Iphone Xr Vs Galaxy A50 Which Phone Holds Up Better In 2024

In 2024, the smartphone market has evolved rapidly, but many users still rely on devices from the late 2010s. The iPhone XR and Samsung Galaxy A50 were both popular mid-range contenders when released—Apple’s first “affordable” flagship in 2018, and Samsung’s answer to competitive Android pricing in 2019. Now, nearly half a decade later, the real test isn’t just initial performance but longevity. Which device continues to deliver a smooth, reliable experience today?

This analysis dives into build quality, software updates, performance degradation, battery lifespan, and real-world usability to determine which phone truly holds up better in 2024.

Durability and Build Quality Over Time

The physical resilience of a smartphone plays a major role in its longevity. Both the iPhone XR and Galaxy A50 feature glass fronts and plastic backs, though their construction philosophies differ significantly.

The iPhone XR uses aerospace-grade aluminum for its frame and is rated IP67 for dust and water resistance—meaning it can survive submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. While the back is made of glass (not ceramic or metal), Apple’s assembly precision ensures structural rigidity. Many users report their XR units surviving multiple drops with only minor scuffs when paired with a case.

The Galaxy A50, meanwhile, features a polycarbonate (plastic) body with a glass front. It lacks any official IP rating, making it more vulnerable to moisture and spills. Its matte plastic back resists fingerprints well but can develop micro-scratches over time, especially when carried loose in pockets with keys or coins.

Tip: Even with water resistance, avoid exposing older phones to moisture—seals degrade over time, reducing protection.

Software Support and Update Lifespan

One of the most critical factors in long-term usability is software support. A phone that no longer receives security patches or OS updates becomes increasingly vulnerable and incompatible with modern apps.

Apple typically supports iPhones with iOS updates for five to six years. The iPhone XR launched with iOS 12 and received updates through iOS 17, released in 2023. As of 2024, it runs iOS 17.4 smoothly, with continued security patches expected through at least late 2024. This means users benefit from the latest app compatibility, privacy tools, and performance optimizations.

Samsung’s update policy has improved in recent years, but the Galaxy A50 was not part of the extended promise. It launched with Android 9 (Pie) and received two major OS upgrades—up to Android 11—and security updates until early 2022. Since then, it has been without official patches, leaving it exposed to known vulnerabilities and limiting access to newer app features.

“Long-term software support is now as important as hardware specs when judging a phone’s value.” — David Limp, SVP of Devices, Amazon (formerly with Amazon’s mobile division)

Performance and Real-World Speed in 2024

Hardware aging affects responsiveness. To assess real-world performance, consider daily tasks: web browsing, social media, messaging, camera use, and multitasking.

The iPhone XR is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip—a 7nm processor that was groundbreaking in 2018. Even by 2024 standards, its single-core performance remains competitive with mid-tier chips from 2020–2021. iOS optimization ensures that core functions like unlocking, app launches, and Face ID remain snappy. However, heavy multitasking or running graphics-intensive games may show lag.

The Galaxy A50 uses Samsung’s Exynos 9610 or Snapdragon 675 (depending on region), both 10nm chips from the same era. While adequate in 2019, they struggle in 2024. Users report slow app loading, occasional stutters during scrolling, and longer boot times. Android 11 on this hardware feels bloated, and background processes often trigger memory throttling.

Feature	iPhone XR	Galaxy A50
Original OS	iOS 12	Android 9 (Pie)
Latest Supported OS	iOS 17	Android 11
Security Updates (2024)	Yes (ongoing)	No (ended 2022)
Processor	A12 Bionic	Exynos 9610 / Snapdragon 675
RAM	3GB	4GB or 6GB
Battery Capacity	2,942 mAh	4,000 mAh
Water Resistance	IP67	None

Battery Longevity and Charging Habits

Battery health degrades with charge cycles and time. After 4–5 years, most lithium-ion batteries retain 70–80% of their original capacity—if properly maintained.

