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 2025?”
This guide cuts through the noise of outdated listings and spec sheets.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
The Modern Context – Software & Support in 2025
The single most important fact for any older iPhone is its software support. Here, the iPhone 11 delivers a surprise that forms the core of its value proposition.
Full iOS 26 Compatibility: Contrary to what you might expect from a six-year-old device, the iPhone 11 is fully compatible with iOS 26, the latest version of Apple’s operating system as of late 2025. This means you still get critical security updates, privacy enhancements, and access to the newest features of iMessage, FaceTime, and Photos.
What This Means for You:
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Security: Your device is protected against the latest known vulnerabilities.
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App Ecosystem: Most apps on the App Store continue to support iOS 15 and later, ensuring you can run popular social, banking, and productivity apps without issue.
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Longevity: This level of support is unparalleled in the Android world and is the primary reason iPhones retain usability for so long.
The Caveat: While it runs iOS 26, it doesn’t support every feature. Advanced AI-driven capabilities like “Apple Intelligence” are reserved for newer models (typically iPhone 15 Pro and later). For core smartphone functionality, however, it remains fully capable.
2025 Market Price in the Philippines (Updated)
Gone are the days of the PHP 52,990 launch price. The iPhone 11 now exists almost exclusively in the refurbished and pre-owned market, which demands careful navigation. Prices vary significantly based on condition, battery health, and seller reputation.
Here is a breakdown of the current market range as of late 2025:
| Condition & Seller Type | Price Range (PHP) for 64GB | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Refurbished (e.g., from major authorized resellers) | 18,000 – 23,000 | Best balance of value and peace of mind. Usually includes a warranty (often 1 year), new battery, and cosmetic refurbishment. |
| Good Condition Pre-Owned (From reputable specialty shops in Greenhills or trusted online sellers) | 14,000 – 18,000 | Likely has some minor cosmetic wear. Crucial to check battery health (aim for 85% or higher) and verify all functions. |
| Budget Pre-Owned (Online marketplaces) | 10,000 – 14,000 | Highest risk. Often sold “as-is.” May have significant cosmetic issues, low battery health, or non-original parts. Extreme caution advised. |
Why the Price Makes Sense: At this PHP 15k-20k range, the iPhone 11 enters a fierce battleground with modern budget Android phones. Its appeal isn’t raw specs, but the refined iOS experience, strong video camera performance, and the reliability of the Apple ecosystem at an accessible entry point.
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:
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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.
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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.
The Value Decision: iPhone 11 vs. Newer Models
Is the savings worth the trade-offs? Compare it to two common upgrade paths.
| Feature | iPhone 11 (2019) | iPhone 13 (2021) | iPhone 15 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. Price (PHP, Used/Refurb) | 14,000 – 23,000 | 28,000 – 38,000 | 45,000 – 55,000+ |
| Display | LCD (Liquid Retina HD) | OLED (Super Retina XDR) – Brighter, better contrast | OLED with Dynamic Island |
| Design & Build | Aluminum frame, Glass back | More durable Ceramic Shield glass | Titanium frame (Pro), USB-C |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic (Significantly faster) | A16 / A17 Pro (Cutting-edge) |
| Key Camera Advantage | Ultra-wide lens | Dramatically better low-light photos | 48MP main sensor, 5x Telephoto (Pro) |
| Software Support Horizon | Likely ends ~2026 | Likely ends ~2028 | Likely ends ~2030+ |
The Verdict: The iPhone 13 is the most meaningful “value jump.” For about PHP 10-15k more than a premium-refurbished iPhone 11, you get a vastly better OLED display, significantly improved battery life and cameras, and several more years of software support. The iPhone 11 wins only if your budget is strictly constrained.
Final Verdict & Who Should Buy It
Who the iPhone 11 is PERFECT for:
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First-time iPhone users on a tight budget who want to experience iOS.
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Students or secondary phone users who need a reliable, capable device for communication and apps.
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Social media creators who prioritize stable, good-quality video over pro-level photography.
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Upgraders from iPhone 8/X or older who want a significant camera and speed boost without the latest price tag.
Who should look at a NEWER model (iPhone 13 or later):
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Users who need all-day battery life without worrying about health degradation.
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Mobile photographers who shoot regularly in low light.
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Anyone who plans to keep their phone for 4+ years and needs the longest possible software support.
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Gamers who play graphically intensive titles.
Where to Buy Safely in the Philippines
If you decide the iPhone 11 is for you, buying smart is essential.
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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.
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The Non-Negotiable Checklist:
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Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health. 85% or above is ideal.
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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.
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Physical Inspection: Check for dents, frame separation, or screen discoloration.
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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.