Is the iPhone 11 Still Worth Buying in Kenya?

The iPhone 11 came out in 2019, yet it remains one of the most asked-about iPhones in Nairobi. The reason is simple: it is often the lowest-cost route into a modern iPhone with Face ID, a good camera and years of app compatibility. Age does matter, though, so it pays to be clear about what you are getting.

What you get with an iPhone 11

The standard iPhone 11 has a 6.1-inch LCD screen, Apple's A13 Bionic chip, and two 12MP rear cameras: a main lens and an ultra-wide. It has Face ID, water resistance rated IP68 and wireless charging. The A13 remains quick enough for WhatsApp, TikTok, Instagram, M-Pesa, banking apps and mainstream games.

The camera is the part that has aged best. Night mode, solid video stabilisation and reliable colours mean it still takes photos most people are happy to post. It records 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, which many cheaper new Android phones cannot match.

iPhone 11 versus 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max

The Pro models add a third camera, a 2x telephoto, and an OLED screen with deeper blacks. The 11 Pro is the compact one at 5.8 inches. The 11 Pro Max has a 6.5-inch screen and the largest battery of the three.

• Choose the iPhone 11 if you want the best value and do not mind an LCD screen.
• Choose the iPhone 11 Pro if you prefer a smaller phone that fits easily in one hand.
• Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max if you watch a lot of video and want the longest battery life in this generation.

The limits you should accept

There is no 5G on any iPhone 11. That matters less than it sounds, because 4G coverage is wide in Kenya and 5G is still concentrated in parts of major towns. If 5G is important to you, read our guide to 5G phones in Kenya first.

The bigger issue is battery wear. Any iPhone 11 sold now has been through years of charging unless it is an unused unit. Ask about battery health before you pay, and read how iPhone battery health works so you know what the number means.

Software support is the other consideration. Apple supports iPhones for many years, but the iPhone 11 is closer to the end of that period than newer models. It will keep working after updates stop, though banking and security-sensitive apps eventually require newer versions of iOS. If you plan to keep your phone for four or five more years, a newer model is the safer choice.

Features such as Apple Intelligence are also not available on this phone. For most buyers that will not change daily use, but it is worth knowing.

Who should buy one

The iPhone 11 makes sense as a first iPhone, a phone for a parent or teenager, or a reliable second phone. It also suits people who care more about a dependable camera and resale value than the newest features.

It makes less sense if you shoot a lot of video in low light, want a high-refresh screen, or need the phone to last until the end of the decade. In those cases, compare it with the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, which add an OLED screen on every model and 5G.

Ex-UK or brand new?

Most iPhone 11 units on the market today are Ex-UK. A good Ex-UK unit can be excellent value, but condition varies between sellers. Use our Ex-UK iPhone checklist when inspecting one, and confirm the storage size and warranty stated on the listing.

If the full price is a stretch, Lipa Mdogo Mdogo lets you pay in instalments on eligible iPhones, and a trade-in can reduce what you pay when you hand in your current phone.