iPhone 11 vs iPhone 15 in 2025: Is It Time to Upgrade

You're scrolling through your feed on that trusty iPhone 11, and suddenly an ad for the iPhone 15 pops up. It's sleek, it's got that new camera glow, and you're wondering—do I really need to upgrade in 2025? I've been there myself, staring at my old phone while debating if the latest model is worth the switch.

I get it; upgrading isn't always straightforward. Your iPhone 11 has probably handled everything from video calls to late-night gaming without much fuss. But let's face it, tech moves fast, and the iPhone 15 brings some real improvements that could make your daily life smoother. In this comparison, I'll break down the key differences to help you decide.

We'll start with design and build, then dive into performance, cameras, battery life, software updates, and pricing. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of whether sticking with the iPhone 11 or jumping to the iPhone 15 makes sense for you in 2025.

Design and Build Quality

First things first: how do these phones feel in your hand? The iPhone 11 and iPhone 15 both sport a 6.1-inch display, so they're similar in size. But that's where the similarities end.

Display Differences

The iPhone 11 uses a Liquid Retina HD LCD screen with a resolution of 828 x 1792 pixels. It's bright enough for everyday use, but in 2025, it might feel a bit dated next to newer tech. Colors aren't as vibrant, and blacks aren't as deep.

Switch to the iPhone 15, and you're looking at a Super Retina XDR OLED display with 1179 x 2556 resolution. It's sharper, with better contrast and support for HDR content. I remember watching a movie on a friend's iPhone 15 last month—the scenes popped in a way my older screen just couldn't match.

Build and Durability

Both phones have aluminum frames, but the iPhone 15 steps up with Ceramic Shield glass, which Apple claims is tougher against drops. The iPhone 11 has IP68 water resistance, good for up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. The 15 matches that but feels more premium overall.

And let's talk colors—iPhone 15 farver include fun options like pink, yellow, green, blue, and black. If you're into personalizing your device, these shades add a fresh vibe compared to the iPhone 11's more basic palette of purple, yellow, green, black, white, and red.

Performance and Hardware

Performance is where the gap really shows in 2025. The iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip with 4GB of RAM. It was a beast in 2019, but now, with apps getting more demanding, you might notice some lag during multitasking.

Chipset and Speed

The iPhone 15 packs the A16 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM. That's a huge leap—faster app launches, smoother gaming, and better efficiency. In my experience, when I borrowed an iPhone 15 for a week to test photo editing apps, it handled heavy tasks without breaking a sweat, unlike my iPhone 11 which would heat up.

For gamers or creators, the 15's GPU is noticeably faster in benchmarks.

Storage Options

The iPhone 11 starts at 64GB, going up to 256GB. The iPhone 15 begins at 128GB and reaches 512GB. If you're hoarding photos and videos, that extra space matters.

Camera Capabilities

Cameras have evolved a lot since the iPhone 11's release. If photography is your thing, this section might sway you.

Rear Camera Setup

The iPhone 11 has dual 12MP cameras: wide and ultra-wide. Night mode works well, but in low light, details can get mushy.

The iPhone 15 upgrades to a 48MP main sensor with a 12MP ultra-wide. That means sharper zoomed shots and better dynamic range. I took some sunset photos on an iPhone 15 during a family trip, and the colors were stunning—way more detail than what my 11 could capture.

• Key improvements: 2x optical zoom on the 15, improved Smart HDR, and portrait mode with focus shift after the shot.

Front Camera and Video

Both have 12MP front cameras, but the 15's is sharper with autofocus. Video? The 15 supports 4K at 60fps with cinematic mode.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery woes? Let's compare.

Capacity and Endurance

The iPhone 11 has a 3110 mAh battery, good for about 17 hours of video playback. In 2025, with aging batteries, you might be charging midday.

The iPhone 15 bumps it to 3349 mAh, lasting up to 20 hours of video. For the iPhone 15 Pro Max 電池 容量, it's 4441 mAh, offering even more endurance.

If you're looking for replacements, an OEM Akku für iPhone 15 ensures original quality and compatibility.

Charging Speeds

Lightning on the 11 vs. USB-C on the 15—faster charging and data transfer. Both support wireless charging, but the 15 is MagSafe-ready.

In terms of iOS 26 beta 6 battery life, users report steady improvements over previous betas, with better optimization for older models too.

Software and Updates

In 2025, software support is crucial for security and features.

Current iOS Versions

Both the iPhone 11 and 15 support iOS 26, the latest as of now. But the 11 might be nearing the end—expect support until 2026.

What's new in iOS 26 beta? It includes a redesigned interface, smarter Siri, and enhanced privacy tools. The iOS 26 beta 6 что нового highlights bug fixes and better app stability. Public beta is out, so you can try it.

For past updates like iOS 18.6.1, it focused on security patches and minor battery tweaks.

Unique Features

On the iPhone 15, Dynamic Island replaces the notch, and you get always-on display. Plus, how to hide caller ID on iPhone 15: Go to Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID and toggle it off. Simple privacy boost.

Price and Value in 2025

Money talks. The iPhone 11 is dirt cheap now, often around $185 for a used 64GB model.

For the billigste iPhone 15, you can snag a refurbished one for around $553, or new starting at $699. Is it worth it? If your 11 is slowing down, yes.

Check out our best iPhone deals in 2025 for more options. For official specs, head to Apple's site.

Case Study: My Friend's Upgrade Journey

Last year, my buddy Alex was in your shoes. He had an iPhone 11 that was fine for emails and social media, but editing videos for his side hustle was a pain. We compared specs, and he went for the iPhone 15. Six months later? He says the camera alone saved him hours, and battery life means no more mid-day charges. Real-world proof that upgrades can pay off.

Conclusion

So, iPhone 11 vs iPhone 15 in 2025—the 15 wins in almost every category, from camera prowess to future-proofing with iOS 26. But if your 11 still runs smoothly, why rush?

Think about your needs. Do you crave better photos, longer battery, or just something new? Welke iPhone is het beste depends on you—if budget's tight, stick with the 11; otherwise, the 15 feels like a fresh start.

What do you think—time to upgrade? Drop your thoughts below.