By Mark Spoonauer
published
Here's how the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone X compare
I have bad news if you spent $1,000 or more on the iPhone X a couple of years ago. The iPhone 11 Pro is a lot better, and it's one of the best phones overall. In fact, the improved camera alone on the new iPhone might compel you to upgrade, especially if your current iPhone X is in good condition and you can trade it in.
Still, a grand is a lot of money and you may just be finishing up paying off your current iPhone X. Is it really worth the splurge for the iPhone 11 Pro, especially with the iPhone 12 on the way? Here's what you need to know before you make up your mind.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone X specs
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| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Apple iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone X |
| Starting Price | $999 | $899 |
| Display (Resolution) | 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2436x1125) | 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED (2436x1125) |
| CPU | A13 Bionic | A11 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB |
| Rear Cameras | Triple: 12-MP wide (ƒ/1.8), 12-MP ultra wide (ƒ/2.4), 12-MP telephoto (ƒ/2.0) | Dual: 12-MP wide (f/1.8), 12-MP telephoto (f/2.4) |
| Front Camera | 12-MP (ƒ/2.2) | 7-MP (ƒ/2.2) |
| Battery | 3,046 mAh | 2,716 mAh |
| Battery Life (Hrs:Mins) | 10:24 | 9:51 |
| Charging | 18W | 5W |
| Water Resistance | IP68; 4 meters up to 30 min. | IP67; 1.5 meters up to 30 min. |
| Size | 5.7 x 2.8 x 0.32 inches | 5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 |
| Weight | 6.6 ounces | 6.14 ounces |
| Colors | Gold, Space Gray, Silver, Midnight Green | Space Gray, Silver |
iPhone 11 Pro vs. iPhone X: Cameras
The iPhone 11 Pro has a distinct advantage over the iPhone X with its triple rear cameras, which include an ultra-wide lens that can produce more dramatic-looking shots. The iPhone X makes do with a standard wide camera and telephoto lens. Apple goes even further on the iPhone 11 Pro with improved HDR, a new Night mode and Deep Fusion for offering unparalleled levels of detail.
The iPhone 11 Pro's Night mode is a real standout feature compared to the iPhone X. You'll see much better results in low light, as evidenced by this comparison shot taken of a candle and surrounding decorations.
Not only is the wick of the candle more visible in the iPhone 11 Pro's shot, you can make out the placemat in the foreground and the golden decorations surrounding the candle. With the iPhone X's photo, nearly everything except the candle itself is shrouded in darkness.
In this next shot, you can see how much more detail the iPhone 11 Pro can capture indoors, even when there's a fair amount of light. Everything from the squirrel and leaves to the vase looks sharper on the iPhone 11 Pro, while part of the iPhone X's shot looks blurry.
As you see in the above photo comparison of a golden retriever taken in low light, the iPhone 11 Pro does a much better job rendering the dog's fur and the blanket he's laying on. You can make out his whiskers. The iPhone X's shot looks dreary and fuzzy.
iPhone 11 Pro vs. iPhone 11 Pro design and display
The iPhone 11 Pro looks identical to the iPhone X from the front, notch and all, but Apple's newer phone comes in two more colors in Gold and Midnight Green, adding to the Space Gray and Silver options.
The rear of the iPhone 11 Pro has three cameras arranged in a square, compared to the vertical strip for the dual cameras on the iPhone X. The new look is imposing, but in a good way. We also like the matte finish on the back of the iPhone 11 Pro, compared to the glossy look on the iPhone X.
Apple says the iPhone 11 Pro has the toughest glass ever in a smartphone, so it should be more durable than the iPhone X. However, in our drop test we found that the iPhone 11 Pro cracked after a drop from 3.5 on concrete. Regardless, you'll probably want an iPhone 11 Pro case.
The only design drawback on the iPhone 11 Pro is that it's heavier than the iPhone X at 6.8 ounces, versus 6.14 ounces for the earlier iPhone.
The OLED display on the iPhone 11 Pro is much brighter than the one one the iPhone X. The 11 Pro's panel registered 722 nits, which blows away the 574 nits on the iPhone X. In other words, you'll have an easier time using the iPhone 11 Pro in direct sunlight.
iPhone 11 Pro vs. iPhone X performance and battery life
The iPhone 11 Pro packs Apple's latest A13 Bionic processor, which is the fastest chip you can get in a smartphone (for now). The A11 Bionic inside the iPhone X is no slouch, but you'll enjoy faster application open times, better graphics performance and smoother gameplay with the iPhone 11 Pro, especially if you want to take advantage of the Apple Arcade gaming service. The iPhone 11 Pro's A13 chip is also better optimized for iOS AR apps.
