When it comes to choosing a smartphone, the size of the device plays a pivotal role in the decision-making process. After all, a phone’s size impacts everything from portability to screen quality, handling comfort, and overall usability. Apple’s iPhone 11, released in September 2019, quickly became one of the most popular smartphones on the market, offering a blend of advanced features and a user-friendly design. But for many people, one of the most critical aspects to consider is just how big the iPhone 11 really is.
In this article, we’ll delve into the physical size of the iPhone 11 and explore how it compares to other iPhone models, including its screen size, overall dimensions, and weight. We’ll also discuss the ergonomic design, how it feels to hold, and whether it’s the right size for you based on your needs and preferences. Whether you’re an existing iPhone user considering upgrading to the iPhone 11 or someone interested in making the leap to an Apple device, this guide will provide all the insights you need.
The iPhone 11’s Dimensions
Physical Dimensions of the iPhone 11
Apple designed the iPhone 11 to offer a sleek, comfortable experience with a medium-sized frame. While the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max cater to those who prefer a more compact or larger device, the iPhone 11 is designed to strike a balance between the two, giving users a 6.1-inch display with an overall well-rounded size.
Here are the precise dimensions of the iPhone 11:
- Height: 150.9 mm (5.94 inches)
- Width: 75.7 mm (2.98 inches)
- Depth: 8.3 mm (0.33 inches)
- Weight: 194 grams (6.84 ounces)
These measurements make the iPhone 11 slightly larger than its predecessor, the iPhone XR, but not as large as the iPhone 11 Pro Max. The size is considered “just right” for many users, offering a spacious screen without being overly bulky or heavy.
Comparison to Other iPhones
It’s helpful to compare the iPhone 11’s size to other popular iPhone models to better understand its place in Apple’s lineup.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 12 (and 12 Pro)
- iPhone 11: 150.9 mm (height) x 75.7 mm (width) x 8.3 mm (depth) and weighs 194 grams.
- iPhone 12: 146.7 mm (height) x 71.5 mm (width) x 7.4 mm (depth) and weighs 164 grams.
The iPhone 12 is slightly smaller in size and lighter than the iPhone 11, thanks to a thinner design and a smaller bezel around the display. However, the difference isn’t so extreme that it feels like a huge change. In fact, the iPhone 12 offers a more squared-off design compared to the rounded edges of the iPhone 11, which some users find more comfortable to hold.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11: 150.9 mm (height) x 75.7 mm (width) x 8.3 mm (depth) and weighs 194 grams.
- iPhone 11 Pro: 144.0 mm (height) x 71.4 mm (width) x 8.1 mm (depth) and weighs 188 grams.
As you can see, the iPhone 11 Pro is both smaller and thinner than the iPhone 11, while also being slightly lighter. If you’re looking for a smaller form factor with a high-end display, the iPhone 11 Pro might be a better option, especially if you prefer compact devices.
iPhone 11 vs. iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11: 150.9 mm (height) x 75.7 mm (width) x 8.3 mm (depth) and weighs 194 grams.
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: 158.0 mm (height) x 77.8 mm (width) x 8.1 mm (depth) and weighs 226 grams.
The iPhone 11 Pro Max is noticeably larger and heavier than the iPhone 11. With a 6.5-inch display, it is best suited for users who prefer a larger screen for media consumption, gaming, or productivity. The iPhone 11, with its 6.1-inch display, provides a good balance between size and screen real estate without feeling too large or cumbersome.
Screen Size and Display Quality
Now that we’ve covered the physical dimensions, let’s dive into one of the iPhone 11’s most significant features: the screen.
6.1-inch Liquid Retina Display
The iPhone 11 features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, which is a LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. While it’s not the OLED Super Retina XDR display seen in the iPhone 11 Pro models, the Liquid Retina display still offers excellent color accuracy, vibrant visuals, and smooth transitions.
Why Choose a 6.1-inch Display?