The iPhone XR originally offered about 12–14 hours of mixed usage. In 2024, users with original batteries often report needing a charge by mid-afternoon, especially if pushing brightness or using GPS. However, iOS provides detailed battery health metrics under Settings > Battery, allowing users to monitor capacity and enable Optimized Charging to reduce wear.

The Galaxy A50 started with stronger endurance due to its larger 4,000 mAh battery. But because Samsung doesn’t provide built-in battery health reporting, users are left guessing. Third-party apps suggest many A50 units now operate at 60–70% capacity, leading to rapid drain and unexpected shutdowns. Additionally, the lack of fast charging beyond 15W means longer top-ups, increasing stress on an already aging cell.

Tip: Avoid charging your phone to 100% daily. Keeping it between 20% and 80% slows battery degradation significantly.

Real-World Case: Two Users, Five Years Later

Consider two users: Maria, who bought an iPhone XR in November 2018, and James, who purchased a Galaxy A50 in March 2019.

Maria used her XR daily as her primary phone. She replaced the battery in 2022 at an Apple Store for $49 after noticing shorter life and performance throttling. Since then, she’s continued using iOS updates, upgraded her iCloud storage, and still relies on the phone for work emails, banking, and photography. In early 2024, she reports only minor slowdowns in Safari with many tabs open—but nothing that disrupts functionality.

James loved his A50’s AMOLED screen and sleek design. But by 2022, he noticed frequent app crashes, unresponsive touch inputs, and pop-up ads from outdated apps. He stopped receiving security warnings from Google Play Protect. By 2023, WhatsApp became sluggish, and Instagram wouldn’t load stories consistently. He switched to a newer Android device in January 2024, citing “security concerns and poor speed.”

This contrast highlights how software continuity and ecosystem support extend usability far beyond raw hardware specs.

Actionable Checklist: Maximizing Your Older Phone’s Lifespan

If you’re still using an iPhone XR or Galaxy A50, follow these steps to improve reliability:

• Update immediately: Install all available system and app updates—especially on iOS.
• Replace the battery: If capacity is below 80%, consider professional replacement.
• Clear storage: Keep at least 2–3GB free to prevent slowdowns.
• Disable background refresh: Reduces strain on CPU and battery.
• Use lightweight apps: Switch to Lite versions (e.g., Facebook Lite, Twitter via web) where possible.
• Limit widgets and animations: Especially on Android, these consume resources.
• Factory reset (if sluggish): Back up first, then wipe and restore selectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XR run iOS 18?

As of current Apple patterns, iOS 18 (expected late 2024) will likely drop support for the iPhone XR. Most analysts believe only iPhone XS and newer will be compatible, meaning the XR’s update cycle is nearing its end.

Is the Galaxy A50 safe to use in 2024?

It can function for basic tasks, but without security updates since 2022, it's risky for online banking, shopping, or logging into sensitive accounts. Malware targeting outdated Android versions remains prevalent.

Which phone has better resale value today?

The iPhone XR maintains higher resale value. Used units in good condition sell for $80–$120, while Galaxy A50 models fetch $30–$50, reflecting market confidence in Apple’s long-term support.

Final Verdict: Which Holds Up Better in 2024?

The iPhone XR clearly outperforms the Galaxy A50 in longevity. Superior software support, consistent performance, better build quality, and access to modern iOS features give it a decisive edge. While both phones are aging, the XR remains functional, secure, and integrated into Apple’s ecosystem—making it viable for light to moderate use in 2024.

The Galaxy A50, despite its initially larger battery and sharper display, falters due to abandoned software support and weaker long-term optimization. Without updates or security patches, it becomes a liability rather than a tool.

If you're choosing between these two secondhand in 2024—or deciding whether to keep one—the iPhone XR is the smarter choice for daily reliability.

🚀 Still using an older phone? Share your experience below—what’s working, what’s not, and how long do you expect it to last?