When it comes to battery life, the iPhone 11 Pro offers a 3,046 mAh battery, compared to a 2,716 mAh battery in the iPhone X. The iPhone 11 Pro lasted a very good 10 hours and 24 minutes on the Tom's Guide web surfing battery test. The iPhone X lasted 9:51 on the same test, so you should expect at least 30 minutes of more endurance.
The iPhone 11 Pro comes with an 18-watt fast charger in the box, which can juice the phone to 55% in 30 minutes. The iPhone X came with a 5W charger that is much slower; you can get fast charging only if you buy an additional USB-C to Lightning cable and USB-C charger.
What about the iPhone 12 Pro?
The iPhone 12 Pro is set to debut this fall and pack an even faster A14 Bionic chip. Plus, the iPhone 12 Pro should feature 5G connectivity for future-proofing your purchase, along with a more powerful telephoto zoom and a LiDAR sensor for better augmented reality performance. If you need a phone right now, though, the iPhone 11 Pro is still a great buy.
Bottom line
If you're on the fence about upgrading from the iPhone X, you may want to avoid holding the iPhone 11 Pro in your hand. And that's because you'll really want it after spending just a few minutes with Apple's newer flagship.
Not only is the display on the iPhone 11 Pro a lot brighter than the iPhone X's screen, the camera system is a true leap forward, from the ultra-wide camera to Apple's new Night mode. The iPhone 11 Pro also benefits from faster performance, longer battery life and faster charging out of the box.
That's not to say you shouldn't hold onto your iPhone X. Its performance will be sufficient for most users, and the cameras are fairly good (at least when there's a decent amount of ambient light). The biggest reason to wait is 5G, as the iPhone 12 Pro should offer that when it launches.
But if you're in the market for a new iPhone now, the iPhone 11 Pro will not disappoint.
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Mark Spoonauer
Mark Spoonauer is the global editor in chief of Tom's Guide and has covered technology for over 20 years. In addition to overseeing the direction of Tom's Guide, Mark specializes in covering all things mobile, having reviewed dozens of smartphones and other gadgets. He has spoken at key industry events and appears regularly on TV to discuss the latest trends, including Cheddar, Fox Business and other outlets. Mark was previously editor in chief of Laptop Mag, and his work has appeared in Wired, Popular Science and Inc. Follow him on Twitter at @mspoonauer.
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FAQs
Should I upgrade my iPhone X to iPhone 11 Pro? ›
It WAS WELL WORTH the upgrade. I'm seeing a brighter display, MUCH MUCH better low light photos, VASTLY improved battery life, an even more attractive body with the matte finish glass back, and a faster processor with snappier performance.
Is iPhone X better than iPhone 11 Pro? ›iPhone X has a dual rear camera with a wide angle lens and Apple's A11 Bionic chip. iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone X are both medium-sized phones with 5.8-inch screens, but it's iPhone 11 Pro that truly dazzles with Apple's new Super Retina XDR display – even brighter than iPhone X's Super Retina HD display.
Is iPhone 11 Pro worth buying in 2022? ›Apple is also likely to be supporting the device with software updates until 2025. So, we can expect iPhone 11 Pro to get iOS 19 or iOS 20 which is not bad for longevity. Apple is well known for keeping their phones relevant for a long time and in that sense, yes it is still worth it.
Is iPhone 11 a good upgrade from iPhone X? ›The iPhone 11 has also been updated with a brighter True Tone mode than the X, and features portrait mode with advanced bokeh (background blur) and Depth Control, while the iPhone X only features portrait mode. At the time of its release, the iPhone 11 chip, the Apple A13 Bionic, was one of the best on the market.
When should I replace my iPhone 11 Pro? ›iPhone 11: 720 days (or 2 years) iPhone 11 Pro Max: 1,200 days (or 3.3 years)
How much longer will the iPhone 11 Pro be supported? ›With an iPhone, you receive the latest software updates up to 6 years after the release of the device.
What are the disadvantages of iPhone 11 Pro? ›- Not a huge amount of new features.
- Lacks a headline spec.
- Still a notch on the front.
- Still no USB-C.
- It's still $1000.
- Base 64GB storage is too low for "pro" iPhones.
- A bit heavier and thicker than iPhone XS.
