Tech Talk

Is iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Worth Buying in 2025

Feb 28, 2025 Jonathan Sizemore

Introduction

The iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple’s premium flagship from 2019, was a game-changer with its triple-camera system, Super Retina XDR display, and powerful A13 Bionic chip. Fast forward to 2025, and the question arises—is it still worth buying today?

According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is now available for just $200+, making it an affordable flagship option for those who want a premium iPhone experience without the premium price tag.

With its high-quality build, OLED display, long-lasting battery, and continued iOS support, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a solid contender for budget-conscious buyers. In this article, we’ll explore its specifications, performance, and whether it’s still a smart investment in 2025.

Full Specs

Specification	Details
Network Technology	GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
Launch	September 2019
Body	Dimensions: 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32 in) Weight: 226 g (7.97 oz) Build: Glass front (Corning-made glass), glass back (Corning-made glass), stainless steel frame SIM: Nano-SIM + eSIM / Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM (China) Water & Dust Resistance: IP68 dust tight and water-resistant (immersible up to 4m for 30 min) Apple Pay: (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX certified)
Display	Type: Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak) Size: 6.5 inches, 102.9 cm² (~83.7% screen-to-body ratio) Resolution: 1242 x 2688 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~458 ppi density) Protection: Scratch-resistant glass
Platform	OS: iOS 13, upgradable to iOS 18.3.1 Chipset: Apple A13 Bionic (7 nm+) CPU: Hexa-core (2x2.65 GHz Lightning + 4x1.8 GHz Thunder) GPU: Apple GPU (4-core graphics)
Memory	Card Slot: No Internal Storage: 64GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 512GB 4GB RAM (NVMe)
Main Camera	Triple: - 12 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS - 12 MP, f/2.0, 52mm (telephoto), 1/3.4", 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS, 2x optical zoom - 12 MP, f/2.4, 120˚, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/3.6" Features: Dual-LED dual-tone flash, HDR (photo/panorama) Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120/240fps, HDR, stereo sound recording
Selfie Camera	Single: 12 MP, f/2.2, 23mm (wide), 1/3.6" SL 3D: (depth/biometrics sensor) Features: HDR Video: 4K@24/30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/120fps, gyro-EIS
Battery	Type: Li-Ion 3969 mAh, non-removable (15.04 Wh) Charging: Wired, PD2.0, 50% in 30 min Wireless Charging: Qi-compatible

At $200+, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still packs flagship-level features, making it a great alternative to newer budget and mid-range phones in 2025.

Performance & Hardware

Despite being a few generations old, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still delivers smooth performance, thanks to its A13 Bionic chip and optimized iOS software.

✅ Everyday Performance – Whether you’re browsing, streaming, or multitasking, the A13 Bionic chip ensures a lag-free experience.
✅ Gaming – Titles like PUBG Mobile, Call of Duty, and Genshin Impact run smoothly at high settings, thanks to the PowerVR GPU.
✅ Long-Term Durability – The stainless steel frame and matte glass back make it more premium and durable than many newer mid-range phones.

For a budget-friendly price, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still competes with newer smartphones, making it a great choice in 2025.

Chipset

The A13 Bionic chip may be a few generations old, but it still holds its own in 2025.

7nm+ architecture – Efficient and powerful for daily tasks.
Neural Engine – Boosts AI performance, enabling faster Face ID recognition and computational photography.
Gaming & GPU Performance – The 4-core GPU handles graphically intensive apps and games without noticeable lag.
Power Efficiency – Optimized for battery longevity and smooth iOS updates.

Compared to newer iPhones, the A13 chip may not be the fastest, but it’s still capable of handling most tasks effortlessly.

Display

One of the iPhone 11 Pro Max’s biggest selling points is its 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, which remains one of the best screens available at this price range.

Resolution – 2688 x 1242 pixels for sharp visuals.
OLED Panel – Delivers deep blacks, vibrant colors, and high contrast.
HDR10 & Dolby Vision Support – Enhances video playback on platforms like Netflix and Apple TV+.
Peak Brightness – Up to 800 nits (1200 nits HDR) for great visibility outdoors.

Even in 2025, the display on the iPhone 11 Pro Max surpasses many budget and mid-range smartphones, making it a great device for media consumption.

Camera

The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced Apple’s first triple-camera setup, which still holds up well in 2025.

📸 Triple 12MP Rear Cameras:

Wide (f/1.8) – Captures detailed photos with excellent dynamic range.
Ultra-Wide (f/2.4, 120° FOV) – Perfect for landscapes and group shots.
Telephoto (f/2.0, 2x optical zoom) – Provides clear zoomed-in shots without major quality loss.

