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IPhone 11 Review: The Face-off With Popular Smartphones
Welcome and I hope you find your answers
This is a detailed review so feel free to jump to your preferred section.Display
Camera Quality
Battery Life
Processing Power
Colors
Storage Capacity
IPhone 11 Vs IPhone X
iPhone 11 Vs Google Pixel 3
This article is for you if you own a high end phone like Samsung S 10 or Google Pixel 3 smartphone or any of the iPhones after iPhone 7 and you’re wondering whether to upgrade or stick with your device.
Apple’s latest newborn is the iPhone 11 which came as part of a trio which includes the iPhone 11 pro and iPhone 11 pro Max.
And of course this three new additions to the Apple franchise came with all the pomp and fanfare.
And of course this three new additions to the Apple franchise came with all the pomp and fanfare.
Tim Cook graced the Ice cube and was present for a meet and greet with gleeful enthusiasts.
As the CEO of Apple, he was there to let the world know why the trio's release is the best thing to happen to the Smartphone world in this present day.
As the CEO of Apple, he was there to let the world know why the trio's release is the best thing to happen to the Smartphone world in this present day.
But is that really true? That's what you’re here to find out. And you will.
I have divided this detailed write up into several sections to answer each of your questions.
I have divided this detailed write up into several sections to answer each of your questions.
First I’ll review the three phones. I'll treat the trio like the same and just show you their slight differences.
Starting from the display to the battery power to the performance. I'll break it down for you.
After this I shall compare the 11’s with various high-end phones to help you decide whether it is worth the upgrade.
And then we’ll talk about the extra features and of course the missing features which the trio should have but don't.
Iphone 11, Pro, Pro Max Review
Display
Iphone 11
This phone comes with a banging crisp display. I’ll get into the details soon enough but newsflash; iPhone 11 comes with LCD display of about 720p.
Your eye roll is justified.
I don't get why Apple decided to revisit the Stone age with this feature.
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Your eye roll is justified.
I don't get why Apple decided to revisit the Stone age with this feature.
If you are an X user then the LCD feature is probably a no-no for you since moving from OLED to LCD is an obvious downgrade.
But to be frank you may not notice the difference between the two screens unless you place them side by side.
Apple’s LCDs are always state of the art.
Apple’s LCDs are always state of the art.
You’re more likely to notice the LCDs failings if you use the phone in a dark environment.
But that again depends on whether the UI of the app you’re using makes use of true black instead of grey.
But that again depends on whether the UI of the app you’re using makes use of true black instead of grey.
As for brightness, the screen nitency can get up to about 548 nits.
That’s an impressive amount of screen lustre. But it loses over a hundred nits when used outside.
That’s an impressive amount of screen lustre. But it loses over a hundred nits when used outside.
I’m not a big fan of the 6.1 inch screen size.
But that's because I like whale sized phones for my gaming like the Note 10 plus.
But that's because I like whale sized phones for my gaming like the Note 10 plus.
Another thing that jars my teeth worse than bitter lemons is the thick ugly bezels and notch at the top. It's not Apple's fault though.
The front camera and the Face ID sensors are so advanced that hiding them would take some innovative thinking.
The front camera and the Face ID sensors are so advanced that hiding them would take some innovative thinking.
But apart from robbing the 11 of a sleek design, the bezels tend to highlight the blurry attribute of the 6.1 inch, 1792 x 828 resolution, 326 pixels per inch screen.
If you look closely you’re bound to notice the fading where the bezel meets the screen.
If you look closely you’re bound to notice the fading where the bezel meets the screen.
The Pro Versions
The pros have better display. First off, they're OLED.
The pro has a 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 2436 x 1125. And it is 458 pixels per inch.
If you're not a fan of the relatively small screen then not to worry, the pro Max has you covered.
The pro has a 5.8 inch screen with a resolution of 2436 x 1125. And it is 458 pixels per inch.
If you're not a fan of the relatively small screen then not to worry, the pro Max has you covered.
We’re talking 6.5 inches with a screen res of about 2688 x 1242 inches.
The super retina XDR screen just stands out and is crystal clear.
The super retina XDR screen just stands out and is crystal clear.
Sadly the pro versions still have the tacky bezel and notch.
But you won't notice the fuzziness I called out in the iPhone 11.
But you won't notice the fuzziness I called out in the iPhone 11.
