Is Upgrading From Iphone 6 To Iphone 11 Pro Worth It In Current Year

For users still clinging to an iPhone 6 in 2024, the world of smartphones may feel like a distant galaxy. Released in 2014, the iPhone 6 was once a marvel of design and usability—but today, it struggles with basic tasks, app compatibility, and security updates. Meanwhile, the iPhone 11 Pro, launched in 2019, remains a capable device even by modern standards. So, is making the leap from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 11 Pro still worthwhile five years after the latter’s release? The answer isn’t just about specs—it’s about real-world utility, longevity, and cost-effectiveness.

Performance: A Quantum Leap in Speed and Efficiency

The difference in processing power between the iPhone 6 and iPhone 11 Pro is nothing short of transformative. The iPhone 6 runs on Apple’s A8 chip with 1GB of RAM, which was impressive in its time but now falters under everyday apps. Many newer iOS updates no longer support the iPhone 6, leaving it vulnerable to security risks and incompatible with modern software.

In contrast, the iPhone 11 Pro features the A13 Bionic chip—a processor that still delivers smooth multitasking, fast app launches, and responsive navigation. It has 4GB of RAM and supports all current iOS versions, including iOS 17, with likely support into iOS 18 or beyond. This means access to new features, improved privacy controls, and ongoing security patches.

Tip: If your iPhone 6 takes more than 10 seconds to open common apps like Gmail or Safari, you're already losing valuable time daily—upgrading could save hours per year.

Real-world impact: Opening maps, using banking apps, or even scrolling through social media feels instantaneous on the 11 Pro. No more waiting for pages to load or apps to crash mid-task.

Camera Quality: From Snapshot to Professional-Grade Photos

The iPhone 6’s 8MP rear camera lacks optical image stabilization, low-light performance, and advanced software processing. In dim lighting, photos are grainy and lack detail. There's no portrait mode, night mode, or ultra-wide lens—features now considered standard.

The iPhone 11 Pro changed the game with its triple-camera system: 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. Combined with Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 3, it captures stunning images in nearly any condition. Whether you're photographing a sunset, a child’s birthday party indoors, or a scenic landscape, the dynamic range and color accuracy are vastly superior.

“Even in 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro produces images that rival many mid-tier Android phones released this year.” — David Lin, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens Weekly

Video recording jumps from 1080p on the iPhone 6 to 4K at 60fps on the 11 Pro, with extended dynamic range and cinematic stabilization. For anyone who values capturing life clearly, this upgrade alone justifies the move.

Battery Life and Charging: Going All Day Without Anxiety

The iPhone 6 offers around 8–10 hours of light usage, but after years of charging cycles, most batteries have degraded significantly. Users often need to carry portable chargers or plug in multiple times a day.

The iPhone 11 Pro boasts up to 18 hours of video playback and consistently lasts a full day—even with heavy use. It also supports fast charging (50% in 30 minutes with an 18W adapter) and wireless charging, both absent on the iPhone 6.

Feature	iPhone 6	iPhone 11 Pro
Battery Life (Video Playback)	Up to 11 hours	Up to 18 hours
Fast Charging	No	Yes (with compatible adapter)
Wireless Charging	No	Yes (Qi-compatible)
Charging Port	Lightning	Lighting
Estimated Daily Usability (2024)	Limited, frequent recharging	Full-day reliability

Display and Design: Modern Ergonomics Meet Durability

The iPhone 6 introduced a larger 4.7-inch display, but its screen resolution and color accuracy pale in comparison to the 11 Pro’s 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED panel. The OLED technology delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and better outdoor visibility.

Design-wise, the 11 Pro uses surgical-grade stainless steel and textured matte glass, making it more resistant to fingerprints and drops. It’s also IP68 water- and dust-resistant—meaning it can survive submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes. The iPhone 6 has no official water resistance rating, making accidental spills a genuine risk.

Tip: When buying a used iPhone 11 Pro, check the water contact indicators near the SIM tray. If red, the device may have suffered internal damage.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Experience

Sarah, a freelance graphic designer in Portland, held onto her iPhone 6 for sentimental reasons until early 2023. She relied on it for client communication, photo references, and scheduling. But she found herself missing deadlines because apps would freeze during video calls, and her camera couldn’t capture accurate colors for design projects.

After purchasing a refurbished iPhone 11 Pro for $349, her workflow transformed. She could run design apps smoothly, shoot reference photos with confidence, and join Zoom meetings without lag. “It felt like getting a new job,” she said. “Everything just worked again.”

She estimates she regained over five hours per week previously lost to device limitations—time she now reinvests in creative work and family.

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Is the Investment Justified?

In 2024, the iPhone 11 Pro is no longer sold new by Apple, but it’s widely available as certified refurbished or secondhand for $250–$400, depending on storage and condition. Compare that to the iPhone 6, which now sells for under $50—if it works at all.

• Upgrade Cost: ~$300 average
• Potential Lifespan Post-Upgrade: 2–3+ years of reliable service
• Value Gained: Full app compatibility, secure OS updates, strong resale value later

Consider what you’re currently sacrificing: lost productivity, poor photo quality, constant charging, and limited functionality. For many, spending $300 to regain full smartphone capabilities is not just reasonable—it’s essential.

Checklist: Before You Upgrade from iPhone 6 to iPhone 11 Pro

1. Back up your iPhone 6 via iCloud or iTunes
2. Remove your Apple ID from the old device
3. Choose a reputable seller for the iPhone 11 Pro (Apple Refurbished, Swappa, or trusted retailer)
4. Verify battery health (should be above 80%)
5. Transfer data using Quick Start or iCloud restore
6. Set up Face ID and update to latest iOS version
7. Install essential apps and test camera, Wi-Fi, and cellular functions

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the iPhone 11 Pro still receive software updates?

Yes. As of 2024, the iPhone 11 series supports iOS 17 and is expected to receive iOS 18. Given Apple’s typical 5–6 year support window, most 11 Pro models will stay updated through 2025, possibly into 2026.

Can I use my iPhone 6 accessories with the iPhone 11 Pro?

Most Lightning cables and headphones will work, but the 11 Pro doesn’t come with EarPods or a power adapter. You’ll need to reuse your old ones or purchase new. Cases are not interchangeable due to different dimensions and camera layout.

Is there a significant size difference between the two phones?

Yes. The iPhone 11 Pro is taller, wider, and slightly heavier. If you prefer one-handed use, the smaller iPhone SE (3rd gen) might be a better fit. However, the 11 Pro’s edge-to-edge display makes it feel more compact than its size suggests.

Final Verdict: Yes, It’s Worth It—Especially Now

Upgrading from the iPhone 6 to the iPhone 11 Pro in 2024 isn’t just about having a newer phone. It’s about reclaiming functionality, security, and peace of mind. The iPhone 6 is obsolete in every practical sense—its hardware can’t keep up, its software is outdated, and its camera and battery fail modern demands.

The iPhone 11 Pro, while no longer cutting-edge, remains a powerful, future-proof device for everyday users. It handles everything from high-resolution photography to mobile gaming, secure banking, and video conferencing without breaking a sweat. At current price points, it offers exceptional value compared to flagship models costing twice as much.

If you’ve been delaying an upgrade out of habit or hesitation, now is the time. The technological gap is too wide to ignore, and the benefits too tangible to overlook.

🚀 Ready to make the leap? Explore certified refurbished iPhone 11 Pro models today—your future self will thank you for the speed, clarity, and reliability you’ve been missing.