PhonesCheaper
Greener Phones. Smarter Savings.
iPhone 11 Refurbished: Complete UK Buying Guide 2025
The iPhone 11 is the ultimate entry-level iPhone for budget-conscious buyers. Released September 2019, it introduced the dual-camera system and Night Mode to the standard iPhone lineup. Despite its age, the A13 Bionic chip still handles everyday tasks admirably, and at current prices, it's genuinely hard to beat for value.
Key Specifications
- Chip: A13 Bionic (still capable in 2025)
- Display: 6.1" Liquid Retina LCD, 1792 x 828 pixels
- Camera: 12MP main + 12MP Ultra Wide, Night Mode
- Storage: 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
- Battery: Up to 17 hours video playback
- Connectivity: Lightning port
- 5G: No (4G LTE only)
- Water Resistance: IP68 (2 metres for 30 minutes)
- Face ID: Yes
Refurbished Pricing by Condition (UK - 2025)
| Condition | 64GB | 128GB | 256GB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pristine/Like New | £230-250 | £250-265 | £265-275 |
| Excellent | £195-230 | £215-250 | £230-265 |
| Good | £155-195 | £175-215 | £195-230 |
| Fair | £120-155 | £140-175 | £160-195 |
iPhone 11 in 2025 - Honest Assessment
The iPhone 11 remains a solid everyday phone. The A13 Bionic handles social media, messaging, email, and casual gaming without issue. The camera, while not matching newer models, still takes excellent photos especially in good lighting. Night Mode was revolutionary when introduced and remains useful.
However, be aware of limitations: No 5G connectivity (4G only), LCD display instead of OLED (less vibrant, no true blacks), and iOS support will likely end within 1-2 years. Battery health is also a key consideration at this age - many units have degraded batteries.
Who Should Buy iPhone 11?
- First-time iPhone users testing the ecosystem
- Parents buying for children/teenagers
- Light users who primarily text, call, and browse
- Anyone on a strict budget under £200
- Users in areas with poor 5G coverage (4G is sufficient)
Who Should Consider Spending More?
- Heavy users who need the device to last 3+ years
- Photography enthusiasts
- Gamers wanting the best performance
- Anyone who values OLED display quality
- Users in 5G coverage areas wanting future-proofing
What to Check Before Buying
- Battery Health: CRITICAL - insist on 80%+ minimum. Many units have degraded significantly
- Face ID: Test thoroughly - repairs are expensive
- Screen: Check for scratches and dead pixels
- Speakers: Test both speakers at volume
- Warranty: Essential for older devices - 12+ months strongly recommended
- iCloud Lock: Verify device is fully unlocked from previous owner
