Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max: great performance, but user issues temper its long-term appeal
Released 2019 · 23 sources analyzed · Also known as: iPhone 11 Pro Max, Apple 11 Pro Max
Examining the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Released in 2019, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max was a flagship smartphone designed for users prioritizing top-tier performance and an advanced camera system. It offered leading-edge processing power and photography capabilities for its era, making it suitable for demanding applications and media creation. However, its substantial size and weight, coupled with the continued use of a Lightning port, presented notable ergonomic and connectivity trade-offs.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
Summary
The iPhone 11 Pro Max, released in 2019, offered leading performance for its era with its powerful A13 Bionic chip and a highly capable triple-camera system, making it excellent for photography and demanding applications. However, its large size and weight made one-handed use difficult, and the continued use of a Lightning port was a notable drawback. While it delivered strong benchmarks, user reports of significant battery drain, sluggishness, and Wi-Fi issues temper its long-term appeal. Given the availability of newer, more refined iPhone models and competitive Android alternatives, it is generally not worth purchasing new today, though it could be a decent budget option if found at a very low price and its reported issues are not a concern.
Pros
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max delivered strong performance for its time, evidenced by an AnTuTu 10 overall score of 928,669 and Geekbench 5 single-core scores around 1,334 and multi-core scores around 3,517. This powerful A13 Bionic chip ensured smooth operation for demanding apps, multitasking, and graphically intensive games, providing a premium user experience.
- Its benchmark scores indicated that the device often outperformed contemporary Android flagships in both CPU and GPU metrics. This meant users could expect superior processing power and graphical rendering capabilities, making it a top choice for those prioritizing raw performance and responsiveness in their smartphone.
- The device was released with Apple's robust ecosystem, offering seamless integration with other Apple products and services. This includes features like AirDrop, iCloud, and tight software-hardware optimization, which contribute to a fluid and secure user experience that is often a significant draw for Apple users.
- As a Pro Max model, it featured a large, high-quality Super Retina XDR display, which was known for its excellent color accuracy, deep blacks, and high brightness. This made it ideal for media consumption, gaming, and viewing photos, providing an immersive visual experience.
- The iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced significant improvements to its camera system, including a new ultra-wide lens and enhanced low-light performance with Night Mode. This allowed users to capture stunning photos and videos in a wider range of conditions, making it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts.
Cons
- A significant drawback noted by expert reviews was its large size and considerable weight, which made one-handed use challenging for many users. This ergonomic issue could lead to discomfort during extended use and made the device less pocket-friendly compared to smaller smartphones.
- The continued reliance on the Lightning port instead of the more universal USB-C was a point of disappointment for many, especially as USB-C was becoming standard on many other devices, including Apple's own iPads and MacBooks. This meant users often needed to carry an additional cable and couldn't enjoy the faster data transfer speeds or broader compatibility of USB-C.
- While offering strong performance, the iPhone 11 Pro Max was positioned at a premium price point upon its release, making it a significant investment. This high cost could be a barrier for budget-conscious consumers, especially when considering that newer models or competitive Android flagships might offer similar features at a lower price over time.
- The design, while iconic, was starting to feel a bit dated compared to some competitors that were moving towards more bezel-less displays and innovative form factors. The notch, while housing advanced Face ID technology, occupied a noticeable portion of the screen, which some users found less aesthetically pleasing.
- The device lacked a high refresh rate display, which was a feature starting to appear on some Android flagships around its release. This meant the scrolling and animations, while smooth, didn't offer the ultra-fluid experience that 90Hz or 120Hz displays could provide, which could be a noticeable difference for users coming from or considering such devices.
Common Issues Reported
Sources
AInalyzer Score Breakdown
Sub-scores are derived from the source analysis below. See our scoring methodology.
Its A13 Bionic chip delivered strong benchmark scores for its release year, though user reports suggest performance can degrade over time.
The premium launch price made it a significant investment, and newer models now offer more features at competitive prices.
