Iphone 15 Pro Vs Iphone 11 Is The Screen Size Difference Worth Upgrading

The jump from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 15 Pro represents more than just a generational shift—it’s a transformation in design, display technology, and user experience. One of the most noticeable changes is the screen size and quality. But is that difference enough to justify an upgrade for someone still using an iPhone 11? For many, the answer depends on how they use their phone daily, their tolerance for older hardware, and what they value in a smartphone experience.

The iPhone 11, released in 2019, was a solid mid-range flagship with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. The iPhone 15 Pro, launched in 2023, features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with ProMotion technology and significantly thinner bezels. On paper, both have similar diagonal measurements, but the differences in display technology, brightness, color accuracy, and usability are substantial. Let’s break down whether the screen evolution alone makes the upgrade worthwhile.

Display Technology: LCD vs OLED – A Fundamental Shift

The iPhone 11 uses an LCD panel, which has limitations in contrast ratio, black levels, and power efficiency. Blacks appear grayish because the backlight remains on even when displaying dark content. In contrast, the iPhone 15 Pro’s OLED display turns off individual pixels when showing black, resulting in true blacks, infinite contrast, and deeper immersion—especially when watching HDR content or using dark mode interfaces.

Brightness is another critical differentiator. The iPhone 11 peaks at around 625 nits, adequate for indoor use but struggles under direct sunlight. The iPhone 15 Pro reaches up to 2,000 nits peak brightness (HDR) and maintains 1,000 nits for typical content, making it far more usable outdoors. This isn’t just about comfort; it enhances readability during daytime navigation, photo review, and video playback in bright environments.

Tip: If you frequently use your phone outside or consume media in landscape mode, the brighter, higher-contrast OLED screen of the iPhone 15 Pro will offer a noticeably better experience.

Screen Real Estate and Usability Improvements

While both devices share a 6.1-inch diagonal measurement, the iPhone 15 Pro feels larger due to its reduced bezels and optimized aspect ratio. The effective screen-to-body ratio is significantly higher, giving users more usable space without increasing the overall footprint. This means less wasted space around the display and a more immersive feel when browsing, gaming, or multitasking.

The introduction of Dynamic Island on the iPhone 15 Pro replaces the traditional notch and integrates system alerts, music controls, and Face ID prompts into an interactive element. This small but meaningful change improves how users interact with notifications and active processes—something absent on the iPhone 11’s static notch.

Additionally, the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate on the iPhone 15 Pro makes scrolling, animations, and app transitions buttery smooth. The iPhone 11’s 60Hz screen feels dated in comparison, especially after experiencing fluid motion on newer devices. While not strictly a “size” difference, the responsiveness amplifies the perception of a larger, more advanced display.

Performance and Display Synergy

A superior screen is only as good as the hardware driving it. The iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip—a capable processor in its time—but now shows its age when handling modern apps, augmented reality experiences, and high-resolution video editing. The iPhone 15 Pro’s A17 Pro chip enables advanced graphics rendering, console-level gaming, and real-time ray tracing, all of which benefit from the improved display capabilities.

For example, editing 4K Dolby Vision videos on the iPhone 15 Pro is seamless, with accurate color grading visible directly on the screen. The iPhone 11 lacks both the processing power and the display fidelity to make such tasks practical. Similarly, streaming HDR content from platforms like Netflix or Apple TV+ looks dramatically better on the iPhone 15 Pro thanks to full HDR support and precise color calibration.

“Modern smartphones are windows to digital experiences—the display is no longer just a screen, it’s the interface between you and your digital life.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Human-Device Interaction Researcher, MIT Media Lab

Real-World Example: Daily Use Across Scenarios

Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who’s used her iPhone 11 since 2020. She primarily uses her phone for capturing moments, editing photos on-the-go, and sharing them via social media. Over time, she noticed her device lagging during edits, struggling with large files, and failing to accurately represent colors in bright sunlight.

After upgrading to the iPhone 15 Pro, she immediately appreciated the OLED screen’s color accuracy and brightness while reviewing shots outdoors. The 120Hz refresh rate made navigating Lightroom smoother, and the Dynamic Island helped her monitor upload progress without switching apps. Though the screen size didn’t increase numerically, the enhanced clarity and responsiveness made her workflow significantly more efficient.

This case illustrates that screen upgrades aren’t just about dimensions—they’re about precision, adaptability, and integration with modern software demands.

Comparison Table: Key Display & Experience Differences

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 15 Pro
Screen Size	6.1 inches	6.1 inches
Display Type	Liquid Retina LCD	Super Retina XDR OLED
Refresh Rate	60Hz	120Hz (ProMotion)
Peak Brightness	625 nits	2,000 nits (HDR)
HDR Support	Limited	Full HDR (Dolby Vision, HLG)
Bezel Size	Thicker bezels	Narrow bezels, higher screen-to-body ratio
Notch / Cutout	Static notch	Dynamic Island (interactive)
Color Accuracy	Good (for LCD)	Excellent (P3 wide color, calibrated)

When the Upgrade Makes Sense: A Practical Checklist

Deciding whether to upgrade should go beyond specs. Consider these factors before making the move:

• You consume a lot of video content – The OLED, HDR, and brightness improvements enhance streaming quality significantly.
• You work with photos or videos – Accurate color reproduction and high brightness are essential for on-device editing.
• You use your phone outdoors regularly – The iPhone 15 Pro’s screen remains readable in sunlight where the iPhone 11 fades.
• You notice performance lag – Sluggish apps, slow camera startup, or long loading times indicate aging hardware.
• You value future-proofing – iOS updates will eventually phase out support for the A13 chip, limiting security and feature access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the screen actually bigger on the iPhone 15 Pro?

No, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 15 Pro have a 6.1-inch display. However, the iPhone 15 Pro has narrower bezels and a more modern design, making the screen feel larger and more immersive despite the same diagonal size.

Can I see the difference between 60Hz and 120Hz?

Yes, the difference is immediately noticeable. Scrolling, swiping, and animations are much smoother on the 120Hz display of the iPhone 15 Pro. Once experienced, returning to 60Hz often feels choppy or delayed.

Will the iPhone 11 stop working soon?

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5–6 years. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, is likely to receive updates through at least 2025. However, newer features may be limited or unavailable as hardware requirements increase.

Conclusion: Is the Screen Difference Worth It?

The screen size difference between the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 11 may seem negligible on paper, but the underlying advancements redefine the user experience. Moving from LCD to OLED, adding ProMotion, improving brightness, and integrating Dynamic Island transforms how you interact with your device every day.

If you rely on your phone for creativity, communication, or entertainment, the iPhone 15 Pro’s display offers tangible benefits that go beyond mere aesthetics. It’s sharper, more responsive, more durable in real-world conditions, and better integrated with modern iOS features.

For users still satisfied with their iPhone 11 and who don’t push their device hard, waiting might still make sense. But if you’ve noticed slowdowns, struggle with visibility in daylight, or simply want a more refined visual experience, the screen evolution alone provides a compelling reason to upgrade.

🚀 Ready to experience the next generation of mobile displays? Evaluate your current usage, test the iPhone 15 Pro in person if possible, and consider how a modern screen could elevate your daily digital life.