Refurbished iPhone 11 Series UK: Buy 11, 11 Pro & 11 Pro Max

Should You Buy a Refurbished iPhone 11 in 2026?

The iPhone 11 series launched back in September 2019, which makes these phones six to seven years old in 2026. That is a genuinely long time in smartphone years, and it is worth saying plainly before anything else on this page: this is a budget or backup phone recommendation, not a "best iPhone to buy" recommendation. None of the three models here — iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max — support 5G. All three use Apple's older Lightning port instead of USB-C. All three run on the A13 Bionic chip, which is well below the hardware bar Apple sets for Apple Intelligence features. If you need 5G speeds, USB-C charging, or on-device AI features, this is not the guide for you — check The Tech Gadgets' newer iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and iPhone 15 series guides instead.

If none of that rules you out — you want a genuinely cheap, dependable iPhone for calls, messaging, banking apps, streaming and everyday browsing, a first phone for a teenager, a spare or travel handset, or a low-cost way back into iOS — the iPhone 11 series is still a sensible, honest option, and The Tech Gadgets sells all three models refurbished, unlocked, and function-tested, in four condition grades, with a 12-month warranty and 30-day returns. This guide covers what each model actually offers, where they differ, what "refurbished" and each condition grade really mean, and whether buying one still makes sense today.

Shop Refurbished iPhone 11 Series

Prices vary by storage and condition: Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. The Tech Gadgets currently lists multiple storage and condition combinations per model, so check the product page for the exact price of the variant you want.

Comparison: iPhone 11 vs 11 Pro vs 11 Pro Max

Apple specifies the same A13 Bionic chip across all three phones — the difference between them comes down to screen technology, camera hardware, size, and battery life, not raw processing power.

Buyer Match: Which iPhone 11 Fits You?

Which Should You Buy?

For most budget-focused buyers, the standard iPhone 11 makes the most sense: it is the cheapest of the three, it still has a genuinely useful dual-camera system, and its LCD screen — while a step down from OLED — is perfectly good for everyday use. Choose the iPhone 11 Pro if you specifically want the sharper, higher-contrast OLED display and the extra Telephoto lens, and you prefer a smaller, lighter phone. Choose the iPhone 11 Pro Max if screen size and all-day battery life matter more to you than pocketability — Apple specifies it has the longest battery life of the three. Whichever you choose, remember none of them support 5G, so this decision should really be "which 4G iPhone gives me the best value," not "which iPhone should I buy long-term."

iPhone 11: The Budget Pick

The iPhone 11 is the entry point into this refurbished range. Apple specifies a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display at 625 nits typical brightness, an aerospace-grade aluminium band, and a glass front and back. The camera system is dual 12MP: a Wide lens (f/1.8) and an Ultra Wide lens (f/2.4), with Night mode, Smart HDR, and 4K video recording up to 60fps — Apple's Night mode debuted with this generation and was a genuine step up for low-light photography at the time. The front-facing TrueDepth camera is 12MP with Face ID. Apple specifies up to 17 hours of video playback when new, with Qi wireless charging alongside wired charging. Water resistance is rated IP68, tested by Apple to a maximum depth of 2 metres for up to 30 minutes — a lower rating than the two Pro models. At The Tech Gadgets, the iPhone 11 is available refurbished, unlocked, across 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage — check the product page for today's price.

iPhone 11 Pro: OLED and a Third Lens, In a Compact Body

The iPhone 11 Pro was the first "Pro" iPhone, and the name change reflected real hardware upgrades. Apple specifies a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display, 800 nits typical brightness (1200 nits peak for HDR content) — noticeably deeper blacks and higher contrast than the base 11's LCD panel. The camera steps up to a triple 12MP system: Wide (f/1.8), Ultra Wide (f/2.4), and a 2x optical zoom Telephoto (f/2.0) — the first triple-camera system on an iPhone. Build quality is stainless steel with a textured matte glass back, rather than the 11's aluminium and glossy glass. Apple specifies up to 18 hours of video playback when new, and water resistance is rated IP68 to a maximum depth of 4 metres for up to 30 minutes — double the depth rating of the standard iPhone 11. At The Tech Gadgets, the iPhone 11 Pro is available refurbished, unlocked, across 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB — check the product page for today's price.