The 6.1-inch size is considered ideal for many users, offering ample screen space for watching videos, browsing, and gaming, without feeling excessively large or difficult to handle. The display size strikes a sweet spot for those who prefer something larger than the iPhone SE (4.7-inch) but don’t want to carry the bulk of the iPhone 11 Pro Max (6.5-inch).
The bezels around the screen are relatively thin, and the notch at the top houses the TrueDepth camera system, enabling Face ID for secure authentication. While the display may not be quite as sharp as the iPhone 11 Pro models, it is more than sufficient for daily use and offers a great visual experience.
Weight and Ergonomics: How Does It Feel in Your Hand?
When considering the size of a smartphone, weight and ergonomics are equally important. The iPhone 11’s weight of 194 grams (6.84 ounces) places it in the mid-range when compared to other iPhone models. While it’s heavier than some of the smaller models like the iPhone SE, it’s also much lighter than the iPhone 11 Pro Max.
Comfortable Grip and Handling
For most users, the iPhone 11 strikes the right balance between a solid, premium feel and a comfortable, easy-to-hold design. With a width of 75.7 mm, the phone is wide enough to feel substantial in the hand, but it’s not so wide that it becomes unwieldy. The phone’s curved edges also make it easier to grip, preventing it from feeling too sharp or slippery.
Comparison to Larger iPhones
If you’re coming from a larger phone, like the iPhone 11 Pro Max, you might find the iPhone 11’s dimensions much easier to handle. While the Pro Max is quite bulky with its larger screen and heavier weight, the iPhone 11 offers a better balance, making it more comfortable for extended use.
The iPhone 11: Size Considerations for Different Use Cases
Depending on your intended use, the size of the iPhone 11 may impact your experience. Let’s break down some use cases where the size and weight play a significant role:
1. Media Consumption
For those who enjoy watching videos, streaming content, or gaming on their phones, the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 11 offers a nice balance. It’s large enough for immersive media experiences but small enough to be easy to hold during extended viewing sessions. The color reproduction and brightness are more than adequate for media consumption, even in outdoor settings.
2. One-Handed Use
One of the primary advantages of the iPhone 11’s size is that it’s still possible to use it with one hand comfortably. While it’s larger than smaller devices like the iPhone SE, it’s not as cumbersome as the larger iPhone 11 Pro Max, which can be challenging to operate single-handedly. Many users will appreciate that the iPhone 11 is still manageable for one-handed tasks, such as texting or browsing.
3. Gaming
For mobile gaming enthusiasts, the iPhone 11’s 6.1-inch screen provides plenty of space for immersive gameplay, without being too large to fit comfortably in the hands. The device offers smooth performance due to the powerful A13 Bionic chip, and the screen size strikes a good balance for a satisfying gaming experience.
4. Photography
The iPhone 11 features an ultra-wide dual-camera system that excels at capturing photos in various lighting conditions. The 6.1-inch screen allows users to see the results of their photography efforts clearly, providing an excellent canvas for editing photos, zooming in, or reviewing images in fine detail.
Is the iPhone 11 the Right Size for You?
Ultimately, the right size for a phone depends on your personal preferences and how you use your device. The iPhone 11 offers a comfortable size for most users who want a large display but don’t want to sacrifice portability or ease of use. It sits neatly between the more compact iPhone 11 Pro and the larger iPhone 11 Pro Max, making it a versatile option for a wide range of users.
If you’re considering upgrading to an iPhone 11 and wondering whether its size will suit your needs, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do you prefer a large screen for media consumption and gaming, but don’t want an overly bulky phone?
- Would you like a phone that is easy to hold and comfortable for one-handed use?
- Are you looking for a phone that provides a large display with high-quality visuals, but at a reasonable size?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, then the iPhone 11’s dimensions and display size will likely be perfect for you.
Conclusion
The iPhone 11 is a well-balanced device that offers a 6.1-inch display, which many users find to be the sweet spot between portability and screen size. Its dimensions—**