Is the iPhone 11 5G?

The iPhone 11 is still a popular choice for people looking for a reliable, feature-packed smartphone, but one question I get asked a lot is, "Does the iPhone 11 have 5G?" The short answer is no—it doesn't. I know this might be disappointing for some, especially with all the buzz around 5G technology. I have tested various phones, and there’s definitely a noticeable difference with 5G, but does that mean you need to upgrade? Not necessarily.

For those who might not know, 5G is the latest in mobile network technology, offering faster speeds and more reliable connections than 4G. However, that doesn’t mean 4G is suddenly outdated. There’s a lot to consider before deciding if 5G is worth the switch, so let’s take a closer look at whether you should stick with your iPhone 11 or upgrade to a 5G device.

To cut to the chase, the iPhone 11 does not support 5G. It operates on 4G LTE, which is still very capable for most tasks. I’ve personally used the iPhone 11 extensively, and for everyday activities like streaming videos, browsing the web, or even video calls, 4G LTE performs perfectly well. So, why didn’t Apple include 5G in the iPhone 11 when other manufacturers were starting to add it to their devices?

The answer lies in timing. When the iPhone 11 was released in 2019, 5G networks were still in their early stages of rollout, with limited coverage. Apple likely chose to wait for more widespread adoption before including it in their phones. It wasn’t until the iPhone 12 series that Apple introduced 5G across its lineup. By then, 5G networks had expanded enough to make the upgrade worthwhile for those who wanted the faster speeds and improved connectivity.

Now, you might wonder, “What’s the big deal with 5G?” Essentially, it’s about speed and latency. 5G can offer download speeds much faster than 4G LTE, and it reduces the time it takes for data to travel between your phone and the internet, known as latency. This can be beneficial for things like gaming, streaming high-definition content, or using augmented reality apps. But unless you’re doing these high-demand activities regularly, you may not notice a huge difference in day-to-day use.

From my personal experience, 5G is impressive, but it’s not something everyone needs right now. If you’re like most people, your iPhone 11 with 4G LTE should still meet all your daily needs—whether it's streaming Netflix, sending emails, or scrolling through social media. I’ve tried 5G phones, and while the speed boost is real, it’s not always game-changing for everyday tasks.

Here’s where you need to ask yourself: Do you really need 5G? If you're someone who travels frequently and needs super-fast downloads or you work with large files on the go, 5G could make a noticeable difference. But if you're mostly browsing the web, streaming videos, or using regular apps, 4G LTE is more than enough.

I like 5G for its potential, but I also know that 4G still gets the job done. One thing to keep in mind is the cost—5G phones are generally more expensive, and 5G data plans can cost more too. So if you don’t absolutely need 5G right now, sticking with your iPhone 11 might save you a bit of money in the short term.

Another thing to consider is coverage. 5G is still being rolled out in many areas, so depending on where you live, you might not even have access to it yet. In that case, paying extra for a 5G phone won’t give you any real benefits until the network improves in your area.

If you’ve decided that 5G is something you want, there are options, but upgrading doesn’t have to break the bank. Apple introduced 5G with the iPhone 12 series, so any iPhone from that model onwards will support it. The iPhone 12, iPhone 13, and iPhone 14 are all solid choices, depending on your budget and needs.

In my opinion, the iPhone 12 strikes a good balance between price and performance. It was the first iPhone to offer 5G, and even though newer models have come out, it’s still a fast, reliable phone with everything you’d need, plus the added bonus of 5G. I’ve tested the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 side by side, and unless you’re someone who needs the absolute latest features, the differences aren’t huge. So, opting for a slightly older model can save you a significant amount of money while still giving you access to 5G.

For those looking to future-proof their phone, getting a 5G model makes sense. But if you’re happy with your iPhone 11 and aren’t doing anything that requires 5G-level speeds, I’d recommend sticking with it for now. When it comes time to upgrade, consider looking for deals or discounts on previous-generation models like the iPhone 12 or 13 to get the best of both worlds—5G at a more reasonable price.

In the end, the decision really comes down to what you need from your phone. I always suggest weighing your options based on what you do with your device. If 4G is serving you well, there’s no rush to switch. But if you want to stay ahead of the curve, Apple’s 5G-capable phones are definitely worth considering.