When Apple released the iPhone XR in 2018, it was positioned as a more affordable alternative to the flagship iPhone X. While both devices launched within a year of each other, they represent two different philosophies in Apple’s product lineup: premium innovation versus accessible performance. For users debating between upgrading from an older iPhone or choosing between these two models on the secondhand market, the question remains—does the iPhone XR truly offer enough improvements over the iPhone X to justify the switch?
The answer isn’t just about specs—it's about real-world usability, longevity, and how well each device holds up today. Let’s break down the key differences and evaluate whether the iPhone XR is genuinely a step up.
Design and Build: Glass vs Aluminum, Edge to Edge
The iPhone X introduced a radical redesign for Apple—a nearly bezel-less OLED display with a notch at the top. It featured a glass back for wireless charging and stainless steel frame, giving it a premium feel. The build quality was exceptional, but the glass made it prone to cracking if dropped.
In contrast, the iPhone XR retained the same front design language—same notch and gesture-based navigation—but swapped the stainless steel frame for aerospace-grade aluminum and kept the glass back. While this made the XR lighter and slightly less luxurious in hand, it also reduced manufacturing costs and improved durability against minor drops.
One notable difference is the screen. The iPhone X uses a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2436x1125 pixels and a pixel density of 458 ppi. The iPhone XR uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD panel with a lower resolution of 1792x828 pixels and 326 ppi. Despite being larger, the XR’s screen lacks the deep blacks and infinite contrast of OLED, which affects media viewing and dark mode experiences.
Performance: Same Chip, Similar Longevity
Both phones are powered by Apple’s A11 Bionic chip—the first 7-nanometer processor in any smartphone at the time. This means raw performance is virtually identical. Whether you're multitasking, gaming, or editing photos, both devices handle iOS with ease, even when running newer versions like iOS 16 (though support may end soon).
However, the iPhone XR benefits from slightly better thermal management due to its aluminum frame and internal layout, allowing sustained performance during extended tasks like video recording or GPS navigation. In real-world usage, this translates to fewer throttling issues under heavy load.
Storage options differ slightly: the iPhone X launched with 64GB and 256GB variants, while the XR offered 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The addition of a mid-tier 128GB option made the XR more appealing for users who wanted extra space without paying a premium.
“Even years later, the A11 Bionic remains capable for everyday tasks. The real differentiator now is software support and battery health.” — David Lin, Mobile Hardware Analyst
Camera Comparison: Single Lens vs Dual System
The iPhone X features a dual-camera setup: a 12MP wide-angle lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and Portrait Mode with depth control. Its TrueDepth front camera supports Portrait Mode selfies and advanced facial recognition.
The iPhone XR, despite being newer, only has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. However, Apple leveraged computational photography to simulate depth effects using machine learning. The result? Surprisingly good Portrait Mode shots—though not quite on par with the X’s optical precision.
In well-lit conditions, both cameras produce excellent color accuracy and dynamic range. But in low light, the iPhone X pulls ahead thanks to its larger sensor aperture and optical image stabilization. Video recording is identical—both support 4K at 60fps and advanced audio filtering.
For most casual photographers, the XR’s camera is more than sufficient. But enthusiasts who rely on zoom or consistent bokeh effects will miss the dual-lens flexibility of the X.
Camera Feature Comparison
| Feature | iPhone X | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Cameras | Dual: Wide + Telephoto | Single: Wide |
| Optical Zoom | 2x | No |
| Portrait Mode (Rear) | Yes (dual-sensor) | Yes (software-based) |
| Portrait Mode (Front) | Yes | Yes |
| Night Mode | No (added via update) | Limited (via software) |
| Video Recording | 4K@60fps | 4K@60fps |
Battery Life and Charging: Where the XR Shines
One area where the iPhone XR clearly outperforms the X is battery life. Apple rated the XR for up to 16 hours of video playback, compared to 13 hours on the iPhone X. Real-world tests confirm this gap—an average user gets about 5–6 hours of screen time on the XR versus 4–4.5 on the X.
This improvement comes from the less power-hungry LCD screen and a larger battery capacity (2942 mAh vs 2716 mAh). Additionally, both phones support fast charging and wireless charging, but neither includes a fast charger in the box.
If you’re someone who spends long days away from outlets—commuting, traveling, or working remotely—the XR’s endurance makes a tangible difference.
Software Support and Future-Proofing
As of 2024, both devices run iOS 17, but their support window is closing. Historically, iPhones receive around five years of major OS updates. Since the iPhone X launched in 2017 and the XR in 2018, the X is more likely to be dropped from future updates first.
The iPhone XR has a slight edge here—not because of hardware superiority, but simply because it was released later. That extra six-month lifecycle can matter when new features like enhanced privacy tools, AI integrations, or security patches arrive.
Additionally, app developers are increasingly optimizing for newer chips. While the A11 handles current apps well, future AR applications or machine-learning-heavy software may begin to strain these older processors.
Upgrade Checklist: Should You Switch?
- ✅ Need longer battery life? → iPhone XR wins
- ✅ Want better display contrast and deeper blacks? → iPhone X wins
- ✅ Prefer optical zoom and dual cameras? → iPhone X wins
- ✅ Looking for more storage flexibility? → iPhone XR offers 128GB option
- ✅ Prioritize future software support? → iPhone XR has slight advantage
- ✅ Concerned about durability? → XR’s aluminum frame resists dents better
Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma
Sarah had been using her iPhone X since 2018. By 2022, she noticed slower performance, shorter battery life, and apps taking longer to load. She considered repairing it but found replacement batteries were scarce and expensive.
She looked at refurbished models and found a lightly used iPhone XR for $220—$80 less than a comparable iPhone X. After switching, she immediately noticed the longer battery life and smoother day-to-day responsiveness. Though she missed the sharper OLED screen, the practical benefits outweighed the aesthetic trade-offs.
“I didn’t realize how much I’d gain from just one extra hour of battery,” she said. “And having 128GB meant I could keep all my photos without constantly offloading them.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone XR waterproof like the iPhone X?
Yes, both phones have an IP67 rating, meaning they can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Neither is fully waterproof, but both offer strong resistance to spills and rain.
Does Face ID work faster on the iPhone XR?
No significant difference. Both use the same TrueDepth camera system and neural engine for facial recognition. Unlock speed is nearly identical in daily use.
Can the iPhone XR run the latest games smoothly?
Most modern games run well, though high-end titles like Genshin Impact may require lowering graphics settings after prolonged play due to thermal throttling.
Final Verdict: Is the Newer Model Really Better?
The iPhone XR isn't objectively \"better\" than the iPhone X across the board—but for most users, it offers a more balanced and sustainable experience. It sacrifices the premium OLED display and dual-camera system but delivers meaningful gains in battery life, storage options, and slightly longer software support.
If you value photographic versatility and display quality above all else, the iPhone X remains a compelling choice. But if you prioritize usability throughout the day, appreciate a lighter price tag, and want a device that feels more future-ready, the iPhone XR makes a strong case as the smarter pick—even years after release.
Ultimately, technology isn’t just about specs on paper. It’s about how a device fits into your life. And for many, the iPhone XR does that job just a little bit better.
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