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The iPhone 11 series launched in September 2019, and almost six years later, I still have no intention of upgrading it anytime soon.
1Apple’s Excellent Software Support
One reason I haven’t upgraded my device yet is Apple’s long support period. Although the company doesn’t guarantee that any of its devices will be supported for a certain period, Apple typically provides at least five years of major iOS updates and six years of security-focused updates.
However, the company has exceeded this threshold in the past. For instance, the 2018 iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max have received six major iOS updates so far.
The iPhone 11 is among theiPhones eligible for iOS 18, Apple’s latest smartphone OS, as of this article’s writing. Given Apple’s record, it may be due for another major iOS update this year, making it six, given that the 2018 trio was updated to iOS 18. That means I should still be fine running my iPhone 11 for another year without worry.
As a technical person, I understandthe importance of software updates. They ensure the device has the latest security patches and that I can still run the latest apps.
Sure, I’m missing out on some features available on newer iPhone models, like Apple intelligence. However, in the grand scheme of things, I don’t need them.
2Excellent Build Quality
Apple devices have some of the best build quality among smartphone manufacturers, and the iPhone 11 is no exception. The company’s continued focus on making its devices durable hasn’t gone unnoticed, which is why I still use its 2019 flagship.
The device includes front and back glass like the latest iPhone 16 series. The frame is aluminum, which was exclusively available in the premium lineup at the time. It also has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, which is still found on some high-end phones, like the 2024 iPhone 16 series.
Overall, the phone has held up incredibly well, given that I use it as my primary phone. My biggest secret, though, is I use a phone case and a tempered glass screen protector toprotect the phone from drops and scratches.
3Performance Still Holds Up
Apple’s A13 Bionic processor might be an old chip from 2019—just like the device—but when it came out, it was one of the best processors on the market. So it’s no surprise that it also powered the company’s top-of-the-range iPhone 11 Pro at the time.
A few years later, and after hundreds of hours of use, the chip still holds up well and can handle demanding apps and games. Multitasking isn’t an issue, either, and I haven’t experienced performance issues yet in my casual use of scrolling social media, playing puzzle games, taking pictures, and browsing the web.
However, it’s not all roses and sunshine. The chip does show its age when I take several pictures in a row, which causes the device to heat up a bit. The same happens if you try playing resource-intensive games like Genshin Impact.
But that’s not my typical use, so the device still serves me well for my casual daily tasks.
4Great Camera System
Another reason I haven’t upgraded my iPhone 11 is its amazing camera system. It includes a dual-camera setup with a 12MP wide and ultra-wide lens, which means the photo quality remains exceptional even today. It produces sharp, vibrant photos and can shoot up to 4K videos.
The availability of a wide and an ultra-wide lens gives me options when capturing individual objects and expansive landscapes. The ultra-wide lens has a 120-degree field of view, like that of Apple’s iPhone 16 Pro series, although the latter has a more powerful lens.
This is not to say that the iPhone 11 camera offers the same sharpness, clarity, and vibrancy as recent iPhones. However, the iPhone 11’s camera system still delivers quality images, especially under perfect conditions, that you won’t notice are from an older device unless you’re keen.
5Minimal Upgrade Incentive
With every new iPhone iteration, Apple delivers changes to its lineup, but many of those changes feel incremental rather than revolutionary.
Some might argue thatit’s time for Apple to ditch annual iPhone releasesbecause there aren’t big leaps between models. For example, newer models include slightly better battery life, faster processors, and improved camera features like Dolby Vision, ProRAW, and cinematic mode.
Although newer iPhones boast all the advanced features and capabilities relative to my aging iPhone 11, most of these aren’t necessary for daily smartphone use. I haven’t once felt I was missing out by not having the Dynamic Island found on newer models. I also don’t wish my device had Apple Intelligence or the ability to shoot in ProRAW (or cinematic mode).
These just aren’t features I need, which means they aren’t worth upgrading for just yet.
6Environmental Considerations
As an environmentally conscious person, I’ve also held on to my old yet functional device for much longer because it’s the responsible choice. By doing so, I’m playing a part in helping reducethe e-waste problemin two ways.
First, I’m helping reduce the time it takes for this unit to be recycled or, as it sometimes happens, to hit the landfill. Second, by extending my upgrade cycle, I’m reducing the demand for new devices, ultimately reducing companies' need to produce more gadgets.
The materials used in smartphone production pollute the environment despite companies continuously switching to using more recycled materials in their construction process. While Apple may promote recycling and sustainability in its newer models, the most sustainable phone is the one you already own.
7I Have a Spare Android Smartphone
The last key part of my holdout is having a second phone. As mentioned previously, I use my iPhone as my primary device. However, I didn’t mention that I also have a Google Pixel as my secondary device.
My Pixel 6a complements my iPhone 11 and helps pick up the slack whenever necessary. For instance, the 6a’s camera system is better than the iPhone 11’s in some situations, like tricky lighting conditions. Together, these two devices give me multiple reasons not to upgrade.
Despite the availability of newer and better models, I’ll continue to use my iPhone 11 in 2025 because it still meets my needs. The device’s build quality, continued software support, excellent performance, and great camera systems make it worth keeping. It’s also better for the environment, and having a spare phone does help.
