If you’ve been scrolling through YouTube or local marketplaces lately, you must have noticed one thing — the iPhone 11 refuses to fade away. Even in 2025, people are still talking about it, buying it second-hand, and comparing it with the latest iPhones. And honestly, I get why. This phone, launched back in 2019, still manages to stay relevant for a lot of users.
I’ve personally used the iPhone 11 for a long time — from gaming to photography and even video recording for my YouTube channel. So, in this blog, I’ll share my real-life experience of using the iPhone 11 in 2025 and whether it still makes sense to buy one today.
The Age Factor – 5 Years Later
The first thing we need to admit is that the iPhone 11 is no longer a new device. It has completed more than 5 years since launch, which means Apple’s software support is slowly reaching its end. It’s currently running iOS 18, and while that’s amazing for an old device, the next few updates might not arrive for this model.
So, if you’re someone who always wants the latest iOS features, this could be a limitation. But for regular users — calling, social media, watching videos, light gaming — it still runs smoothly.
The bigger question is: can it handle 2025’s apps and games? Surprisingly, yes. Apple’s A13 Bionic chip still performs well for most everyday tasks and even popular games like BGMI and Call of Duty Mobile run at 60 FPS. That’s not bad for a five-year-old device!
Quick Look: iPhone 11 Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD (LCD) |
| Processor | A13 Bionic Chip |
| RAM | 4 GB |
| Storage Options | 64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12 MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) |
| Front Camera | 12 MP TrueDepth |
| Battery | 3110 mAh (Supports 18W Fast Charging & Wireless Charging) |
| Connectivity | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 certified |
| Operating System | iOS 18 (as of 2025) |
Performance – Still Fast and Reliable
Even in 2025, I can say the iPhone 11 doesn’t feel slow in daily use. Apple’s optimization is top-notch, and the A13 chip handles multitasking pretty comfortably. Apps open fast, transitions feel smooth, and you won’t notice much lag unless you push it hard with long gaming sessions.
However, when it comes to gaming, the phone tends to heat up a bit. The brightness also drops automatically during intense gameplay or outdoor shooting. That’s one area where newer iPhones like the 13 and 14 perform better.
If you’re into gaming, there’s a small hack — use a cooling fan attachment. It really helps in keeping the temperature down and brightness stable for longer sessions.
Display – LCD Still Has Its Charm
The iPhone 11 comes with an LCD panel instead of OLED, which some people call a drawback. But personally, I feel it’s not that bad. The colors are natural, and most importantly, there’s no green tint or screen burn-in issue that some OLED phones suffer from.
The only thing you might notice is slightly thicker bezels and a lower contrast compared to the newer models. Still, for everyday use — Netflix, YouTube, social media — it feels absolutely fine.
If you mostly use your phone indoors, you’ll hardly notice a difference. Outdoors under sunlight, the brightness could’ve been better, but it’s manageable.
Camera – Still Impressive for Its Age
Now let’s talk about one of the strongest points of the iPhone 11 — its camera. Even today, this phone captures amazing photos in daylight. The colors look natural, the detail is sharp, and the video stabilization is excellent.
You get two lenses: a wide and an ultra-wide. The main sensor still produces stunning shots, especially in good lighting. The ultra-wide, however, struggles a bit in low light and lacks the newer modes like Cinematic and Action Mode found in iPhone 13 onwards.
For vloggers and content creators, it’s still a solid choice. I’ve shot a few YouTube videos entirely on the iPhone 11, and the quality easily passes as professional if you have decent lighting.
The front camera also performs nicely for selfies and video calls, though you won’t get that crisp HDR look of newer iPhones.
Battery Life – Manageable but Not Impressive
Battery is one area where age truly shows. A brand new iPhone 11 gave around a full day of backup with moderate use. But in 2025, most second-hand or refurbished units have batteries replaced once or twice.
If you’re buying one, make sure the battery health is above 90%. Otherwise, you’ll have to change it soon. A genuine replacement from Apple or a certified service center will keep the IP68 water resistance intact.
In my usage, a good iPhone 11 battery easily gives around 5–6 hours of screen-on time, which is enough for daily use. And yes, it supports both fast charging and wireless charging — though the wireless one is a bit slow.
Build Quality – Apple’s Classic Durability
One thing I’ve always loved about the iPhone 11 is its build. The glass back and aluminum frame still feel premium even after years. I’ve dropped mine a few times (without a case, guilty!) and it survived with just minor scuffs.
The colors haven’t faded, the buttons still feel clicky, and the speaker output is loud and clear. You can really tell Apple built this to last.
If you’re buying a used one, check for any signs of repair or replaced parts, especially the battery and camera lens. Original parts make a big difference in performance.
Software and Security Updates
At this stage, Apple’s support is still going strong, but the iPhone 11 might get only one or two more iOS updates. After that, your phone will stay on whatever version it’s currently on.
That’s not a dealbreaker for everyone — even older iPhones like the 8 Plus still work fine for calls, browsing, and basic use. However, some banking and security apps might stop working after a few years as they require the latest iOS.
If you plan to use the phone for another 2–3 years, you’re good. Beyond that, you may start facing small app compatibility issues.
Gaming Experience – Decent for the Price
I’ve played BGMI, COD Mobile, and Asphalt 9 on this phone recently, and the experience is still enjoyable. You get 60 FPS gaming with consistent performance most of the time. The only downside is heating and brightness drop after long sessions.
Using a back cooler and reducing graphics settings slightly can make a huge difference. For casual gamers, this phone is more than capable.
Should You Buy iPhone 11 in 2025?
Let’s come to the real question — is it worth buying today? If you’re getting an iPhone 11 in good condition for around 17,000–20,000, I’d say it’s a solid deal. The camera, performance, and build quality still make it one of the most balanced iPhones ever made.
Of course, it’s a 4G phone and won’t get 5G support, so keep that in mind. But for most users — especially students, content creators, or anyone switching from Android — it’s a great entry into the Apple ecosystem.
Final Verdict
After using the iPhone 11 for years and testing it again in 2025, I can confidently say it’s still a reliable and capable phone for its price.
Sure, it lacks a few modern features like 5G, OLED display, and Cinematic mode, but in real-world use, it doesn’t feel outdated. Its performance, camera, and durability easily outshine many mid-range phones even today.
If you’re planning to buy it for casual use, photography, or just to experience iOS on a budget — go for it. Just make sure the battery is healthy and the device hasn’t been repaired badly. So yes, the iPhone 11 in 2025 is still worth buying — as long as you know what you’re getting.
