The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in 2019, was Apple’s most powerful iPhone at the time, offering a large Super Retina XDR display, a triple-camera system, and the powerful A13 Bionic chip. Even in 2025, it remains a strong contender in the certified used and refurbished iPhone market.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the iPhone 11 Pro Max starts at $250, making it a great mid-range choice for buyers looking for a premium iPhone without spending on the latest models. For comparison:
So, is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still worth buying in 2025, or should you consider an alternative? Let’s break down its performance, software support, and long-term value to help you decide.
One of the biggest concerns when buying an older iPhone is how long it will receive iOS updates. The good news is that the iPhone 11 Pro Max still supports the latest iOS version in 2025, ensuring:
The A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a powerful processor even in 2025.
One of the standout features of the iPhone 11 Pro Max is its battery life. It was designed to last longer than previous iPhones, and in 2025, it still performs well if the battery health is maintained.
The triple-lens camera system on the iPhone 11 Pro Max was a major upgrade in 2019, and it still holds up well today.
The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display remains one of the best iPhone screens available.
The iPhone XS Max (2018) and iPhone 11 Pro Max (2019) are similar in size and design, but under the hood, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a major upgrade in several key areas. With the iPhone XS Max priced at $180+ and the iPhone 11 Pro Max at $250, is the extra $70 investment worth it? The short answer is yes. See below for more details.
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone XS Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2018 |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2688 x 1242) | 6.5-inch Super Retina OLED (2688 x 1242) |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB |
| Camera System | 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto) | 12MP (Wide, Telephoto) |
| Night Mode | Yes | No |
| Deep Fusion | Yes | No |
| Optical Zoom | 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out | 2x optical zoom in |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours video playback | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| 5G Support | No | No |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | No |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (4m for 30 min) | IP68 (2m for 30 min) |
| Weight | 226g | 208g |
| Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025) | $250+ | $180+ |
iPhone XS Max: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which still performs well but shows signs of aging in 2025.
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster and more efficient, offering:
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – The A13 chip is still fast in 2025, whereas the A12 chip may struggle with heavier tasks.
iPhone XS Max: Dual 12MP cameras (Wide + Telephoto) – decent but lacks modern computational photography features.
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Triple 12MP cameras (Wide + Ultra-Wide + Telephoto) with Night Mode and Deep Fusion, which significantly enhance low-light photography and image processing.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – The third Ultra-Wide lens, Night Mode, and Deep Fusion make a huge difference in camera performance.
One of the biggest reasons to choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max over the XS Max is battery life.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – It lasts significantly longer, making it better for heavy users.
Both phones have 6.5-inch OLED displays, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max features Super Retina XDR, offering:
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – Brighter and more durable display compared to the XS Max.
iPhone XS Max: Glossy glass back, prone to fingerprints and smudges.
iPhone 11 Pro Max: Matte glass back, which feels more premium and resists fingerprints.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – The matte finish is more refined and premium-looking.
For just $70 more, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a much better deal than the iPhone XS Max.
With the iPhone 11 Pro Max priced at $250 and the iPhone 12 Pro Max at $350, there’s a $100 difference. But does spending more on the iPhone 12 Pro Max make sense? Maybe not.
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro Max | iPhone 12 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 |
| Display | 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2688 x 1242) | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED (2778 x 1284) |
| Chipset | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 6GB |
| Camera System | 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto) | 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto, LiDAR Scanner) |
| Night Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Deep Fusion | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 2x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out | 2.5x optical zoom in, 2x optical zoom out |
| Sensor-Shift Stabilization | No | Yes |
| LiDAR Scanner | No | Yes |
| Battery Life | Up to 20 hours video playback | Up to 20 hours video playback |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Frame Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | IP68 (4m for 30 min) | IP68 (6m for 30 min) |
| Weight | 226g | 228g |
| Starting Price (Certified Used, 2025) | $250+ | $350+ |
🏆 Winner: Slight edge to iPhone 12 Pro Max – The A14 chip is better but not a game-changer over the A13.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max – If you want 5G for future-proofing, the 12 Pro Max is the better choice.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max – LiDAR and Sensor-Shift Stabilization help in low-light and video stabilization.
🏆 Winner: Tie – Battery performance is nearly the same.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max – The Ceramic Shield is more durable, but the difference is not huge.
If 5G and camera improvements matter, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is worth the extra $100. But if you just want a high-end iPhone for the best value, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is the smarter purchase.
At $250, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains one of the best value flagship iPhones you can buy in 2025. It offers top-tier performance, an excellent OLED display, a powerful camera system, and long battery life—all for a fraction of the cost of newer models.
When comparing it to alternatives:
💡 Verdict: The iPhone 11 Pro Max is the best balance of price, performance, and premium features in 2025. It’s the best Pro Max model for budget-conscious buyers who want a high-end iPhone without paying for newer models.
Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro Max still supports the latest iOS version in 2025 and is expected to receive major updates for at least another 2-3 years. This ensures continued security updates, app compatibility, and new features from Apple.
Apple typically supports iPhones with major iOS updates for around 5-6 years. Since the iPhone 11 Pro Max launched in 2019, it is expected to receive iOS updates until at least 2026 or 2027.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has one of the best battery performances among older iPhones. In 2025, it still offers:
Yes! The A13 Bionic chip is still very capable of running modern games smoothly. While newer chips like A14 (iPhone 12 Pro Max) and A15 (iPhone 13 Pro Max) are faster, the difference is not noticeable for most users unless you play intensive, high-frame-rate games.
Absolutely! The triple-camera system (Wide, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto) is still excellent for photography and videography. Features like Night Mode, Deep Fusion, and 4K video recording ensure high-quality images, even in low light.
No, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is limited to 4G LTE. If 5G connectivity is a must, consider upgrading to the iPhone 12 Pro Max or later models.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has an IP68 water resistance rating, meaning it can withstand up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes. However, water resistance can degrade over time, especially in used or refurbished models.
As of 2025, certified used and refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max models start at $250. Prices may vary based on condition, storage capacity, and seller warranties.
For peace of mind, it’s recommended to buy a certified refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max from reputable sellers.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max was released in September 2019 alongside the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. It was Apple’s flagship iPhone for 2019-2020 before being replaced by the iPhone 12 Pro Max in 2020.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display. It measures 158.0 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm (6.22 x 3.06 x 0.32 inches) and weighs 226 grams (7.97 oz).
Yes, Apple officially discontinued the iPhone 11 Pro Max in October 2020, following the release of the iPhone 12 series. However, the model is still widely available as a certified refurbished or used device from third-party sellers.
No, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is not outdated in 2025. It still:
For most users, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still a premium phone that holds up well in 2025.
You can use UpTrade’s Price Tracker to compare deals from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and other trusted sellers. Checking regularly will help you find the lowest price on a certified refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max.
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