Iphone Se Vs Xr Is The Xr Still Worth It Or Is The Se The Better Deal

Choosing between the iPhone SE and the iPhone XR in 2024 isn’t just about price—it’s about understanding how each phone fits into your lifestyle, usage habits, and long-term needs. While both devices are Apple products with solid reputations, they represent two very different philosophies in design and functionality. The iPhone XR, released in 2018, was a flagship alternative with modern features. The iPhone SE (third generation, 2022), on the other hand, packs current-generation power into a compact, budget-friendly frame. So, which one offers better value today?

Design and Display: Size, Feel, and Modernity

The most immediate difference between the iPhone SE and the XR is their physical design and screen technology. The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display with slim bezels and a notch housing Face ID. It embraces the all-screen aesthetic introduced with the iPhone X, offering immersive viewing for videos, games, and browsing.

In contrast, the iPhone SE sticks to the classic iPhone 8 form factor: a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with thick top and bottom bezels and a Home button with Touch ID. This makes the SE significantly smaller and lighter—ideal for users who prefer one-handed operation or find larger phones cumbersome.

While the XR’s display is larger and more modern-looking, the SE’s screen is perfectly serviceable for everyday tasks. However, it lacks True Tone and has lower brightness and color accuracy compared to the XR. If you prioritize screen real estate and visual quality, the XR wins. But if portability and familiarity matter more, the SE holds strong.

Tip: Try holding both phones in person before deciding—size preference is highly personal and can make or break your daily experience.

Performance: Chipset and Real-World Speed

This is where the iPhone SE pulls dramatically ahead. Despite its older design, the third-gen SE is powered by the same A15 Bionic chip found in the iPhone 13 series. That means exceptional processing power, excellent app launch speeds, smooth multitasking, and strong future-proofing for iOS updates.

The iPhone XR, while impressive in its time, runs on the A12 Bionic chip. It handled iOS well for several years but now shows signs of aging, especially when running demanding apps or newer versions of iOS. Users report occasional stutters, slower app launches, and reduced responsiveness under load.

Benchmarks confirm this gap: the A15 in the SE is roughly 50% faster in CPU tasks and up to 70% faster in GPU performance than the A12. For gaming, AR applications, and photo editing, the SE delivers a noticeably smoother experience.

“The A15 Bionic gives the iPhone SE capabilities that far exceed its price point, making it one of the best-value processors in any smartphone.” — Marques Brownlee, Tech Reviewer

Camera Comparison: Photos, Video, and Flexibility

Camera performance is another area where expectations don’t always match reality. The iPhone XR has a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilization and supports Portrait mode using software-based depth mapping. Its photos are solid in daylight and decent in low light, with natural color reproduction.

The iPhone SE also has a 12MP main sensor, but it benefits from the A15’s improved image signal processor and computational photography. This translates to better noise reduction, smarter HDR, and enhanced low-light performance through Night mode—a feature absent on the XR.

However, the XR has one advantage: it supports advanced portrait lighting effects and has slightly better video stabilization. Both shoot 4K video up to 60fps, but the SE includes extended dynamic range for video, improving highlight retention.

Front cameras differ too: the XR has a 7MP TrueDepth camera with Portrait Mode and Animoji support. The SE uses a simpler 7MP front shooter without Portrait Mode until iOS 16, which added software-based portrait capabilities.

Feature	iPhone SE (2022)	iPhone XR
Chipset	A15 Bionic	A12 Bionic
Rear Camera	12MP f/1.8, OIS, Night Mode	12MP f/1.8, OIS, No Night Mode
Front Camera	7MP f/2.2, Portrait Mode (iOS 16+)	7MP f/2.2, Full Portrait Mode & Lighting
Video Recording	4K@60fps, Extended HDR	4K@60fps, Standard HDR
Fingerprint/Face ID	Touch ID	Face ID
Starting Storage	64GB	64GB
Water Resistance	IP67	IP67

Battery Life and Charging: Daily Usability

Battery life is a practical concern for most users. The iPhone XR generally outperforms the SE in this category. Apple rates the XR for up to 16 hours of video playback, while the SE manages around 13 hours. In real-world use, the XR often lasts a full day with moderate to heavy usage, whereas the SE may require a midday charge for power users.

