iPhone 10 vs 11: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 10 and the iPhone 11? You’re not alone! Upgrading your phone is a big decision, and with so many options, it can be tough to know which one is the right fit for you. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice.
We’ll dive into the specs, features, and overall performance of both devices to give you a clear picture. From the design and display to the camera capabilities and battery life, we’ll cover everything you need to know. Both the iPhone 10 and the iPhone 11 have their strengths, so let’s find out which one reigns supreme.
Get ready to explore the nuances of each phone, assessing their value and suitability for your needs. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable daily driver, this comparison of the iPhone 10 vs 11 will provide valuable insights to guide your decision-making process.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Ultrawide Camera | No | Yes |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Battery | 2716 mAh | 3110 mAh |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design
- iPhone 10: Features a sleek glass and stainless steel design with a notch at the top for the front-facing camera and sensors. It offered a premium feel but was prone to fingerprint smudges.
- 11: Sports a similar glass design with an aluminum frame, but with a redesigned camera bump. It’s more durable than the iPhone X, but the overall design is iterative.
- Winner: 11
Display
- iPhone 10: Equipped with a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, delivering vibrant colors and deep blacks. The display was prone to burn-in over time.
- 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, which provides good color accuracy and brightness. While not OLED, it offered excellent viewing angles.
- Winner: 10
Processor
- iPhone 10: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip, which was fast at the time, handling most tasks smoothly. However, it is outdated compared to newer chips.
- 11: Runs on the A13 Bionic chip, significantly faster and more efficient than the A11. This results in smoother performance and better battery life.
- Winner: 11
Camera
- iPhone 10: Features a dual 12MP rear camera system offering good image quality in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance wasn’t as great as newer models.
- 11: Boasts a dual 12MP rear camera system with improvements in low-light performance, and a wider field of view. Night mode is a significant upgrade.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- iPhone 10: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Battery health degrades over time.
- 11: Provides significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone X, easily lasting a full day with heavy use.
- Winner: 11
Storage Options
- iPhone 10: Available in 64GB and 256GB storage options. Limited storage could be a constraint for some users.
- 11: Offered in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options, providing more flexibility for users.
- Winner: 11
Price
- iPhone 10: Was more expensive at launch compared to the iPhone 11. Now, it is much cheaper on the used market.
- 11: Was launched at a lower price point than the iPhone X, making it more accessible to a wider audience.
- Winner: 11 (at launch)
Durability
- iPhone 10: Featured a glass back and stainless steel frame, which was prone to shattering. Repair costs were high.
- 11: Utilized a glass back and an aluminum frame, providing increased durability and reducing the likelihood of damage from drops.
- Winner: 11
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Camera | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Display | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone X |
What They Have in Common:
- Design: Both phones feature a sleek, modern design with a glass back and a stainless steel frame.
- Face Id: Both iPhone models utilize Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking.
- Wireless Charging: Both support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones offer water resistance, protecting against splashes and brief submersion.
- iOS: They both run on the iOS operating system, ensuring a consistent user experience.
Performance Buying Guide
Processor and Speed
The iPhone 10 is powered by the A11 Bionic chip, a capable processor for its time. It handles everyday tasks smoothly, from browsing the web to running apps and playing games. However, the iPhone 11 features the A13 Bionic chip, a significant upgrade. This newer chip provides a noticeable performance boost, resulting in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A13 also offers improved efficiency, contributing to longer battery life.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 10 has a dual 12MP camera system that takes good photos in various lighting conditions. It offers features like Portrait Mode and optical image stabilization. The iPhone 11 greatly improves upon this with its dual 12MP camera system, which includes a wider lens and an ultrawide lens. This addition allows for more expansive shots and introduces new shooting possibilities. The iPhone 11 also provides enhanced image processing, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos.
