Introduction
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:
- The older iPhone XS Max is priced at $180+, but its performance and camera aren’t as strong as the 11 Pro Max.
- The newer iPhone 12 Pro Max costs $350+, making it a much more expensive option.
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.
iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025: Performance, Software, and Hardware
iOS Support & Longevity
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:
- Regular security updates to protect against vulnerabilities.
- Full app compatibility with the latest software from Apple.
- At least another 2-3 years of major iOS updates, making it a reliable long-term option.
A13 Bionic Performance: Still Fast in 2025?
The A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a powerful processor even in 2025.
- Fast performance for everyday tasks, including browsing, social media, and multitasking.
- Smooth gaming experience, handling most modern games without lag.
- Efficient power consumption, meaning the phone won’t slow down easily like older models.
Battery Life: How Well Does It Hold Up?
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.
- Lasts up to 20 hours of video playback, outperforming many budget and mid-range smartphones.
- Battery health matters—a well-maintained or replaced battery can still offer all-day use.
- Battery replacement is affordable, making it easy to extend the phone’s lifespan.
Camera System: Is It Still Competitive?
The triple-lens camera system on the iPhone 11 Pro Max was a major upgrade in 2019, and it still holds up well today.
- 12MP Wide, Ultra-Wide, and Telephoto lenses provide versatility for different photography styles.
- Night Mode and Deep Fusion enhance low-light photography, making it superior to the iPhone XS Max’s camera.
- 4K video recording at 60fps allows for high-quality video production, still relevant in 2025.
Super Retina XDR Display: Still Premium?
The 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display remains one of the best iPhone screens available.
- OLED technology provides deep blacks and vibrant colors.
- 2688 x 1242 resolution ensures a sharp and crisp viewing experience.
- HDR10 and Dolby Vision support for enhanced video playback.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
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.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone XS Max: Specs Comparison
| 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+ |
1. Performance: A13 Bionic vs. A12 Bionic
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:
- Better power management for longer battery life.
- Faster app launches and smoother multitasking.
- Improved gaming performance, handling modern games with ease.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – The A13 chip is still fast in 2025, whereas the A12 chip may struggle with heavier tasks.
2. Camera: Dual vs. Triple-Lens System
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.
3. Battery Life: iPhone 11 Pro Max Lasts Longer
One of the biggest reasons to choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max over the XS Max is battery life.
- iPhone XS Max: Up to 15 hours video playback.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to 20 hours video playback – a 5-hour improvement thanks to a more efficient A13 chip.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – It lasts significantly longer, making it better for heavy users.
4. Display & Durability: Super Retina XDR vs Super Retina
Both phones have 6.5-inch OLED displays, but the iPhone 11 Pro Max features Super Retina XDR, offering:
- Higher brightness (up to 800 nits vs. 625 nits).
- Better contrast and HDR performance.
- Improved durability with stronger glass.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 11 Pro Max – Brighter and more durable display compared to the XS Max.
5. Design & Build: Matte vs Glossy
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.
Is It Worth the Upgrade?
For just $70 more, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is a much better deal than the iPhone XS Max.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max: Should You Spend More?
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.
iPhone 11 Pro Max vs iPhone 12 Pro Max: Specs Comparison
| 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+ |
1. Performance: A14 Bionic vs. A13 Bionic
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: A13 Bionic chip – still powerful for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: A14 Bionic chip – slightly faster CPU and GPU performance, but not a dramatic leap.
🏆 Winner: Slight edge to iPhone 12 Pro Max – The A14 chip is better but not a game-changer over the A13.
2. 5G Connectivity: A Major Difference
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Limited to 4G LTE.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Supports 5G, offering faster internet speeds (if you live in an area with good 5G coverage).
🏆 Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max – If you want 5G for future-proofing, the 12 Pro Max is the better choice.
3. Camera: Slight Improvement on 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto) with Night Mode and Deep Fusion.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide, Telephoto) + LiDAR Scanner + Sensor-Shift Stabilization for improved low-light photography and autofocus.
🏆 Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max – LiDAR and Sensor-Shift Stabilization help in low-light and video stabilization.
4. Battery Life: Nearly Identical
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Up to 20 hours video playback.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Up to 20 hours video playback.
🏆 Winner: Tie – Battery performance is nearly the same.
5. Design & Display: Ceramic Shield vs. Glass
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: Glass back with stainless steel frame.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: Ceramic Shield front + Stainless Steel (offers better drop protection).
🏆 Winner: iPhone 12 Pro Max – The Ceramic Shield is more durable, but the difference is not huge.
Should You Spend More?
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.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025?
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:
- iPhone XS Max ($180+) – The A12 chip, shorter battery life, and dual-camera system make it inferior to the 11 Pro Max. The $70 difference is well worth the upgrade.
- iPhone 12 Pro Max ($350+) – The A14 chip, 5G, and LiDAR scanner are nice upgrades, but not worth paying $100 more unless 5G connectivity is essential.
💡 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.
FAQs: Buying a Used iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025
1. Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max still getting iOS updates in 2025?
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.
2. How many years will the iPhone 11 Pro Max be supported?
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.
3. How long does the iPhone 11 Pro Max battery last in 2025?
The iPhone 11 Pro Max has one of the best battery performances among older iPhones. In 2025, it still offers:
- Up to 20 hours of video playback on a well-maintained battery.
- Longer battery life than the iPhone XS Max.
- Affordable battery replacement options if needed.
4. Can the iPhone 11 Pro Max handle gaming in 2025?
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.
5. Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max camera still good in 2025?
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.
6. Does the iPhone 11 Pro Max have 5G?
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.
7. Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max waterproof?
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.
8. How much should I pay for a used iPhone 11 Pro Max in 2025?
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.
9. Should I buy a used or refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max?
- A certified refurbished iPhone is tested, repaired, and comes with a warranty, making it the safest option.
- A used iPhone 11 Pro Max from a trusted seller is cheaper but may not include a warranty.
For peace of mind, it’s recommended to buy a certified refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max from reputable sellers.
10. What year is the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
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.
11. What is the size of the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
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).
12. Is Apple discontinuing the iPhone 11 Pro Max?
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.
13. Is the iPhone 11 Pro Max out of date?
No, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is not outdated in 2025. It still:
- Supports the latest iOS updates.
- Offers high-end performance with the A13 Bionic chip.
- Has a great triple-camera system with Night Mode.
- Provides excellent battery life.
For most users, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is still a premium phone that holds up well in 2025.
14. Where can I find the best price for a certified used iPhone 11 Pro Max?
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.
