Iphone Xr Vs Iphone Xs Is The Xs Still Worth It Or Is The Xr Good Enough

When Apple released the iPhone XR and iPhone XS in 2018, they represented two distinct approaches to flagship design: one prioritizing affordability without sacrificing core performance, the other emphasizing premium materials and advanced features. Nearly six years later, both devices are available at steep discounts on the secondary market. For budget-conscious buyers, the question remains—does the extra cost of the XS justify its advantages, or has the XR matured into a smart, future-proof alternative?

The answer depends on what you value in a smartphone: raw performance, camera quality, build refinement, or long-term usability. While both phones share the same A12 Bionic chip and iOS support timeline, their differences in display, camera systems, and materials create divergent user experiences.

Design and Build Quality: Glass vs Aluminum, Edge-to-Edge vs Notch

The most immediate difference between the iPhone XR and XS lies in their construction. The iPhone XS features a stainless steel frame with a glass back, giving it a noticeably heavier, more premium feel. It’s also IP68-rated for water resistance (up to 2 meters for 30 minutes), making it more resilient in wet conditions.

In contrast, the iPhone XR uses an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a single-glass back. While still durable, it feels lighter and less substantial. Its water resistance is rated at IP67 (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes)—still solid, but a step below the XS.

The displays differ significantly too. The iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and truer color accuracy. The XR uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, which Apple optimized for brightness and color, but it can’t match OLED’s pixel-level control. If you watch a lot of video or use dark mode frequently, the XS offers a visibly superior viewing experience.

“OLED screens changed the game for mobile media consumption. Once you’ve seen true black, going back to LCD feels like a downgrade.” — Mark Tran, Mobile Display Analyst at TechPulse Insights

Tip: If you plan to use your phone outdoors often, the XR’s larger LCD screen may offer better sunlight visibility despite its lower contrast.

Camera Comparison: Single Lens vs Dual System

The camera setup is where the divide becomes clearest. The iPhone XS includes a dual-camera system: a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP telephoto lens, enabling 2x optical zoom and improved Portrait Mode with adjustable depth control after capture. The XR, while featuring the same 12MP wide sensor, relies on a single-lens setup. It simulates depth effects using software and machine learning, which works well in good lighting but falters in low light or complex scenes.

Video recording is identical on both—4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range, and stereo audio. However, the XS provides more flexibility for photographers who want creative control over framing and background blur.

Here’s a direct comparison:

Feature	iPhone XS	iPhone XR
Rear Cameras	Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto)	Single 12MP (Wide)
Optical Zoom	2x	No
Portrait Mode	All lenses, post-capture depth control	Software-based, limited subjects
Low-Light Performance	Slightly better due to sensor tuning	Good, but less consistent
Front Camera	7MP TrueDepth	7MP TrueDepth

If you regularly take portraits or need tighter framing without moving closer, the XS is the better choice. But for casual shooters who mostly snap photos in daylight, the XR delivers excellent results that are hard to distinguish from the XS in social media-sized formats.

Performance and Longevity: Same Chip, Similar Experience

Both phones run the A12 Bionic chip—the first 7nm processor in a smartphone at the time. Even by today’s standards, it handles everyday tasks with ease. Apps launch quickly, multitasking is smooth, and even moderately demanding games run well.

iOS updates have remained consistent across both models. As of 2024, both devices support up to iOS 17, though performance may feel slightly constrained in newer OS versions due to aging hardware. Neither will receive iOS 18, meaning their software lifecycle is effectively complete.

Battery life favors the XR. Despite having a smaller battery capacity on paper, its LCD screen and efficient power management give it up to 1.5 hours more usage than the XS under mixed conditions. For heavy users, this edge matters.

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Dilemma

Sarah, a freelance photographer and part-time content creator, needed a reliable iPhone in early 2023. She found both the XR and XS listed at $220 and $280 respectively. After testing both in-store, she chose the XS. “I shoot a lot of client headshots,” she said. “The optical zoom and real depth control in Portrait Mode made a huge difference. I don’t have time to edit out bad bokeh in Lightroom.”

For her workflow, the XS justified the $60 premium. But if she were only sharing Instagram stories or texting family, she admitted the XR would’ve been sufficient.

Value Proposition in 2024: Is the XS Still Worth It?

Pricing has shifted dramatically since launch. Today, used iPhone XRs sell for $150–$200, while XS units go for $220–$280 depending on storage and condition. That $70–$80 gap must be weighed against tangible benefits.

Consider this checklist before buying either model:

• Evaluate your camera needs: Do you take portraits or need zoom? → XS.
• Assess build preference: Do you like the weight and feel of metal? → XS.
• Check display sensitivity: Are you sensitive to screen quality? → XS.
• Prioritize battery life: Need all-day endurance? → XR.
• Stick to a tight budget: Under $200 target? → XR is the only viable option.

Tip: Always verify the battery health percentage when buying used. Anything below 80% will require a $49 Apple replacement or suffer noticeably shorter life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XR take good portrait photos?

Yes, but with caveats. The XR uses computational photography to simulate depth, which works well in bright, well-defined scenes. However, hair strands, glasses, or busy backgrounds often confuse the algorithm, leading to unnatural edges. The XS produces more accurate results thanks to its dual sensors.

Is the iPhone XS waterproof?

It’s water-resistant, not waterproof. Rated IP68, it can survive submersion in up to 2 meters of water for 30 minutes under controlled conditions. However, water damage isn’t covered by warranty, and resistance diminishes over time, especially if the device has been dropped.

Will either phone get iOS 18?

No. Apple typically supports iPhones for 5–6 years. Both the XR and XS launched with iOS 12 and received updates through iOS 17. They are excluded from iOS 18, expected to launch in fall 2024.

Making the Right Choice for Your Lifestyle

The iPhone XS remains the technically superior device—better screen, better cameras, better build. But superiority doesn’t always translate to better value. For most average users in 2024, the iPhone XR is “good enough” and then some. It runs the same apps, takes sharp photos in daylight, lasts longer on a charge, and costs significantly less.

The XS makes sense only if you specifically value its camera capabilities, prefer the compact size, or appreciate the heft and finish of stainless steel. Otherwise, the XR delivers 90% of the experience at 75% of the price.

One overlooked factor is storage. Both come in 64GB, 128GB, and (for XS) 256GB variants. If you shoot lots of video or download many apps, avoid the base 64GB model—it fills up faster than expected.

Final Recommendation

Unless you’re a mobile photographer or strongly prefer OLED and optical zoom, the iPhone XR is the smarter buy in today’s market. It balances performance, battery, and price in a way that still holds up. The XS, while elegant and capable, no longer commands a meaningful advantage to justify its higher cost.

If you're upgrading from an iPhone 8 or earlier, either phone will feel like a leap forward. But if you're weighing them against each other, let your priorities guide you: choose the XS for premium craftsmanship and camera versatility, but choose the XR for practicality, longevity, and value.

🚀 Ready to make your move? Check certified refurbished listings on Apple’s website or trusted resellers like Back Market. Compare battery health, storage, and price—then pick the phone that fits your life, not just the specs.