A Pro Camera System for Everyone. iPhone 11 Pro introduces a transformative triple-camera system with all-new Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto cameras, deeply integrated into iOS to create a pro-level camera experience designed for everyone.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro still good in 2023? ›It still holds well in 2023 and is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, high-performance device at a more affordable price than the newer models. The device's dual-camera system, A13 Bionic chip, and Face ID are still considered top-of-the-line compared to more recent models.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro still a good phone? ›A13 Bionic
According to testing by AnandTech, the A13 in the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro offers 50 to 60 percent higher sustained graphics performance than the iPhone XS and 20 percent faster CPU performance. As a two-year-old chip, it can't match the performance of Apple's newer A14 and A15 chips, but it still performs well.
Is Apple discontinuing iPhone 11 Pro? ›
Apple drops the iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 11 from its lineup - The Verge.
How long should you keep an iPhone before upgrading? ›Four years is a good number because it's typically when things really start breaking: screens, batteries, etc. Sometimes you can squeeze a more life out but four years is a definite good rule of thumb if your budget conscious." And it doesn't always have to be new from Apple.
Is it worth it to upgrade from iPhone 11 Pro to iPhone 13? ›The iPhone 13 is a big change over the iPhone 11. It sports a completely new look, but you also get a number of improvements under the hood. The iPhone 13 gets an OLED screen, a big upgrade over the LCD screen on the iPhone 11, it has a faster processor, upgraded cameras and longer battery life.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro better then the 12? ›In terms of chipset and processor speed they are quite similar and hard to tell on the surface, but technically the iPhone 12 has a superior chipset with the A14 Bionic chip, whereas the 11 Pro has a slightly older A13 Bionic chip instead.
Is iPhone 10 still good in 2022? ›Yes, without a doubt, a cheap iPhone X is worth it in 2022. The iPhone X was released in 2017, so it's a few years old now. But thanks to its top-notch specs, great screen, and striking design, the iPhone X still holds up very well today.
Which iPhones will be obsolete in 2022? ›Tech giant Apple, which introduced the iPhone of 2022 in September, will soon be marking the iPhone 5c as an obsolete product by next month. Once marked as obsolete, Apple will stop providing certain repairs for the iPhone 5c and may depend on part availability.
Can I use iPhone 11 for 5 years? ›An iPhone 11 should easily last you a couple of years before the battery becomes an issue, while the chunky iPhone 11 Pro Max should give a good three years of service.
What is the major difference between iPhone 11 and pro? ›They both run on Apple's iOS 13 operating system, and the new A13 Bionic chipset makes sure everything runs smoothly. Both are excellent phones, as you would expect. iPhone 11 Pro has a better screen and an extra lens on the camera – iPhone 11 is slightly larger yet easier on the pocket.
What is the major difference between iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro? ›The iPhone 11 has a slightly bigger screen and about an hour of extra battery life during typical web browsing, while the iPhone 11 Pro has an additional camera lens, matte finish, and OLED screen technology which will give you higher contrast colors.
Is it worth upgrading from XS to 11 pro? ›iPhone 11 vs iPhone XS – Verdict
The only real true reason to upgrade is for the better camera, and improved endurance. The iPhone 11 is an excellent phone though, and if you're in the market for a new iPhone it's an excellent choice.
Is iPhone 11 Pro much better than XS? ›
The iPhone 11 Pro has 2019's A13 Bionic which is superior to the A12 Bionic in the iPhone XS, which in turn is superior to the A11 Bionic in the iPhone X, and so on. The A13 is roughly 20% faster and uses 40% less power than the A12.
Is 11 Pro better than Xs? ›iPhone XS vs 11 Pro: Our final thoughts
That's basically it for our iPhone 11 Pro vs XS comparison. We learned that the iPhone 11 Pro gives us substantially better photography, battery life, and processor speed. But at the end of the day, the iPhone XS is still a great phone.
Those with iPhone 12 and 13 should hold off, while iPhone 11 owners could justify moving up. If you have the iPhone XS or older, it's worth upgrading to one of the iPhone 14 models.
Why is Apple discontinuing iPhone 11 Pro? ›Why has Apple stopped selling the iPhone 11 Pro models? I think it's about two connected things: supply chain and muddling its phone range. The first one we can brush past quickly. The more different phones Apple sells, the more complex manufacturing and shipping them becomes.
What is the advantage of iPhone 11 Pro? ›However, compared to the entry-level option, the iPhone 11 Pro/iPhone 11 Pro Max models have (1) a stronger steel frame and textured glass for easier handling, (2) higher quality displays, (3) better waterproofing, (4) a much more advanced rear camera, (5) even better battery life, and (6) the option of more storage.
Is iPhone 11 Pro a good choice? ›The iPhone 11 Pro continues to be one of the last great small phones in existence. And that's no small feat when you consider all of the great stuff Apple packed into this phone. You get arguably the best cameras in a phone along with class-leading performance and an OLED display that outshines most Android phones.