📷 12MP Front Camera:

TrueDepth Camera enables Face ID and Smart HDR for enhanced selfies.
4K Video Recording (60fps) – Produces high-quality video footage, still competitive in 2025.

🔹 Night Mode – Improves low-light photography, producing bright and detailed night shots.
🔹 Deep Fusion – Enhances textures and fine details in mid-light conditions.

While newer iPhones have advanced AI processing and higher megapixels, the iPhone 11 Pro Max camera still competes with many 2025 mid-range smartphones.

Design

The iPhone 11 Pro Max retains a premium build that feels as high-end in 2025 as it did in 2019.

Stainless Steel Frame – More durable and premium-feeling than aluminum-based designs in newer budget phones.
Textured Matte Glass Back – Offers a sleek aesthetic while reducing fingerprints.
IP68 Water Resistance – Protects against accidental spills and submersion.
Slim Bezels – While newer iPhones have thinner borders, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still looks modern.

For those who prefer a premium build over a budget plastic phone, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a great option in 2025.

Battery Life

The iPhone 11 Pro Max was praised for its battery longevity, and it still delivers respectable endurance in 2025.

🔋 3,969mAh Battery Life:

Up to 20 hours of talk time.
Streaming & Media – Can handle 10-12 hours of continuous video playback.
Fast Charging – Supports 18W wired charging (50% in 30 minutes).
Wireless Charging – Compatible with Qi chargers for convenience.

While battery health may degrade over time, a certified refurbished model ensures the battery still delivers strong daily performance.

Software Support

One of the biggest reasons to consider the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025 is its continued iOS support.

✅ Currently supports iOS 18
✅ Expected to receive updates until at least iOS 19 (2026)
✅ Access to new iOS features & security patches

Even though it won’t receive updates indefinitely, Apple’s long-term software support makes the iPhone 11 Pro Max more future-proof than most Android devices in this price range.

Price & Value

As of 2025, the iPhone 11 Pro Max has dropped to $200+, making it one of the most affordable flagship iPhones available. Despite being over five years old, it still offers premium features, including a Super Retina XDR OLED display, triple-camera system, and A13 Bionic chip.

Here’s why the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a great value in 2025:

✅ Flagship-Level Features – Still offers premium design, Face ID, and a high-end display.
✅ Performance – The A13 Bionic chip outperforms most mid-range Android devices in this price range.
✅ Camera System – The triple-camera setup with Night Mode and 4K video recording is still better than many budget smartphones.
✅ Battery Life – A 3969mAh battery ensures all-day usage, and it supports fast & wireless charging.
✅ iOS Support – Expected to receive updates until at least 2026, keeping the device secure and optimized.

For buyers who want an affordable iPhone with flagship-level performance, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a fantastic deal at $200+.

How to Use UpTrade to Find the Best Deal

Buying a certified used or refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max ensures you get a high-quality device at the lowest price. UpTrade makes this process simple by comparing prices from trusted and certified resellers.

Here’s how you can use UpTrade to find the best deal on an iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025:

1️⃣ Visit UpTrade – Search iPhone 11 Pro Max.
2️⃣ Compare Prices – UpTrade aggregates prices from multiple certified resellers, ensuring you get the best available deal.
3️⃣ Set up filters – Set your preferred network, storage, color, etc.
4️⃣ Choose a Condition – Select from like-new, refurbished, or used conditions based on your budget. While each reseller has its unique refurbishment standard, UpTrade aligns all to the same UpTrade Standard for easy comparison.
5️⃣ Purchase Securely – UpTrade connects you with trusted sellers who offer warranties and return policies.

Instead of spending hours searching the Internet for the best deal, UpTrade does the work for you, ensuring a safe and hassle-free purchase.

Conclusion: Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max Still Worth Buying in 2025?

With a price drop to $200+, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains one of the best budget flagship options in 2025. It outperforms many modern budget and mid-range smartphones, thanks to its Super Retina XDR OLED display, powerful A13 Bionic chip, and premium design.

✅ Pros:

✔ Flagship build quality with a stainless steel frame and textured glass back
✔ 1200-nit OLED display for vibrant and sharp visuals
✔ Triple-camera system with Night Mode and 4K recording
✔ Fast A13 Bionic chip still capable of handling demanding apps and games
✔ Long battery life with fast and wireless charging
✔ Continued iOS support through at least 2026

❌ Cons:

✖ No 5G support (limited to 4G LTE)
✖ No high refresh rate display (stays at 60Hz)
✖ Battery health may vary in used models (recommend certified refurbished units)

For budget-conscious buyers looking for a premium iPhone experience at an affordable price, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still a solid choice in 2025.

🔹 Looking for the best price on a Refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max? Use UpTrade to compare prices from trusted sellers today!