iPhone 11 Pro Max: The Biggest Screen and Longest Battery

The iPhone 11 Pro Max was Apple's 2019 flagship: the same triple-camera system and OLED display technology as the 11 Pro, scaled up to a larger body. Apple specifies a 6.5-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display at the same 800 nits typical / 1200 nits peak HDR brightness as the 11 Pro, with matching stainless steel and matte glass construction. The camera system is identical to the 11 Pro — Wide, Ultra Wide, and 2x Telephoto, all 12MP. Where the Pro Max pulls ahead is battery: Apple specifies up to 20 hours of video playback when new, the longest of any phone in this range at launch. Water resistance is also IP68 rated to 4 metres for up to 30 minutes, matching the 11 Pro. At The Tech Gadgets, the iPhone 11 Pro Max is available refurbished, unlocked, across 64GB, 128GB, and 512GB storage — check the product page for today's price.

iPhone 11 vs 11 Pro: LCD vs OLED and the Third Camera

This is the single biggest difference in the whole range, so it is worth explaining properly rather than glossing over it. The iPhone 11 uses an LCD screen (Liquid Retina), while the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max both use OLED screens (Super Retina XDR). LCD panels are backlit — a single layer of light shines through the whole screen — which means blacks appear as dark grey rather than true black, and contrast is lower. OLED panels light each pixel individually, so they can switch a pixel off entirely for a genuinely black pixel, giving much higher contrast, richer colour, and better HDR video and photo playback. Apple's own brightness figures reflect this too: the 11's LCD panel is specified at 625 nits typical, versus 800 nits typical (1200 nits peak HDR) on both OLED Pro models. In everyday use this shows up most obviously watching dark video content, in extreme sunlight, and viewing HDR photos — the OLED screen simply looks richer.

The second major difference is the third camera lens. The base iPhone 11 has two lenses — Wide and Ultra Wide — which covers standard photos and wide-angle group or landscape shots well. The 11 Pro and Pro Max add a third, Telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom, letting you get physically closer to distant subjects without the quality loss of digital zoom, and giving more flexibility for portraits. If OLED picture quality and an extra zoom lens matter to you, the Pro is worth the price step up from the base 11; if they don't, the standard 11 covers the essentials for considerably less money.

iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone 11 Pro Max

Unlike the 11-vs-Pro comparison, the 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max share the same display technology, the same camera system, and the same A13 Bionic chip — the differences here are about size and battery, not camera or screen quality. The 11 Pro has a 5.8-inch screen and is noticeably easier to use one-handed; the Pro Max has a 6.5-inch screen, better for reading, browsing, and watching video, but is a larger, heavier phone in the pocket. Apple specifies up to 18 hours of video playback on the 11 Pro versus up to 20 hours on the Pro Max — a real, if not dramatic, difference that reflects the Pro Max's bigger physical battery. Storage options also differ slightly: The Tech Gadgets currently lists the 11 Pro in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, while the Pro Max skips 256GB and jumps to 64GB, 128GB, and 512GB — so if you specifically want a mid-tier 256GB phone, that's only available on the 11 Pro, not the Pro Max, in this range.

Which Has the Best Camera?

The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max share an identical triple-camera system and produce identical photo and video quality — the choice between them is about screen size and battery, not image quality. Both step up meaningfully from the standard iPhone 11 with a third, Telephoto lens offering 2x optical zoom, useful for portraits and getting closer to a subject without losing detail through digital zoom. All three models share the same Wide and Ultra Wide lenses, Night mode, Smart HDR, and 4K 60fps video recording, and the same 12MP TrueDepth front camera. If low-light and zoom photography specifically matter to you, either Pro model is the better choice; if you mainly shoot everyday photos of people, food, and places without much zoom, the standard iPhone 11's dual-camera system is still capable.

Does iPhone 11 Support 5G?

