Iphone Xs Vs 11 Is It Really Worth Upgrading In Current Year

The iPhone XS was a flagship device in its time—sleek, powerful, and packed with premium features. The iPhone 11 followed just one year later, offering a compelling mix of value and innovation. But now, years after their release, many users still face a practical question: if you're still on an iPhone XS, is upgrading to the iPhone 11 actually worthwhile today?

With software support still active for both devices and third-party app compatibility holding strong, this isn’t just about raw specs. It’s about real-world usability, longevity, and whether the improvements justify the cost and environmental impact of upgrading.

Performance and Processor: A Noticeable Leap

The iPhone XS runs on Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which was groundbreaking in 2018. At the time, it delivered excellent speed and efficiency for daily tasks, gaming, and multitasking. However, the iPhone 11 introduced the A13 Bionic—a chip that wasn’t just incrementally better but significantly more efficient and faster across the board.

Benchmarks show the A13 delivers around 20% higher CPU performance and up to 30% better GPU performance than the A12. More importantly, the improved neural engine enhances machine learning tasks, which affects photo processing, voice recognition, and augmented reality apps.

Tip: If you frequently use AR apps or rely on AI-powered features like Live Text (available via iOS updates), the A13’s superior neural engine makes a tangible difference.

In everyday use, both phones feel snappy when launching apps or browsing. But under sustained load—such as editing videos, playing graphics-intensive games, or using multiple apps at once—the iPhone 11 maintains smoother performance and less thermal throttling.

Battery Life: One of the Biggest Upgrades

Perhaps the most impactful improvement from the XS to the 11 is battery life. The iPhone XS offered modest endurance—around 5–6 hours of screen-on time for average users. The iPhone 11, despite having a similar-sized battery, benefits from the A13’s power efficiency and slightly larger capacity.

Real-world testing shows the iPhone 11 delivers 6–8 hours of screen time, sometimes more depending on usage. That extra 1–2 hours can mean the difference between needing a midday charge and making it through a full workday or travel itinerary without plugging in.

“Battery degradation is often overlooked until it hits. If your XS is over three years old, even a ‘healthy’ battery may only hold 80% of its original capacity.” — David Lin, Mobile Device Analyst at TechLongevity Group

Additionally, the iPhone 11 supports faster charging with a compatible adapter (though Apple still ships only a 5W charger in the box). With a 20W USB-C PD charger, you can go from 0% to 50% in about 30 minutes—something the XS can do too, but only if you have the right accessories.

Camera Comparison: Dual-Lens Advantage

The iPhone XS has a capable 12MP dual-camera system (wide and telephoto), but the iPhone 11 expands on this with a wider field of view on its main sensor and introduces Night Mode—a game-changer for low-light photography.

Feature	iPhone XS	iPhone 11
Main Camera	12MP f/1.8 Wide	12MP f/1.8 Ultra-Wide
Secondary Camera	12MP f/2.4 Telephoto (2x zoom)	12MP f/2.4 Ultra-Wide (0.5x zoom)
Night Mode	No	Yes (on all rear cameras and front)
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2	12MP f/2.2 with 4K video
Slofies (Slow-Mo Selfies)	No	Yes

The ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 opens up creative possibilities—especially for landscapes, architecture, or group photos. While the XS lacks this, its telephoto lens allows for better optical zoom, which some photographers still prefer.

However, computational photography favors the iPhone 11. Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night Mode consistently produce sharper, more balanced images in challenging lighting. In side-by-side comparisons, the 11 often captures more detail in shadows and highlights, even during daytime shots.

Tip: If you take a lot of photos in dim environments—like indoor events or evening walks—the iPhone 11’s Night Mode alone could justify the upgrade.

Durability and Long-Term Viability

Both phones feature glass backs and aluminum (XS) or aluminum (11) frames, making them susceptible to drops. However, the iPhone 11 uses a tougher front glass and slightly better water resistance (IP68 vs IP67), meaning it can survive submersion up to 2 meters for 30 minutes—compared to 1 meter for the XS.

If your iPhone XS has been repaired or has aging components, the cumulative wear—battery health, speaker clarity, button responsiveness—can make a newer device feel refreshingly reliable. Even if the XS still works, its age may be catching up.

Software support is another factor. As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. The iPhone XS, released in 2018, may stop receiving major updates by 2025. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, is likely to get iOS 18 and possibly iOS 19—extending its usable lifespan by another year or two.

Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah had used her iPhone XS since 2018. By late 2023, she noticed her phone struggled with newer apps, drained quickly during her commute, and took blurry photos at her daughter’s school play. She hesitated to upgrade, thinking, “It still turns on.”

After borrowing a friend’s iPhone 11, she tested it for a weekend. The difference was immediate: her Messages loaded faster, she could record 4K video of her daughter’s performance, and the phone lasted the entire day without charging. She upgraded—and found the experience so much smoother that she regretted waiting.

Her story reflects a common pattern: incremental decline makes older phones feel “fine” until a direct comparison reveals how far behind they’ve fallen.

Is It Worth Upgrading in the Current Year?

The answer depends on your priorities:

• You care about battery life → Yes, the iPhone 11 is a meaningful upgrade.
• You take a lot of photos, especially at night → Yes, Night Mode and the ultra-wide lens add real value.
• You want longer software support → Yes, the iPhone 11 will likely stay updated longer.
• Your XS is in good condition and meets your needs → Probably not. If you’re not experiencing slowdowns or battery issues, hold off.

Financially, upgrading now may not make sense unless you’re buying used or refurbished. The iPhone 11 can be found for $150–$200 in good condition, while the XS sells for $100–$150. For a $50–100 increase, you gain better performance, camera, and longevity.

Checklist: Should You Upgrade?

1. Is your iPhone XS battery health below 80%?
2. Do you regularly need to charge before the end of the day?
3. Are you frustrated by slow camera processing or poor low-light photos?
4. Have you noticed apps crashing or lagging more frequently?
5. Do you plan to keep your phone for another 1–2 years?

If you answered “yes” to three or more, upgrading to the iPhone 11 remains a smart move—even in the current year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 11 get iOS 18?

While Apple hasn’t confirmed the final list, historical patterns suggest the iPhone 11 will be supported. Most analysts expect iOS 18 to drop support for the iPhone XS and earlier, making the 11 the oldest eligible model.

Is the iPhone 11 waterproof?

It has an IP68 rating, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance diminishes over time, especially after repairs, so avoid intentional submersion.

Can the iPhone 11 last through 2025?

Yes. With proper care, battery maintenance, and iOS updates, the iPhone 11 should remain functional and secure through at least 2025. Many users report smooth performance even with heavy use.

Final Thoughts

The gap between the iPhone XS and iPhone 11 was significant at launch, and that advantage has only grown over time. While the XS was a premium device in its era, the iPhone 11 offers better performance, dramatically improved battery life, superior cameras, and longer software support—all at a minimal price difference today.

If you're clinging to your XS out of loyalty or frugality, consider whether that loyalty is costing you convenience, productivity, and enjoyment. Technology should serve you—not frustrate you. An upgrade isn’t about chasing the latest trend; it’s about ensuring your tools keep up with your life.

💬 Still on the fence? Try using an iPhone 11 for a day—borrow one from a friend or test it in-store. Sometimes, the best decision comes from firsthand experience. Share your thoughts or upgrade story in the comments!