Released in September 2019, the iPhone 11 Pro marked Apple’s first foray into “Pro” branding for its smartphones, introducing a triple-camera system that revolutionized mobile photography. Even in 2025, with iOS updates extending to iOS 18 and potentially beyond, this compact powerhouse continues to hold its own against newer models. Priced originally at around $999, it’s now a budget-friendly option for those seeking premium features without the latest bells and whistles. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into its design, display, camera, performance, battery, and overall value.
Design and Build
The iPhone 11 Pro Review boasts a premium build with a stainless steel frame sandwiched between glass panels, weighing in at 188g and measuring 144 x 71.4 x 8.1mm. Its matte glass back, available in Matte Space Gray, Matte Silver, Matte Gold, and Matte Midnight Green, resists fingerprints and offers a grippy texture that’s a step up from the glossy iPhone XS. The device is IP68 rated, surviving submersion up to 4 meters for 30 minutes, and supports Apple Pay via NFC.
At 5.8 inches, it’s one-hand friendly, making it ideal for users who prefer smaller phones. The front features a notch housing the TrueDepth camera for Face ID, which remains secure and fast. Long-term users report the stainless steel frame adds a sense of durability without causing hand strain, though the phone’s weight contributes to its premium feel. Over years of use, the design holds up well, with minimal wear when protected by a case.
Display
The Super Retina XDR OLED display measures 5.8 inches with a 1125 x 2436 resolution, supporting HDR10 and Dolby Vision. It peaks at 1200 nits for HDR content and 800 nits otherwise, ensuring excellent outdoor visibility. Colors are vibrant yet accurate, with deep blacks that enhance media consumption. Paired with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos, it delivers immersive audio for videos and games.
Dark Mode, introduced in iOS 13, leverages the OLED panel for battery savings and eye comfort. In long-term testing, the screen remains sharp and responsive, though some users note minor burn-in risks with prolonged static images. Overall, it’s a standout feature that ages gracefully.
Camera System
The star of the show is the triple 12MP camera: a wide (f/1.8), telephoto (f/2.0 with 2x optical zoom), and ultrawide (f/2.4, 120° field of view). This setup allows for versatile shooting, capturing expansive landscapes or zoomed portraits with ease. Night Mode automatically brightens low-light scenes via multi-exposure fusion, producing low-noise images up to 30 seconds on a tripod.
Deep Fusion uses machine learning for detailed textures, while the 12MP front camera supports 4K video and slo-mo selfies. From a photography perspective, the ultrawide lens is transformative, reducing the need for additional gear and enabling creative compositions. Long-term reviews praise its reliability for true-to-life colors, dynamic range, and effective Portrait Mode, though video usage might be limited for some. In 2025, it still outperforms many mid-range phones.
Performance and Software
Powered by the A13 Bionic chip (7nm+ process) with 4GB RAM, the iPhone 11 Pro handles multitasking, gaming, and video editing swiftly. Geekbench scores around 3,431 multi-core highlight its speed, which remains snappy even after years. It launched with iOS 13 and supports updates up to iOS 19, bringing features like App Library, widgets, and enhanced privacy.
Apps feel polished, with less battery drain than Android counterparts. Over time, performance doesn’t degrade significantly, making it suitable for non-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
The 3046mAh battery offers up to 1.5 days of moderate use, a notable improvement over predecessors. It charges to 50% in 30 minutes via 18W wired charging and supports Qi wireless. Long-term, capacity drops to around 81% after two years, yielding 3-4 hours of screen time, but a battery replacement revives it. For photographers, it sustains extended sessions, like hikes with GPS tracking.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Revolutionary camera, excellent battery, premium matte design, long software support. Cons: Similar visuals to iPhone XS, no 5G (though LTE is fast), limited storage expansion.
Conclusion
The iPhone 11 Pro is a testament to Apple’s engineering, blending compact design with pro-level features that endure in 2025. If you’re not chasing the latest tech like 5G or higher refresh rates, it’s a worthwhile pick—especially at discounted prices. For power users or photographers, it delivers value that belies its age.