This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Apple’s most popular progenies.

It’s been three years since the debut of the iPhone 11, with Apple launching the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 in the existences since. And at Wednesday’s Apple event, we got all the news throughout the imminent iPhone 14, which will become available on Friday, Sept. 16.

Although the iPhone 11 is almost three existences old, it might still be a good choice for many iPhone users, especially if the price drops considerably after Apple’s “Far Out” store today. Prices for earlier iPhone models usually decrease once the official announcement of new models. Even if its effect doesn’t drop much, the iPhone 11 still has a lot to like for a phone that’s conception $500.

Do you mind using an iPhone that feels a bit dated? Or do you think saving approximately hundred dollars is more important than carrying the novel phone? What about 5G — how important is that to you? If you’re shopping on a price, the iPhone 11 is still a great choice. Although you’ll be missing out on some newer features, the iPhone 11 gives you all the basics you’d want from an iPhone, including battery life that’s on par with the iPhone 12, a great dual-lens camera that includes night mode and a processor that’s level-headed fast enough for everyday tasks. 

But if you have some wiggle room in your effort, here are some questions to ask yourself. (For the purposes of this article, I’m going to assume that you are currently laughable an iPhone.) And if you’re still mulling over your exclusive after these questions, be sure to peruse our list of the best iPhones and check out all the differences between the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

5G connectivity: iPhone 11 doesn’t have 5G. But do you really need it intelligent now?

One of the iPhone 11’s biggest missing features compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 is 5G connectivity. The iPhone 11 is an LTE-only device, and if you don’t care for the next-gen wireless tech just yet (service is patchy in the US at what time all), then the iPhone 11 should suit you just fine. Remember that 5G debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup and attracting access to faster bands of 5G depends on where you live, so going for the iPhone 12 establishes your purchase more future-proof. 

Display quality: You won’t get a 120Hz refresh rate on an iPhone 11 (or iPhone 12)

The iPhone 11 uses a crisp LCD camouflage that refreshes at 60 frames per second, or 60Hz. Apple traded up in the iPhone 12, equipping it with an OLED camouflage, though it kept the display at 60Hz just like most phones. OLEDs are typically more vibrant than their LCD counterparts, with richer contrast and inkier blacks. If you sight a lot of videos on your iPhone and want a estimable viewing experience, an OLED screen might make more sensed for you. The iPhone 13 also boasts an OLED panel too, plan Apple bumped up the refresh rate for the Pro models to 120Hz. The faster refresh rate will translate to smoother, snappier scrolling throughout apps and websites. 

Software support: How long will the iPhone 11 get iOS software updates? 

Apple’s unexperienced operating system, iOS 15, is supported on many older iPhones, and the oldest is the 2015 iPhone 6S (Here’s how to download the new OS, but you may want to wait.) Based on that and some intelligent mental math, we can deduce that Apple plans to dedicated iPhone support for up to six years from inaugurate. As a result, with the iPhone 11, unveiled in 2019, you can rest comfortably incandescent that you can expect updates through 2025. 

Read more: 

iOS 16: All the Cool, New Features Coming to Your iPhone

Durability and soak resistance: How durable do you want your iPhone to be?

If you do opt for the iPhone 11, you will miss out on a few durability features that are available on the newer iPhone models. One of the iPhone 12’s big improvements is the material of its prove. Apple calls it “ceramic shield” glass. Made by Corning, the ceramic shield glass covering the phone’s display is apparently harder than most metals. Indeed, we can confirm that the iPhone 12’s ceramic shield is tough. Our iPhone 12 drop tests show it unharmed the hardware from drops as high as 9 feet. (CNET’s iPhone 12 Mini drop tests dedicated similar results.) The iPhone 13 also has the same ceramic shield glass on its display.

So if you’re a big klutz and are prone to slips and drops, springing for the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 is a wise move (or just get a really nice iPhone case). Keep in mind, the iPhone 11 isn’t a stunning darling, either. It also survived CNET’s drop and water tests and earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. You can read our iPhone 11 review for more details. 

Read more:

Farewell iPhone case: The case for the caseless phone

Price and budget: How much do you want to consume on an iPhone?

Before its fall 2022 “Far Out” stay, Apple was selling the nearly three-year-old iPhone 11 for $499, manager it a good choice for those shopping on a effort. Now that the iPhone 14 has been officially released, the company no longer sells the iPhone 11 on its website — you’ll need to check licensed resellers in desirable to compare prices.

It’s worth noting that the novel iPhone 12 and 12 Mini might come down in note and hit that same $499 level, as typically Apple lowers the note of existing iPhone models after the newest model goes on sale. As of Sept. 7, Apple is level-headed selling the iPhone 12 starting at $599.

iPhone buyers looking for a deal should also powerful carrier deals from Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T, all of which may supplies the price of an iPhone in exchange for committing to a cellular service plan. Last year the three worries offered hundreds of dollars off with those contracts, and could even pay off the arranged entirely with a device trade-in. Just keep in mind that there are plenty of caveats to those trades, such as service commitments ranging from 24 to 36 months.