iPhone 11 - Still Worth It in 2025? Complete Review & Best Deals
iPhone 11 in 2025 - Your Questions Answered
Is iPhone 11 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes, for most users - iPhone 11 remains a solid choice in 2025:
✅ Still Great For:
- Everyday tasks, social media, photos
- iOS 17 support (works perfectly)
- Excellent build quality and reliability
- Budget-conscious iPhone buyers ($300 savings vs iPhone 13)
- First-time iPhone users switching from Android
❌ Consider Upgrading If:
- You need the latest camera features (Night mode portraits)
- You want 5G connectivity
- You're a power user who needs maximum performance
Verdict: Great value at $899, but iPhone 13 offers better long-term value at $1,199
iPhone 11 vs iPhone 13 - Which should I buy in NZ?
iPhone 13 ($1,199) vs iPhone 11 ($899) comparison:
iPhone 13 Advantages:
- A15 Bionic chip (50% faster)
- 5G connectivity on NZ networks
- Better cameras with Night mode
- Longer software support (2+ more years)
- Better battery life
iPhone 11 Advantages:
- $300 cheaper upfront cost
- Still receives iOS updates until 2026
- Same screen size and Face ID
- Proven reliability and performance
Recommendation:
- Choose iPhone 11: Budget-focused, casual usage, plan to upgrade in 2-3 years
- Choose iPhone 13: Want latest features, plan to keep 4+ years, need 5G
How long will iPhone 11 be supported?
iPhone 11 software support timeline:
- Current: iOS 17 (full support)
- 2025: iOS 18 expected to be supported
- 2026: Likely final major iOS update
- 2027-2028: Security updates only
Total expected support: 8-9 years from launch (2019-2027/28)
This gives you at least 2-3 more years of full iOS feature updates, making it a solid purchase in 2025.
What are iPhone 11's main limitations in 2025?
iPhone 11 drawbacks to consider:
- No 5G - Stuck with 4G LTE (still fast in NZ)
- LCD Display - Not as vibrant as OLED on newer iPhones
- Older Processor - A13 Bionic (still fast, but 2 generations behind)
- Camera Limitations - No Night mode portraits, older sensors
- Storage - Base 64GB model is tight for storage
- Battery - After 5+ years, may need replacement
Bottom Line: These limitations won't affect most everyday users, but power users should consider iPhone 13 or newer.
iPhone 11 Price Comparison NZ
| Retailer | Price (64GB) | Shipping | Stock Status | Best Deal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PB Tech | $899 | Free over $80 | ✅ In Stock | Shop Now |
| JB Hi-Fi | $919 | Free over $80 | ✅ In Stock | Shop Now |
| Harvey Norman | $949 | Free over $80 | ✅ In Stock | Shop Now |
| Warehouse Stationery | $899 | Free over $80 | ❌ Limited Stock | Check Availability |
Prices updated weekly. Last update: 21/09/2025
💡 Smart Buying Tip
iPhone 11 prices may drop further when iPhone 16 launches (September 2025). If you're not in a hurry, waiting 6 months could save you an additional $100-150.
iPhone 11 vs Competition in 2025
| Phone | Price | Display | Performance | Updates | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 ⭐ | $899 | 6.1" LCD | A13 (Very Good) | Until 2026 | iOS on budget |
| iPhone 13 | $1,199 | 6.1" OLED | A15 (Excellent) | Until 2028 | Best iPhone value |
| Galaxy A54 | $699 | 6.4" OLED | Exynos (Good) | Until 2027 | Android alternative |
| iPhone SE | $749 | 4.7" LCD | A15 (Excellent) | Until 2028 | Compact size lovers |
iPhone 11 Detailed Review (2025 Update)
Performance & Speed
A13 Bionic still handles everything smoothly in 2025. Apps launch quickly, multitasking works well. Gaming performance remains strong for most titles.
Camera Quality
Dual 12MP system takes good photos in daylight. Night mode available but limited. Video recording is excellent. Shows age compared to newer iPhones.
Battery Life
All-day battery for light-moderate use. After 5+ years, battery health may be degraded. Battery replacement ($129 at Apple) restores performance.
Value for Money
Outstanding value at $899. Gets you into iOS ecosystem affordably. $300 savings vs iPhone 13 makes it very attractive for budget buyers.