The iPhone 11, with its robust design and performance, has been a fan favourite since its launch. We’re introduced to the iPhone 14 Plus, boasting significant upgrades and new features. But how does it truly compare to its predecessor? This article delves deep into the fabric of both models, dissecting their design, display, camera capabilities, performance, battery life, and much more to give you a clear picture of which device might be the right choice.
Understanding the key differences and advancements can help consumers make an informed decision. While the iPhone 11 has its charm, the iPhone 14 Plus offers enhancements that may be worth considering. Let’s examine the differences between these two remarkable devices and see how they compare.
Related: iPhone 11 Compare to iPhone 14
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 14 Plus: Picking the Perfect Apple Phone for You
Trying to decide between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 Plus? You’re not alone. Both offer a fantastic Apple experience, but at different price points and with varying features. This in-depth comparison will help you pick the perfect iPhone for your needs.
Design and Display
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches (LCD) | 6.7 inches (OLED) |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 2778 x 1284 pixels |
| Screen-to-Body Ratio | 80.04% | 87.97% |
| Design | Aluminum frame, rounded corners | Flat-edged design, Ceramic Shield front |
At first glance, the iPhone 14 Plus presents itself as a sleek contender, drawing inspiration from the design philosophy of its predecessors while refining edges and materials for a more premium feel. The iPhone 11, known for its durability and comfortable grip, contrasts with the 14 Plus’s larger display and thinner bezels, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The two may be preferences for screen size versus hand fit.
The leap in display technology from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 14 Plus is nothing short of impressive. The latter flaunts a Super Retina XDR display, offering brighter colours, deeper blacks, and a more dynamic range than the iPhone 11’s Liquid Retina display. Resolution-wise, the iPhone 14 Plus takes the lead, providing crisper and more detailed visuals, a significant factor for users who consume a lot of media on their devices.
Camera
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | Dual-lens (12MP wide + 12MP ultrawide) | Dual-lens (12MP main + 12MP ultrawide) |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth with autofocus |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps with Cinematic mode |
Photography enthusiasts will find the camera comparison intriguing. The iPhone 11’s dual-camera system was a significant upgrade at its time, featuring a wide and ultra-wide lens. However, the iPhone 14 Plus elevates this with advanced sensor technology, better low-light performance, and more sophisticated computational photography capabilities. This means sharper images, more detailed night shots, and superior photo quality.
The front camera enhancements on the iPhone 14 Plus are a game-changer for vloggers and selfie aficionados. It introduces autofocus and a wider aperture, allowing for more detailed, vibrant selfies and clearer video calls. Additionally, the video recording capabilities have been upgraded, with the iPhone 14 Plus supporting higher resolution and frame rates, making it a versatile tool for content creators.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Battery | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 20 hours video playback |
Under the hood, the iPhone 14 Plus is powered by a newer, more efficient chipset. Compared to the iPhone 11, it offers faster processing speeds, improved graphics performance, and enhanced AI capabilities. This translates to smoother multitasking, better gaming experiences, and more efficient app usage.
Battery life is crucial for many users, and here, the iPhone 14 Plus shines with a larger battery and more energy-efficient components. It boasts longer usage times between charges than the iPhone 11, along with faster charging capabilities and MagSafe technology, providing a more convenient and versatile charging experience.
Software
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS 16 (upgradeable) | iOS 16 |
| Software Support | Up to iOS 19 (estimated) | Up to iOS 22 (estimated) |
The iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 Plus benefit from Apple’s commitment to software updates, ensuring access to the latest features and security enhancements. However, the iPhone 14 Plus will likely receive updates for longer, extending its longevity and value over time.
With the iPhone 14 Plus introduction, Apple has rolled out new software features that take advantage of its hardware improvements. These include enhanced reality applications, more sophisticated health tracking, and safety features like crash detection, making the iPhone 14 Plus not just a communication device but a multifaceted tool for modern life.
Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 14 Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Up to 2 meters for 30 minutes | Up to 6 meters for 30 minutes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
The iPhone 14 Plus leaps forward in connectivity, offering 5G support for faster download and upload speeds, improved streaming quality, and more responsive online gaming. This is a significant upgrade over the iPhone 11, limited to 4G LTE, marking the 14 Plus as a future-proof investment for those reliant on high-speed internet connectivity.
Beyond the core specifications, the iPhone 14 Plus introduces additional hardware enhancements, such as improved water and dust resistance, a more robust ceramic shield front cover, and spatial audio support for a more immersive audio experience. These incremental improvements contribute to a more durable and enjoyable user experience.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 11
- Pros: More affordable, longer availability of refurbished models, excellent battery life.
- Cons: Older design, lower-resolution LCD display, less advanced camera system.
iPhone 14 Plus
- Pros: Larger, sharper OLED display, faster performance, improved camera system with Cinematic mode, longer software support.
- Cons: More expensive, fewer storage options at launch.
Which Should You Buy?
If you prioritize affordability and excellent battery life, the iPhone 11 remains a compelling choice. However, for those seeking the latest technology, a superior display, a more powerful camera, and extended software support, the iPhone 14 Plus justifies its higher price tag.
Who Should Upgrade?
iPhone 6s, 7, 8, or X users will see a dramatic improvement by upgrading.
Who Can Stick With the iPhone 11?
iPhone 11 users who are happy with their phone’s performance and camera quality can likely hold off on upgrading for now. The iPhone 11 is still a capable phone that can handle most everyday tasks and will continue receiving software updates for several years. Upgrading might be worth considering if:
- You crave a larger and sharper display: The iPhone 14 Plus’s OLED screen offers a more immersive viewing experience.
- Low-light photography is important: The iPhone 14 Plus’s camera improvements shine in low-light situations.
- You’re a power user who needs the latest performance: The A15 Bionic chip in the iPhone 14 Plus delivers noticeably faster performance.
- You want the newest features: The iPhone 14 Plus offers features like Cinematic mode for video and potentially longer software support in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the choice between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 Plus comes down to your budget and priorities. The iPhone 11 remains a fantastic value proposition, especially for those seeking a reliable and affordable Apple experience. However, if you crave the latest technology, a larger display, a more powerful camera, and extended software support, the iPhone 14 Plus is the more future-proof option.
Related: iPhone 11 Compare iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 14 Plus FAQs
Q: Which phone is cheaper?
A: The iPhone 11 is generally cheaper than the iPhone 14 Plus.
Q: Which phone has a longer battery life?
A: The iPhone 11 offers similar or slightly better battery life than the iPhone 14 Plus.
Q: Which phone will get software updates for longer?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus, due to its newer hardware, will likely receive iOS updates for a longer period compared to the iPhone 11.
Q: Which phone has a bigger screen?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus has a larger 6.7-inch display than the iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch display.
Q: Which phone has a sharper display?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus boasts a higher resolution OLED display than the iPhone 11’s LCD display.
Q: Which phone takes better pictures?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus offers a more advanced camera system with a larger sensor and improved low-light performance.
Q: Which phone has better video recording?
A: The iPhone 14 Plus introduces a Cinematic mode for professional-looking focus transitions in videos.
Q: I have an iPhone X. Should I upgrade?
A: Yes, the iPhone 11 and iPhone 14 Plus offer significant improvements over the iPhone X in terms of performance, camera, and display.
Q: I’m happy with my iPhone 11. Should I upgrade to the iPhone 14 Plus?
A: Upgrading is not necessary unless you desire a larger display, a better camera system, or the latest features, such as Cinematic mode.
