Apple iPhone 11 Renewed Review: Great Value with Caveats
The Apple iPhone 11 Black Unlocked (Renewed) has built a reputation as one of the most consistently well-reviewed refurbished smartphones — but not without caveats. Across Amazon, Best Buy, Back Market, and Trustpilot, it earns high marks for physical condition, performance, and camera quality, yet recurring issues with battery health and occasional functional defects temper enthusiasm. Based on aggregated feedback, it scores 8.4/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for budget-conscious users seeking premium Apple performance, but only if sourced from a reputable refurbisher with a solid return policy.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Often arrives looking “like new” with minimal to no cosmetic damage | Battery health can be below promised levels, leading to reduced runtime |
| A13 Bionic chip delivers fast, smooth performance | No 5G support — limited to LTE |
| High-quality dual-camera system with strong low-light performance | Condition varies significantly by seller |
| Unlocked for GSM and CDMA carriers | Occasional hardware faults (microphone, Face ID, speakers) |
| Affordable compared to new models | Generic accessories not on par with Apple originals |
| Frequently ships with 90–100% battery health (when seller is reputable) | Some units ship with scratches or scuffs |
Claims vs Reality
Apple’s marketing for the renewed iPhone 11 emphasizes “minimal cosmetic damage,” “like-new functionality,” and battery health above 80% (90% for Premium Renewed). On paper, this suggests a risk-free near-new experience at a lower cost.
However, digging deeper into user reports reveals variability. While many buyers on Amazon and Best Buy confirm receiving pristine devices — “couldn’t even tell it was preowned, operated at new speed too” — others found discrepancies. An Amazon customer noted their phone arrived at 77% battery health despite the listing promising at least 80%, forcing the seller to pay for a replacement battery.
Another gap between claim and reality lies in battery longevity. A Reddit user on Apple’s forums shared that although their refurbished unit reported 100% battery health, it lasted barely 3.5 hours of screen time before needing a recharge. After replacing the battery with a third-party unit, runtime jumped to an estimated 8 hours. This suggests that diagnostic-reported health may not always reflect actual performance.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
The most consistent compliment across platforms is the physical condition of units from reputable sellers. Multiple Best Buy buyers described their phones as “flawless” or “scratch-free,” even under close inspection. On Back Market, one verified buyer said: “It’s practically new, there was only a little scratch on the bottom of the back but I really don’t care. The battery health is at 91% and can last me through school, watching movies, playing games, etc.”
Performance is another standout. The A13 Bionic chip, while now a few generations old, still handles multitasking, gaming, and video streaming without lag. A reviewer from PCMENA called it “incredibly efficient” even under heavy use, reporting no performance drop after extended sessions. For students and casual power users, the speed and responsiveness rival that of much newer models.
The camera system — dual 12MP lenses with Night Mode — wins praise from photographers and casual shooters alike. A Best Buy customer wrote: “Clear and detailed photos even in low light… a great option for those who love photography.” Another Back Market buyer was so impressed they “had to look up if I got the wrong phone” after seeing the results.
Common Complaints
Battery life is the most frequent sore spot. Even when battery health meets the advertised percentage, runtime can disappoint. An Amazon reviewer recounted their phone draining from full to empty in under 7 hours without use, leading to a replacement request. Users warn that units with batteries above 90% capacity on paper may still underperform due to cell aging.
Condition inconsistency is another frustration. While many arrive in near-perfect shape, others show visible scratches or screen blemishes. One Best Buy buyer called out “multiple scratches on the glass” upon unboxing a gift purchase, with no time to return before traveling.
Hardware defects — though less common — do occur. Trustpilot feedback includes cases of non-functional microphones discovered weeks later, Face ID setup failures, and occasional speaker distortion. These underscore the importance of testing all functions immediately upon receipt.
Divisive Features
The generic accessories bundled with renewed units split opinion. Some buyers appreciate that chargers and cables are new and certified, while others note they’re lower quality than Apple originals. One Amazon reviewer said they “work fine but aren’t as high-quality” — a minor trade-off at the price point.
The absence of 5G connectivity is also polarizing. For buyers in areas where LTE remains strong, it’s a non-issue. But for those upgrading from newer devices or seeking future-proofing, the limitation is a deal-breaker.
Trust & Reliability
Across Trustpilot and Amazon, seller reputation emerges as the key variable in satisfaction. Buyers who named specific trusted refurbishers — such as Hybrid IT on Amazon or certified “Excellent” condition units from Back Market — reported consistently better outcomes, including accurate battery health, flawless exteriors, and responsive customer service.
Conversely, purchases from less-vetted sources carried higher risk. One Apple forum user suspected their “display model” refurb had been sitting unused for years, leading to hidden battery degradation despite showing 100% health.
Long-term durability stories are generally positive. A Trustpilot reviewer who bought from Best Buy reported their phone still “functions as good as new” eight months later with only a minor drop in battery health (from 91% to ~88%). This suggests that when sourced from high-quality refurbishers, the iPhone 11 can remain reliable well past the warranty window.
Alternatives
While no direct competing refurbished model was consistently mentioned in the data, several users compared the iPhone 11 to newer iPhones purely on price. For those prioritizing future-proofing (especially 5G), stepping up to a refurbished iPhone 12 or 13 may be worth the extra cost. However, the consensus is that the iPhone 11 offers a better value-to-performance ratio in the sub-$300 category than most Android flagships of the same price.
Price & Value
eBay listings show a broad range: $190–$246 for 64GB “very good” condition unlocked units, and $230–$295 for 128GB models. Amazon Renewed Premium typically commands a ~$40–$60 premium over standard renewed units due to stricter cosmetic and battery standards.
Community buying tips stress:
- Check seller ratings and battery health guarantee before purchase.
- Test all functions (camera, mic, Face ID, speakers) immediately.
- Factor in the cost of a potential battery replacement (~$69 at Apple) when budgeting.
FAQ
Q: How is battery life on the renewed iPhone 11?
A: It varies by unit and seller. While many report full-day use, others have experienced rapid drain despite high reported battery health. Testing in the first return window is recommended.
Q: Does it come with original Apple accessories?
A: No. Most renewed units include generic MFi-certified chargers and cables. They work, but may not match Apple’s build quality.
Q: Can I use it with any carrier?
A: Yes, if it’s listed as fully unlocked for both GSM and CDMA networks. Buyers report successful use on AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and MVNOs.
Q: Will it get the latest iOS updates?
A: As of 2024, the iPhone 11 supports the latest iOS versions and should continue to receive updates for several more years.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Amazon Renewed Premium offers a one-year warranty; other sellers may offer 90 days. Always confirm terms before purchasing.
Final Verdict: Buy if you’re a budget-conscious Apple user or student who values performance and camera quality over 5G and OLED screens. Avoid if you require guaranteed all-day battery life or are unwilling to test and potentially replace the battery. Pro tip from the community: stick to top-rated refurbishers like Amazon Renewed Premium, Back Market “Excellent” grade, or Best Buy Certified Pre-Owned to minimize risk.