Frequent user reports of battery drain, sluggishness, and Wi-Fi issues indicate notable reliability concerns.
While marketing highlighted its camera and performance, real-world user issues with battery and software often fell short of expectations.
How the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max differs from the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max, from 2019, offers a significantly older A13 Bionic chip and lacks a high refresh rate display, features standard on the much newer Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max. Users upgrading from the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max to the Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max would gain substantial performance and a more modern visual experience. Sticking with the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max means accepting an older design and potential long-term software support limitations.
What reviewers actually say
Themes synthesised across 23 sources — agreement % shows how aligned reviewers were on each point.
- A13 Bionic PerformancePositive90%
Reviews consistently praised the A13 Bionic chip for its processing power, outperforming many contemporary Android flagships.
- Camera SystemPositive85%
The triple-camera setup, including the ultra-wide lens and Night Mode, received high marks for versatility and low-light capability.
- Design and ErgonomicsNegative80%
Many reviewers found the device's large size and weight made it cumbersome for one-handed use.
- Connectivity (Lightning Port)Negative75%
The continued use of the Lightning port instead of USB-C was a common point of criticism for its lack of universality.
- Display QualityPositive90%
The Super Retina XDR display was lauded for its color accuracy, deep blacks, and high brightness.
Should you buy it? Depends who you are.
A flat yes/no/maybe by buyer profile, instead of one universal verdict.
- Photography enthusiasts on a budget✓Yes
The triple-camera system remains capable for diverse shooting conditions.
- Users prioritizing compact design✕No
Its large size and weight make one-handed use challenging.
- Anyone needing reliable Wi-Fi✕No
Frequent user reports indicate persistent Wi-Fi connectivity problems.
- Heavy users expecting all-day battery?Maybe
Initial battery life was good, but many users report significant degradation and drain over time.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max: Is it still worth considering?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max delivered strong performance for its time, driven by its A13 Bionic chip, which ensured smooth operation for demanding apps and games. Its triple-camera system, featuring Night Mode and an ultra-wide lens, made it an excellent choice for photography enthusiasts. However, its large size and weight made one-handed use challenging, and the retention of the Lightning port was a drawback compared to the more universal USB-C. While it offered a premium experience upon its 2019 release, user reports of significant battery drain, sluggishness, and Wi-Fi issues temper its long-term appeal. Given the availability of newer, more refined iPhone models and competitive Android alternatives, the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max is generally not recommended for purchase new today. It could be a decent budget option if found at a very low price and its reported issues are not a concern for the buyer.
What this analysis can miss
Specific caveats about the source coverage behind this page. Worth knowing before you act on the verdict.
Most performance benchmarks reflect initial release, not long-term degradation or current software optimizations.
User-reported issues on Reddit may not represent the entire user base, as those with problems are more likely to post.
The analysis does not fully account for current pricing fluctuations, which could alter its value proposition.
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max: Common Questions
What were the main performance strengths of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max was powered by the A13 Bionic chip, delivering strong performance for its time with high AnTuTu and Geekbench scores. This ensured smooth operation for demanding applications, multitasking, and graphically intensive games, often outperforming contemporary Android flagships.
What were the primary drawbacks regarding the design and connectivity of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max?
A significant drawback of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max was its large size and considerable weight, which made one-handed use difficult. its continued reliance on the Lightning port instead of the more universal USB-C was a point of disappointment for many users.
Are there any known long-term issues reported by users of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max?
Yes, users of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max frequently reported significant battery drain issues, often requiring multiple daily charges. Other common complaints included general sluggishness, lagging, freezing, and persistent Wi-Fi connectivity problems where the phone would indicate a connection but fail to provide internet access.
Is the camera system of the Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max still considered capable today?
The Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max introduced significant improvements to its camera system, including a new ultra-wide lens and enhanced low-light performance with Night Mode. This allowed users to capture stunning photos and videos in a wide range of conditions, making it a versatile tool for photography enthusiasts.