Introduction
It’s been a year since I received my iPhone 11 Pro Max, and in this blog I’ll give you my final opinions on what is arguably one of Apple’s best phones ever. I’ll cover what’s still fantastic, what ended up disappointing me, battery degradation, software, real-world usability, and how it keeps up with new competition released over the past year. For those considering a used or discounted iPhone 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max instead of a new iPhone 12, I’ll let you know if it’s worth it or if you’d be better off saving your money. I’ve purchased a lot of iPhones over the years, upgrading every year, and the iPhone 11 series was probably my favourite update. Honestly, I think it was an even bigger upgrade than going from the iPhone 8 to the iPhone X, which was a full redesign. That said, I also think the iPhone 11 Pro Max might age the fastest among iPhones released in recent years. More on that in a bit.
iPhone 11 Pro Max Display / Screen
There were two major reasons I loved the iPhone 11 Pro Max. First, I really enjoyed the new cameras and software. Apple added the ultra-wide lens, which I don’t use every day, but it’s perfect for capturing shots where the standard lens or panorama isn’t enough. The telephoto lens got improved low-light performance with the new sensor and f/2.0 aperture, making me use it more often. A highlight is taking portrait photos with the wide lens, producing excellent low-light results and a unique perspective. Apple also improved software features: photos have more contrast, better dynamic range, and diffusion makes a noticeable difference in medium-light situations. Video quality also improved with stabilization and enhanced dynamic range. However, Apple’s camera lead at launch didn’t last as long as I expected.
Screen Experience
One area that became noticeable over time was performance tied to RAM. Apple stuck with 4GB of memory on both the iPhone 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. While iOS is efficient, heavy multitasking and camera use can force apps like Facebook or YouTube to reload in the background. The iPhone 11 Pro Max’s display is beautiful and bright, but its larger size makes accidental drops more likely — something I learned firsthand, requiring an iPhone 11 Pro Max screen repair. In contrast, newer Android phones with 8GB, 12GB, or even 16GB of RAM keep apps open much longer. The iPhone 11 Pro Max screen experience is still excellent, but the limited RAM makes it slightly less future-proof.
iPhone 11 Pro Max Battery
The second, and arguably biggest, reason I loved the iPhone 11 Pro Max was its battery life. Apple finally addressed complaints by making the phone slightly thicker to accommodate a larger battery. The roughly 25% larger battery paired with the efficient A13 Bionic chip made a huge difference in real-world usage. I rarely had to top off during the day, and most nights my battery still had about 30% charge when I plugged in. Previously, I needed to limit screen brightness or use battery saver mode, but with the 11 Pro Max, those workarounds are unnecessary.
Charging & Battery Health
The iPhone 11 Pro Max also comes with fast charging in the box, allowing a 50% charge in roughly 30 minutes — a significant improvement over the iPhone XS and X. This does produce extra heat, which can slightly affect battery health. After one year, my iPhone 11 Pro Max showed around 89% battery health, which is consistent with typical usage, especially when using fast charging regularly. For anyone needing a battery refresh, an iPhone 11 Pro Max Battery Replacement can restore full-day usage. And if charging issues arise, an iPhone 11 Pro Max charging port repair is a reliable solution.
Camera
The camera was a major highlight of the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The triple-camera system includes ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. Portrait shots with the wide lens are impressive, the ultra-wide lens is great for landscapes and architecture, and the telephoto lens provides sharp zoomed-in shots even in low light. Video quality improved significantly, with enhanced stabilization and dynamic range. Over the year, competition has caught up, and features like night mode on ultra-wide or telephoto lenses are still lacking compared to newer Samsung and Pixel devices. For a comprehensive look, check out this iPhone 11 Pro Max Camera Review.
General Thoughts
Overall, the iPhone 11 Pro Max remains a fantastic top-tier phone even a year later. That said, it is aging faster than other recent iPhones due to rapid advancements in camera, RAM, and data speeds in newer models. The device is still solid for gaming and media, though slightly heavier than the regular Pro. While buying an iPhone X or XS may save money, the improvements in the iPhone 11 Pro Max — especially battery and camera — justify its purchase. With the release of the iPhone 12, future-proofing becomes an important factor, as it offers better photo capabilities, more RAM, faster data, and a redesigned chassis. Let me know your thoughts in the comments: How has the iPhone 11 Pro aged in your view, and how does it compare to the competition?
