The iPhone 11 arrived in 2019, and there’s been a new iteration of the iPhone every year since – the latest is the iPhone 14, which came out in 2022. So, with multiple, newer iPhones to choose from and the iPhone 15 not far away, is the iPhone 11 still worth buying?
It might be the cheapest option for an iPhone on a plan, but that lower cost comes with a few concessions due to the iPhone 11's age. So we don't really recommend getting the iPhone 11 on a plan at this time.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone still have the iPhone 11 available, but given that the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G connectivity, we recommend looking at newer handsets. The best iPhone SE (2022) plans are similar in price to the iPhone 11, though the plans are only available through Optus and Telstra. There are also plans with the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, all of which offer 5G connectivity, though monthly costs for plans are significantly higher. However, they could pick up discounts once the 2023 iPhone has landed, so we recommend waiting for a price drop.
If you’re still set on the iPhone 11, you also have options to buy the handset outright and then pair it with one of the best SIM-only plans. Amazon, JB Hi-Fi and The Good Guys all stock the iPhone 11 starting at AU$679 for the 64GB storage option. We’d recommend waiting for a discount on the iPhone 11 before buying it outright, though there are none at this time.
Best iPhone 11 plans: our picks
Best overall iPhone 11 plan
Best premium iPhone 11 plan
Are there any cheap iPhone 11 plans?
Simply, no. While the iPhone 11 might be available with the cheapest overall monthly payments, it is a much older handset, having been released back in 2019. We’re now up to the iPhone 14, and the iPhone 15 is expected in September. Even if you didn’t want to splurge on the latest, you can pay slightly more to pick up the iPhone SE (2022) on a plan, giving you a more current handset with 5G connectivity.
So what should you do? Well, we recommend you check out one of the best iPhone SE plans instead. For a clear comparison, the cheapest iPhone 11 plan from Vodafone will set you back AU$73.29. Meanwhile, getting the newer iPhone SE (2022) from Vodafone will cost you AU$78.94 a month. While the iPhone SE's cheapest plan is currently more expensive, it's a more recent phone that will also give you 5G coverage.
Outright iPhone 11 deals
When the iPhone 11 first launched, the base 64GB model was selling for AU$1,199. But now that the iPhone 13 is available, Apple has cut the price of its former flagship. The 64GB version is now retailing for AU$849, and if you want more storage, you can expect to pay AU$929 for the 128GB model. That means each iPhone 11 is AU$350 cheaper than its iPhone 12 equivalent.
It comes in black, white, green, yellow, purple or red colour options. Purchasing an iPhone 11 will also let you redeem one year of Apple TV Plus for free.
When buying outright, you’ll want an excellent SIM-only plan to pair with it.
- iPhone 11 vs iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 11 Pro Max: the Apple phones compared
iPhone 11 review
While the iPhone 11 looks rather similar to the iPhone XR, it has made improvements in crucial areas. That includes an improved dual camera setup, so you can take wider-angle snaps alongside regular photos.
Despite the release of the new iPhone 12, the iPhone 11 is still a powerful phone with the A13 Bionic chip on its side. Now that it’s seen a price drop, it’s only all the more appealing.
Read our full iPhone 11 review
iPhone 11 FAQ
Should I upgrade to the iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max?
It’s tricky to answer, as it depends on what you want from your phone. The iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max will be the better choices for those that want superior spec sheets and don’t mind spending a little extra money. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 will suit those looking for the lowest price.
However, due to the significant price increase of the Pro Max, those considering the iPhone 11 are likely to be best suited going up to the iPhone 11 Pro or the iPhone 12, if considering other handsets.
Both devices are more powerful and bring a major jump in specs, particularly with the camera setup. Keep in mind though that the iPhone 11 Pro is confusingly the smallest of the three iPhone 11s, and might not suit those who want a larger phone.
What are the closest Android competitors to iPhone 11?
So you’re thinking of switching to Android, huh? Android has a number of devices with similar builds, specs, designs and prices to the iPhone 11, but Samsung and Google probably have the closest alternatives:
Samsung Galaxy S20: Samsung’s S20 series comes in a trio, just like Apple’s range. While the S20 came out about six months after the iPhone 11, and offers slightly better specs, it’s only marginally more expensive than the iPhone 11 (and sometimes cheaper). The S20 will get you 5G connectivity, a larger battery and a better display. On the other hand, the iPhone 11 arguably has the better camera in quality and video, and a more powerful processor.
Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: The Samsung Galaxy S20 Fan Edition (FE) is a 'lite' version of the flagship S20 series. It brings select headline features from the S20 trio to a more affordable price point, including a brilliant camera array, a fast screen refresh rate and a powerful processor. The S20 FE feels a little more budget than its S20 siblings in part because of its plastic design, and a battery life that might not last the day if you’re making use of those high-end features. Though it does get the edge over the iPhone 11 by offering 5G connectivity.
Google Pixel 5: The Google Pixel 5 has one major feature that helps it stand out from the crowd – its camera. The Pixel 5 has two lens on the back: a 12.2MP main shooter and a 16MP ultra-wide lens. Where it really comes into its own is the camera software, with lots of options to create a strong shot. Its processor isn’t as powerful as the iPhone 11’s, but the camera experience is great. It now costs the same as the iPhone 11 at AU$999.
Is the iPhone SE worth considering against the iPhone 11?
These are two entirely different handsets. The iPhone SE will be a compelling option for anyone who wants an affordable iPhone from Apple, and doesn’t mind the 'decent but not top-end' specs that come with it.
Yes, it has the same A13 Bionic chip as the iPhone 11, and it has a good camera for most people. But the battery life could be better, and the screen tech feels a little outdated – though it has a much lower price tag.
The iPhone 11 on the other hand is a powerful handset with a lovely design, excellent camera, a high-definition display and better battery life.
Should I choose the iPhone 12 instead?
Apple’s latest iPhone is now here. With the iPhone 12 comes the latest specs from the brand, and for many upgrading to the newest model will be the most logical choice. It’s the first iPhone to offer 5G, and it has a more powerful processor and some significant camera improvements.
On top of that, the iPhone 12 also offers Apple’s clever MagSafe feature, and a squared-off design similar to the popular style of the iPhone 5 from many years ago.
However, the iPhone 11 has seen a considerable price drop since the iPhone 12 came out, making it more affordable than ever.
And while features such as 5G and MagSafe are brand-new to Apple, they are by no means essential. In other departments, the iPhone 12 is simply an incremental upgrade.