Camera Quality
I’m sure by now you’ve heard of iPhone 11’s three cameras but let's not be too hasty.
The iPhone 11 has an ultra wide lens and a 26mm lens. Although I noticed that the ultra wide feature really distorts the photos.
It's still cool because it adds a sort of dramatic effect to photos.
It's still cool because it adds a sort of dramatic effect to photos.
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| Photo credit: Instagram user oneals2focus. Ultra-wide-angle shot iPhone 11 |
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| Ultra-wide-angle iPhone 11 pro Max |
Remember that movie, Dredd where the people take a kind of drug that makes them experience life in slow motion?
Ok you probably never watched it. But the 11 trio comes equipped with a front camera capable of taking videos at the speed of 120 frames per second.
Slow motion selfies, everybody. Or Slofies as Apple calls it.
Ok you probably never watched it. But the 11 trio comes equipped with a front camera capable of taking videos at the speed of 120 frames per second.
Slow motion selfies, everybody. Or Slofies as Apple calls it.
I’d have loved to sound like Lindsay in Mean Girls and say Slofies is never going to happen.
Since I find all those close up videos to be rather cringe worthy.
But sadly, we’ll soon be invaded by a tsunami of retarded Slofies on social media. Thanks a lot, Tim Cook. Hope you’re happy.
Since I find all those close up videos to be rather cringe worthy.
But sadly, we’ll soon be invaded by a tsunami of retarded Slofies on social media. Thanks a lot, Tim Cook. Hope you’re happy.
Apple also finally added night mode to their camera features.
I mean Google and Samsung already did that but better late than never, I suppose.
I mean Google and Samsung already did that but better late than never, I suppose.
The night mode works just like the name suggests. It gives more exposure to photos you take at night. It’s a beauty, to be honest.
But unlike Google's Night Sight where you have actual control over the use of night mode, you’re not the boss with the 11s.
The night mode comes on automatically. But you can control the amount of exposure thanks to the usual slider controls.
You can also set the capture duration.
The night mode comes on automatically. But you can control the amount of exposure thanks to the usual slider controls.
You can also set the capture duration.
The night mode is also better than Google's night sight because the photos taken with night mode tend to have more clarity and look more realistic.
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| Night Mode with 11 Pro Max photo credit Instagram user: parth_varotariya |
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| Google pixel 3 Night sight |
But this feature doesn’t work with the ultra wide feature which would have been wicked.
And your subject should try as much as possible to stay still unless you want some Barry Allen esque motion blur.
And your subject should try as much as possible to stay still unless you want some Barry Allen esque motion blur.
A friend told me of an app, Neural Cam that works just like night mode on earlier iPhones like the 7, X’s e.t.c.
But I don't know how well it would compete with the night feature on the 11s.
But I don't know how well it would compete with the night feature on the 11s.
Apart from Slofies, I love the selfie camera’s ability to capture my facial profile even with poor lighting.
The phone’s A13 bionic processor really flexes its muscles to ensure that you don't have to contort your face just to show your good side.
With the IPhone 11 front camera, every side of your face is photogenic. I’d say it even beats Google pixel 3 when it comes to selfies.
The phone’s A13 bionic processor really flexes its muscles to ensure that you don't have to contort your face just to show your good side.
With the IPhone 11 front camera, every side of your face is photogenic. I’d say it even beats Google pixel 3 when it comes to selfies.
I assume this selfie prowess is powered by Apple’s new deep fusion tech that crunches pixels to improve detail and texture even under poor lighting.
Although I found that there is no way to know whether the deep fusion feature is turned on.
Although I found that there is no way to know whether the deep fusion feature is turned on.
The pros also come packed with a triple lens arrangement which includes the telephoto lens.
This triple lens is the most obvious feature of the pro versions. It reminds me of the Sharingan.
If you’re wondering what that is, well that's outside the scope of this review.
It reminds other people of deadly diseases. I'm talking about all those peeps who have trypophobia aka fear of holes.
This triple lens is the most obvious feature of the pro versions. It reminds me of the Sharingan.
If you’re wondering what that is, well that's outside the scope of this review.
It reminds other people of deadly diseases. I'm talking about all those peeps who have trypophobia aka fear of holes.
But the telephoto lens is not new to iPhone users. It was there in the era of the 7 plus for example.
So its 2x zoom feature is good for zooming in. Although if you ask me, I feel photos taken with this lens tend to be a bit too sharp.
