iPhone 11 vs 10: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Struggling to decide between the iPhone 11 and its predecessor, the iPhone 10? You’re not alone. Many potential buyers find themselves torn between these two popular models. This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
The iPhone 10, released in 2017, marked a significant design shift for Apple. It introduced features like Face ID and a nearly bezel-less display. Now, the iPhone 11 offers some notable upgrades.
We’ll explore the cameras, performance, battery life, and overall value of both phones. Whether you’re upgrading from an older iPhone or considering your first, this guide will provide a clear understanding of what each device offers. Let’s dive into the details of the iPhone 11 vs 10 comparison.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 10 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Display Type | Liquid Retina HD | Super Retina HD |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | Dual 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 17 hours | Up to 13 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Offers good color accuracy and brightness. However, it lacks the higher resolution and pixel density of some competitors.
- 10: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. Offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent clarity due to its OLED technology. The smaller size might be preferred by some.
- Winner: 10
Processor
- iPhone 11: Powered by the A13 Bionic chip, offering a significant performance boost over previous generations. Provides faster processing speeds, improved graphics, and enhanced power efficiency.
- 10: Equipped with the A11 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor. Offers excellent performance for its time, handling most tasks smoothly. However, it’s noticeably slower than the A13.
- Winner: 11
Cameras
- iPhone 11: Features a dual-camera system with 12MP wide and ultra-wide lenses. Offers impressive image quality, especially in low light, with Night mode. The ultra-wide lens expands creative possibilities.
- 10: Includes a dual 12MP camera system with wide and telephoto lenses. Produces high-quality photos and videos, but lacks the ultra-wide lens and advanced Night mode of the iPhone 11.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- iPhone 11: Provides significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 10. Can easily last a full day of moderate to heavy use.
- 10: Offers decent battery life, but it tends to drain faster compared to the iPhone 11, especially with intensive tasks.
- Winner: 11
Design
- iPhone 11: Features a slightly thicker design with a matte-finish aluminum frame and a glass back. Available in a wider range of colors. The camera bump is more pronounced.
- 10: Boasts a sleek design with a stainless steel frame and a glass back. Offers a more premium feel. Available in fewer color options.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 11: Generally more affordable than the original launch price of the iPhone 10 when it was released. Offers excellent value for the performance and features it provides, especially when purchased used.
- 10: Typically available at lower prices now, especially when purchased used. However, the initial price was higher than the iPhone 11.
- Winner: 11
Video Recording
- iPhone 11: Capable of recording 4K video at up to 60fps with extended dynamic range. The ultra-wide lens allows for more creative video shots.
- 10: Records 4K video at up to 60fps, but lacks the ultra-wide lens. Offers excellent video quality for its time.
- Winner: 11
Water Resistance
- iPhone 11: Offers IP68 water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes. Provides a higher level of protection against water damage.
- 10: Features IP67 water resistance, withstanding submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Offers good protection, but slightly less than the iPhone 11.
- Winner: 11
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Processor | iPhone 11 |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone 10 (Used/Refurbished) |
| Display Size | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common
- Face Id: Both iPhone models feature Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking, offering a convenient alternative to a fingerprint sensor.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, allowing you to charge your device without the need for cables.
- Dual 12mp Cameras: Both iPhones have dual 12MP rear cameras, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- 4K Video Recording: Both devices can record videos in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing access to a vast ecosystem of apps and services.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 10 Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The iPhone 11 boasts the A13 Bionic chip, offering significantly improved performance compared to the A11 Bionic in the iPhone 10. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced graphics processing for gaming and video editing. The A13 also features a more advanced Neural Engine, enabling superior machine learning capabilities. You’ll notice the difference in day-to-day use, especially with demanding applications or resource-intensive tasks. The iPhone 11 provides a noticeably snappier and more responsive user experience.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide and ultrawide lens, offering greater versatility in photography. The ultrawide lens allows you to capture more expansive scenes, while the improved Night mode delivers impressive low-light performance. The iPhone 10, with its single or dual (in the case of the Plus model) 12MP camera setup, offers good image quality, but it lacks the ultrawide lens and the enhanced Night mode. The iPhone 11 takes superior photos in various lighting conditions.
