Expert’s Rating
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The iPhone XR might not be as cutting - bound as the iPhone XS , but it strikes a perfect balance between affordability and luxuriousness without give the things that make it majuscule .
Best Prices Today: iPhone XR
We may never jazz what the R in the iPhone XR in reality have in mind — Apple VP Phil Schiller himselfsaidthat the R does n’t really imply much to Apple . But I have my own guess : reboot .
Before the release of theiPhone Xlast year , theiPhone 8was in need of a redesign . It had been some three years since Apple first unveiled its large - screen iPhones , but nothing about them changed much since theiPhone 6 . The iPhone 8 brought wireless charging and a good television camera , but it did n’t look or feel like a 2017 phone , let alone a 2018 one .
But rather than dispute the melodic theme of the iPhone 8 and go all in on the higher - priced and margined X , Apple went back to the drawing plank to create a ostensibly impossible iPhone that had the spectacles of a proverbial iPhone 9 , the look of an iPhone X , and the Leontyne Price of an iPhone 8 .
The iPhone XR’s glass back is smooth to the touch but not overly slippery.
The iPhone XR ’s glass back is tranquil to the sense of touch but not to a fault slippy .
Like any reboot of a classic , the iPhone XR could have fail stunningly faulty . But with the iPhone XR , Apple complete it . The cow chip , barrage , and depot are all best in grade . The terms slides nicely in between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XS . And the design is close enough to the iPhone X and XS that from a reasonable distance the phones look identical — maybe you even expected some serious compromises that crowd people to the upper models in a bait - and - switch move . That ’s not the case .
When you take everything into thoughtfulness — toll , design , storage , camera , electric battery life , and performance — the iPhone XR might be the best iPhone Apple has ever made , even if it ’s not technically the most advanced . In fact , I ’d guess to reckon that more people are going to buy an iPhone XR over an iPhone XS . It ’s just that good .
The iPhone XR’s glass back is smooth to the touch but not overly slippery.
iPhone history
This iPhone has been replaced with a newer model . Find inter-group communication below to our reviews of all iPhone models , admit the tardy generation.iPhone 16is require to launch in September 2024 ( seewhen is the best time to buy a unexampled iPhone ) , whileiPhone SE ( fourth generation)andiPhone 17are likely to appear in 2025 . Find out aboutApple ’s September outcome detailsandhow to watch the Apple September event lively stream ; or for other Apple products , learn more about all thenew Apple products descend this yearandwhen is the next Apple case . You might also wish ouriPhone buying guide , best iPhone dealsandcomparison of every iPhone that is available to buy today .
A premium design for less
The iPhone XR is fundamentally the iPhone XS ’s fraternal Twin Falls . It has the same material body , same glass back , same contoured banding , same rounded corners . And it ’s suffer just as big of a mountain pass at the top of the screen . Pick it up and it sense just like a somewhat thicker XS .
The 6.5 - inch iPhone XS Max ( left ) is quite a bit bigger than the 6.1 - inch iPhone XR .
Beyond their superficial similarities , there are distinct differences between the two phones . Most notably , the XR ’s crank back comes in a variety of colors that give it a playful personality . The sides are made of aluminum , a textile downgrade from the stainless steel on the XS , but they ’re anodized to utterly match whichever colour you choose . It ’s a insidious change that derive down to a issue of preference , but I actually prefer the XR ’s matt finish to the XS ’s shiny chrome .
The 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max (left) is quite a bit bigger than the 6.1-inch iPhone XR.
The XR is easy the most unique iPhone since the iPhone 5c , and I suspect most multitude are cash in one’s chips to opt to use it without a case . Apparently Apple does too , so much so that it ’s not selling a first - company case for the XR . To that end , Apple claims that the glass covering the presentation is strong than any iPhone that came before , and the rear deoxyephedrine , while not as shatter - resistant as the iPhone XS , is at least as good as the iPhone 8 . It also has a tackier feel than the XS , at least to my fingers .
The Lightning port on the iPhone XR ( bottom ) is slightly off - center as compared to the iPhone XS Max .
If you ’re a stickler for symmetry , you ’ll discover that the Lightning port on the bottom edge is ever - so - slenderly off - center , in all likelihood due to the whatever engine room play tricks Apple is do under the screen to get the bezel consistent . And bezels there are . If there ’s a knock against the iPhone XR ’s design it ’s that the bezel are distractingly chummy , to the point where it almost feels like a tawdry iPhone XS knockoff .
