iPhone 11 Lineup Comparison - How to Decide Which One to Buy?

iPhone 11 vs 11 Pro vs 11 Pro Max

By Kendra D. Mitchell |

Introduced in September 2019, the iPhone 11 is the able successor to the iPhone XR. Compared to the XR, it offers longer battery life, more RAM, and a faster A13 Bionic processor. Alongside the iPhone 11, Apple also unleashed the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. But can you really tell the difference between these three smartphones? Well, this comparison article is going to break down the details for you.

Part 1. Color & Design Comparison

All the iPhone 11 models share common aesthetics, specifically the glossy all-glass back and a notched display. However, there are some differences in size-wise. Whereas the iPhone 11 measures 5.9 x 3 x 0.33 inches, the 11 Pro measures 5.7 x 2.8 x 0.32 inches while the 11 Pro Max measures in at 6.2 x 3.1 x 0.32 inches. Another design difference is that the iPhone 11 Pros have stainless steel sides while the iPhone 11 features aluminum sides.

As for the iPhone 11 color options, you’ll enjoy more variety with the iPhone 11. This product comes in Black, Yellow, Green, Product RED, White, and Purple. The iPhone 11 Pro Color options, on the other hand, are quite limited. The Pros are available in Gold, Silver, Space Gray, and Midnight Green only. But overall, the design and appearances are quite similar.

Part 2. Camera Comparison

The chances are that you’re stuck choosing between these iPhones because they all offer excellent camera sensors. Well, you’re right because the feature 12MP wide and 12MP ultra-wide rear cameras. Also, these phones come with 12MP front FaceTime camera.

However, the Pros take it a notch higher with the third telephoto rear camera. With it, you’ll get 2x more optical zoom and better low-light performance, compared to when using the iPhone 11 Camera. As for the video quality, they can all take 4K clips at 60fps and 1080p videos at up to 240fps. Don’t forget the Quad-LED dual-tone flash for taking vivid videos and photos in darker surroundings.

Part 3. Display Comparison

Surprisingly, the cheaper iPhone 11 offers a bigger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD than the Pro’s 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display. The Pro Max, however, blows them out of the water with its eye-popping 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED display. The OLED screen on the Pros offers more vibrant pictures and deeper blacks.

Quickly moving forward to the pixel density, the iPhone 11 only gets 326 PPI (pixels per inch) while Pros support up to 458 PPI. As expected, the Pros also have superior resolutions with the Pro Max offering 2,688 x 1,242 pixels while the Pro supports 2,436 x 1,125 pixels. That’s significantly higher than the iPhone 11’s 1,792 x 828-pixel resolution.

Part 4. Battery & Charging Comparison

Compared to its predecessors, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max, you’ll enjoy a capacity boost with the iPhone 11s. For example, the iPhone 11 can last up to an hour longer than the XR, which offers up to 65 hours of audio and 16 hours of video playback. Apple also claims that the iPhone Pro can last four hours more than the XS, while the Pro Max can give 5 hours more than the XS Max.

As for the charging, all phones support fast-charging via an 18W adapter. Also, they all support Qi wireless charging. Sadly, for the iPhone 11, you’ll need to purchase the 18W charger separately or make do with the bundled 5W adapter.

Part 5. Cracked Screen & Waterproofing Comparison

The iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max screens use scratch-resistant glass with oleophobic coating. This way, the phones can easily handle small drops of up to 8-feet without any scratch. But for a smartphone this expensive, it’s best to take good care of it.

As for the water-resistance, these smartphones are IP68 rated. The iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro should withstand water depths up to 6.5 feet (2 meters). The Pro Max takes it even higher, up to 13-feet (4 meters). Also, all phones should survive up to half an hour underwater.

Part 6. Storage Comparison

As far as the RAM storage is concerned, all three phones have a 4GB capacity. Honestly, this is what you’ll get in most high-end smartphones currently. However, the internal storage capacities vary. The iPhone 11 is available in 256GB, 128GB, and 64GB. The Pro and Pro Max are available in 512GB, 256GB, and 64GB. Take note that the storages are not expandable via microSD.

Part 7. Price Comparison

Apple will probably launch the iPhone 12 in mid-October 2020. Therefore, it’s wise to get your iPhone 11 as early as possible. That’s because the price might shoot with the introduction of the new flagship. For instance, the $699 entry-level price tag of the iPhone 11 is $50 lower than its predecessor XR’s $749 price.

Here is a complete price breakdown of the iPhone 11:

• iPhone 11: $849 (256GB), $749 ($128), $699 (64GB)
• iPhone 11 Pro: $1,349 (512GB), $1,149 (256GB), $999 (64GB)
• iPhone 11 Pro Max: $1,449 (512GB), $1,249 (256GB), $1,099 (64GB)

Final Verdict

From the look of things, it’s evident that these iPhones are not your ‘regular’ smartphones. They all offer displays to match, the all-powerful A13 Bionic processor, extensive battery life, and so much more. However, iPhone 11 Pro Max is the more sophisticated, despite the steep price. So, as we wait for the iPhone 12, you can make do with the iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Tip: With up to 16 hours of video playback time and 65 hours of audio playback, you can transfer media files to your iPhone and enjoy on-the-go. In that case, download and install Wondershare UniConverter in your Mac or Windows. It’s straightforward to use and offers a 30x faster file-sharing speed than standard methods. Below is how to use it:

Step 1: Open the Transfer tool

Run Wondershare UniConverter and then click Toolbox before pressing the Transfer function. Now use your iPhone’s charging cable to connect it to your computer. Trust the devices if prompted.

Step 2: Upload files

Now drag-and-drop your files on the Transfer window. Alternatively, click the Folder button at the upper-left corner to open local storage.

Step 3. Transfer files

Choose your iPhone’s name on the upper-right drop-down list before pressing Transfer All. Enjoy!

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