When Apple unveiled the iPhone 11, it promised not just an upgrade but a transformation. But how does this transformation stand when compared to its predecessor, the iPhone X, which in its time, set a new benchmark for smartphones? Let’s dive into an in-depth comparison, covering every nook and cranny from design to performance, and see which iPhone comes out on top.
Related: iPhone 11 Compared to iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 11 vs iPhone X
Trying to decide between the iPhone 11 and iPhone X? Both offer a premium Apple experience, but they cater to slightly different needs. This in-depth comparison will help you pick the perfect iPhone for you.
Design and Display
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD | 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED |
| Display Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 2436 x 1125 pixels |
| Material | Aluminum and Glass | Stainless Steel and Glass |
| Bezels | Larger Bezels | Thinner Bezels with Notch |
At first glance, the iPhone 11 and iPhone X share Apple’s quintessential sleek aesthetics, but the devil is in the details. The iPhone 11 sports a more vibrant array of colors and a dual-camera setup that’s unmistakably more prominent. On the other hand, the iPhone X, with its stainless steel frame, exudes a more premium feel. Both boast of a front that is nearly all-screen, yet the iPhone 11 opts for a more durable aluminum frame, a subtle nod towards practicality over opulence.
Moving to the display, both phones feature stunning displays, but with a twist in technology. The iPhone X’s Super Retina display offers vivid colors and high contrast ratios, making it a delight for content consumption.
The iPhone 11, meanwhile, brings a Liquid Retina display that, while slightly less ostentatious in terms of resolution and contrast, compensates with true-to-life colors and improved brightness. It’s a close call, with the choice boiling down to personal preference between sheer opulence and realistic hues.
Camera
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Camera | Dual-lens 12MP Wide & Ultrawide | Dual-lens 12MP Wide & Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
The camera is where the iPhone 11 distances itself from the iPhone X. With dual 12MP ultra-wide and wide lenses, the iPhone 11 offers a significant upgrade in versatility and quality of photos over the iPhone X’s dual 12MP setup. The Night mode on the iPhone 11 is a game-changer, allowing for stunning low-light photography that the iPhone X struggles to match.
Furthermore, the iPhone 11’s camera is bolstered with next-gen Smart HDR for photos, offering more natural-looking images with better detail in both shadows and highlights. The iPhone X, while no slouch, simply cannot keep up with the computational photography advancements present in the iPhone 11.
Performance and Battery Life
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | A13 Bionic Chip | A11 Bionic Chip |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Battery Life | Up to 17 hours video playback | Up to 13 hours video playback |
Performance-wise, the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 provides a more fluid and responsive experience than the iPhone X’s A11 Bionic. Whether it’s gaming, app launching, or multitasking, the iPhone 11 handles tasks more efficiently, translating to a smoother user experience.
Battery life is another arena where the iPhone 11 outshines its predecessor. Thanks to its more energy-efficient chip and larger battery, the iPhone 11 offers up to 1 hour longer battery life than the iPhone X. This means more time browsing, gaming, and streaming, without constantly reaching for the charger.
Software
Both devices initially shipped with different versions of iOS, but thanks to Apple’s robust support, both the iPhone 11 and iPhone X can run the latest iOS version. This ensures a relatively uniform software experience, including access to the latest features and security updates.
However, some features are specifically tailored to take advantage of the iPhone 11’s hardware advancements, such as the U1 chip for spatial awareness and improved Face ID that is faster and works from wider angles compared to the iPhone X.
Other Features
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone X |
|---|---|---|
| Water Resistance | Up to 2 meters for 30 minutes | Up to 1 meter for 30 minutes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB |
The iPhone 11 introduces the U1 chip, enabling ultra-wideband technology for more precise location tracking and AirDrop functionality. This is a feature the iPhone X lacks, highlighting the newer model’s edge in enhancing connectivity and interaction with other devices.
Both phones support wireless charging and are compatible with 2nd-generation AirPods for an effortless, wire-free audio experience. The iPhone 11, however, boasts Wi-Fi 6 support, offering faster download speeds and more efficient performance in crowded networks, marking another small yet significant upgrade over the iPhone X.
Pros & Cons
iPhone 11
Pros:
- Larger, more affordable display
- Ultrawide camera lens
- Faster A13 Bionic chip
- Improved battery life
- More durable
Cons:
- Lower display resolution (LCD)
- No telephoto lens
iPhone X
Pros:
- More compact design
- Premium OLED display with higher resolution
- Telephoto lens for zoomed-in shots
Cons:
- Smaller display
- Older A11 Bionic chip
- Lower battery life
- Less durable
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the iPhone 11 if:
- You prioritize a larger display and affordability.
- You value ultrawide camera capabilities.
- You want the fastest performance and longest battery life.
Buy the iPhone X if:
- You prefer a more compact phone with a premium feel.
- You prioritize a higher resolution OLED display.
- You need a telephoto lens for zoomed-in photos (and can find a used or discounted X).
Who Should Upgrade?
If you have an iPhone older than the iPhone X, upgrading to either phone will be a significant leap. Upgrading from the iPhone X depends on your priorities. If you crave a larger display, better battery life, and an ultrawide camera, the iPhone 11 is a worthy upgrade. However, if you’re happy with the iPhone X’s size and prioritize the telephoto lens and OLED display, you can likely stick with it for a while longer.
Who Can Stick With the iPhone X?
iPhone X users who prioritize a compact phone, telephoto lens, and high-resolution OLED display can likely hold onto their device for a while longer, especially if they find a good deal on a used or refurbished model.
Final Thoughts
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone X are excellent phones, but they cater to different preferences. Consider your budget, display size preference, camera needs, and desired battery life to ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and priorities.
Related: iPhone 11 Compared to iPhone x
iPhone 11 vs iPhone X FAQs
Q: Which phone is newer?
A: The iPhone 11 is newer, released in 2019, compared to the iPhone X released in 2017.
Q: Which phone is more affordable?
A: The iPhone 11 generally starts at a lower price point than the iPhone X (depending on if the iPhone X is new or used).
Q: Which phone has a bigger screen?
A: The iPhone 11 has a larger 6.1-inch display compared to the iPhone X’s 5.8-inch display.
Q: Which phone has a higher resolution display?
A: The iPhone X offers a higher-resolution OLED display, while the iPhone 11 uses a more affordable LCD display.
Q: Which phone is better for wide-angle shots?
A: The iPhone 11 features an ultrawide lens, perfect for capturing expansive landscapes.
Q: Which phone is better for zoomed-in photos?
A: The iPhone X offers a telephoto lens for zooming in on subjects.
Q: Which phone is faster?
A: The iPhone 11 boasts a newer A13 Bionic chip, offering faster performance than the iPhone X’s A11 Bionic chip.
Q: Which phone has better battery life?
A: The iPhone 11 offers improved battery life compared to the iPhone X.
Q: Should I upgrade from an iPhone older than the iPhone X?
A: Upgrading to either the iPhone 11 or iPhone X will be a significant improvement from an older iPhone model.
Q: I have an iPhone X, should I upgrade to the iPhone 11?
A: It depends on your priorities. If you desire a larger display, better battery life, and an ultrawide camera, the iPhone 11 is a worthy upgrade. However, if you prefer the iPhone X’s size and prioritize the telephoto lens and OLED display, you can likely hold onto it for a while longer.