Battery Life & Endurance
The iPhone 11 comes with a notably improved battery life compared to the iPhone 10. Apple optimized the internal components, and the A13 chip is more power-efficient. You can expect significantly longer usage times with the iPhone 11, easily lasting through a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 10’s battery can drain faster, particularly with intensive tasks like gaming or streaming. The iPhone 11 offers a considerable advantage in terms of battery endurance, reducing the need for frequent charging.
Display & Visual Experience
Both phones have vibrant displays, but the iPhone 11 has a slightly updated Liquid Retina HD display. While the resolution is similar, the iPhone 11’s display might be a bit brighter and the screen is more durable. The iPhone 10 features a Super Retina HD display, which is still excellent. However, The iPhone 11 delivers a slightly better visual experience in terms of brightness and potentially scratch resistance. Both phones provide a great visual experience for media consumption.
Design & Build Quality
The iPhone 11 features a slightly updated design with a matte-textured back and a more durable glass. The iPhone 10 has a glass back and stainless steel frame. The iPhone 11 offers a more modern and slightly more robust design. Both phones are well-built and feel premium, but the iPhone 11 is more durable. The iPhone 11 also comes in more color options. The design difference is subtle, but the iPhone 11 offers a more modern aesthetic.
Software & Updates
Both phones run iOS, but the iPhone 11 is likely to receive software updates for a longer period. Apple typically provides software support for several years after a device’s release. Therefore, the iPhone 11 is likely to have a longer lifespan in terms of software updates and new feature availability. The iPhone 10 will still receive updates, but its support window is closing faster. This means the iPhone 11 is a better long-term investment.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want a phone with longer battery life.
- You prioritize a slightly larger display.
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You want better water resistance.
Buy iPhone 10 If…
- You prefer a more compact design.
- You are on a tighter budget.
- You don’t need the latest features.
- You find a good deal on a used or refurbished model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 11 has a superior camera system. It includes a dual-camera setup with an ultrawide lens, providing greater flexibility for capturing various shots. The iPhone 11 also benefits from improved Night mode performance for low-light photography. The iPhone 10’s camera is still good, but it lacks the versatility and advanced features of the iPhone 11’s camera system.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 11 is significantly faster due to its A13 Bionic chip. This results in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance. The A11 Bionic in the iPhone 10 is still capable, but it is not as snappy as the iPhone 11. The iPhone 11 provides a noticeably more responsive user experience for both everyday tasks and demanding applications.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone 11 offers a much improved battery life compared to the iPhone 10. The A13 Bionic chip is more power-efficient, and the iPhone 11 has a slightly larger battery. You can expect the iPhone 11 to last through a full day of heavy use. The iPhone 10’s battery life is adequate but can drain faster, particularly during resource-intensive activities.
Is the iPhone 11 more durable?
Yes, the iPhone 11 is generally considered to be more durable. It features a matte-textured back and more robust glass, making it more resistant to scratches and damage. The iPhone 10 is also well-built, but the iPhone 11’s design enhancements make it slightly more durable for everyday use and accidental drops. The iPhone 11 is a more durable choice overall.
What are the key design differences?
The iPhone 11 has a matte-textured back and a square camera bump. The iPhone 10 has a glass back and stainless steel frame. The iPhone 11 also comes in more color options. While both phones feature premium designs, the iPhone 11 offers a slightly more modern aesthetic and is more durable. The design differences are subtle but contribute to the overall experience.
Will the iPhone 10 still receive software updates?
Yes, the iPhone 10 will still receive software updates for a period, but its software support window will be shorter compared to the iPhone 11. Apple typically provides updates for several years after a device’s release. The iPhone 11 is likely to have a longer lifespan in terms of software updates and new feature availability, making it a better long-term investment.
Which phone is a better value?
The better value depends on the price. If the iPhone 10 is significantly cheaper, it could be a good option for those on a budget. However, considering the improved performance, camera, and battery life, the iPhone 11 is the better value overall, even if it costs slightly more. This is due to the improvements in essential features.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 offers significant improvements over the iPhone 10, including a faster processor, enhanced camera capabilities, and better battery life. While the iPhone 10 remains a capable device, the iPhone 11’s advancements in performance and features make it the superior choice for most users, offering a better overall experience.
Winner: iPhone 11