Iphone 14 Plus Vs Iphone 11 Is It Worth Upgrading After All This Time

Three years may not seem like a long time in the world of smartphones, but in Apple’s ecosystem, that gap represents multiple generations of innovation. If you’re still using an iPhone 11—launched in 2019—you might be wondering whether making the leap to the iPhone 14 Plus is truly worthwhile in 2024. After all, the iPhone 11 remains a capable device for everyday use. But technology evolves fast, and newer models bring significant improvements in performance, camera quality, battery life, and software support.

This comparison dives deep into real-world differences between the iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 11, helping you determine if the upgrade justifies the cost—especially when considering trade-ins, repair expenses, or switching from an older model.

Performance: A Generational Leap

The most immediate difference between these two phones lies under the hood. The iPhone 11 runs on Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which was impressive in its time but now lags behind modern standards. In contrast, the iPhone 14 Plus features the A15 Bionic chip—same as in the high-end iPhone 13 Pro models—with a faster CPU, improved GPU, and far more efficient neural engine.

This means smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better handling of graphics-intensive games and augmented reality apps. For example, loading large photo libraries or editing 4K video is noticeably faster on the iPhone 14 Plus. Even daily tasks like scrolling through social media or switching between Safari tabs feel more fluid.

Tip: If you frequently use productivity apps, edit photos, or play mobile games, the performance boost alone makes the upgrade compelling.

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for around five to six years. While the iPhone 11 will likely receive updates until 2024 or early 2025, the iPhone 14 Plus is guaranteed support well into 2029. That extended software lifespan ensures access to new features, security patches, and compatibility with future app requirements.

Camera Quality: Night Mode, Computational Photography, and More

Photography has seen some of the most dramatic improvements across iPhone generations. Both devices have dual-camera setups, but the execution differs significantly.

The iPhone 11 includes a 12MP main sensor and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. It introduced Night mode, which was groundbreaking at the time, but low-light performance still struggles compared to current models. The iPhone 14 Plus improves upon this with a larger sensor, sensor-shift optical image stabilization (on the main camera), and enhanced computational photography.

In practical terms, photos taken on the iPhone 14 Plus exhibit better dynamic range, reduced noise in dim lighting, and sharper detail—even when zoomed. Portrait mode is also smarter, detecting depth more accurately and offering post-capture focus adjustments. Plus, the front-facing TrueDepth camera benefits from autofocus, making selfies and video calls much clearer.

“Smartphone cameras today do more than capture images—they process light, predict motion, and enhance scenes before you even press the shutter.” — David Lin, Mobile Imaging Analyst at TechVision Insights

Video recording sees a major upgrade too. The iPhone 14 Plus supports Cinematic Mode in 4K HDR at 30 fps, while the iPhone 11 maxes out at 1080p. This gives creators richer color grading options and professional-grade depth effects.

Battery Life and Charging: Real-World Endurance

One of the standout upgrades in the iPhone 14 Plus is battery life. Despite having a similar-sized body to the iPhone 11, Apple optimized power efficiency so dramatically that the 14 Plus delivers up to 26 hours of video playback—nearly double the iPhone 11’s 17-hour rating.

For users who commute, travel, or rely on their phone throughout the day without easy access to charging, this difference is transformative. You can comfortably go a full day, even with heavy usage, and sometimes stretch into a second day with lighter loads.

Charging hasn’t changed much—both phones lack USB-C and still use Lightning ports—but the iPhone 14 Plus supports slightly faster wired charging (up to 20W with compatible adapters). Wireless charging remains at 7.5W for both, though third-party accessories can push higher speeds.

Display and Design: Subtle Yet Meaningful Changes

Externally, both phones share a familiar design language: aluminum frame, glass back, Face ID, and IP68 water resistance. However, the iPhone 14 Plus uses stronger Ceramic Shield glass and a more durable build overall.

The displays differ subtly. Both are 6.1 inches with Liquid Retina LCD technology, but the iPhone 14 Plus features improved brightness (up to 1000 nits peak) and better contrast. While neither has a high-refresh-rate ProMotion display (reserved for Pro models), the screen feels crisper and more vibrant outdoors.

Another often-overlooked improvement is haptic feedback. The Taptic Engine in the iPhone 14 Plus is more refined, delivering nuanced vibrations during typing, alerts, and interactions—making the user experience feel more polished.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Before spending hundreds on a new phone, ask yourself the following:

• Is your iPhone 11 slowing down or struggling with app updates?
• Are you running out of storage regularly?
• Do you want better photo quality, especially at night?
• Do you need longer battery life for work or travel?
• Are you planning to keep your next phone for 3+ years?

If three or more apply, upgrading makes sense. To help visualize the decision, here's a direct comparison table:

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 14 Plus
Chipset	A13 Bionic	A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide	12MP Wide (Sensor-Shift OIS) + 12MP Ultra-Wide
Front Camera	12MP, fixed focus	12MP, autofocus
Video Recording	4K@60fps, 1080p Cinematic Mode	4K@60fps, 4K Cinematic Mode, Action Mode
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 17 hours	Up to 26 hours
Fast Charging	Up to 50% in 30 mins (with 18W adapter)	Up to 50% in 30 mins (with 20W+ adapter)
iOS Support Until	~2024–2025	~2029+
Starting Storage	64GB	128GB

Real User Scenario: Maria’s Upgrade Journey

Maria had been using her iPhone 11 since late 2019. By mid-2023, she noticed apps taking longer to open, her battery dying by mid-afternoon, and blurry indoor photos that didn’t meet Instagram’s quality standards. She considered buying a refurbished iPhone 12 but ultimately opted for the iPhone 14 Plus after testing one in-store.

Within a week, she realized how much smoother her workflow became. Her Notes app loaded instantly, FaceTime calls stayed stable for hours, and she could shoot videos at her daughter’s soccer games without lag. Most importantly, she no longer charged her phone during lunch breaks. For Maria, the $699 price tag (after trade-in) felt justified by the tangible improvements in usability and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone 11 still handle iOS 17?

Yes, the iPhone 11 officially supports iOS 17. However, some advanced features like StandBy mode or NameDrop may run slower or be less responsive due to hardware limitations.

Is the iPhone 14 Plus waterproof?

Yes, it has an IP68 rating, meaning it can survive submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes—slightly better than the iPhone 11’s 4-meter limit.

Will my iPhone 11 accessories work with the iPhone 14 Plus?

Most Lightning cables, headphones, and wireless chargers are compatible. Cases won’t fit due to minor dimensional changes and repositioned camera modules.

Final Verdict: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Upgrading from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 14 Plus isn’t just about getting a newer phone—it’s about gaining three additional years of reliable performance, superior photography, and meaningful battery gains. If your iPhone 11 is showing signs of age or you want to future-proof your device, the investment pays off over time.

Consider this: repairing a failing battery or cracked screen on a four-year-old phone might cost $100–$200. Applying that toward a trade-in reduces the effective cost of the iPhone 14 Plus. When you factor in peace of mind, better resale value, and long-term software support, the math increasingly favors upgrading.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check Apple’s trade-in program today and see how much your iPhone 11 is worth. A faster, longer-lasting, and more capable phone could be just one upgrade away.