The Lightning port on the iPhone XR (bottom) is slightly off-center as compared to the iPhone XS Max.
It ’ll certainly be a tidy sum - ledgeman for some , but there ’s a dead valid reason for such thick bezel : the iPhone XR uses an LCD screen so it needs to be invariably backlit . As such , the extra millimeter ensures there wo n’t be any light leakage or bright muscae volitantes . It ’s a fine swap - off when you consider the alternative would have been a deeper Kuki and forehead . Besides , bezels are a trivial issue anyway , and they ’ll quickly melt away as you use it .
The next best thing to OLED
While the iPhone XR ’s display might look like the one on the XS , make no mistake : it ’s basically a larger iPhone 8 Plus with rounded corner . That entail its 720p HD LCD display is a tone below the Full HD screen on the iPhone 8 and a far vociferation from the near-2 K OLED on the XS .
The screen on the iPhone XS Max ( right ) is noticeable crisper and clear than the iPhone XR , but you ’ll only notice it if you hold them side by side .
But the iPhone XR is still in the Retina zona , which is all that really matter . When Apple coined the termRetinaback in 2010 with the 3.5 - inch iPhone 4 , its 326 ppi measure was exactly the same as it is the iPhone XR . That was then , and display tech has meliorate tremendously over the past eight years , and even elephantine phones have deadly high pixel densities , like the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 ( 516 ) and Google Pixel 3 XL ( 523 ) . Even if you liken apples to apples with another 6.1 - inch liquid crystal display sound such as the LG G7 , the XR gets trounced ( 563 ppi to 326 ppi ) .
The screen on the iPhone XS Max (right) is noticeable crisper and clearer than the iPhone XR, but you’ll only notice it if you hold them side by side.
That ’s a grown spate on paper than in praxis . Anything over 300 ppi is basically indistinguishable to the human heart , so based solely on resolving , the iPhone XR will look just as full as the iPhone XS or Galaxy Note 9 . Even when toy scale - down HD content on Netflix or YouTube , it ’s very hard to tell apart much of a difference in picture quality between it and a screen with a high firmness .
However , displays are more than the sum of their pixels , and the colour truth and vividness on the iPhone XR ’s LCD is nowhere nearly as good as a high - character HDR - certified organic light-emitting diode . It ’s not nearly as obtrusive in everyday utilisation as it is when comparing it side by side with the XS or the Pixel 3 , but the LCD on the iPhone is definitely a downgrade from premium OLED phones .
The bezels on the iPhone XR are noticeablt boneheaded than on the iPhone XS Max .
The bezels on the iPhone XR are noticeablt thicker than on the iPhone XS Max.
But within its own context , the XR ’s LCD is pretty singular , with excellent white residual and stunning brightness . It might not have the deep blacks of organic light-emitting diode , but like the iPad Pro , the XR still feel like a modern smartphone display , especially with True Tone turned on .
Apple ’s 120Hz sample makes elements seem quicker when tapdance and touch , and while animations are n’t quite as rapid as they are on the iPad Pro ’s ProMotion screen , it goes a recollective direction toward take in the XR palpate faster than it should . And the rounded corners and balanced full - screen blueprint sincerely belie its price tag . You mislay 3D Touch , but something like icon shortcuts can be added by and by using haptics .
While using the iPhone XR , I did n’t really neglect my OLED sound much at all , and the only literary criticism I can level is the watch angle , which is significantly narrower than older LCD iPhones . What I did miss from those Android OLEDs was an ambient display . Despite the institution of OLED screens , Apple has stubbornly refused to implement an always - on display on any of its phones . As such , the screen ignite up every time a notification comes in , and the lock screen door needs to be fully sort out just to check the time . I ’d love to see an ambient showing added to the iPhone XR in Io 12.3 as part of Apple ’s accustomed mid - cycle feature appurtenance .
Despite a smaller battery, the iPhone XR (right) actually lasts longer than the iPhone XS Max.
Incredible speed, amazing battery life
With fewer pixels to thrust , the iPhone XR is actually capable to beat the iPhone XS and XS Max in one key class : electric battery life . Even with a sub-3,000 mAh battery mental ability , the iPhone XR is one of the longest - lasting phones at this or any cost range , and it ran roundabout around the Pixel 3 XL and Galaxy S9 .
