📱 2022-09-02 00:01:25 – Paris/France.
This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Apple's most popular product.
It's been a while since the iPhone 11 launched in 2019, with Apple releasing the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 in the years since. And in a few days, we'll likely see the debut of the iPhone 14 at Apple's event on September 7. The iPhone 11 might be over two years old, but it could still be a good choice, especially since Apple has discounted it. at $499 last year. While we'd recommend waiting for that next Apple event before buying an iPhone, especially since prices for current iPhone models will likely drop after that, the iPhone 11 has a lot to like as a phone. under $500.
For example, do you mind using an iPhone that looks a bit dated? Or do you think saving several hundred dollars is more important than having the latest phone on you? What about 5G? How important is it to you? If you're shopping on a budget, the iPhone 11 is still a great choice. Although you'll miss out on some newer features, the iPhone 11 gives you all the basics you'd expect from an iPhone, including battery life that's on par with the iPhone 12, a great camera dual purpose that includes night mode and a processor fast enough for everyday tasks.
Get ready for the next Apple event
But if you have wiggle room in your budget, here are some questions to ask yourself. (For the purposes of this article, I'm going to assume you're currently using an iPhone.) And if you're still considering your decision after that, here's how the iPhone 13 compares to the last five years of iPhones as well as our list of the best iPhones. Plus, learn all the differences between the iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max.
5G connectivity: iPhone 11 does not have 5G. But do you really need it right now?
One of the major features missing from the iPhone 11 compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 is 5G connectivity. The iPhone 11 is an LTE-only device, and if you don't care about next-gen wireless yet (after all, service is spotty in the US), the iPhone 11 should be fine for you. Remember that 5G debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup and access to faster 5G bands depends on where you live, so opting for the iPhone 12 makes your purchase more future-proof.
Angela Lang/CNET
Display quality: You won't get a 120Hz refresh rate on an iPhone 11 (or iPhone 12)
The iPhone 11 uses a crisp LCD display that refreshes at 60 frames per second, or 60 Hz. Apple swapped the iPhone 12, equipping it with an OLED display, although it kept the display at 60 Hz, like most phones. OLEDs are generally more vibrant than their LCD counterparts, with richer contrast and more inky blacks. If you watch a lot of videos on your iPhone and want a superior viewing experience, an OLED screen might be more suitable for you. The iPhone 13 also has an OLED panel, although Apple has increased the refresh rate of the Pro models to 120Hz. The faster refresh rate will result in smoother and faster scrolling through apps and sites. website.
Apple's Wallet app will be able to store driver's licenses in iOS 15.
Screenshot by CNET
Software support: How long will the iPhone 11 receive iOS software updates?
Apple's latest operating system, iOS 15, is supported on many older iPhones, and the oldest is the 6 iPhone 2015S (Here's how to download the new OS, but you might want to be expected.) Based on that and some quick mental math, we can deduce that Apple plans to provide iPhone support for up to six years from launch. As a result, with the iPhone 11, unveiled in 2019, you can rest comfortably knowing that you can expect updates through 2025.
Read more: iOS 15's biggest new features: FaceTime, Apple Wallet and notifications get new tricks
Durability and water resistance: How durable do you want your iPhone to be?
If you go for the iPhone 11, you'll miss out on a few durability features available on newer iPhone models. One of the big improvements in the iPhone 12 is its screen material. Apple calls it the "ceramic shield" glass. Manufactured by Corning, the ceramic protective glass covering the phone's screen is apparently harder than most metals. Indeed, we can confirm that the ceramic shell of the iPhone 12 is resistant. Our iPhone 12 drop tests show that it protected the hardware against drops up to 9 feet. (CNET's iPhone 12 Mini drop tests yielded similar results.) The iPhone 13 also has the same ceramic protective glass on its display.
So if you're a big klutz and prone to slips and falls, jumping for the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 is a wise move (or just get a really nice iPhone case). Keep in mind that the iPhone 11 isn't a delicate darling either. It also survived CNET's drop and water tests and won a CNET Editors' Choice Award. You can read our iPhone 11 review for more details.
Read more: Farewell iPhone case: the case for the phone without a case
Price and budget: How much do you want to spend on an iPhone?
As I said earlier, Apple is selling the nearly two-year-old iPhone 11 for $300 less now than when it launched, making it a great choice for those shopping on a budget. But, as also mentioned earlier, the iPhone 11 could get even cheaper once Apple launches its 2022 lineup of iPhone models. It's also worth noting that the price of the current iPhone 12 and 12 Mini might drop to that $499 level, as Apple usually lowers the price of existing iPhone models once the latest model goes on sale.
It's also worth considering deals with carriers Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T, all of which can subsidize the price of an iPhone in exchange for committing to a cellular service plan. Last year, all three companies offered hundreds of dollars off with those deals and possibly fully refunded the phone with a device trade-in. Just keep in mind that these agreements come with a lot of caveats, like commitments ranging from 24 to 36 months.
SOURCE: Reviews News
Do not hesitate to share our article on social networks to give us a solid boost. 🤟