So its 2x zoom feature is good for zooming in. Although if you ask me, I feel photos taken with this lens tend to be a bit too sharp.
Basically it keeps the subject’s features realistic and saves you from taking that extra one or two steps to get closer to your subject.
Also it makes the background look much nearer which kind of makes photos more impressive.
Also it makes the background look much nearer which kind of makes photos more impressive.
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| Telephoto lens shot |
We could keep talking about the cameras because they're neat and I'll revisit them when I compare them to professional cameras but let's move on to the battery consumption.
Battery Consumption
The regular 11 has a battery that lasts up to three hours longer than the Xs Max.
But to show you just how much of an upgrade in terms of battery life you get from the iPhone 11 pro versions, a popular YouTuber, Mr Whosetheboss pitted the Iphone 11 pro Max against Huawei's latest phone, the Mate 30 Pro, Galaxy Note 10+, iPhone 11 Max and iPhone 11.
But to show you just how much of an upgrade in terms of battery life you get from the iPhone 11 pro versions, a popular YouTuber, Mr Whosetheboss pitted the Iphone 11 pro Max against Huawei's latest phone, the Mate 30 Pro, Galaxy Note 10+, iPhone 11 Max and iPhone 11.
He really pushed these phones to their limits.
And after about 5hrs and 21 mins, iPhone 11 tapped out first.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10+ soon followed suit about an hour and 10 minutes later.
And after about 5hrs and 21 mins, iPhone 11 tapped out first.
Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10+ soon followed suit about an hour and 10 minutes later.
The 11 pro clinched the bronze medal after an impressive 6hrs and 42 minutes leaving the Mate 30 pro to duke it out with the 11 Pro Max.
But even the Mate 30 pro had to succumb after a mind blowing 8 hrs and 30 minutes.
The winner, the 11 pro Max soon gave up about 15 minutes later.
The winner, the 11 pro Max soon gave up about 15 minutes later.
Bear in mind that the phones were put under unusual stress.
Under normal circumstances iPhone 11 can last up to one day from just one charge while the pro models can last 2 – 3 days from a single charge. This is revolutionary.
Under normal circumstances iPhone 11 can last up to one day from just one charge while the pro models can last 2 – 3 days from a single charge. This is revolutionary.
By the way, here is the video of the exciting marathon.
Processing Power
I’ve gotta say, Apple’s latest trio is a group of monsters. Below is a pictorial presentation of the A13 bionic chip's total dominance.
With the ability to perform over 8 trillion operations per second. Lagging is non-existent.
It's amazing how well the phone operates with just a 4GB RAM.
You can play games like Asphalt 8+ three times over and leave all the ram sucking apps open without noticing even a slight drop in performance.
The one caveat I must point out is that it doesn't perform so smoothly when you use it to manage a WhatsApp TV.
I was shocked to discover that the great iPhone 11pro experienced lagging when operating a WhatsApp account with over over 5 thousand contacts.
The one caveat I must point out is that it doesn't perform so smoothly when you use it to manage a WhatsApp TV.
I was shocked to discover that the great iPhone 11pro experienced lagging when operating a WhatsApp account with over over 5 thousand contacts.
Apart from CPU speed, airdropping is much faster thanks to the new ultrawideband.
Although this feature is limited since it is still exclusive to only the latest iPhone users.
Although this feature is limited since it is still exclusive to only the latest iPhone users.
As for 5G capabilities, none of the Iphone 11s are 5G capable.
This is another reason most X users would probably want to sit on their Benjamins till 2020 when Apple rolls out the iPhone 12.
But it's worth considering that the 11 version has 2x2 MIMO LTE while the Pro Max has 4x4 MIMO LTE.
This is another reason most X users would probably want to sit on their Benjamins till 2020 when Apple rolls out the iPhone 12.
But it's worth considering that the 11 version has 2x2 MIMO LTE while the Pro Max has 4x4 MIMO LTE.
So if you're hoping to hack into NASA or something you could make do with the Pro MAX while we await the full adoption of the 5G network.
Iphone 11 Design
I didn’t address this first because I’ve always rated performance over aesthetics.
The 11s are a bit chunky in terms of size and weight compared to the iPhone X.
I've already released all the bile I have for the bezels and notch so that's that on that.
The 11s are a bit chunky in terms of size and weight compared to the iPhone X.
I've already released all the bile I have for the bezels and notch so that's that on that.
