Is Upgrading From Iphone 11 To Iphone 12 Worth It What About Iphone 13

The iPhone 11 remains a capable device even years after its release, offering solid performance, reliable cameras, and excellent battery life for everyday use. But with newer models like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 now widely available—often at competitive prices—it’s natural to wonder whether an upgrade is justified. Is the jump from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 truly worthwhile? And how much more compelling is the iPhone 13? The answer depends on your priorities: performance, photography, display quality, network capabilities, and long-term software support.

Key Differences Between iPhone 11, 12, and 13

The iPhone 11 launched in 2019 with the A13 Bionic chip and a dual-camera system that set a high bar for mid-tier smartphones. The iPhone 12 arrived in 2020 with a major redesign and several foundational upgrades. Then came the iPhone 13 in 2021, refining those improvements with better efficiency and enhanced features. While all three devices share a similar form factor and user experience, the differences add up in meaningful ways.

Here’s a breakdown of the most impactful changes:

• Design & Build: iPhone 12 introduced a flat-edge aluminum design reminiscent of the iPhone 5, replacing the curved edges of the iPhone 11. It also brought Ceramic Shield front cover glass, improving drop resistance.
• Display: Both iPhone 12 and 13 feature Super Retina XDR OLED displays, a significant leap over the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina LCD. This means deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better outdoor visibility.
• 5G Support: iPhone 12 was Apple’s first lineup to include 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where coverage is available.
• Camera Improvements: While all three have dual rear cameras, the iPhone 12 adds Night mode to the ultra-wide lens, and the iPhone 13 improves sensor size, introduces Sensor-shift stabilization, and enhances computational photography with Photographic Styles.
• Chip Performance: iPhone 12 uses the A14 Bionic (the first 5nm chip), while iPhone 13 runs the A15 Bionic, which offers better GPU performance and improved power efficiency.
• Battery Life: Despite smaller batteries, both iPhone 12 and especially iPhone 13 deliver longer battery life due to more efficient chips and optimized components.

Tip: If you frequently shoot photos in low light or travel without easy access to charging, the improved camera and battery in iPhone 13 may be worth the upgrade.

iPhone 12 vs iPhone 11: Is the Upgrade Justified?

Moving from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 represents a tangible step forward in build quality, display technology, and future readiness. The shift from LCD to OLED alone makes content look noticeably sharper and more vibrant. HDR video playback benefits significantly from the increased contrast ratio and brightness levels.

5G support is another key differentiator. While real-world 5G performance varies by carrier and location, having it ensures your phone stays relevant as networks expand. However, if you live in an area with limited 5G coverage or don’t stream high-bitrate content regularly, this benefit may feel underutilized.

The A14 Bionic chip provides about 16% faster CPU performance and 8% better GPU performance than the A13 in the iPhone 11. In practical terms, this translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app launches, and better longevity for future iOS updates.

“Even incremental hardware improvements can extend a device’s usable lifespan by a year or more.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst at TechPulse Insights

iPhone 13: The Real Value Upgrade?

If you’re considering a jump directly from iPhone 11 to iPhone 13, the case becomes stronger. The A15 Bionic chip delivers not only superior processing power but also better energy efficiency. This means longer battery life despite a slightly smaller battery capacity than the iPhone 11.

Apple claims the iPhone 13 offers up to 2.5 hours more battery life than the iPhone 11 under typical usage. Users report consistently reaching end-of-day charge even with heavy use, which wasn’t always guaranteed on the older model.

The camera system sees meaningful enhancements too. Sensor-shift optical image stabilization (OIS) was previously reserved for Pro models; now it’s on the base iPhone 13, delivering steadier video and sharper low-light photos. Combined with larger sensors and improved Smart HDR 4, the difference in photo quality—especially in challenging lighting—is noticeable.

Real Example: A Photographer’s Experience

Sarah, a freelance travel photographer using an iPhone 11 for client work, upgraded to the iPhone 13 for a trip to Iceland. She noticed immediate improvements: her night shots near glaciers had less noise and better dynamic range, and videos taken from moving vehicles were significantly smoother thanks to advanced stabilization. “I didn’t expect such a big leap,” she said. “The extra clarity and color accuracy mean I spend less time editing and more time shooting.”

Comparison Table: iPhone 11 vs 12 vs 13

Feature	iPhone 11	iPhone 12	iPhone 13
Display	Liquid Retina HD (LCD)	Super Retina XDR (OLED)	Super Retina XDR (OLED)
Chip	A13 Bionic	A14 Bionic	A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
Rear Cameras	12MP Wide + 12MP Ultra-Wide	Same, Night mode on ultra-wide	Larger sensors, Sensor-shift OIS, Photographic Styles
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 17 hours	Up to 17 hours	Up to 19 hours
5G Support	No	Yes	Yes (Improved mmWave in some models)
Build Material	Aluminum frame, Glass back	Ceramic Shield front, Aluminum frame	Ceramic Shield, Slightly more dust/water resistant
Starting Storage	64GB	64GB	128GB

Note: The iPhone 13 starts at 128GB storage, eliminating the 64GB option—a smart move given how quickly media fills small storage.

Upgrade Checklist: Should You Make the Move?

Before deciding, consider these factors:

1. ✅ Are you still satisfied with your iPhone 11’s speed and battery?
2. ✅ Do you value OLED display quality for streaming or photo editing?
3. ✅ Is 5G important for your mobile data usage?
4. ✅ Do you take a lot of photos, especially in low light?
5. ✅ Are you running low on storage (especially if you have the 64GB model)?
6. ✅ Do you plan to keep your phone for 3+ more years?

If you answered “no” to most of the above, staying put makes sense. But if three or more resonate with you, upgrading—especially to iPhone 13—delivers measurable benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my iPhone 11 stop working if I don’t upgrade?

No. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for 5–6 years after release. The iPhone 11, released in 2019, will likely receive updates through 2025 or beyond. It will remain functional and secure for daily use well into the future.

Is the iPhone 12 camera much better than the iPhone 11?

In daylight, the difference is subtle. But in low light, the iPhone 12’s Night mode on the ultra-wide lens and improved HDR make a noticeable impact. The iPhone 13 takes this further with larger sensors and sensor-shift stabilization, making it a clearer upgrade.

Can I save money by buying used or refurbished?

Absolutely. Certified refurbished iPhones from Apple or trusted retailers offer substantial savings—often $100–$200 off retail—with full warranty and like-new condition. This makes upgrading to iPhone 12 or 13 far more affordable without sacrificing reliability.

Final Verdict: When to Upgrade

Upgrading from iPhone 11 to iPhone 12 is worthwhile if you value modern design, OLED display quality, and future-proofing with 5G. However, the iPhone 13 presents a more compelling package: better battery, superior camera, more storage, and a more powerful chip—all while maintaining the same compact footprint.

If you're looking for the sweet spot between cost and capability, the iPhone 13 offers the most meaningful improvements for users coming from the iPhone 11. For many, skipping the iPhone 12 and going straight to iPhone 13—even at a slightly higher price—makes long-term sense.

🚀 Ready to upgrade? Evaluate your current needs, check refurbished options, and consider how much longer you want your next iPhone to last. Making an informed choice today could save you frustration—and unnecessary spending—down the road.