Yes — the iPhone 11 is still a good deal in 2026, especially for budget-conscious buyers looking for a reliable iPhone without spending much.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11 models now start at around $150+, making it one of the most affordable ways to get into Apple’s ecosystem. At this price, the iPhone 11 continues to deliver solid everyday performance, a dependable camera system, and ongoing iOS support — all of which still matter to many users.
However, 2026 introduces an important twist.
We’ve also noticed that Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 models have dropped to roughly the same $150+ price point. When two iPhones sit at the same price, the question changes. It’s no longer just about whether the iPhone 11 is good — it’s about whether there’s a better value available for the same money.
That’s where the comparison gets interesting.
Yes — the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11 at $150+ is still a good deal in 2026. It delivers reliable performance, a capable camera, and ongoing iOS support at a very affordable price, making it a solid option for budget-focused buyers.
However, when Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 models are available at the same $150+ price point, the value equation changes. With 5G support, newer hardware, an OLED display, and a longer usable lifespan, the iPhone 12 simply offers more future-proof value for the same money.
Despite its age, the iPhone 11 holds up surprisingly well in 2026 for everyday use. Powered by Apple’s A13 chip, it remains smooth for common tasks like web browsing, messaging, streaming video, social media, and casual photography. For many users, that level of performance is more than enough.
The iPhone 11 supports the newest iOS 26 and continues to receive iOS updates, which means it still benefits from security patches and core system improvements. This ongoing support helps extend its usable lifespan and keeps apps running reliably — a major advantage over much older iPhone models.
Its dual-camera system is another reason it remains appealing. While it doesn’t match newer flagship cameras, it still produces sharp photos in good lighting and respectable results indoors. For everyday snapshots, school events, or travel photos, the camera is more than capable.
Because of this balance of performance, reliability, and price, the iPhone 11 is still a popular choice for:
At $150+, the iPhone 11 absolutely earns its reputation as a good deal in 2026. The key question — which we’ll explore next — is whether it’s still the best deal when the iPhone 12 costs the same.
While the iPhone 11 is still perfectly usable in 2026, several areas highlight its age — especially when compared to newer models at similar prices.
No 5G Connectivity
The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE. While LTE still works fine today, carriers continue to prioritize 5G networks for coverage improvements and long-term infrastructure investment. Over the next few years, having a 5G-capable phone matters less for raw speed and more for network longevity and future compatibility.
LCD Display in an OLED-Dominated Era
The iPhone 11 uses an LCD display, which was standard at the time of release. In 2026, OLED displays are now common across most iPhone models. OLED panels offer deeper blacks, better contrast, improved energy efficiency, and a more modern visual experience — advantages that become noticeable when viewing the phones side by side.
Older Processor with Less Future Headroom
Apple’s A13 chip still handles everyday tasks smoothly, but it has less performance headroom for future iOS features, AI-driven enhancements, and increasingly demanding apps. As iOS continues to evolve, newer chips are better positioned to support advanced features longer.
Shorter Remaining Software Lifespan
Although the iPhone 11 still receives iOS updates in 2026, it is closer to the end of its software support window than newer models. This means fewer years of full feature updates and a shorter runway before app compatibility begins to decline.
Lower Long-Term Resale Value
As devices age and lose key features like 5G, resale value tends to drop more quickly. Buyers planning to upgrade again in a few years may find that the iPhone 11 holds its value less effectively than newer alternatives.
None of these limitations make the iPhone 11 a bad phone. At the right price, they are reasonable trade-offs. The issue only becomes significant when the iPhone 11 costs the same as newer, more future-proof models.
When comparing the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 in 2026, both phones still deliver a solid iPhone experience. The difference is no longer about whether they work — it’s about how long they’ll continue to work well.
With Certified Used / Refurbished prices converging at $150+, long-term value becomes the deciding factor.
| Feature | iPhone 11 | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2019 | 2020 |
| Display | 6.1-inch LCD | 6.1-inch OLED |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Camera System | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) | Dual 12MP (Wide + Ultra Wide) |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Charging Port | Lightning | Lightning |
| iOS Support (2026) | Supports iOS 26 | Supports iOS 26 |
| Long-Term iOS Outlook | Nearing end of full iOS feature updates | Longer runway for future iOS updates |
| Certified Used / Refurbished Price (2026) | $150+ | $150+ |
Although both phones support the latest iOS 26 today, several differences significantly affect long-term value.
iOS Support Longevity
Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 run iOS 26 in 2026, but the iPhone 11 is closer to the end of its full iOS feature update cycle. Full iOS support for the iPhone 11 is expected to end about one year earlier than for the iPhone 12.
5G Connectivity
The iPhone 12 includes full 5G support, while the iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE. In 2026, this matters less for speed and more for network longevity, as carriers continue to prioritize 5G infrastructure.
OLED vs LCD Display
The iPhone 12’s OLED display offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and improved energy efficiency compared to the iPhone 11’s LCD panel. This difference is especially noticeable when using dark mode or streaming video.
Newer Processor for Future Features
The A14 chip in the iPhone 12 provides more headroom for future iOS enhancements, background processing, and AI-driven features. The iPhone 11’s A13 chip remains capable but has less room to grow as iOS evolves.
Stronger Long-Term Value
Because of its newer hardware, 5G support, and longer iOS runway, the iPhone 12 is more likely to retain value and remain fully usable for a longer period of time.
Probably not — although the Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11 is still a good deal in 2026, especially at around $150+, the value comparison changes completely when Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 models are available at the same $150+ price point.
With 5G support, an OLED display, newer hardware, and a longer remaining iOS runway, the iPhone 12 offers more longevity and better future-proofing for the same money. For most buyers in 2026, we recommend shopping for a Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 12 instead.
Yes. The iPhone 11 supports iOS 26 in 2026 and continues to receive security updates. However, it is closer to the end of its full iOS feature update cycle. iOS 26 (2026) or iOS 27 (2027) may be its last major iOS upgrade.
Yes. The iPhone 11 still supports the newest iOS version and handles everyday tasks such as browsing, messaging, streaming, video calls, and social media without issues. For basic smartphone needs, it remains reliable and easy to use. That said, it does not support 5G.
No. The iPhone 11 is limited to 4G LTE and does not support 5G networks. Buyers who want better long-term network compatibility should consider the iPhone 12 instead.
If the iPhone 11 is meaningfully cheaper, it can still be a good purchase. However, when Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11 and iPhone 12 models are both priced around $150+, the iPhone 12 is the better choice due to 5G support, an OLED display, newer hardware, and a longer remaining software lifespan.
The iPhone 11 is still a good option for kids, seniors, first-time iPhone users, or anyone looking for a dependable backup phone at the lowest possible cost.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPhone 11 models currently start at around $150+ in 2026. Pricing varies depending on storage, condition, and seller.
While Apple does not publish exact end-of-support dates, the iPhone 11 is expected to be supported for a few more years. Because it launched in 2019, it is closer to transitioning from full iOS feature updates to security-only updates than newer models. iOS 26 (2026) or iOS 27 (2027) may be its final major iOS upgrade, after which it will continue receiving security updates.
For most users, the Apple support lifespan for the iPhone 11 is expected to be around 8–9 years with at least security updates from its 2019 release. Many units can remain usable through 2027 or beyond for basic tasks, but its lack of 5G and aging hardware place it in the later stage of its overall lifespan.
The iPhone 11 is considered older, but not obsolete. It still runs the latest iOS in 2026 and performs well for everyday use. However, it lacks newer features like 5G and has less long-term runway than newer iPhones, making it best suited as a budget option rather than a future-proof choice.
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