Other Stuck with an iPhone 11 Pro, not sure what to upgrade to

[wave84]

I have an iPhone 11 Pro and I've been loving it, but at 3 years old now, I'd like to take advantage of the latest camera and other tech improvements.

What's important for me in a phone:
- The size/weight combination, I do a lot of activities with my phone and I have small hands. I also hate cases and never had any case on any of my phones, ever.
- Camera. I use it to take a lot of pictures. I use the telephoto camera far more than the ultrawide.

I waited for the Apple event this year and I'm kind of underwhelmed. I've narrowed down my options to these 2:

1. 13 mini
+ amazing size/weight, would be a joy to use
+ "new" battery, though it would probably still be worse than my 11 Pro (mine's at 91% after 3 years)
+ slightly better ultrawide and main cameras
+ magsafe, could be useful in my car
- not sure if the smaller screen would feel cramped after a while or not
- no telephoto. I've tried to compare 2x digital from 13 with my optical from 11 Pro, it's close. I think it's the 2x button missing from the camera app that would bug me most
- 1 year old already. Basically not much of an upgrade, aside from the form factor.

2. 14 Pro
+ newest, best cameras
+ better battery
+ faster CPU and future proof with all the extra RAM
+ promotion, AOD, etc (don't really care that much about them)
- that size and weight!!! I remember having an XR back in the day and it was the most hated phone I ever had, I sold it so fast, couldn't get used to it at all. On paper the width is the same as my 11 Pro, but everyone who upgraded to the 12 Pro back in the day said that it felt significantly bigger than the 11 because of the flat edges (on a side note, why would you purposefully make a heavier phone (stainless steel) when you could make it lighter? I would pay anything to get the lightest phone that is technically possible)
- ginormous camera bump, you could kill someone with that thing

I didn't even add the financial comparison, although obviously the Pro is far more expensive.
Or I could just keep my 11 Pro for 1 more year... Did anyone else have the same dilemma?

 

[dms_91]

Get the 14 Pro Max
It’s the one

 

[Charadis]

Same situation as you, got the 14 pro max. Bigger screen and promotion felt like a new experience. All the other new features, like better cameras and faster processor, became nice compliments

 

[Bexx]

Having owned an 11 Pro Max, a 12 Mini and now the 14 Pro, here’s my thoughts…

The Pro Max screen was incredible to look at, beautifully crisp and clear. Unfortunately, the sheer weight and size drove me mad. I had to use a case with it, which only made it bigger and heavier still! (I ultimately used a Loopy, as it was the most comfortable). I do have petite hands. I was actually quite glad to get rid of it.

The Mini is a fantastic size, especially for smaller hands. It’s super light and you can stash it anywhere (pocket, purse etc). However, I quickly regretted the loss of the telephoto lens. I didn’t think it would be an issue, but the standard lens just wasn’t enough. Every time my husband pulled out his older iPhone X and snapped a 2x shot, I was envious lol. Also, accessory makers sometimes forget the Mini exists (especially case makers) so you may find something is available that fits the regular and max sizes, but not the Mini. Oh, and some upright qi chargers won’t work with it - it’s too short and doesn’t align with the charger! Despite all this, I was sad to see the Mini go - if they had made it with Pro features (or at least the telephoto lens), it would have been a harder decision to upgrade.

I now have the 14 Pro. I was expecting it to be a similar feel to the iPhone X (which I consider to be a perfect sweet spot in terms of size and weight), however it’s noticeably heavier and thicker. I’m so glad I didn’t get the Max as it would have been even worse than my previous one. Despite this, because it’s no longer shaped like a bar of soap, it feels easier to hold than the X. I don’t get hand/finger fatigue as easily. The cameras are fantastic and it’s so nice to have that telephoto lens back! Obviously it’s early days with this one, but my initial feeling is that I made the right choice going Pro.

Based on your specific concerns, I would suggest the 14 Pro over the 13 Mini if you think the size/weight is manageable. Does anywhere nearby have stock so you could compare the feel before buying? I suspect you would really miss that telephoto lens going with the Mini and it appears your desire to upgrade is largely based on camera improvements. If you’re otherwise happy with the 11 Pro though, I would say stick with it another year and see what the iPhone 15 brings.

