Iphone Xs Max Vs Iphone 11 Is Upgrading Worth It Or Is The Older Model Still Good In Current Year

In 2024, both the iPhone XS Max and iPhone 11 are several generations old, yet they remain in circulation—either through secondhand markets or as daily drivers for budget-conscious users. The iPhone XS Max launched in 2018 with a premium price tag and cutting-edge OLED display, while the iPhone 11 arrived in 2019 as Apple’s new mid-tier flagship, offering better value with improved battery life and dual cameras. Today, the question isn’t just about specs—it’s about practical longevity. For someone still using an XS Max, is upgrading to the iPhone 11 actually worthwhile? Or can the older model hold up in today’s app-heavy, update-driven ecosystem?

This analysis dives deep into performance, camera quality, battery life, software support, and real-world usability to help you decide whether the upgrade makes sense—or if holding onto your XS Max is still a smart move.

Performance and Hardware Comparison

The core difference between these two phones lies in their chipsets and efficiency. The iPhone XS Max runs on the A12 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking at launch but has since been surpassed by newer iterations. The iPhone 11, meanwhile, features the A13 Bionic—the same chip found in the iPhone 11 Pro—and remains impressively capable even in 2024.

Benchmarks show the A13 outperforming the A12 by roughly 15–20% in CPU tasks and up to 30% in GPU performance. In everyday use, this translates to smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better handling of graphics-intensive games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile. Users upgrading from the XS Max often report that the iPhone 11 feels \"snappier,\" especially after prolonged use when background processes accumulate.

Tip: If your XS Max feels sluggish, try offloading unused apps and restarting weekly—this can temporarily restore responsiveness.

Real-World Speed Test Example

A user named Marcus, who upgraded from an XS Max to an iPhone 11 in early 2023, noted: “Opening Instagram used to take 3–4 seconds on my XS Max, especially after a long day. On the 11, it opens instantly. Safari tabs reload faster, and Face ID unlocks more consistently.” This kind of incremental improvement adds up over time, especially for heavy smartphone users.

“Even small gains in processing efficiency matter when you’re using your phone 5–6 hours a day. The A13 holds up better under sustained loads.” — David Kim, Mobile Performance Analyst at TechPulse Labs

Camera: Dual Lenses vs. Single (with Night Mode)

Photography is where the iPhone 11 pulls significantly ahead. While the XS Max offers a solid 12MP dual-camera system (wide + telephoto), the iPhone 11 improves upon it with wider apertures, enhanced image signal processors, and crucially—Night Mode.

Night Mode automatically activates in low light, capturing brighter, clearer photos with reduced noise. The XS Max lacks this feature entirely, relying solely on Smart HDR, which often results in darker, noisier night shots. Additionally, the iPhone 11’s ultra-wide lens (120° field of view) allows creative flexibility the XS Max simply can’t match.

Feature	iPhone XS Max	iPhone 11
Main Sensor	12MP f/1.8	12MP f/1.8
Secondary Lens	12MP f/2.4 (telephoto)	12MP f/2.4 (ultra-wide)
Night Mode	No	Yes (all lenses)
Slofies (Slow-Mo Selfie)	No	Yes (1080p at 120fps)
Deep Fusion	No	Yes (improves texture & detail)

For casual photographers, the iPhone 11’s wider lens and Night Mode alone justify the upgrade. Travelers, parents, and social media users benefit greatly from being able to capture more in a single shot and shoot usable images in dim lighting.

Battery Life: A Clear Winner

Battery degradation is a major concern for older iPhones, and even well-maintained XS Max units rarely exceed 70–80% health after five years. But beyond battery health, the iPhone 11 has a structural advantage: it ships with a larger battery (3,110 mAh vs. 3,174 mAh) and a more power-efficient chipset.

Apple officially rated the iPhone 11 for up to 17 hours of video playback—two hours longer than the XS Max. Real-world testing confirms this: streaming YouTube for 2 hours drains about 18% on the 11 versus 24% on the XS Max. For users who rely on GPS navigation, messaging, and social apps throughout the day, that extra stamina means fewer midday charges.

Tip: Enable Low Power Mode on either device when traveling—this can extend battery life by up to 30% without major functionality loss.

Case Study: Commuter Use Over Two Days

Lena, a nurse working 12-hour shifts, used her XS Max until 2023 before switching to a refurbished iPhone 11. “My XS Max died by 8 PM on workdays, even with battery saver. The 11 lasts until I get home at 9:30 PM, and I only charge it every other day now. That’s huge for me.” Her experience reflects a broader trend: the iPhone 11 offers more reliable all-day endurance, particularly under continuous usage.

Software Support and Future-Proofing

As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but their update paths differ. The iPhone 11 is expected to receive iOS 18 in fall 2024, possibly even iOS 19. In contrast, the iPhone XS Max may not be supported beyond iOS 17, based on Apple’s historical pattern of supporting devices for five major OS updates.

This matters because future app compatibility depends on up-to-date operating systems. Banking apps, messaging platforms, and productivity tools increasingly require the latest iOS versions for security and functionality. Being stuck on iOS 17 in 2025 could mean losing access to critical services.

• iPhone 11: Likely supported through 2025–2026
• iPhone XS Max: May stop receiving updates after 2024

If you plan to keep your phone for another 18–24 months, the iPhone 11 offers greater peace of mind.

Should You Upgrade? A Practical Checklist

Use this checklist to determine if upgrading from the iPhone XS Max to the iPhone 11 makes sense for your situation:

1. ✅ Is your XS Max battery health below 80%?
2. ✅ Do you frequently run out of battery before bedtime?
3. ✅ Are you frustrated by slow app loading or multitasking lag?
4. ✅ Do you wish you could take better low-light photos?
5. ✅ Do you want to ensure iOS updates through 2025?
6. ✅ Are you paying more than $150 for a replacement XS Max battery?

If you answered yes to three or more, upgrading to the iPhone 11 is likely a cost-effective decision. Refurbished models sell for $180–$250, often less than replacing the screen and battery on an aging XS Max.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone XS Max still usable in 2024?

Yes, but with caveats. It handles basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light browsing well. However, performance degrades with demanding apps, and battery life is often insufficient for full-day use. Without future iOS updates, long-term viability is limited.

Does the iPhone 11 have better build quality than the XS Max?

Subjectively, the XS Max feels more premium with its stainless steel frame and OLED display. The iPhone 11 uses aluminum and an LCD, making it more prone to scratches. However, the 11 is also slightly more durable due to better water resistance (IP68 vs IP67) and drop resilience in independent tests.

Can the iPhone 11 last until 2026?

Potentially, yes. With moderate use, proper charging habits (avoiding 0–100% cycles), and iOS support likely continuing through 2025, the iPhone 11 remains a viable daily driver for another two years.

Final Verdict: Upgrade If You Value Longevity

The iPhone XS Max was a flagship powerhouse in 2018, and in pristine condition, it still performs adequately. But technology moves fast. The iPhone 11 delivers meaningful improvements—better processor, superior camera system, longer battery life, and longer software support—that collectively enhance daily usability.

If you're clinging to your XS Max out of loyalty or hesitation, consider this: spending $200 on an iPhone 11 today could save you $300 in repair costs over the next year while giving you a noticeably better experience. For most users, especially those who depend on their phone for work, communication, or creativity, the upgrade isn't just worth it—it's practical.

🚀 Ready to make the switch? Check certified refurbished listings on Apple’s website or trusted retailers like Back Market. Share your upgrade story in the comments—your experience might help someone else decide!