No. None of the three phones in this guide — iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, or iPhone 11 Pro Max — support 5G. This entire generation launched in September 2019, a full year before Apple introduced 5G to the iPhone line with the iPhone 12 series in October 2020. All three phones here connect via 4G LTE only, alongside Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. If a 5G connection is important to you — for example if your mobile contract is built around 5G data speeds, or you want to future-proof your purchase — you will need to look at the iPhone 12 series or newer. The Tech Gadgets stocks refurbished iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series guides that do support 5G; see the links at the end of this guide.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

Storage cannot be upgraded after purchase, so it's worth thinking through before you buy. Here's a simple framework:

Note that this generation does not offer a 1TB storage option on any model — that tier arrived on later iPhone generations. The Tech Gadgets currently lists 64GB, 128GB and 256GB for the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro, and 64GB, 128GB and 512GB for the iPhone 11 Pro Max (no 256GB tier on the Pro Max) — check each product page to confirm current stock for your preferred combination.

What Does "Refurbished" Actually Mean?

A refurbished iPhone is a previously owned device that has been inspected, tested, and restored to full working order before resale — it is not new, and it is not simply a returned or "as-is" used phone. Every iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max sold by The Tech Gadgets is fully function-tested before dispatch, unlocked for use on any compatible network, and sold across four cosmetic condition grades so you can choose the balance of price and appearance that suits you. Exact refurbishment steps and testing checklists are not published on the product pages — contact The Tech Gadgets directly if you want more detail on the process for a specific unit.

Condition Grades Explained

The Tech Gadgets lists each phone across four condition grades: Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair. These grades describe cosmetic condition — how the phone looks — rather than functional performance, since every unit is function-tested regardless of grade. The Tech Gadgets does not publish detailed, written criteria distinguishing each grade on the product page, so we won't invent definitions here; instead, check the product photos for the specific condition and model you're considering, and contact The Tech Gadgets directly at info@thetechgadgets.co.uk or via WhatsApp on +44 7563 734444 if you want more detail on what to expect from a particular grade before you buy.

Are They Unlocked?

Yes — every iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max sold by The Tech Gadgets is fully unlocked and not tied to any network. That means they should work with a compatible Nano-SIM or eSIM from EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, or most other UK and international carriers. One upside of this generation being 4G-only: there's no need to check 5G band compatibility with your network, since none of these phones use 5G at all — any 4G-capable SIM and plan will work.

What's Included in the Box?

Box contents are not confirmed on the product pages for any of the three models, and this generation predates Apple's move to unbundling chargers, so contents may vary. Do not assume a charging brick, cable, or original Apple packaging is included — check with The Tech Gadgets before ordering if box contents matter to you for your specific use case.

What About Battery Health?

This is worth being especially direct about given the age of this generation: these are 6-to-7-year-old phones, and their batteries have been through years of charge cycles regardless of how well they were looked after. Lithium-ion batteries degrade with age and use, and a battery in an iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or 11 Pro Max today will not perform the way it did when new — expect reduced maximum battery life and potentially more noticeable day-to-day drain compared with a newer phone. Exact battery health percentages are not confirmed on the product pages and are not published by The Tech Gadgets ahead of purchase — if a specific battery health threshold matters to you, contact The Tech Gadgets directly before ordering. Also note that battery issues are explicitly excluded from the standard 12-month warranty, alongside physical, water, and electrical damage — so factor in that a battery replacement, if ever needed, would be a separate cost.

Still Worth Buying in 2026?

Being candid: this is not a phone to buy expecting years of future-proof use. As of September 2026, the iPhone 11 is still receiving Apple's latest major iOS release, and reporting suggests it is expected to reach the end of major-version software updates around 2027, likely followed by a further period of security-only patches — but that is Apple's current trajectory, not a guarantee, and it means this generation is in the closing phase of its supported lifespan rather than at the start of one. None of the three phones support Apple Intelligence, since the A13 Bionic chip falls well short of the hardware requirements Apple has set for on-device AI features, and that will not change with any future software update. There is also no 5G, and batteries are, by definition, years old.

