Which iPhone 11 Is Best for You?

Apple’s newest iPhones bring an all-new camera setup, color options, and more powerful processor. But should you buy the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max? Here’s an easy guide to help you select your next iPhone.

Apple made some major changes to its iPhone lineup this week with the introduction of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max, each of which feature improved hardware, better battery life, and updated camera sensors. If you’re wondering which new iPhone to purchase, there are a lot of factors to take into consideration.

Price

In addition to releasing three solid new flagships, Apple surprised us with a price cut for the entry-level iPhone 11. The 64GB iPhone 11 starts at $699—down $50 from last year’s iPhone XR. There’s also 128GB and 256GB versions available for $749 and $840, respectively.

The iPhone 11 Pro is Apple’s least expensive offering with an OLED display and new triple camera setup. The 64GB version sells for $999; jump to 256GB of storage for $1,149 or 512GB for $1,349.

If you want the biggest display possible, the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $1,099 for the 64GB model; the 256GB version sells for $1,249 and the 512GB is $1,449.

Size

The iPhone 11 trio offers a size for everyone. While you might think the iPhone 11 is the smallest of the bunch, the 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro is actually the way to go if you prefer small phones. It measures 5.62 by 2.81 by 0.32 (HWD) and comes in at just 6.3 ounces.

The 6.1-inch iPhone 11 is in the middle of the lineup. It measures 5.94 by 2.98 by 0.33 inches and is slightly heavier than its smaller counterpart at 6.84 ounces. The 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max, meanwhile, is the largest and heaviest of the new lineup coming in at 6.22 by 3.06 by 0.32 inch and 7.97 ounces.

Size is ultimately a personal choice; the iPhone 11 is probably best for most people. But if smartphone photography is important to you, your best bet is the iPhone 11 Pro.

Display

One of the biggest differences between the iPhone and iPhone 11 Pro lineup is its display. The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch LCD display with a 1,792-by-828-pixel resolution at 326ppi. The iPhone 11 features a 5.8-inch OLED panel with Apple’s new Super Retina XDR technology; pixel resolution is 2,436 by 1,125 at 458ppi. The iPhone 11 Pro Max has the same display as its smaller sibling but clocks in at 6.5 inches.

If you constantly watch multimedia, game, or edit photos on your phone, the iPhone 11 Pro models will be your best bet. Otherwise, save some money and go for the iPhone 11.

Cameras

Cameras are the most important differentiator between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. On the iPhone 11, you’ll find dual 12MP ultra-wide and wide cameras on the back and a 12MP front-facing shooter.

One the iPhone Pro, you’ll find a triple camera stack with 12MP sensors. There’s a primary wide-angle lens, ultra-wide-angle lens with a 120-degree field of view, and a (not actually) telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom in and out as well as 10x digital zoom. The selfie cam comes in at 12MP.

All three new iPhones feature excellent cameras, but the iPhone 11 Pro is the most versatile. It includes all the same sensors as the iPhone Pro Max, has a smaller footprint, and is less expensive.

Battery

With its new A13 Bionic chip, Apple promises that its trio of new iPhones will have significantly better battery life than their predecessors.

Of the three, you’ll see the most modest battery life bump on the iPhone 11. Apple promises an additional hour of battery life compared to the iPhone XR. The iPhone 11 Pro clocks in an extra four hours over its predecessor, while the iPhone 11 Pro Max should eke out an extra five hours over the iPhone XS Max.

No matter which iPhone you choose, you should be able to get a full day between charges. For most people, the iPhone 11 Pro will likely be the most practical choice. In addition to all-day battery life, the Pro lineup includes an 18W charger in the box, which can bump a phone to 50 percent battery life in just a half hour.

Verdict

So which iPhone should you choose? Ultimately it boils down to your needs. If you’re willing to forego the camera tricks and improved display, the 128GB iPhone 11 is a great and affordable choice. For most people, though, the 256GB iPhone 11 Pro is the perfect option because it offers all the latest iPhone features, is easy to hold, and comes in at a $100 less than the iPhone 11 Max Pro.

Pre-orders begin on Friday, Sept. 13 at 5 a.m. PT; they ship on Sept. 20.