, but the iPhone just works better long-term.”

Value for Money: What Are You Paying For?

Today, the Pocophone F1 can be found secondhand for $80–$120, depending on condition. The iPhone 11 trades between $150–$220, reflecting its stronger resale value.

That extra $70–$100 buys you:

• At least two more years of official software updates
• Better camera hardware and computational photography
• Superior ecosystem integration (AirDrop, iCloud, Find My)
• Higher build quality and water resistance (IP68 vs none on Poco)
• Longer battery replacement availability and certified repair networks

If your priority is short-term savings and raw specs, the Pocophone F1 remains impressive. But if you plan to keep a phone for 3+ years, the iPhone 11 delivers lower cost-per-year and fewer frustrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Pocophone F1 run modern apps smoothly in 2024?

Basic apps like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Chrome work fine, but newer resource-heavy apps (e.g., TikTok effects, AR filters, or large games) may lag or crash. App developers increasingly optimize for newer APIs, reducing compatibility over time.

Is the iPhone 11 too old to buy in 2024?

No. With iOS 17 running well and iOS 18 likely supported, it remains functional for everyday use. Performance is still solid for social media, email, navigation, and photography. Just ensure battery health is above 85% or budget for a replacement.

Does the lack of 5G on both phones matter?

Not significantly for most users. 5G coverage is still spotty in many regions, and real-world speed gains are often minimal. Wi-Fi 6 and network optimization matter more for daily experience.

Final Verdict: Is the iPhone 11 Still Worth It?

The Pocophone F1 was a groundbreaking device in its time—an undeniable value champion. But longevity isn’t just about initial specs; it’s about sustained performance, security, and usability. In that light, the iPhone 11 proves its worth repeatedly.

You’re not just paying for a processor or megapixels. You’re investing in a device designed to last, supported by a company committed to long-term updates. You gain seamless integration with other Apple products, consistent camera output, and peace of mind knowing your phone won’t become obsolete next year.

For users who rely on their phone for work, creativity, or communication, the iPhone 11 justifies its higher price. It may not have the loudest specs, but it delivers where it counts: reliability, refinement, and resilience.

🚀 Ready to make a smart upgrade? Assess your needs: if long-term usability trumps upfront savings, the iPhone 11 remains a compelling choice—even years after release. Share your thoughts or experiences below.