 

[Sunshower]

Having owned an 11 Pro Max, a 12 Mini and now the 14 Pro, here’s my thoughts…

The Pro Max screen was incredible to look at, beautifully crisp and clear. Unfortunately, the sheer weight and size drove me mad. I had to use a case with it, which only made it bigger and heavier still! (I ultimately used a Loopy, as it was the most comfortable). I do have petite hands. I was actually quite glad to get rid of it.

The Mini is a fantastic size, especially for smaller hands. It’s super light and you can stash it anywhere (pocket, purse etc). However, I quickly regretted the loss of the telephoto lens. I didn’t think it would be an issue, but the standard lens just wasn’t enough. Every time my husband pulled out his older iPhone X and snapped a 2x shot, I was envious lol. Also, accessory makers sometimes forget the Mini exists (especially case makers) so you may find something is available that fits the regular and max sizes, but not the Mini. Oh, and some upright qi chargers won’t work with it - it’s too short and doesn’t align with the charger! Despite all this, I was sad to see the Mini go - if they had made it with Pro features (or at least the telephoto lens), it would have been a harder decision to upgrade.

I now have the 14 Pro. I was expecting it to be a similar feel to the iPhone X (which I consider to be a perfect sweet spot in terms of size and weight), however it’s noticeably heavier and thicker. I’m so glad I didn’t get the Max as it would have been even worse than my previous one. Despite this, because it’s no longer shaped like a bar of soap, it feels easier to hold than the X. I don’t get hand/finger fatigue as easily. The cameras are fantastic and it’s so nice to have that telephoto lens back! Obviously it’s early days with this one, but my initial feeling is that I made the right choice going Pro.

Based on your specific concerns, I would suggest the 14 Pro over the 13 Mini if you think the size/weight is manageable. Does anywhere nearby have stock so you could compare the feel before buying? I suspect you would really miss that telephoto lens going with the Mini and it appears your desire to upgrade is largely based on camera improvements. If you’re otherwise happy with the 11 Pro though, I would say stick with it another year and see what the iPhone 15 brings.

This is good to hear re the size of the Pro. I'm currently on a XS and agree the size is about as perfect as I could expect for someone like me with pretty average sized hands. I'm debating between the mini or a newer 6.1 model of some description and share the same trepidation about losing the telephoto. Reckon it will come down to holding them all in the store once I've pulled the money together over the next couple of months.

Similar predicament to the OP - and based off the points you've made I think the 14 Pro would be the best option if you want an upgrade, especially if you can afford either. That said the 11 Pro series was really one of the best in recent years and has aged very well. At 91% battery health you could most definitely squeeze another year out of it.

 

[MrAperture]

It’s an easy decision since you say you use telephoto more than ultra wide.

I went with the 14 Pro from 13 Mini for the times I need 3x optical (digital zoom just doesn’t compare).

I now have 13 days to decide if the extra weight is worth the tradeoff for:

Newer/Better Camera System (Better lowlight performance, 3x Optical and ProRAW)
Extra Battery Life
6GB of RAM & 512GB of Storage (I want to keep the 14 Pro for 3 years, at the very minimum)

The 13 Mini is the perfect size, especially in my scrub pockets.

But I truly wanted a better camera system this time around.

 

[mdelrossi]

I was happy with my 11pro, however, the T-Mobile offer to upgrade @$1,000 off was my tipping point. I don’t think I would be able to get that much on the open market.

 

[Thierry ba]

Just get the 13 pro.

 

[4sallypat]

Just get the 13 pro.

Agree - 13 Pro will give you the features of the 14 Pro but without the price tag.

 

[magicschoolbus]

14 Pro did the same upgrade as you and it feels like a big upgrade. It’s amazing how much faster the phone is.

 

[wave84]

Agree - 13 Pro will give you the features of the 14 Pro but without the price tag.

Money is not an object, I'm gonna keep it for a few years anyway. There's no reason for me to get the 13 Pro when I could get the 14 with better everything for only 100-200 euros extra.

 

[Thierry ba]

It isn’t any faster\better than 13 pro. Many people on here commenting about camera downgrade compared to the 13 pro.

Many people are already tired of the pill island just after one day of use and prefer notch.

 

[4sallypat]

It isn’t any faster\better than 13 pro. Many people on here commenting about camera downgrade compared to the 13 pro.

Many people are already tired of the pill island just after one day of use and prefer notch.

Yes, the 13 Pro has the better camera lens F stop!

I don't like the Pro line due to weight.

I am going from 12 Pro to 14 Plus.