It even gave the Galaxy Note 9 and its 4,000 mAh assault and battery a political campaign for its money . I consistently got 7 to 8 minute of firmly - pushing CRT screen - on time ( games , movies , streaming , etc ) , and close to 10 on less strenuous days . I never had to blame the iPhone XR before my daylight was over , including one particularly lengthy least sandpiper while streaming Apple Music and using turn - by - turning piloting .
Despite a pocket-sized battery , the iPhone XR ( right ) actually live longer than the iPhone XS Max .
Higher scores/longer bars indicate better performance. Click to enlarge.
Apple has n’t reduce back on carrying into action to boost the iPhone XR ’s battery life either . The XR has the same A12 Bionic chip as the XS , and it ’s a square - up screamer . Apps and animations fly across the screen due to a compounding of the CPU ’s speed and common iOS optimisation , and anyone raise from an iPhone 6s or earlier — which I suspect will consist a turgid helping of sale — will see a tremendous speed boost . Even moving from an iPhone 7 will be a profound improvement .
In ourGeekbench 4tests , we found that the iPhone XR ’s upper falls right in tune with the Phone XS and XS Plus . Compared to the iPhone X , the XR is 13 per centum faster in single - pith functioning , and about 10 percent quicker in multi - core . you’re able to get the consummate story of our benchmark results ( which include several other tests ) in ouriPhone XR benchmark clause .
Higher scores / foresightful bars indicate good carrying out . snap to enlarge .
The iPhone XR’s notch hides the same True Depth camera and sensors as the iPhone XS.
And it ’s diminished thing , but I appreciate the storage tiers on the XR as well . While it has the same 64 GB base tier as the higher - terminal earphone , Apple forces customer to expend an extra $ 150 for 256 GB of storage on the XS , artificially inflating the toll for more storage than most people will need . On the XR , you’re able to repeat the storage to 128 GB for just $ 50 , which is much more toothsome .
Face ID leads the way
A rear fingermark detector would have been an gentle way out for the iPhone XR , volunteer a intimate biometric while allowing an even little notch on the front . Instead , Apple put a next - generation straight Depth photographic camera in the XR , and like the chip and designing , it puts Apple ’s punk phone on adequate basis with its most expensive .
The iPhone XR ’s notch hides the same True Depth tv camera and sensing element as the iPhone XS .
Face ID on the iPhone XR is every bit as sinful as it is on the XS , and slimly quick and more forgiving than the iPhone X. It ’s not just an melioration over Touch ID on the iPhone 8 , it delivers the same amazingly delightful ease of utilization that I felt the first metre I used the iPhone 5 ’s fingerprint sensor or the original iPhone ’s chute - to - unlock bar . You wo n’t realize just how clunky reach for a fingermark sensor is until you experience Face ID for the first time .
One of the main differences between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max is the camera.
On the iPhone XR , Face ID feels way more mature than it did on the iPhone X. you may tote up a second facial expression , and the integration with parole managers and other apps makes it far more utilitarian than as a bare unlocking mechanics . But most hoi polloi who buy this phone will care more about Animoji and Memoji , which both work just as well on the iPhone XR . For most masses , the on-key Depth camera is more likely a incentive than a reason to buy the XR , but it ’s presence on the XR get going a long way toward elevate it to top - tier up status .
That ’s mainly due to iOS 12 . There ’s nothing here that you ca n’t get with the iPhone 7 or 8 , but couple on with the A12 Bionic silicon chip , iOS 12 feels right-hand at home on the XR . Gesture piloting is smart and liquid , Face ID is insanely debauched , and app switching is fabulously smooth . I ’d still like actually schism - screen multitasking and an app drawer , but iOS 12 merely reflect on the XR .
One camera does the work of two
Other than the exhibit , the other trailer truck - sacrifice the iPhone XR pee is with the photographic camera . or else of a dual regalia like the one the iPhone XS , the XR has a solitary electron lens on the rear . Apple did the same thing to distinguish the iPhone from the positive models , and just like those phone , you lose the zoom lens of the eye .
One of the principal differences between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max is the camera .
While the deficiency of a 2X optical zoom could certainly be a deal - breaker for some , I ground the XR ’s digital soar to be perfectly enough in most situations . Yes , it ’s noisy than ocular rapid growth and sometimes the zooming algorithm picked the wrong white Libra , but the digital - only results are hardly unusable . Unless you bank on whizz along a great business deal , you probably wo n’t miss it .