Display Quality
Both phones boast excellent displays, but they have subtle differences. The iPhone 10 has a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with vibrant colors and sharp details. The iPhone 11 also offers a great display, but it’s a Liquid Retina display, which is still excellent but not quite as sharp as the iPhone 10’s OLED panel. The difference is minor in daily use, and both screens provide immersive viewing experiences, perfect for watching videos or browsing content.
Battery Life
Battery life is an important consideration for any smartphone. The iPhone 10’s battery provides decent battery life for everyday use, lasting a full day with moderate usage. The iPhone 11, with its more efficient processor and larger battery, offers a noticeable improvement in battery life. You can expect significantly longer battery life with the iPhone 11, allowing for extended use without needing to recharge. This is a crucial advantage for heavy users.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature premium designs. The iPhone 10 has a glass and stainless steel design, while the iPhone 11 has a glass and aluminum design. The iPhone 10 feels premium and modern, with a sleek look and feel. The iPhone 11 has a similar design aesthetic, but the aluminum frame makes it slightly more durable. Both phones are well-built and feel solid in the hand, but design preference is subjective.
Price and Value
When considering which iPhone to buy, price is a major factor. The iPhone 10 is typically available at a lower price point now due to its age. The iPhone 11, being a newer model, usually comes with a higher price tag. Considering the upgrades in performance, camera, and battery life, the iPhone 11 offers better overall value, despite the higher cost. The choice depends on budget and the importance of those features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone X If…
- You want a more compact phone size.
- You are on a tighter budget.
- You primarily use your phone for basic tasks.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want a larger display.
- You want better camera capabilities, especially for ultrawide shots and night mode.
- You desire improved performance and longer battery life.
- You want the latest features and software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance?
The iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip delivers significantly improved performance compared to the iPhone 10’s A11 Bionic. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The A13 chip also offers better power efficiency, leading to longer battery life. The difference is noticeable in demanding tasks like gaming and video editing.
How does the camera compare between the two phones?
The iPhone 11’s camera system is a major upgrade. It features a dual 12MP camera system with a wider lens and an ultrawide lens, giving you more creative options. The iPhone 11 also has improved image processing, resulting in better low-light performance and more detailed photos. The iPhone 10’s camera is still good, but the iPhone 11 is superior.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 has significantly better battery life than the iPhone 10. The A13 Bionic chip’s efficiency and a larger battery contribute to this. You can expect to get a full day or more of use on the iPhone 11, while the iPhone 10 may require charging before the end of the day, depending on usage.
What are the differences in display quality?
The iPhone 10 features a Super Retina display (OLED), known for its vibrant colors and sharp details. The iPhone 11 has a Liquid Retina display (LCD), which is also excellent, but not quite as sharp as the iPhone X. Both displays are great for everyday use, but the iPhone X offers a slightly better viewing experience due to its OLED technology.
Is the iPhone 11 worth the extra cost?
Whether the iPhone 11 is worth the extra cost depends on your budget and priorities. The iPhone 11 offers significant upgrades in performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. If these features are important to you, the iPhone 11 provides better value. If budget is a major concern, the iPhone 10 is still a capable phone.
What design differences are there?
Both phones share similar design aesthetics, featuring glass and aluminum/stainless steel. The iPhone 10 has a stainless steel frame and a glass back, while the iPhone 11 has an aluminum frame. The iPhone 11 is generally considered to be slightly more durable due to the aluminum frame. Design preference is largely subjective.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 is better for gaming due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip. The A13 provides faster frame rates, smoother graphics, and quicker loading times. The iPhone 11 also benefits from improved thermal management, which helps prevent overheating during extended gaming sessions. While the iPhone 10 can still play games, the iPhone 11 provides a superior gaming experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 emerges as the superior choice, boasting a more powerful processor, a significantly improved camera system with an ultrawide lens, and notably enhanced battery life. Although the iPhone 10 remains a capable device, the iPhone 11 offers a more modern and versatile user experience, making it the better investment for most users.
Winner: iPhone 11