The iPhone 11 Pro introduced the triple-camera system that has defined every Pro iPhone since, and at 5.8 inches it remains the smallest modern Pro Apple has made. For anyone who wants Pro cameras in a genuinely compact body, no newer model offers that combination.
The problem is everything else about buying a 2019 handset: no 5G, a battery seven years into its life, and a software support window that is closing or closed depending on the current iOS release.
It is a good phone to own cheaply, not a phone to finance over two years.
Brand or model deal overview
| Consideration | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.8-inch OLED — the smallest modern Pro |
| Cameras | Triple 12MP — the first iPhone with three rear lenses |
| Chip | A13 Bionic |
| 5G | Not supported — 4G/LTE only |
| Battery | Well regarded when new; seven years of cycles since |
| Build | Stainless steel and glass with a matte finish |
| Charging | Lightning |
| Software support | At or near the end of its window — verify against the current iOS release |
Discontinued 2019 model with no 5G. Verify software support and that your essential apps still run before buying.
Compare by network
Network options
No network carries a 2019 Pro on a standard contract. The realistic route is a certified pre-owned or second-hand handset paired with a SIM-only plan — which is the sensible structure anyway on a device with limited life left.
If buying, check battery health first, then test all three cameras and Face ID. Confirm the handset is unlocked and the IMEI is clear.
Compare by budget
Budget options
The smallest Pro-camera iPhone, cheaply. The genuine niche this model still fills.
Compare against the iPhone 12 Pro. One generation newer, adds 5G, similar size. See iPhone 12 Pro contract deals.
Compare against the iPhone 13 Mini. Smaller still, newer, 5G, dual rather than triple camera. See iPhone 13 Mini contract deals.
Compare against the iPhone 11. The standard model of the same generation — bigger, cheaper, no telephoto. See iPhone 11 contract deals.
Budget for a battery replacement. On a 2019 handset, assume it.
Do not finance over 24 months. The support window will likely close first, which means paying for a phone that has stopped receiving updates for part of the term.
Weigh the repair position. Stainless steel and glass on both faces means a drop can crack either side, and out-of-warranty screen and back-glass repairs on a Pro model of this era are expensive relative to what the handset is now worth. Insurance rarely makes sense at this value, which pushes the risk back onto you.
Current and older alternatives
Alternative models
iPhone 11 Pro Max. The larger version of the same phone. See iPhone 11 Pro Max contract deals.
iPhone 12 Pro. The successor, with 5G. See iPhone 12 Pro contract deals.
iPhone 13 Pro. Two generations on, with ProMotion and far better battery. See iPhone 13 Pro contract deals.
iPhone SE. Small and available new, though with a single camera. See iPhone SE contract deals.
The 11 Pro’s argument is size plus triple cameras at a low price. If either half of that matters less than you think, a newer model will serve you better.
What to check before applying
- Current iOS support status, against Apple’s compatibility list.
- Whether your essential apps still support that iOS version.
- Battery health, and whether it has been replaced.
- All three rear cameras and Face ID tested.
- Network lock and blacklist status via the IMEI.
- Storage capacity — not expandable.
- Total cost of handset plus plan.
- Whether a month-to-month plan suits better than a contract.
Any plan is subject to the provider’s checks — identification, proof of address, banking details and RICA registration, and possibly a credit and affordability assessment. Approval is not guaranteed.
FAQs
Was the iPhone 11 Pro the first triple-camera iPhone?
Yes. It introduced the wide, ultra-wide and telephoto arrangement that every Pro model has used since.
Does the iPhone 11 Pro support 5G?
No. It is 4G/LTE only. Apple introduced 5G with the iPhone 12 generation.
Is it still the smallest Pro iPhone?
Yes. At 5.8 inches it remains the most compact Pro Apple has made — later Pros start at 6.1 inches.
Will it still get iOS updates?
It is at or near the end of Apple’s support window for that generation. Confirm the current position before committing, particularly for a long contract.
Is a used iPhone 11 Pro worth it?
At a low price and with a healthy or replaced battery, it remains a capable compact phone. Compare it against a 12 Pro, which adds 5G for modestly more.
What should I test on a used unit?
Battery health, all three cameras, Face ID, and the screen for burn-in. Confirm the IMEI is clear and the handset unlocked before paying.
Is it worth repairing if something breaks?
Often not, at current values. Screen and back-glass repairs on this generation are costly relative to what the phone is worth, so factor that risk in rather than assuming you would fix it.
How does it compare to a current mid-range Android?
The 11 Pro has better cameras and build; a current mid-range handset has 5G, a new battery, full software support and a warranty. For a phone you intend to rely on daily, the newer device is usually the safer choice.
Can I still buy cases for it?
Yes, though the selection has thinned. Cases for popular older iPhones remain widely available from third-party makers even after Apple stops selling its own.
Compare your options: see all iPhone contract deals, or browse contract deals South Africa.
Last updated: August 2026 — pricing, stock, availability and software support can change.