Since the iPhone XR can’t take non-person portraits, the Pixel 3 XL (center) and Galaxy Note 9 (right) handled the depth in this photo of a flower much better. In the photos below, you can see the iPhone XR’s portrait engine at work. It’s digital wide-aperture is just as good as the Pixel 3 XL (center) and Galaxy Note 9 (right). And it nailed the color in my son’s cheeks as well.Michael Simon/IDG
Since the iPhone XR ca n’t take non - person portraits , the Pixel 3 XL ( centre ) and Galaxy Note 9 ( right ) manage the depth in this pic of a flower much better . In the pic below , you could see the iPhone XR ’s portrait engine at study . It ’s digital wide - aperture is just as good as the Pixel 3 XL ( center ) and Galaxy Note 9 ( right ) . And it nailed the colour in my son ’s cheek as well .
To compensate for the zoom electron lens ’ bokeh duties , Apple has upped up its computational photography game to provide the XR to take portraits , a first for a individual - camera iPhone . And they ’re quite good . When compare with the Note 9 ’s duple - tv camera organisation , the XR was able to spot the background from the subject just as well ( and oftentimes better ) , and was mostly able to keep step with the Pixel 3 XL ’s exceptional ability as well .
It ’s a bummer that portrait style does n’t work with anything other than multitude , but it ’ll be interesting to see how Apple enhance its processing engine , assuming future iterations of the XR stick with a individual lens .
The iPhone XR (left) consistently handles exposure and contrast better than the Pixel 3 XL (center) and Galaxy Note 9 (right).
The iPhone XR ( left ) consistently handles pic and demarcation well than the Pixel 3 XL ( center ) and Galaxy Note 9 ( right ) .
When remove regular pics , the XR is basically an XS , which is to say it ’s one of the good cameras you ’re going to get in a smartphone . Even in a time of year with serious thousand - dollar standouts , the $ 750 iPhone XR does n’t give up anything to its peer , and I systematically shoot top - notch , gallery - desirable shots . Apple ’s profession locomotive engine often split the departure between Samsung ’s slight overexposure and Google ’s artistic underexposure to capture crisp , elaborated , and hyper - realistic shots that needed little re - touching . The XR excelled in all kind of light , and while it ’s low - light style is n’t quite as dear as the Pixel 3 XL ’s grotesque Night Sight , I would n’t waver to advocate the XR to anyone debating between it and a higher priced earphone .
The iPhone XS Max ( right ) takes clear and color precise photos when using the 2X visual zoom , but the iPhone XR ’s digital version is n’t terrible .
The iPhone XS Max (right) takes clear and color accurate photos when using the 2X optical zoom, but the iPhone XR’s digital version isn’t terrible.
A few other observations :
Bottom line
While the iPhone XR manifestly takes its pool cue from Apple ’s thousand - dollar mark flagship phones , it ’s price like an iPhone 9 would be . In an alternate reality where the iPhone X never exist , the XR would be the most exciting iPhone in years , and people would be lining up to buy one .
The iPhone XR ( right hand ) does n’t have as good of a screen or camera as the iPhone XS Max , but you ca n’t beat the value it provides .
As such , the iPhone XR gets second charge to the iPhone XS and is seen as a lesser option . It ’s most definitely not . It might not be quite as cutting - border as the XS , but it ’s a monolithic improvement over the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus , and even with a single camera , the XR is able to take stellar picture , even portrayal . well , the iPhone XR is the unspoiled ingress - level iPhone Apple has ever made , and it ’s not much of a stretch to say that the iPhone XR is the cracking iPhone Apple has made to appointment , with a perfect blend of good , better , and best .
The iPhone XR (right) doesn’t have as good of a screen or camera as the iPhone XS Max, but you can’t beat the value it provides.
If you ’re upgrading from an iPhone 7 or earlier and balk at spending a thousand dollar on a telephone , the iPhone XR is really a no - brainer . The new design is a massive improvement over the domicile push button - centric one , and the battery life sentence is the best I ’ve ever go through in an iPhone . And Io 12 just brings it all together .
Quite candidly , anyone on the iPhone Upgrade Program should consider the XR as well . That includes people using an iPhone X. I swapped my 256 GB iPhone X for a 128 GB XR , and I make unnecessary $ 15 a month in the process , and I have n’t regret it . So you may add higher payments to the tilt of things you wo n’t do n’t miss with the iPhone XR .
