iPhone 11 vs iPhone 16 Plus – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

iPhone 16 Plus & iPhone 11 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the iPhone 16 Plus rather than the iPhone 11

Why Do I Recommend The iPhone 16 Plus

  • The iPhone 16 Plus features the A18 chip with 8GB of RAM for faster performance, smoother multitasking, and advanced AI processing, while the iPhone 11 uses the older A13 Bionic with 4GB of RAM.
  • iPhone 16 Plus comes with a 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display for sharper visuals, higher brightness, and improved HDR playback, whereas the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD with lower resolution and brightness.
  • It has a 48MP main camera with sensor-shift optical image stabilization for capturing more detailed photos and clearer low-light shots, while the iPhone 11 uses a 12MP main camera with standard stabilization.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G connectivity for significantly faster downloads, lower latency, and smoother streaming, whereas the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE networks.
  • iPhone 16 Plus features a larger 4674mAh battery for up to 27 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 11 has a smaller 3110mAh battery.
  • It includes a customizable Action button and Camera Control button for quick access to functions like shortcuts and instant photo capture, whereas the iPhone 11 does not have any dedicated customizable buttons.
  • The iPhone 16 Plus comes with USB-C for faster data transfer and universal charging compatibility, while the iPhone 11 relies on the proprietary Lightning connector.
  • iPhone 16 Plus is rated IP68 for water resistance up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, providing better durability in deeper water, whereas the iPhone 11 is rated IP68 for only 2 meters for 30 minutes.

Maybe the iPhone 11 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the iPhone 16 Plus. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 11
Display technology6.7″ Super Retina XDR OLED6.1″ Liquid Retina LCD
Display resolution2796 × 1290 px1792 × 828 px
Peak brightness (outdoor)~2000 nits~625 nits maximum
Contrast ratio~2,000,000:1~1400:1
ChipsetApple A18 with AI-optimized Neural EngineApple A13 Bionic
RAM8 GB LPDDR5X4 GB LPDDR4X
Rear camera main sensor48 MP Fusion sensor with sensor-shift OISDual 12 MP
Rear ultrawide camera12 MP with autofocus12 MP fixed-focus
Front camera aperturef/1.9f/2.2
Connectivity—5G supportYesNo
Wi-Fi standardWi-Fi 7Wi-Fi 6
Bluetooth versionBluetooth 5.3Bluetooth 5.0
Port typeUSB-CLightning
Water resistance depthUp to 6 m for 30 minUp to 2 m for 30 min
Battery—video playbackUp to ~27 hoursSignificantly less
Charging optionsUSB-C fast charge, MagSafe, Qi2Lightning with Qi wireless
Special buttonsAction button + Camera Control buttonNone
Body material—front protectionLatest-gen Ceramic ShieldDual-ion strengthened glass
Colors availableBlack, White, Pink, Teal, UltramarinePurple, Yellow, Green, Black, White, Red
Storage tiers128 / 256 / 512 GB64 / 128 / 256 GB
Weight199 g194 g
Dimensions (H×W×D)160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm150.9 × 75.7 × 8.3 mm
Operating System at launchiOS 18iOS 13
Neural Engine speed~2× faster than predecessorOlder generation
PriceCheck iPhone 16 Plus PriceCheck iPhone 11 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Face ID biometric authentication: Both models employ Apple’s advanced facial recognition system, providing secure unlocking and authentication without relying on fingerprint sensors.
  • Dual-camera system on rear: Each device features two rear cameras, enabling functionality like wide-angle and ultrawide photography, portrait mode, and enhanced computational photography.
  • TrueDepth front camera: Both feature the TrueDepth front-facing camera module, which enables Face ID and high-quality selfies and video calls.
  • Portrait mode capability: Thanks to their dual-camera setups and depth-sensing capabilities, both iPhones allow users to take portrait shots with depth-of-field effects.
  • IP68 water & dust resistance: Both models meet IP68 standards, offering splash-proof, dust-resistant performance suitable for brief underwater exposure.
  • Glass back & aluminum frame: They share a similar design language with a glass rear panel and sturdy aluminum frame, blending style with durability.
  • Wireless charging support: Both support inductive charging. The iPhone 16 Plus adds MagSafe and the updated Qi 2, while the iPhone 11 supports standard Qi charging.
  • Dual SIM capability: Both phones offer flexible SIM configurations—one can use either a nano-SIM and/or eSIM, the other includes dual SIM options as well.
  • Face unlock (3D facial recognition): Face ID on both models uses depth data from the TrueDepth system to securely recognize users.
  • iOS operating system family: While launched with different versions, both run Apple’s iOS and receive software updates within that ecosystem, enabling access to Apple apps and services.
  • Oleophobic coating on display: Displays on both phones are treated with an oil-repellent coating to reduce fingerprint smudges and improve screen clarity.
  • Ambient light and proximity sensors: Both are equipped with sensors that adjust screen brightness to surroundings and detect proximity during calls to prevent unintended touches.
  • Dolby Atmos spatial audio support: Each model supports immersive audio playback, offering richer, more spatial sound in supported content.
  • Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity: Though they support different versions, both are equipped with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities for wireless connectivity to accessories and networks.
  • NFC for contactless features: Near Field Communication chips in both devices enable contactless functionalities such as Apple Pay and NFC tags.