Given all that, an iPhone 11 series phone in 2026 makes the most sense as a budget or secondary device: a first smartphone for a child or teenager, a low-cost backup or travel phone, a simple device for a family member who mainly needs calls, messages, and basic apps, or an inexpensive way to try iOS before committing to a newer, pricier model. If you're looking for a phone you can rely on as your only device for the next three-to-five years, a newer generation — with 5G, USB-C, and longer remaining software support — is the safer choice; see The Tech Gadgets' iPhone 12, 13, 14, and 15 series guides.

Why Buy Refurbished Instead of New?

Apple no longer sells the iPhone 11 series new — these models have been discontinued from Apple's own lineup for several years, so a refurbished unit from a specialist retailer like The Tech Gadgets is now the only realistic way to buy one at all, short of a private used sale with no warranty or testing. Buying refurbished also means significant savings versus any current-generation iPhone, professional function testing before dispatch (rather than the uncertainty of a private sale), a 12-month warranty covering manufacturing defects and functional faults, and a 30-day return window — protections you simply don't get buying second-hand from an individual seller.

How Much Does It Cost?

At The Tech Gadgets, the exact price of the iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max depends on storage capacity and condition grade — higher storage and better cosmetic condition both push the price up within each model's range, so Like New costs the most, then Excellent, then Very Good, and Fair is the cheapest. Check the live product page for the specific combination you want, as stock and pricing can change:

• Check current iPhone 11 price
• Check current iPhone 11 Pro price
• Check current iPhone 11 Pro Max price

Where to Buy Refurbished iPhone 11 in the UK

The Tech Gadgets is a Manchester-based UK retailer (01 Broughton Lane, Manchester, M8 9TY) selling refurbished, unlocked iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max handsets directly, with orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday dispatched same-day. You can browse the full Apple iPhone range in the refurbished iPhone collection, or see all mobile phones stocked by The Tech Gadgets.

Your Buying Check

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming any iPhone 11 series model supports 5G — none of them do; it's 4G LTE only across the whole range.
• Assuming the base iPhone 11 has an OLED screen — it uses LCD (Liquid Retina); only the 11 Pro and Pro Max are OLED.
• Expecting USB-C charging — all three still use Apple's Lightning connector.
• Buying based on price alone without checking storage — you cannot upgrade storage after purchase.
• Assuming battery health is guaranteed or covered under warranty — it isn't; battery issues are explicitly excluded.
• Expecting Apple Intelligence or on-device AI features — the A13 Bionic chip doesn't support them, on any current or future iOS version.
• Confusing the 11 Pro Max's storage options with the 11 Pro's — the Pro Max skips 256GB and jumps straight to 512GB.
• Assuming all four condition grades look identical — they don't; check product photos for the specific grade and model.
• Assuming a charger and cable are automatically included in the box — this isn't confirmed, so check first if it matters.
• Buying as a long-term, only-device purchase without checking current iOS support status — this generation is in the later stage of its supported lifespan.
• Assuming the iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max have different cameras — they're identical; only screen size and battery life differ between them.
• Not checking network compatibility before buying — while unlocked and 4G-compatible with major UK networks, always confirm your specific plan works with an older 4G-only device.
• Skipping the return window — you have 30 days from delivery, but must contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back.
• Assuming refurbished means "used, as-is" — every unit is function-tested and carries a 12-month warranty on manufacturing defects and functional faults.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does iPhone 11 support 5G?

No. The iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max all connect via 4G LTE only. 5G was introduced to the iPhone line a generation later, with the iPhone 12 series.

Is the iPhone 11 screen OLED?

No — the standard iPhone 11 uses an LCD screen (Liquid Retina). Only the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max use OLED (Super Retina XDR) displays.

What's the difference between iPhone 11 Pro and Pro Max?

They share the same OLED display technology, the same triple-camera system, and the same A13 Bionic chip. The differences are screen size (5.8" vs 6.5"), battery life (Apple specifies up to 18 hours vs up to 20 hours of video playback), and available storage tiers at The Tech Gadgets.

