The iPhone XR brings Apple’s all-screen design, Face ID and A12 Bionic chip to a lower price than the iPhone XS. Starting at $749 in the US, it gives buyers a choice between paying more for the XS’s OLED display and dual rear cameras or choosing the XR’s larger LCD screen and colorful aluminum-and-glass design.
Price, storage and colors
The iPhone XR comes in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB capacities, with black, white, blue, yellow, coral and (PRODUCT)RED finishes. The 64GB model starts at $749 before tax. Apple opens preorders on October 19, with availability beginning October 26, 2018.
A 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display
The XR uses a 6.1-inch LCD with a resolution of 1792 × 828 pixels at 326 pixels per inch. Its aluminum frame and glass back support a design that drops the Home button in favor of gestures and Face ID. Haptic Touch replaces pressure-sensitive 3D Touch for supported shortcuts.
A12 Bionic and a single rear camera
Apple uses the A12 Bionic in both the XR and the more expensive XS range. The XR pairs it with a 12-megapixel wide rear camera featuring optical image stabilization. There is no separate telephoto camera, making that an important distinction for buyers who want the XS’s additional camera flexibility.
The front TrueDepth camera is 7 megapixels and supports Face ID. The XR also supports Portrait mode and records 4K video at 24, 30 or 60 frames per second. Apple provides the full feature list in its iPhone XR technical specifications.
Battery, charging and water resistance
Apple says the XR offers up to 90 minutes more battery life than the iPhone 8 Plus. That is the manufacturer’s estimate; endurance varies with use. Qi wireless charging provides an alternative to connecting a Lightning cable.
The IP67 rating covers laboratory testing at a depth of up to one meter for 30 minutes. Water resistance can diminish with wear, and Apple advises against charging a wet phone.
Is the iPhone XR the right choice?
The XR makes sense if you want Face ID and the A12 chip without paying the XS starting price. Its six colors add variety, while the LCD and single rear camera are the main compromises to weigh. Buyers who prioritize an OLED screen or a telephoto camera have a reason to consider the XS; those who value price and screen size may find the XR the more appealing balance.
For availability and configuration details, see Apple’s iPhone XR announcement.
Share Your Thoughts