In the fast-paced world of smartphones, buying a model from 2019 might seem counterintuitive. Yet, the iPhone 11 remains a remarkably popular search in the Philippines. The question is no longer just “how much does it cost?” but a more critical one: “Is the iPhone 11 still worth buying in 2026?”
This guide cuts through the noise of outdated listings and spec sheets. We provide a clear, up-to-date analysis of the iPhone 11’s current market price, real-world performance on the latest iOS, and a frank verdict on who should—and shouldn’t—consider it as their next phone. In a country where over 70% of web traffic comes from mobile devices, making an informed, value-driven decision is more important than ever.
Table of Contents
Is the iPhone 11 still worth buying in 2026?
| Factor | iPhone 11 in 2026 |
| Software Support | Runs iOS 26 in 2026 and still gets updates, but iOS 27 (expected) may be its last major update. After that, only security patches likely for a short time. |
| 5G Connectivity | No 5G — only 4G/LTE. This matters as 5G becomes standard in many regions. |
| Performance | A13 Bionic still handles basic tasks well (web, social, video). Some users say performance feels slow on heavier tasks or latest iOS features. |
| Display & Hardware | 6.1″ LCD (not OLED), lower resolution than newer models — adequate but visibly inferior. Battery health varies on used units, often needing replacement. |
| Camera Experience | Dual 12 MP system still decent for everyday photos, but behind newer models in low-light and advanced features. |
| Best Use Cases | Good as budget buy, first phone, secondary backup, for basic daily use. |
| Value Comparison | If a refurb iPhone 12 (with 5G, OLED) costs the same, it’s usually better value than an iPhone 11. |
| Longevity | Support ending soon — short-term only; consider newer models for longer iOS lifespan. |
| User Sentiment (Community) | Mixed: Some users love its reliability; others report sluggishness & battery drain after updates. |
| Overall Verdict | Worth it only at very low prices (e.g., cheap refurbished). Great for basic use, but not best long-term or future-proof buy in 2026. |
Apple iPhone 11 Price in India
| Category | Details |
| Model | Apple iPhone 11 |
| Approx Launch Price in India | ₹64,900 (64 GB) / ₹69,900 (128 GB) / ₹79,900 (256 GB) at launch (2019) |
| Current Market Price Range | ~₹10,999 – ₹37,066 (refurbished/used) / lower new listings around ₹47,900 + depending on seller/condition/colour |
| Display | 6.1″ Liquid Retina HD LCD (1792×828, 326 ppi) |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic with 3rd-gen Neural Engine |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage Options | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12 MP system: Wide (f/1.8) + Ultra Wide (f/2.4) with Night Mode, Portrait & 4K up to 60fps |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth, Portrait, 4K & Slo-Mo |
| Operating System | iOS (shipped with iOS 13; upgradable to recent versions) |
| Battery & Charging | 3110 mAh approx, Fast charge capable, Qi wireless charging |
| Water & Dust Resistance | IP68 rating (up to 2 m) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, Dual SIM (nano + eSIM) |
| Security | Face ID (3D facial recognition) |
| Colours (Typical) | Black, White, Green, Yellow, Purple, Red |
| Notable Features | Spatial audio, Dolby Atmos support, Haptic Touch, durable glass/aluminium |
Performance & Camera Review – How Does It Hold Up?
Daily Performance: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, the iPhone 11 handles everyday tasks—social media, streaming, web browsing, light gaming—with ease. Animations are smooth, and apps launch quickly. You will notice slower photo processing and slightly longer load times in intensive games compared to a modern iPhone, but for typical use, it feels far from “slow.”
Battery Life Expectations: This is the most common variable. A refurbished unit with a new battery will still deliver a solid full day of moderate use. A used unit with a battery health below 80% will likely require a mid-day top-up. Factor in the potential cost of a battery replacement (around PHP 2,500-3,500 at third-party shops) when considering lower-priced units.
