First Look at the new Apple iPhone 11

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Put aside the rumors and leaks, here is everything you need to know about the new iPhone 11.

It’s been about two years since the Apple X gave us the sharpest OLED display screen on any iPhone. Technology has changed so rapidly since then and consumers have hounded Apple to update their handheld platform with better cameras, an even better display, a new operating system, and a cheaper price tag.

Well, Apple handed out snacks last year with the release of the iPhone XS, XS Max and XR. Now, they’re ready for the full course meal – the all new iPhone 11. Now in its thirteenth generation, the iPhone is back with a next generation chipset, new lenses, new colors and overall design tweaks.

You might still have to wait in lines to pick up a new iPhone, but maybe the CEO will shake your hand for making an investment.

Just the Specs

  • Release Date: September 20th
  • Price Range: $999 – $1,050
  • Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB
  • Display Size: 5.8 inches, 6.1 inches, and 6.5 inches
  • Weight: 188g, 194g, and 226g
  • CPU/GPU: Apple’s A13 Bionic Chipset
  • Operating System: iOS 13
  • Cameras: 12MP, wide angle, telephoto, 4K video

More Details about the iPhone 11

Visually, the new iPhone 11 looks a lot like the iPhone XS and the XR. It’s got a similar face with a full screen and a small notch at the top of the device. New for this handset is a raised assembly of camera lens on the back of the phone. It makes the iPhone 11 have an almost personified image. Perhaps that was the point, to make your device seem like a companion. It’s a polarizing feature, for sure. You’ll either love it or hate it.

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As you may be aware, standard headphone adaptors don’t fit the new iPhones. You need a specialized Apple dongle for headphones, but it doesn’t come with the new iPhone 11. You have to purchase it separately. You also won’t get a fast charger with your initial purchase. The price of the iPhone 11 starts lower than the iPhone XR did, but when you factor in additional costs – cases, dongles, chargers, then you might not notice any savings at all.

How to Get Ready For a new iPhone 11

If you’re thinking about upgrading your existing handset or starting new with an Apple phone, then there are a few things you can do to prepare. The iPhone 11 is a significant investment, so you should make sure that you get the right device and prepare for any unforeseen expenses that come with owning a new iPhone.

The first thing you can do is check with your service provider to see if there is an upgrade available for your device. Some service providers provide special deals ahead of the new iPhone release. You might be eligible for a reduced buy-in price. You can visit your service provider online, call or pop into their nearest location.

You should also check on the new operating system – iOS 13. All the new iPhone 11 handsets will run on the new system and you can get an advanced copy of it as a beta. Try it out and see if the interface suits you. This will cut back on your learning curve once you have the new iPhone in hand. You’ll already know how to use it.

As we mentioned earlier, the iPhone 11 doesn’t come with a fast charger or a headphone dongle. You should prepare to purchase all of the additional accessories you might need. This could add a few hundred dollars to your price tag if you’re not careful.

Additionally, it’s important to know that the iPhone 11 is encased in glass. Apple executives say that this is the strongest glass on any smartphone, but it’s still breakable. Think about avoiding a costly repair down the road by investing in a carrying case and/or insurance.

Check out this drop test comparison between the iPhone 11 and the Galaxy Note 10

Choosing Between the New iPhone 11 Models

There are three models coming to the market roughly at the same time. There’s the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max. With different sizes, storage capacities and features, choosing a new iPhone could be a challenge. So, here’s a comparison of the different iPhone models to better help you make an informed decision.

The base model iPhone 11 has an aluminum case, but the other two iPhone 11s are encased in stainless steel. All have a glass backing. There is a huge difference in the weight of these three handsets. The iPhone 11 weighs 194 grams. The iPhone 11 Pro weighs 188 grams, even though they have the similar dimensions. Finally, the iPhone 11 Pro Max weighs in at a hefty 226 grams.

The iPhone Pro Max is 158 x 77.8 x 8.1 mm in dimensions. That translates to a 6.5 inch screen, which is ideal if you’re going to be watching lots of videos. Yet, that extra size means you’re more likely to drop the device and you’ll have trouble fitting it in your pocket. You might need a specialized case and if your screen does break, it’s unlikely that many after-market repair stores will have cheap replacements on hand.

If you’re interested in an iPhone 11 for taking photos, then you should know that the iPhone 11 comes with two camera lenses, but the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max come with three lenses. All of them have two 12-megapixel lenses. One is extra wide and the other is a standard f/1.8.

The iPhone 11 Pro and the Pro Max both get a third lens. It’s a 2x zoom f/2.0 telephoto lens. All three have the same capacity to capture photos and videos at night. So, don’t get fooled there. All three handsets record video at 4K. All phones also get a front-facing camera for 12MP selfies.

The iPhone 11 lags behind the other models when it comes to the quality of the screen. For starters, it’s an LCD screen with an 828 x 1792 resolution. As a point of comparison, the iPhone 11 Pro has a resolution of 1125 x 2436.The other handsets also get Apple’s best OLED display and contrast ratio.

The guts of the iPhone 11 are pretty much the same across the whole range. All three handsets get the next generation A13 Bionic chip and Apple’s new operating system – the iOS 13. When it comes to storage capacity, the iPhone 11 maxes out at 256 GB. That’s a bummer because you can get up to 512 GB on the other two models.

RAM and battery life are still mysteries at this point. Apple is keeping those specs rather close to the chest before launch. When it comes to price, there aren’t any surprises. The iPhone 11 starts at $699. The iPhone 11 Pro flagship comes in at $999 and the iPhone 11 Pro Max tops the meter at $1,099.

The iPhone 11 Pro has the best balance to showcase all the new Apple features. Its screen is smallest, but it’s price and capabilities make up for it. The iPhone 11 is the best budget alternative, but you get what you pay for. You’ll have smaller onboard storage, possibly slower RAM and a mid-range LCD screen. You’ll also be down one camera.

The iPhone Pro Max is too large for easy everyday carry. It’s got the largest screen, but there’s nothing else about it that you can’t find on the iPhone 11 Pro. If you’ve just got to have the biggest, coolest handset on the streets, then pick this one up. Otherwise, play around with an iPhone 11 Pro for a while and weigh out your options.

Have you already purchased an iPhone 11? Let us know what you think of the new features.

About Freddy Blackmon 232 Articles
Freddy Blackmon is a freelance writer and journalist who has a passion for cars, technology, and fitness. Look for articles on these topics and more. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.