Common Features

FeatureiPhone 16 PlusiPhone 11
Face ID biometric authenticationSupportedSupported
Dual-camera system on rearYesYes
TrueDepth front camera12 MP TrueDepth12 MP TrueDepth
Portrait mode capabilityAvailableAvailable
IP68 water & dust resistanceYesYes
Glass back & aluminum frameYesYes
Wireless charging supportMagSafe & Qi 2 compatibleQi-compatible wireless charging
Dual SIM capabilitySupports Dual SIMSupports Dual SIM
Face unlock (3D facial recognition)SupportedSupported
iOS operating system familyRuns on iOSRuns on iOS
Oleophobic coating on displayYesYes
Ambient light and proximity sensorsIntegratedIntegrated
Dolby Atmos spatial audio supportYesYes
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivityBoth have Bluetooth and Wi-FiBoth have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
NFC for contactless featuresYesYes
Price Check iPhone 16 Plus Price Check iPhone 11 Price

FAQ

Is the iPhone 16 Plus faster than the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus is much faster because it uses the Apple A18 chip with 8GB of RAM, while the iPhone 11 runs on the older A13 Bionic with 4GB of RAM, making the newer model better for gaming, multitasking, and AI features.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus have a better display than the iPhone 11?
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with higher resolution and contrast, while the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina panel, so the newer screen delivers brighter, sharper, and more vibrant visuals.

How do the cameras differ between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 11?
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 48MP main sensor with advanced stabilization and a 12MP ultrawide, whereas the iPhone 11 has dual 12MP cameras, making the iPhone 16 Plus far better for detail, low-light photography, and video quality.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus last longer on battery than the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus has a larger 4674mAh battery rated for up to 27 hours of video playback, while the iPhone 11 has about 3110mAh and runs out faster with heavy use.

Do both iPhones support Face ID?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 11 use Face ID with the TrueDepth camera for secure unlocking and payments, though the iPhone 16 Plus benefits from faster AI processing for recognition.

Do both phones support wireless charging?
Yes, both support wireless charging, but the iPhone 16 Plus includes MagSafe and Qi2 compatibility, while the iPhone 11 only works with standard Qi charging.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus support USB-C instead of Lightning?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus has moved to USB-C with faster charging and data transfer, while the iPhone 11 still uses the older Lightning connector.

Is the iPhone 16 Plus bigger than the iPhone 11?
The iPhone 16 Plus is larger with a 6.7-inch display and dimensions of 160.9 × 77.8 × 7.8 mm, while the iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch display and measures 150.9 × 75.7 × 8.3 mm.

Do both phones have water resistance?
Yes, both are IP68 water and dust resistant, but the iPhone 16 Plus can handle depths of up to 6 meters for 30 minutes, while the iPhone 11 is limited to 2 meters.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus support 5G while the iPhone 11 does not?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus supports full 5G connectivity for faster data speeds, while the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE only.

Are the storage options the same on both models?
No, the iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, while the iPhone 11 was sold in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, making the new model better for users who need higher capacity.

Do both phones support Portrait mode and Night mode?
Yes, both models include Portrait mode and Night mode, but the iPhone 16 Plus delivers sharper results thanks to its higher-resolution camera and updated image processing.

Do both phones support NFC for Apple Pay?
Yes, both the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 11 support NFC, enabling Apple Pay and other contactless functions.

Does the iPhone 16 Plus include special buttons not found on the iPhone 11?
Yes, the iPhone 16 Plus adds an Action button and a Camera Control button for quick access to functions, which the iPhone 11 does not have.

Will the iPhone 11 still get updates like the iPhone 16 Plus?
The iPhone 16 Plus launched with iOS 18 and will receive several years of updates, while the iPhone 11 launched with iOS 13 and is nearing the end of its support window, meaning the 16 Plus will stay current much longer.

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