In 2025, choosing between an iPhone XS and an iPhone 11 isn’t just about new versus slightly older—it’s about practicality, longevity, and whether the incremental improvements justify the cost. Both devices once represented Apple’s premium tier, but now they occupy a space where budget-conscious buyers and secondhand shoppers must weigh trade-offs carefully. While the iPhone 11 launched after the XS and brought notable upgrades, time has passed, software support is narrowing, and real-world usage patterns have shifted. Understanding what each phone offers today can help you make a smarter decision—whether you're buying used, upgrading from an older device, or helping someone else choose.
Design and Build: Premium vs. Practical
The iPhone XS maintains a sleek, all-glass design with a stainless steel frame, giving it a noticeably more premium feel in hand. It’s compact, fits comfortably in smaller palms, and retains IP68 water resistance (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes). However, that glass back makes it prone to cracking when dropped, and its weight adds up over extended use.
In contrast, the iPhone 11 uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a glass front and back. While still elegant, it feels lighter and less dense. Its IP68 rating improved slightly—to 6 meters for 30 minutes—making it more resilient in wet conditions. The larger 6.1-inch LCD display (compared to the XS’s 5.8-inch OLED) sacrifices some color depth and contrast but gains durability and wider viewing angles.
Performance and Software Longevity
Both phones run Apple’s A12 and A13 Bionic chips, respectively. The A13, found in the iPhone 11, is around 20% faster in CPU tasks and up to 30% faster in GPU performance. This difference becomes noticeable in multitasking, gaming, and photo processing. More importantly, the iPhone 11 is more likely to receive iOS updates longer. As of 2025, Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years post-launch. The iPhone XS (2018) may stop receiving major updates this year or next, while the iPhone 11 (2019) could see support through 2026.
This matters because newer iOS versions bring security patches, privacy tools, and compatibility with modern apps. Once a device stops updating, app developers often phase out support, leaving users vulnerable and functionally behind.
“Software support is now as critical as hardware specs. A phone that can’t run current iOS versions loses functionality fast.” — David Lin, Mobile Systems Analyst at TechInsight Group
Camera Comparison: Real-World Results
The iPhone 11 introduced a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens. The XS, meanwhile, only has a single 12MP wide sensor. That extra lens on the 11 opens creative possibilities—capturing landscapes, architecture, or group shots without stepping back.
In low light, the iPhone 11 pulls ahead thanks to Night Mode, which automatically activates in dim environments. The XS lacks this feature entirely, relying on standard exposure settings that often underperform in darkness. Even daylight photos benefit from the 11’s Smart HDR and improved dynamic range.
| Feature | iPhone XS | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | 12MP Wide (f/1.8) | 12MP Wide (f/1.8) + 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.4) |
| Night Mode | No | Yes |
| Front Camera | 7MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2), supports 4K video & Slofies |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps + Extended dynamic range |
The front-facing camera upgrade is also significant. The iPhone 11’s TrueDepth camera shoots 4K video and enables “Slofie” slow-motion selfies—features absent on the XS. For social media creators or frequent selfie-takers, this is a meaningful advantage.
Battery Life and Daily Usability
One of the most tangible differences is battery life. The iPhone 11 delivers up to 17 hours of video playback, compared to the XS’s 14 hours. In real-world mixed usage—browsing, messaging, streaming music—the iPhone 11 consistently lasts a full day, even with moderate to heavy use. The XS, especially with aging batteries, often requires midday charging.
Neither phone supports fast charging out of the box (you need a separate adapter), but both are compatible with 18W+ charging and Qi wireless charging. However, the iPhone 11 includes a slightly faster-charging 18W adapter in some regional bundles—a small but useful perk.
Mini Case Study: Maria’s Upgrade Dilemma
Maria had an iPhone XS since 2018. By early 2024, she noticed her phone struggled with Instagram reels, drained quickly during workdays, and no longer received the latest iOS features. She considered repairing her XS but found battery replacement wouldn’t fix lagging performance. After testing both models at a local resale shop, she chose the iPhone 11. “It felt snappier, the camera handled night shots better, and knowing it would stay updated longer made the $70 price difference worthwhile,” she said. Six months later, she reports smoother app launches, fewer crashes, and one less charger carry per day.
Checklist: Is the iPhone 11 Worth It Over the XS in 2025?
- ✅ Need longer iOS update support (likely through 2026)?
- ✅ Want better low-light photography?
- ✅ Value longer battery life for full-day use?
- ✅ Use your phone for video calls or content creation?
- ✅ Prefer a slightly larger, more durable screen?
- ✅ Plan to keep the phone for 12+ months?
If you answered yes to three or more, the iPhone 11 is the better investment—even if priced slightly higher on the secondhand market.
Cost Considerations and Market Reality
As of 2025, both phones are available primarily through refurbished retailers, carrier trade-in programs, or private sellers. Prices vary widely based on condition, storage, and region. On average:
- iPhone XS (64GB): $120–$180
- iPhone 11 (64GB): $160–$220
The $40–60 gap might seem steep, but consider long-term costs. An XS may require a battery replacement ($49–$69 at Apple) sooner due to age and heavier degradation. Plus, app slowdowns or lack of future updates could force another upgrade within a year. The iPhone 11 offers better return on investment over 18–24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the iPhone XS still run iOS 18?
Likely not. iOS 18, released in fall 2024, dropped support for all A12 and earlier chips. The iPhone XS (A12) was excluded, while the iPhone 11 (A13) remains supported. Without iOS 18, you miss security updates, new features like enhanced Siri, and compatibility with newer app versions.
Is the iPhone 11 waterproof enough for daily use?
Yes. With IP68 rating at 6 meters for 30 minutes, it handles rain, spills, and accidental drops in sinks or toilets far better than most phones its age. Still, avoid intentional submersion or saltwater exposure, and dry ports promptly after wet contact.
Will either phone work well with 5G networks?
Neither supports 5G. Both are limited to LTE speeds. If you rely on high-speed mobile data for streaming or cloud work, this won’t change with software updates. However, LTE remains sufficient for most everyday tasks in 2025.
Final Verdict: Upgrade Only If You’ll Keep It
The iPhone 11 is objectively the better device in 2025. It has superior battery life, a more versatile camera, longer software support, and marginally better performance. But “better” doesn’t always mean “necessary.” If you already own an iPhone XS in good condition and use your phone lightly—calls, texts, occasional browsing—you may not need to switch.
However, if you’re buying used, extending your upgrade cycle, or depend on your phone for productivity and creativity, the iPhone 11 is worth the modest premium. Its additional year or two of iOS support alone justifies the cost for most users.
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