But I think the Matte glass on the 11 pro version is an improvement as it reduces the menace of fingerprint stains.
Sadly, the regular 11 model comes with that glossy glass cover.
You can get this dashing Marvel case to protect your device.
Sadly, the regular 11 model comes with that glossy glass cover.
You can get this dashing Marvel case to protect your device.
AliExpress.com Product - Marvel Luminous Phone Case For iPhone 11 Pro Max X XS MAX XR 6 6s 7 8 Plus Tempered Glass For Samsung S8 S9 S10 Plus Note 8 9 10
Also I’ve noticed that the iPhone 11 glows like a Hallo when the flashlight is turned on at night.
I mean it's cute in a unicorn and rainbows sort of way if that's what you're into.
I mean it's cute in a unicorn and rainbows sort of way if that's what you're into.
This barbie glow feature is a throwback if you ask me. Since the iPhone 4 and 4s did this.
You can even try it with your 8+ and XR so nothing new.
You can even try it with your 8+ and XR so nothing new.
Then there is no headphone jack in any of the trio because Apple loves the fact that you buy airpods and they want it to remain that way.
Also earphone jacks are so cheap Android era. So just give up on hoping Apple will embrace them.
Also earphone jacks are so cheap Android era. So just give up on hoping Apple will embrace them.
iPhone 11, Pro, Pro Max Colors
The pro models come in 4 colors. They are: Space Gray, Silver, Gold and Midnight Green.
While the regular 11 comes in six colors; Red, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Purple.
While the regular 11 comes in six colors; Red, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Purple.
But I find the most attractive to be the midnight green.
Trust me if you see the Pro Max in all it's midnight-green glory, you won't know when you whipped out cash just to own it.
Trust me if you see the Pro Max in all it's midnight-green glory, you won't know when you whipped out cash just to own it.
Apple was stingy with the storage space for the 11s. They all come with a meagre 64GB storage with the option to upgrade to 128 GB.
It's time to compare the trio with high-end phones like I promised.
It's time to compare the trio with high-end phones like I promised.
Iphone 11 Vs IPhone X
Camera Quality
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| Photo credit: Instagram user @itresaneh . |
The iPhone X doesn't have ultra-wide-angle or night mode or Slofies or deep fusion.
Even the sensors on the 11 models are more than those found on the X model.
So the 11s have a much better dynamic range which in turn means way more detail and color separation in light and dark areas of photos.
Even the sensors on the 11 models are more than those found on the X model.
So the 11s have a much better dynamic range which in turn means way more detail and color separation in light and dark areas of photos.
To put it succinctly, the Iphone X camera is no match for the iPhone 11 group.
Processing Power
There's no need to beat around the bush. No phone on Earth is on par with the 11 trio when it comes to the processor speed.
The A13 bionic chip dwarfs all competition.
Also airdropping is much slower with the Iphone X.
The A13 bionic chip dwarfs all competition.
Also airdropping is much slower with the Iphone X.
Don't get me wrong, the iPhone X is fast and it used to be the Flash but there’s a new speedster in town.
Battery Life
I think I've covered just how well the 11 trio especially the Pro Max model outstrips even the closest competitors when it comes to battery life.
The iPhone X has a skinny battery pulling just about 3,174 mAh.
The Pro Max can last a whopping 5 hours longer than the X model.
Even the regular 11 lasts at least 3 hours more than the iPhone X.
The Pro Max can last a whopping 5 hours longer than the X model.
Even the regular 11 lasts at least 3 hours more than the iPhone X.
Design
The 11 trio is similar to the iPhone X in design. The only difference is the triple lens feature.
And I don't think iPhone X has a midnight green variant.
And I don't think iPhone X has a midnight green variant.
But the X model is a bit lighter and smaller than the 11s so that could be a pro or a con depending on your preferences.
Display
The iPhone X screen is great. It’s got HDR and True Tone. It’s better than the iPhone 11 screen.
And it has the same 458 pixel per inch sharpness as that of the 11 pro models.
But the 11 pros have better brightness and contrast ratio.
And it has the same 458 pixel per inch sharpness as that of the 11 pro models.
But the 11 pros have better brightness and contrast ratio.
So the X model finds itself dwarfed in areas of camera quality, battery life and processing power.
But these failings can be overlooked as the iPhone X is still a premium smartphone any day.
And what the 11s have are mere improvements not innovations.
But these failings can be overlooked as the iPhone X is still a premium smartphone any day.