Do these phones use USB-C?

No, all three models use Apple's Lightning connector, not USB-C.

Are these phones unlocked?

Yes. Every iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max sold by The Tech Gadgets is fully unlocked and works with EE, O2, Vodafone, Three, and most other UK and international networks.

What condition grades are available?

Like New, Excellent, Very Good, and Fair. Exact grading criteria aren't published on the product page — check the product photos for your chosen grade and model, or contact The Tech Gadgets for more detail.

What's the battery health on these phones?

Exact battery health percentages are not confirmed on the product pages. These are 6-to-7-year-old phones, so expect batteries to show real signs of age; contact The Tech Gadgets before ordering if battery health matters to you.

Is battery health covered by the warranty?

No. The 12-month warranty covers manufacturing defects and functional faults, but explicitly excludes battery, physical, water, and electrical damage.

How much storage should I get?

64GB suits light users relying on cloud storage; 128GB suits most people; 256GB (iPhone 11 and 11 Pro only) suits heavy photo/app users; 512GB (iPhone 11 Pro Max only, in this range) is the largest option available and suits those who don't want to rely on cloud syncing.

Does the iPhone 11 Pro Max come in 256GB?

Not at The Tech Gadgets currently — the Pro Max is listed in 64GB, 128GB, and 512GB, skipping the 256GB tier that the standard 11 and 11 Pro offer.

Is there a 1TB option?

No. This generation does not offer a 1TB storage tier on any model — that arrived on later iPhone generations.

Do these phones support Apple Intelligence?

No. All three run the A13 Bionic chip, which does not meet Apple's hardware requirements for Apple Intelligence, on any current or future iOS version.

How long will these phones keep getting software updates?

As of September 2026, the iPhone 11 is still receiving Apple's current major iOS release, with reports suggesting it's approaching the end of major-version updates within the next year or so, likely followed by security-only patches. This is based on Apple's public update pattern, not a guarantee — treat this generation as being in the later stage of its supported life rather than the start of one.

What's included in the box?

Box contents aren't confirmed on the product pages. Don't assume a charger or cable is included — check with The Tech Gadgets first if this matters to you.

What's the difference between the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro cameras?

The iPhone 11 has two lenses (Wide and Ultra Wide); the 11 Pro and Pro Max add a third Telephoto lens with 2x optical zoom.

Are the iPhone 11 and 11 Pro water resistant?

Both are IP68 rated, but to different depths: Apple specifies the iPhone 11 to a maximum of 2 metres for 30 minutes, and the 11 Pro and Pro Max to a maximum of 4 metres for 30 minutes. This rating isn't permanent and can decrease with wear, and water damage isn't covered under warranty.

What's the return policy?

30 days from delivery. Contact The Tech Gadgets before sending anything back.

How quickly will my order be dispatched?

Orders placed before 3pm Monday to Friday are dispatched the same day.

Should I buy an iPhone 11 series phone as my main phone in 2026?

It can work as a budget primary phone, but be realistic: no 5G, an ageing battery, and software support that's entering its final stretch. It's a stronger fit as a backup, first phone, or budget device than as a long-term only phone — if you want more future-proofing, look at The Tech Gadgets' newer iPhone guides.

Final Verdict: Buy Refurbished iPhone 11, 11 Pro, or Pro Max

The iPhone 11 series is honestly one of the best value ways into iOS available today, as long as you go in with realistic expectations: no 5G, Lightning instead of USB-C, no Apple Intelligence, and batteries that are years into their working life. For a budget device, backup phone, or first smartphone, that trade-off can still make a lot of sense — especially at refurbished prices well below a current-generation iPhone. Ready to buy?

• Buy refurbished iPhone 11
• Buy refurbished iPhone 11 Pro
• Buy refurbished iPhone 11 Pro Max

Browse the full refurbished iPhone collection or all mobile phones at The Tech Gadgets. Want 5G or USB-C? See our newer guides to the iPhone 12 series, iPhone 13 series, iPhone 14 series, and iPhone 15 series. For more information, see our warranty policy, refund policy, or contact us directly.