Is the iPhone 11 Still Good in 2025?
Short answer? Yes—but only if you’re after a bargain and don’t mind skipping out on a few modern perks. The iPhone 11 was a hit in 2019, and it still packs a punch in 2025. But let’s break it down and see if it’s the right phone for you.
Why You Might Still Love the iPhone 11 in 2025
âś… The Good Stuff
You can grab one for around £179 (refurbished, “Very Good” condition). That’s just a quarter of its original price.
Aluminium frame keeps it light while the glass finish adds some class.
The 12MP main and ultra-wide cameras hold their own, even against newer models. Perfect for Instagram-level photography.
The A13 Bionic chip is still no slouch, handling everyday apps and games like a champ.
❌ The Not-So-Good Stuff
If you need faster data speeds, you’re out of luck here. It’s 4G all the way.
The Liquid Retina LCD looks fine but isn’t as sharp or vibrant as modern OLED displays.
- Apple could stop security updates in 2026. After that, it’s basically a digital zombie.
Is It Fast Enough?
The iPhone 11’s A13 Bionic chip still performs well:
- Clock speed: 2.65 GHz
- RAM: 4GB
- Neural cores: 8 (for AI tasks like improving photo quality)
Day-to-day, it’s smooth. Scrolling through TikTok? No problem, but don’t expect butter-smooth frame rates for intense apps and games. It won’t outperform newer phones, but it doesn’t feel ancient either.
How’s the Camera?
Pretty great! Here’s what you get:
- Main lens: 12MP, f/1.8
- Ultra-wide: 12MP, 120° field of view
- Selfie camera: 12MP TrueDepth
Photos are sharp and colorful, though night shots aren’t as crisp as newer models. The raised camera housing was divisive when it launched, but now it’s just… normal.
The Display: Meh, But Fine
It’s an LCD, not OLED, which means:
- Blacks aren’t as deep.
- The resolution (828p) is below Full HD.
For scrolling socials and YouTube, it’s good enough. For tech snobs or movie buffs? Look elsewhere.
Battery and Charging
- Wireless charging: Yes (with Qi pads).
- Fast charging: Also yes, if you’ve got the right cable and adapter.
- Battery life: Up to 17 hours of video playback when new, but refurbished models may vary.
Refurbished iPhones at The Big Phone Store come with at least 80% battery health, so you won’t have to carry a charger everywhere.
Who Should Buy the iPhone 11?
- You want a cheap, reliable iPhone.
- You’re not fussed about 5G or flashy features.
- You need a decent camera and solid build quality.
- You want 5G or the best display tech.
- You need a phone that’ll last for years—2026 might be its last security update.
Fun Fact!
Unlike Android phones, iPhones don’t let you expand storage with an SD card. So pick a model with enough storage upfront. A 128GB iPhone 11 should suit most people.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 in 2025 is like a solid secondhand car—it won’t win any races, but it’ll get you where you need to go. If you’re after a great deal on a refurbished flagship iPhone, it’s a steal. Just don’t expect it to outlast the latest models.