And what the 11s have are mere improvements not innovations.
Iphone 11 Vs Google Pixel 3a
Display
Google’s Pixel 3a comes with OLED display. That's a plus for it. Since the regular IPhone 11 only packs a 720p LCD screen.
The screen res is about 2220 x 1080 with a sharpness of 441 pixels per inch which is also pretty impressive.
But the pixel 3a screen size is too small. It's similar to iPhone XR with a screen of just 5.6 inches.
The screen brightness is not as high as the 11 trio and it also has a noticeably weaker color reproduction.
In summary iPhone 11 models still have a better display than the Pixel 3a.
This superiority is more noticeable when the Pixel 3a is compared with the pro models.
This superiority is more noticeable when the Pixel 3a is compared with the pro models.
Camera Quality
It’s very difficult to pick a winner between the 11 trio and Google’s Pixel 3 when it comes to camera quality.
The pixel 3 cameras are assisted by intuitive AI intelligence that basically crunch data to present balanced photos and they do this with such grace.
The front cameras take amazing selfies with automatically blurred backgrounds.
Now Apple has adopted this same approach with deep fusion and night mode.
In fact I think the only place the 11 trio shows their camera superiority is through the night mode feature.
Put that aside and it’s a tie. Ok there's also the fact that Google pixel 3 doesn't have the special ultra-wide-angle abilities.
Battery Life
There's no need to ramble. The battery performance of the Iphone 11 models is way out of Pixel 3’s league.
Processing Power
The Pixel 3a comes with a 4GB RAM powered by the Snapdragon 670 chip that looks kind of creaky and obsolete when compared to the A13 bionic chip.
I mean IPhone 11 and it’s triplet siblings are clearly superior in this aspect.
Design
The Google Pixel 3a comes in dull colors and the screen is small with bezels and a notch. It's also made of…yuck, plastic.
At least the premium Pixel 3 comes with a glass cover.
Even though the Pixel 3a has a headphone jack I still prefer the more premium design of the 11 trio.
Price
Google Pixel 3a is going for $399 while the regular Iphone 11 goes for $699 and the pro models are priced from $1000 upwards.
The Pixel 3a clearly offers affordability which is a big pro considering it’s impressive camera and the fact that it has the same RAM size and starting storage size as the iPhone 11 phones.
Extra Features In IPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max
This features deserve to be mentioned. They include:
Water Resistance:
With an IP68 water Resistance, your iPhone 11 won’t die even if it’s buried 6 feet under…water.
It can hold it’s breath for up to thirty minutes before giving up the ghost.
Now tell me that isn't worth a mention.
Fast Charger
Apple finally added a fast charger…in the Pro packet. Yes they're darn slow when it comes to embracing modern features.
This leads me to the next section.
Missing Features In The IPhone 11 Trio
USB C
Will IPhone 11 have USB C? This is a popular question on the lips of X users.
Well I hate to be the bearer of this news but Apple decided to stick with the lightning ports.
Well I hate to be the bearer of this news but Apple decided to stick with the lightning ports.
No USB C for IPhone 11, sorry. So you’ll still need a lightning cable to charge your IPhones.
5G Capabilities
Will Iphone 11 have 5G? Another popular question from the innocent hopefuls.
I’ve already answered this but for those of you that skipped the whole article and miraculously appeared here; the Iphone 11 phones don’t support 5G.
I’ve already answered this but for those of you that skipped the whole article and miraculously appeared here; the Iphone 11 phones don’t support 5G.
5G is not yet widespread so it’s no wonder Apple is in no hurry to adopt the feature just yet.
Fingerprint Sensor
IPhone 11 fingerprint sensor is yet to be released. Apple is still using the Face ID so there's no need for a fingerprint sensor.
I mean come on, you can't have everything. Android users need something to gloat about.
Reverse Wireless Charging
If you were hoping Apple would feel threatened by Samsung’s latest smartphones and allow you charge your wireless earbuds from the back of your iPhone 11, prepare to be rudely awakened.
The iPhone 11 group lacks this ability. So sorry Airpod owners.
And that's all you need to know about Apple’s latest triplets. Don’t hesitate to share your feelings about the new phones.
So I know it's been a lengthy read. I hope I've been able to answer your questions concerning iPhone 11.
Will you upgrade your iPhone or stick with it? Let me know in the comments section.
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| Thanks for reading |
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