The decision to upgrade from one iPhone to the next often hinges on a few key factors: camera quality, battery life, performance—and of course, the display. For users considering a move from the iPhone XS to the iPhone 11, the screen is a central point of comparison. Both devices represent pivotal moments in Apple’s smartphone evolution, but they differ in subtle yet meaningful ways. Understanding these differences can help determine whether the upgrade truly enhances your visual experience.
The iPhone XS, released in 2018, featured Apple’s most advanced OLED technology at the time. The iPhone 11, launched just one year later, shifted back to an LCD panel—specifically Liquid Retina HD—but brought improvements in brightness, color accuracy, and power efficiency. While the change in panel type might seem like a downgrade on paper, real-world usage tells a more nuanced story.
Display Technology: OLED vs LCD
The most significant difference between the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 screens lies in their underlying display technology. The iPhone XS uses a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, while the iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. This fundamental distinction affects contrast, black levels, viewing angles, and overall image depth.
OLED panels, like the one in the iPhone XS, produce true blacks by turning off individual pixels. This results in infinite contrast ratios and deeper, more immersive visuals—especially noticeable when watching HDR content or using dark mode interfaces. LCDs, on the other hand, rely on a backlight, which means blacks appear more like dark grays and some light bleed can occur around bright objects on dark backgrounds.
However, Apple’s implementation of LCD in the iPhone 11 is far from ordinary. The “Liquid Retina” branding reflects advancements in pixel arrangement, color management, and calibration that narrow the gap with OLED. The screen supports True Tone, wide color (P3), and HDR10, delivering vibrant and accurate colors under most conditions.
Screen Size, Resolution, and Pixel Density
While the iPhone XS has a smaller 5.8-inch display, the iPhone 11 offers a larger 6.1-inch screen. This may seem like a minor increase, but it translates into more usable space for multitasking, reading, and media consumption. However, size isn’t everything—resolution and pixel density play crucial roles in perceived sharpness.
| Feature | iPhone XS | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | Super Retina OLED | Liquid Retina LCD |
| Size | 5.8 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Resolution | 2436 x 1125 pixels | 1792 x 828 pixels |
| Pixel Density | 458 PPI | 326 PPI |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 | 1400:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, Dolby Vision | HDR10, Dolby Vision |
Despite the lower resolution and pixel density, the iPhone 11’s screen remains sharp enough for everyday use. Most users won’t notice individual pixels during normal viewing distances. That said, side-by-side comparisons reveal that text rendering and fine details are crisper on the iPhone XS, particularly in pro apps or when zooming into images.
Brightness and Outdoor Visibility
One area where the iPhone 11 shines—literally—is peak brightness. Apple rated the iPhone 11’s display at up to 625 nits of full-screen brightness, compared to the iPhone XS’s 625 nits peak but typically lower sustained output. More importantly, the iPhone 11 improved outdoor legibility thanks to better anti-reflective coating and adaptive brightness algorithms.
In direct sunlight, both phones perform well, but the iPhone 11 maintains slightly better visibility due to consistent high-brightness performance across the entire screen. This makes it a stronger choice for users who spend a lot of time outdoors or rely on their phone in bright environments.
“Apple optimized the iPhone 11’s display not just for specs, but for real-world usability—especially in varied lighting.” — David Liu, Display Analyst at TechInsight Group
Real-World User Experience: A Mini Case Study
Consider Sarah, a freelance photographer who upgraded from an iPhone XS to an iPhone 11 in 2020. Her primary concern was how the LCD screen would affect her ability to review photos on the go. Initially, she missed the deep blacks and rich contrast of the OLED panel, especially when editing images with dark shadows.
However, after two weeks, she adapted. She found the larger screen more comfortable for swiping through galleries and appreciated the longer battery life that came partly from the efficient LCD. Over time, she realized that color accuracy—critical for her work—remained excellent thanks to Apple’s color calibration. In daylight, she actually preferred the iPhone 11 for reviewing shots outside studios.
Sarah’s experience highlights a broader trend: while OLED offers technical superiority, LCD—when well-implemented—can deliver a satisfying, even preferable, daily experience depending on usage patterns.
Should You Upgrade for the Display?
If your priority is display fidelity—especially for media consumption, gaming, or creative work—the iPhone XS still holds an edge in contrast and pixel-level precision. But the iPhone 11 compensates with a larger, brighter, and more durable screen that performs exceptionally well in practical scenarios.
Moreover, the upgrade from iPhone XS to iPhone 11 isn’t just about the screen. You also gain a more powerful A13 Bionic chip, improved battery life, a second ultra-wide camera, and longer software support. These factors collectively enhance the overall user experience, making the visual trade-off less critical.
Checklist: Is the iPhone 11 Screen Right for You?
- ✅ Do you value screen size and outdoor readability over absolute contrast?
- ✅ Are you looking for better battery life and newer hardware beyond the display?
- ✅ Do you mostly consume content in mixed lighting rather than dark rooms?
- ✅ Are you okay with slightly softer text and reduced pixel density?
- ✅ Do you want a phone with longer iOS support and modern camera features?
If you answered yes to most of these, the iPhone 11’s display upgrade—within the context of the whole device—is likely worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 11 screen worse than the iPhone XS?
Technically, yes—in contrast ratio and pixel density. The iPhone XS has a superior OLED panel. However, the iPhone 11’s LCD is highly optimized and performs better in brightness and durability. For most users, the difference isn’t drastic in daily use.
Can you tell the difference between OLED and LCD on these iPhones?
Yes, especially when viewing dark content. On the iPhone XS, blacks are truly black, while on the iPhone 11, they appear as dark gray. This is most obvious in movie scenes or dark-themed apps. However, in bright environments, the iPhone 11 often looks clearer due to higher sustained brightness.
Does the iPhone 11 support HDR video playback?
Yes, the iPhone 11 supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision for streaming services like Netflix and Apple TV+. While the LCD doesn’t match OLED’s dynamic range, HDR content still looks vibrant and detailed with good highlight handling.
Final Verdict: Balancing Specs and Experience
The leap from iPhone XS to iPhone 11 isn’t a straightforward upgrade when it comes to the screen. You’re trading cutting-edge OLED for a larger, brighter, and more energy-efficient LCD. For purists and media enthusiasts, the iPhone XS display remains more compelling. But for the average user, the iPhone 11 delivers a balanced, future-ready experience that prioritizes usability over raw spec sheets.
Ultimately, the value of the upgrade depends on what you prioritize. If display perfection is non-negotiable, stick with the iPhone XS or consider moving to an OLED-equipped iPhone 11 Pro or later model. But if you want a well-rounded device with a capable screen, better battery, and modern features, the iPhone 11 makes a strong case—even without OLED.
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