Both phones support fast charging (with a 20W adapter sold separately) and wireless charging. However, neither includes a charger in the box. Given the SE’s smaller battery and high-performance chip, it drains faster during intensive tasks like gaming or GPS navigation.

If you’re frequently away from outlets or dislike carrying a power bank, the XR’s endurance gives it an edge. But if you have access to charging during the day or practice conservative usage, the SE remains viable.

Software Support and Longevity

Software longevity is critical when judging value. iPhones typically receive five to six years of iOS updates. The iPhone XR launched with iOS 12 and is expected to support up to iOS 18 or 19. As of 2024, it runs iOS 17 but may not receive further major updates beyond that.

The iPhone SE (2022) launched with iOS 15 and will likely be supported through iOS 21 or 22 thanks to its modern A15 chip. This means it will stay secure, compatible with new apps, and perform well for several more years.

For users planning to keep their phone for three years or more, the SE is clearly the better investment. Its hardware ensures longer relevance, while the XR is nearing the end of its update lifecycle.

Tip: Check current iOS version compatibility before buying used—older models may not support features like Live Text or iCloud Shared Photo Library.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a teacher in her late 30s, needed a new phone after her iPhone 8 stopped receiving updates. She considered both the XR and SE due to budget constraints. She valued durability, good camera quality for documenting classroom projects, and long battery life.

She initially leaned toward the XR for its larger screen and Face ID. But after testing both at a carrier store, she realized the SE felt more comfortable in her small hands. More importantly, she learned that the SE would receive updates longer and handle educational apps more smoothly.

She chose the SE, paired it with a rugged case, and now uses it confidently for scanning documents, taking student photos, and managing her calendar. Six months later, she reports no slowdowns and appreciates the compact size during school days.

Which One Should You Buy? A Decision Checklist

Use this checklist to guide your decision based on your priorities:

• ✅ Need raw performance and future-proofing? → iPhone SE
• ✅ Prefer a large screen for media and web browsing? → iPhone XR
• ✅ Want Face ID over Touch ID? → iPhone XR
• ✅ Prioritize pocketability and lightweight design? → iPhone SE
• ✅ Planning to keep the phone for 3+ years? → iPhone SE
• ✅ Need reliable battery for all-day use without charging? → iPhone XR
• ✅ Use your phone for photography in low light? → iPhone SE (Night Mode advantage)
• ✅ On a tight budget but want latest iOS features? → iPhone SE

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XR still run the latest apps smoothly?

Most everyday apps work fine on the XR, but newer, resource-heavy apps (like advanced photo editors or 3D games) may lag or not be fully optimized. Performance is acceptable for casual use but not ideal for demanding tasks.

Is the iPhone SE waterproof?

Yes, the iPhone SE has an IP67 rating, meaning it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. The XR has the same rating.

Does the iPhone SE support 5G?

Yes, the third-generation iPhone SE supports 5G connectivity (on sub-6GHz bands), giving it a network speed advantage over the LTE-only XR.

Final Verdict: The iPhone SE Is the Smarter Choice for Most

While the iPhone XR was once a compelling mid-range option, time has caught up with it. By 2024, its aging processor, lack of Night mode, and limited software horizon make it a riskier long-term investment. The iPhone SE, despite its retro design, delivers modern performance, better camera features, 5G support, and stronger future compatibility.

Unless you specifically need a larger screen or strongly prefer Face ID, the iPhone SE is the better deal. It offers flagship-level power at a fraction of the cost, proving that inside matters more than outward appearance. For students, commuters, budget-conscious buyers, or anyone who values efficiency and longevity, the SE stands as one of the most capable budget smartphones ever made.

🚀 Ready to upgrade wisely? Consider what you truly need—not just what looks modern. The iPhone SE might be small, but its impact on your daily tech life could be huge.