Is the iPhone 11 still worth it? The honest check

remarket Team · Published on 02.07.2026 · 5 min read

Lohnt sich das iPhone 11 noch? Der ehrliche Check

Contents Performance: still enough for everyday use Camera and display: solid, not spectacular The most important point: the update horizon Battery: the decisive buying criterion Who is it worth it for?Verdict

The iPhone 11 was one of the best-selling iPhones of all time, and it remains a perennial favourite at remarket.ch. No wonder: refurbished, it now costs a fraction of its original retail price. The key question: is it still a good buy in 2026 or already on its way out?

Performance: still enough for everyday use

The A13 Bionic still handles WhatsApp, social media, streaming, maps and banking smoothly today. You notice its age more with demanding games and rapid app switching, but for normal use the performance is still perfectly fine.

Camera and display: solid, not spectacular

The dual camera with ultra-wide and night mode takes really good photos by day and decent ones at night. The LCD is bright and colour-accurate, but it is no OLED: blacks look more greyish and the resolution is lower than on newer models. For everyday life and holiday photos: absolutely usable.

The most important point: the update horizon

The iPhone 11 launched in autumn 2019, making it the oldest model in this series. Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for five to seven years, so the 11 is at the end of that window. Experience shows security updates keep coming for a while beyond that, but new major iOS versions are no longer guaranteed. If you only plan to use the device for another two or three years, you are fine, if you are planning longer, you are better off with the iPhone 13 or newer.

Battery: the decisive buying criterion

With a device of this age, the battery is everything. Only buy where the measured remaining capacity is stated: at remarket.ch it is shown on every device, from 85 percent you are in the green zone. And if the battery fades later, a battery replacement in our workshop is done quickly and cheaply, keeping the iPhone 11 fit for a long time to come.

Who is it worth it for?

Yes: as the cheapest fully-fledged iPhone for a second device, teenagers or anyone who simply needs a reliable phone and puts price first.
No: if you are planning for five or more years, want Apple Intelligence or value a top camera and OLED.

Verdict

In 2026 the iPhone 11 is an honest budget buy with a clear expiry date: for two to three relaxed years, you will hardly get more iPhone for your money. Check the battery condition, buy tested with a 1-year warranty, and you cannot go wrong. See availability in the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Does the iPhone 11 still get iOS updates?

The iPhone 11 (2019) is at the end of the typical update window of five to seven years. Experience shows Apple delivers security updates for longer, but new major versions are not guaranteed.

Is the iPhone 11 still fast enough?

For everyday apps like WhatsApp, maps, banking and streaming, yes. With demanding games and multitasking you notice its age.

iPhone 11 or iPhone SE (2022): which is better?

The SE has the much newer chip and thus more update future, the 11 has the bigger display and the dual camera. For long-term use the SE, for screen size the 11.

What should I look for when buying?

A stated battery condition (85 percent or more is good), tested stock with a PhoneCheck diagnosis and a 1-year warranty instead of an unchecked private purchase.