Iphone Xr Over Iphone X Are People Downgrading Or Is There A Catch

When Apple released the iPhone XR in 2018, many assumed it was a budget alternative to the premium iPhone X. But what followed surprised even industry analysts—many iPhone X owners began switching to the XR. On paper, the move looked like a downgrade: lower-resolution display, single rear camera, plastic back. Yet real-world usage told a different story. The trend wasn’t about stepping down—it was about smart trade-offs. This article explores why so many users are choosing the iPhone XR over the iPhone X, whether it’s a genuine improvement, and what hidden advantages make this switch not only logical but often superior for everyday use.

The Performance Paradox: Same Chip, Better Battery

At first glance, the iPhone X appears more advanced. It launched with iOS 11, OLED display, Face ID, and a sleek stainless steel and glass design. The iPhone XR, arriving a year later, used similar core technology but with noticeable cost-saving changes—most notably a Liquid Retina LCD screen instead of OLED and a single 12MP rear camera versus the X’s dual-camera system.

However, both phones share the same A12 Bionic chip—the fastest processor in any smartphone at the time of release. This means that in raw performance, they’re nearly identical. Apps launch just as quickly, multitasking is smooth, and AR experiences run flawlessly on both devices.

Where the XR pulls ahead is battery life. Apple engineered the XR with a larger battery and more efficient power management. In real-world testing, the iPhone XR delivers up to 1.5 to 2 hours more usage than the iPhone X. For users who rely on their phones throughout the day, this isn’t a minor perk—it’s a game-changer.

Tip: If you prioritize all-day battery over pixel-perfect display quality, the XR's efficiency makes it a smarter long-term choice.

Display Trade-Offs: OLED vs LCD – What Really Matters?

The iPhone X’s 5.8-inch OLED display offers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and slightly better color accuracy. On a spec sheet, it wins. But in daily use, the difference is less dramatic than expected.

The iPhone XR’s 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD may lack infinite contrast, but its brightness, color calibration, and overall clarity are excellent. Most users won’t notice a significant drop in visual quality when watching videos, browsing social media, or reading emails. In fact, the slightly larger screen provides more usable space, making one-handed typing and media consumption more comfortable.

Additionally, Apple optimized the XR’s display with True Tone, wide color support (P3), and Haptic Touch—features that bridge much of the experiential gap between the two models.

“Consumers don’t buy specs—they buy experiences. And for most, the XR delivers an experience that feels just as premium.” — David Liu, Mobile Tech Analyst at GadgetInsight

Camera: Less Hardware, Smarter Software

The iPhone X has two rear cameras: wide and telephoto, enabling 2x optical zoom and superior portrait mode depth mapping. The XR only has a single wide lens. At face value, this seems like a downgrade.

But Apple leveraged the A12 chip’s Neural Engine to simulate depth effects using software. With advanced machine learning, the XR produces remarkably accurate Portrait Mode shots—especially on human subjects. While it can’t optically zoom, digital zoom up to 5x remains usable in good lighting.

In daylight, photo quality between the two phones is nearly indistinguishable. The XR even benefits from Smart HDR, introduced with iOS 12, which enhances detail in shadows and highlights better than the iPhone X’s original HDR implementation.

For casual photographers and social media users, the practical difference in camera output is minimal. Only enthusiasts who frequently use optical zoom or shoot in low-light with bokeh control will miss the second lens.

Design and Durability: Plastic Isn't Always Worse

The iPhone X’s glass back and stainless steel frame give it a premium feel, but also make it heavier and more prone to cracking when dropped. The XR’s aerospace-grade aluminum frame and glass front/back (with polycarbonate back panel) reduce weight and increase drop resistance.

Despite the plastic back, the XR maintains wireless charging and IP67 water resistance—surviving immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Its lighter build (194g vs 174g) makes it easier to hold for extended periods.

Moreover, the XR was available in vibrant colors—red, yellow, blue, coral, black, and white—offering personalization that the monochrome iPhone X lacked. For younger users and those who express identity through their devices, this was a meaningful upgrade.

Feature	iPhone X	iPhone XR
Display	5.8\" OLED	6.1\" LCD
Processor	A12 Bionic	A12 Bionic
Rear Cameras	Dual: Wide + Telephoto	Single: Wide
Battery Life (Video)	Up to 13 hours	Up to 16 hours
Weight	174g	194g
Water Resistance	IP67	IP67
Starting Price (Launch)	$999	$749

Real User Shift: A Mini Case Study

Sarah Kim, a 32-year-old graphic designer in Portland, upgraded from an iPhone 8 to the iPhone X in late 2017. She loved the edge-to-edge display and Face ID but found herself charging midday and avoiding drops due to fragility.

In 2019, she traded her iPhone X for an iPhone XR in Product Red. “I thought I was downgrading,” she said. “But within a week, I realized I had more battery, a brighter screen in sunlight, and didn’t panic if I set it down on a rough surface. The photos look great on Instagram, and I actually enjoy using it more.”

Her experience reflects a broader trend: users prioritizing usability, longevity, and resilience over technical prestige. The XR wasn’t a downgrade—it was a recalibration of what matters in daily phone use.

Checklist: Should You Switch from iPhone X to XR?

• ✅ Need longer battery life without carrying a charger?
• ✅ Prefer a lighter, more durable phone?
• ✅ Use your phone primarily for social media, messaging, and streaming?
• ✅ Rarely use optical zoom or professional portrait photography?
• ✅ Want access to newer software features via iOS updates?
• ❌ Require dual-camera flexibility for creative photography?
• ❌ Value the premium heft and finish of stainless steel?

If most of your answers are “yes” to the positives, the XR likely offers a better daily experience—even if it seems like a step back on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the iPhone XR slower than the iPhone X?

No. Both phones use the A12 Bionic chip, so performance in apps, games, and multitasking is virtually identical. The XR may even feel snappier due to improved iOS optimization over time.

Can the iPhone XR take good portrait photos?

Yes. While it lacks a second lens, Apple uses facial recognition and depth mapping via software to create convincing bokeh effects. Results are excellent for people portraits, though less reliable with pets or objects.

Why would anyone pay more for the iPhone X today?

The iPhone X still appeals to collectors, minimalists who prefer its compact size, and users emotionally attached to its design legacy. However, for functional use, the XR outperforms it in key areas like battery and durability.

Conclusion: Not a Downgrade—A Smarter Choice

Choosing the iPhone XR over the iPhone X isn’t a downgrade—it’s a strategic decision based on real-world priorities. Consumers aren’t fooled by specs; they’re informed by experience. The XR delivers longer battery life, comparable performance, strong camera capabilities, and greater durability—all at a lower price point.

Apple recognized a truth early: not everyone needs the most expensive model to get the best experience. The XR proved that intelligent engineering and user-centric design can outweigh superficial advantages. For thousands of users, switching from the X to the XR wasn’t settling—it was upgrading to a phone that worked better for their lives.

💬 Have you made the switch from iPhone X to XR? What changed for you? Share your experience and help others decide what truly matters in a smartphone.