iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro: What's The Difference?

With three iPhone 11 models, it may be hard to figure what makes each one different. Sure, they have different sized screens, different colors, and different prices, but there's more than that. Let's compare the key differences between the three iPhone 11 models to help you determine which is right for you.

Key Differences Between iPhone 11 Models

iPhone 11 Camera: Pro Offers a Wide-Angle Lens

Apple is fond of saying the iPhone is the best camera most people will ever own. That's true of all three models of the iPhone 11.

The standard iPhone 11 camera delivers terrific-looking photos, high-quality HD video, and stylish Portrait Mode and Portrait Lighting features, but the two Pro models have all of that and live up to their name thanks to their triple-lens camera system. Both Pro models offers telephoto, wide, and ultra-wide angle lenses (the standard 11 model lacks telephoto).

Most users will be fine with the standard iPhone 11 camera, but if you really value taking photos or videos, the Pro models will wow you.

iPhone 11 Screen: Different Sizes and Technologies

The screen sizes of the iPhone 11 models match the three iPhone XS/XR models: 6.5 inches for the Pro Max; 5.8 inches on the Pro; 6.1 inches on the standard.

What's so different about them—and why it makes sense that the Pro has a smaller screen than the standard iPhone 11—is the technology used in the screens. Both iPhone 11 Pro models use OLED screens, which are brighter, deliver more natural, realistic colors, and use less battery (leading to longer battery life). The Pro models also have High Dynamic Range (HDR) screens, meaning that they can display a wider, more engaging array of colors.

For most people the LCD screen on the standard iPhone 11 will be terrific, but photographers, filmmakers, or users who watch a ton of media on their phones may appreciate the high-end screens on the Pro models.

iPhone 11 Storage Capacity & Price: Pro Maxes Out

If you're looking to get the most storage on your iPhone, check out the Pro models. This will be especially important if you take a lot of pictures or videos, or have a tremendously large media library.

Both iPhone 11 Pro models top out at 512 GB of storage, and have intermediate models with 256 GB of storage. While all three iPhone 11 models start out at 64 GB of storage, the standard iPhone 11 only offers 128 GB and 256 GB models after that. That's plenty for most people, but pro users will want to check out the Pro models.

iPhone 11 Battery: All-Around Improvements

Battery life is improved on all three iPhone 11 models, but it's the Pro models that show the biggest gains. On the iPhone XS and XR models, it was the XR sporting the longest battery life. The standard iPhone 11 improves battery life a bit, but it's the Pro models that really bump up longevity. Apple claims those models get up to 5 hours more than their iPhone XS predecessors, which is a huge improvement. So, all models will let you go longer without a recharge, but it's the Pro models that can give you more than a half-workday of extra life.

iPhone 11 Colors: Pro Has Fewer, More Muted Colors

Most people are likely to make their iPhone 11 buying decision based on features and price, but if style and color are particularly important to you, you've got a clear choice. The standard iPhone 11 offers an array of bright, vibrant colors, while the two Pro models come in more sober colors befitting the professional designation.

iPhone 11 Size and Weight: Pro Tips the Scales

The size and weight of the three iPhone 11 models breaks down pretty much how you'd expect; the super-sized iPhone 11 Pro Max is both the biggest and heaviest model, while the smallest model—the iPhone 11 Pro—is also the lightest.

All of the iPhone 11 models are a bit bigger, and, in some cases, heavier than the iPhone XS and XR models they're replacing. You're trading size and weight for better battery life and the improved cameras, which is a fair trade to most users.

iPhone 11: Similarities Between All Three Models Share

The iPhone 11 models have more similarities than differences. The items listed above are just a small set of the key features all the models share. Because you get all of these features and more, you can feel confident that no matter which iPhone 11 you buy, you're getting a great phone.

The Bottom Line When Comparing iPhone 11 Models

You can't go too wrong no matter which iPhone 11 you buy. The differences between the models will matter a lot to Pro-level users who demand the most storage, battery life, and camera quality, but it's likely that most users will find that the polished, capable, lower-cost iPhone 11 will more than meet their needs.