If you’re a musician, content creator, or just someone who hates wasting perfectly good tech, an older iPhone can still be a serious workhorse.
The iPhone 11 Pro (on Amazon) may not be the latest and greatest anymore, but in day‑to‑day use—especially as a second phone or dedicated camera—it still has plenty to offer.
This review is based on real-world use of a hand-me-down 64 GB iPhone 11 Pro that’s now pulling duty as a business line and backup video camera.
Overview / First Impressions
The iPhone 11 Pro might be a few generations old, but it doesn’t feel like a relic:
- It still runs smoothly for most everyday tasks.
- The camera system holds up impressively well for photos and video.
- 64 GB of storage is enough for a focused role: business apps, music, and media.
- It’s ideal as a second phone or a dedicated content-creation device.
For guitarists or creators, that means a solid pocket camera for filming riffs, lessons, rehearsal clips, or quick demo videos without tying up your main phone.
Build Quality & Design
Apple’s build quality on the 11 Pro was excellent, and that’s still obvious:
- Premium materials – Glass front and back with a stainless steel frame.
- Solid feel – It doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy, even years later.
- Compact form factor – Compared to modern giant phones, the 11 Pro is comfortable in the hand and easy to mount on stands, tripods, or mic stands for filming.
If you’re using it in a studio or rehearsal space, the smaller size is actually an advantage: it’s easier to position around amps, pedalboards, and drum kits.
Features & Functions
Even as an older device, the 11 Pro brings plenty to the table.
Storage (64 GB)
64 GB is enough for a focused role if you’re realistic about what lives on the phone:
- A library of backing tracks and reference mixes
- Lots of photos and video clips
- Essential business and social apps
You’ll want to offload large video projects periodically, but for everyday capture, it’s fine.
Camera System
The camera system is still the standout feature:
- Great-looking photos for social media, gear shots, and product listings
- Video quality that’s more than good enough for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
- Works well as a second angle if you’re filming multi-camera content (for example, a close-up on your picking hand or pedalboard)
Performance
It’s not cutting-edge anymore, and you can feel that at times, but:
- It still runs core apps reliably.
- It’s perfectly usable as a dedicated business phone or media device.
Battery & Reliability
Battery health will vary by device age and usage, but this particular 11 Pro:
- Still works as reliably as when it was new.
- Handles full days in a secondary role without major issues.
How It Sounds & Key Use Cases (For Musicians & Creators)
From a guitarist or content creator’s perspective, here’s where the iPhone 11 Pro still shines.
Second Video Camera
As a secondary camera, it’s extremely handy:
- Capture a second angle for lesson videos (fretboard close-up, pedalboard, picking hand).
- Film practice sessions without tying up your main phone.
- Record quick ideas and riffs on the fly.
Business Phone
It works well as a dedicated business device if you want to:
- Separate your personal and business calls and messages.
- Keep client communication, band bookings, or teaching inquiries on a dedicated line.
Media & Reference Device
- Store backing tracks, rehearsal recordings, and mixes.
- Keep photo and video references of pedal settings, amp dials, and studio setups.
- Use it as a dedicated “music & media” device in your practice space.
The camera quality in particular makes this phone a very practical tool for anyone documenting their playing or gear.
Limitations / Things to Know
It’s still a good phone, but not a perfect one.
Performance Isn’t Current-Gen
As a fairly old device, you’ll notice:
- Occasional lag with newer, heavier apps.
- A slower overall feel compared to current flagship phones.
64 GB Storage Is Finite
- Fine for a focused role, but you’ll need to manage space if you shoot a lot of video.
- Regular backups and offloading to a computer or cloud storage are smart.
Not Future-Proof Forever
- At some point, software support will end.
- For now, though, it’s still very usable in a secondary role.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone 11 Pro may not be new, but it’s far from useless. As a:
- Business phone
- Second camera for content creation
- Dedicated media and backup device
it still earns its keep.
If you’ve got one lying around—or can inherit one from a family member—don’t rush to sell or recycle it. For guitarists, musicians, and creators, it’s an excellent utility player in your tech lineup: a reliable camera, a solid communication tool, and a surprisingly capable studio companion.