iPhone 16

iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 16: Should You Upgrade?

iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 16: Should You Upgrade?

iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 16: Should You Upgrade?

If you're still using the iPhone 11, you may be wondering if it's time for an upgrade now that the iPhone 16 is here. Let’s break down the major differences to help you decide.

Display: A Big Jump in Quality

Your iPhone 11's 6.1" Liquid Retina LCD display was cutting edge in 2019, but things have changed. The iPhone 16's 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED display offers richer colors, sharper contrast, and a brighter screen. If you stream videos, play games, or just appreciate stunning visuals, you'll notice a big difference.

Performance: The iPhone 16 is Lightning Fast

Your iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which still performs well for most tasks. But the iPhone 16 features the new A17 Bionic chip, making it faster, more efficient, and better at handling demanding apps and games. If you've noticed your phone slowing down with new updates or apps, the iPhone 16 will feel like a major speed boost.

Camera: Night and Day Improvements

The iPhone 11's dual 12MP cameras still take good photos, especially with Night Mode. But the iPhone 16’s 48MP main camera, enhanced Night Mode, and improved AI-driven photography offer significantly better detail, color accuracy, and low-light performance. If you love capturing moments on your phone, the upgrade here is massive.

Battery Life: More Time, Less Worry

Your iPhone 11’s battery is solid, but as it ages, you might notice it doesn’t last quite as long as it used to. The iPhone 16 offers improved battery efficiency thanks to the A17 chip, and it charges faster too. If you hate constantly hunting for a charger, the iPhone 16 could make your life easier.

5G Connectivity: The Future is Here

One thing your iPhone 11 lacks is 5G support. The iPhone 16 is fully equipped with 5G, offering faster download speeds and more reliable connections. As 5G continues to expand, upgrading could future-proof your connectivity.

Why You Should Consider the iPhone 13 Instead

If you're looking to upgrade but aren't ready to jump to the latest model, the iPhone 13 is a fantastic option. It features many of the improvements that the iPhone 16 has—like the Super Retina XDR display, the A15 Bionic chip, and a significantly improved camera system—without the higher price tag. It's a great middle ground that gives you substantial upgrades without the premium cost.


Need help deciding? Check out the Plug Find Your iPhone Tool to get personalized recommendations based on your needs and budget.

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Compare Specs

iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Sale price$9,999.99
iPhone 11 Black 256GB (Unlocked) - Plug.tech
iPhone 11 (Unlocked) Sale priceFrom $209.99 Regular price$499.99
iPhone 16
iPhone 16 Sale price$9,999.99
iPhone 11 Black 256GB (Unlocked) - Plug.tech
iPhone 11 (Unlocked) Sale priceFrom $209.99 Regular price$499.99
Color Options

Black, White, Pink, Teal, Ultramarine

Black, Green, Yellow, Red

Display

Super Retina XDR display
6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen OLED display
Dynamic Island

Liquid Retina HD display
6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen LCD display with IPS technology

Camera

Advanced dual-camera system (48MP Fusion and 12MP Ultra Wide)
Fusion: 48MP, ƒ/1.6 aperture
Ultra Wide: 12MP, ƒ/2.2 aperture
Sensor-shift optical image stabilization
.5x, 1x, 2x optical zoom options
True Tone flash

Dual 12MP cameras (Main and Ultra Wide)
Main: ƒ/1.8 aperture
Ultra Wide: ƒ/2.4 aperture
.5x, 1x optical zoom options

Video Recording

4K Dolby Vision video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
1080p Dolby Vision video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
Cinematic mode for recording videos with shallow depth of field (up to 4K HDR at 30 fps)
Action mode

4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
1080p HD video recording at 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
Slo-mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps

Power and Battery

Video playback - Up to 22 hours
Audio playback - Up to 80 hours

Built-in rechargeable lithium‑ion battery
Qi wireless charging

5G Compatible

yes

no