Camera Capabilities in 2025:
- Strengths: The ultra-wide lens remains a fantastic tool for landscapes and group shots. Video stabilization is still excellent. For social media stories (Instagram, TikTok) where video is key, it outperforms many budget Android rivals.
- Limitations: Low-light photography, while improved by software over the years, falls short of newer iPhones with Night Mode on all lenses. The lack of a telephoto lens means digital zoom is your only option.
iPhone 11 vs 12 vs 13 vs 14 vs 15
| Model | Approx. Price (USA) | Price Trend (India) | Key Features | Performance & Connectivity | Reviews & User Sentiment |
| Apple iPhone 11 | ~$499–$599 (launch) | ₹40,000–₹50,000 approx (used/refurb) | Dual 12 MP cameras, 6.1″ LCD | A13 Bionic, 4 G LTE | Solid performer for everyday tasks; great battery; still reliable but lacks 5G. Strong value for budget buyers. |
| Apple iPhone 12 | ~$699–$799 (launch) | ₹49,000–₹65,000 approx | OLED Super Retina, Ceramic Shield | A14 Bionic, 5G support | Appreciated for pop-off OLED display and 5G; modest upgrades over 11; cost-effective if discounted. |
| Apple iPhone 13 | ~$799–$899 (launch) | ₹59,000+ approx Ô | Strong battery, improved cameras | A15 Bionic, 5G | Balanced performance and camera uplift; generally seen as the “sweet spot” upgrade for most. |
| Apple iPhone 14 | ~$799–$999 (launch) | ₹69,000+ (current retail) | 5G, larger batteries, improved durability | A15 / newer pipe | Faster than 11, better battery; incremental vs 13 but still solid. |
| Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max | ~$1,099–$1,299+ (launch) | ₹85,000+ (current retail) | Pro-grade camera, USB-C, Dynamic Island | A17/A16 Bionic, 5G | Premium flagship; best performance and camera; comparatively high cost but top-tier experience. |
iPhone Price Comparison by Country
| Model | USA (USD) | UK (GBP) | India (INR) | EU/Germany (EUR) | Australia (AUD) |
| Apple iPhone 11 | ~$599* | ~£729* | ~₹49,000+* | ~€699* | ~A$899* |
| Apple iPhone 12 | ~$799* | ~£799* | ~₹59,000+* | ~€849* | ~A$1,099* |
| Apple iPhone 13 | ~$799–$899* | ~£779* | ~₹59,000+* | ~€899* | ~A$1,099* |
| Apple iPhone 14 | ~$799* | ~£849* | ~₹69,000+* | ~€949* | ~A$1,199* |
| Apple iPhone 15 | ~$799* | ~£799* | ~₹79,900* | ~€949* | ~A$1,499* |
Reviews & User Sentiment Summary
| Model Family | User/Reviewer Highlights |
| iPhone 11 | Seen as reliable, solid performance and battery; great value as a budget option in 2025. Many users still use it happily years later. |
| iPhone 12 | Well-liked for its OLED display and 5G, though some feel the upgrade vs 11 isn’t dramatic if the price is close. |
| iPhone 13 | Popular upgrade for overall balance — performance, battery life, and storage make it a lasting choice. |
| iPhone 14 | Incremental over 13; extra improvements in durability and battery. |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | Flagship praise for cameras, performance, and premium design — but price reflects the top-tier segment. |
Best Choices by Value
| Goal | Recommended Model |
| Best Budget Value | iPhone 11 (if heavily discounted/refurb) |
| Balanced Everyday Performer | iPhone 13 |
| Best Display + Future-Proofing | iPhone 12 / 14 |
| Top Performance & Camera | iPhone 15 Pro Max |
Who Should Buy It?
Who the iPhone 11 is PERFECT for:
- First-time iPhone users on a tight budget who want to experience iOS.
- Students or secondary phone users who need a reliable, capable device for communication and apps.
- Social media creators who prioritize stable, good-quality video over pro-level photography.
- Upgraders from iPhone 8/X or older who want a significant camera and speed boost without the latest price tag.
NEWER model (iPhone 13 or later):
- Users who need all-day battery life without worrying about health degradation.
- Mobile photographers who shoot regularly in low light.
- Anyone who plans to keep their phone for 4+ years and needs the longest possible software support.
- Gamers who play graphically intensive titles.
Apple iPhone 11: Global Pricing, Specs & Reviews
| Country | Approx. Price (Local) | Approx. Price (USD) | Notes |
| United States | ~$699 (launch) | ~$699 | Original launch price (64 GB) |
| Canada | CAD 979 | ~USD 730-780 | 64 GB base price |
| United Kingdom | £729 | ~USD 910 | Launch price before discounts |
| Germany | €799 | ~USD 870 | Pricing at launch |
| India | ₹64,900-₹79,900 | ~USD 780-960 | Retail launch pricing for storage variants |
| China | ¥5,499 | ~USD 760 | Launch price – 64 GB |
| Australia | AUD 1,199 | ~USD 770 | Base version pricing |
| UAE | AED 2,949 | ~USD 803 | Launch pricing |
| South Africa | ZAR 15,499 | ~USD 900 | Example local price |
| Nigeria | NGN 299,000 | ~USD 400 | Local estimate varies |
Availability and prices today vary widely — older/new units, refurbished phones, and second-hand markets offer much lower prices (often $250–$350 for refurbished models).
Specifications & Key Features
| Category | Details |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, 828 × 1792 pixels |
| Processor | Apple A13 Bionic chip |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage Options | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12 MP (Wide + Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Battery | 3110 mAh (approx) |
| Charging | Fast-charge capable (adapter not included), Wireless charging |
| OS | iOS (launched with iOS 13, upgradable) |
| Build & Durability | IP68 water & dust resistance |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5, LTE, Dual-SIM (nano + eSIM) |
Features That Stand Out
- Strong performance thanks to the A13 Bionic — still capable years after launch.
- Versatile dual-camera system with wide & ultra-wide lenses + Night Mode.
- Improved battery life compared to predecessors like the XR.
- Water/dust resistance (IP68) — better than many rivals at launch.
Reviews & User Sentiment
| Aspect | General Feedback |
| Performance | Praised for fast and smooth performance even years later, thanks to A13 chip. |
| Camera | Dual camera widely appreciated; good quality shots, night mode. |
| Display | LCD screen is good but not as vivid as OLED on pricier models. |
| Battery | All-day battery for typical use; solid for its age. |
| Overall Value | Often described as a “great value flagship”, balancing performance and price. |
| Drawbacks | No 5G support; charger not included in box; screen not OLED. |
Where to Buy Safely?
If you decide the iPhone 11 is for you, buying smart is essential.
- Prioritize Certified Refurbished: Sellers like Beyond the Box Certified Pre-Owned, Switch’s “Giga” program, or reputable shops in Greenhills (e.g., AJT Gadget World) offer warranties. This is worth the premium.
- The Non-Negotiable Checklist:
- Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. 85% or above is ideal.
- Original Parts: Check the IMEI on Apple’s coverage check website. Ensure Face ID, True Tone display, and camera switches work perfectly—non-original screens can break these.
- Physical Inspection: Check for dents, frame separation, or screen discoloration.
- Extreme Caution on Online Marketplaces: If buying from Facebook Marketplace or Carousell, meet in person, do a full inspection, and use the checklist above. Avoid sellers who refuse to show the battery health or demo the phone.
In Conclusion
The iPhone 11 in 2025 is no longer a “flagship.” It is a competent, entry-point iOS device whose value is entirely defined by its current PHP 15k-20k price tag and continued software support. For the right user with clear expectations, it remains a tool that gets the job done very well. For others, saving a bit longer for an iPhone 13 is a more future-proof investment.
Related Reading: Check out our guide on how to choose the right Mobile Payment Apps.