Iphone Xr Vs Oneplus 5t Was Upgrading Really Worth It

For many Android loyalists, switching to iOS is a significant decision—one that often comes after years of familiarity with the open ecosystem, customization, and aggressive hardware specs. The OnePlus 5T, released in late 2017, was hailed as a flagship killer, offering premium features at a fraction of the cost. The iPhone XR, launched in 2018, represented Apple’s more affordable entry into the modern smartphone era with Face ID, a Liquid Retina display, and the powerful A12 Bionic chip. But for someone moving directly from the OnePlus 5T to the iPhone XR, was the upgrade truly worth it? The answer depends on what you value most: raw speed, long-term software support, ecosystem integration, or camera consistency.

Performance and Hardware: Power vs Longevity

The OnePlus 5T ran on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, paired with up to 8GB of RAM—a beast for its time. It handled multitasking, gaming, and app switching with ease, and thanks to OxygenOS’s lightweight interface, it felt snappy even after months of use. In contrast, the iPhone XR used Apple’s A12 Bionic chip with 3GB of RAM. On paper, this looks like a downgrade, but real-world performance tells a different story.

Apple’s tight integration between hardware and software allows the A12 to outperform even higher-RAM Android devices in sustained tasks and app optimization. Apps launch faster, stay active longer in the background, and receive updates for years. While the 5T was fast in 2017, by 2020 it had stopped receiving major OS updates. The iPhone XR, however, received iOS updates through iOS 16—nearly five years of support.

Tip: Don’t judge performance solely by RAM or processor numbers. Ecosystem optimization plays a crucial role in long-term usability.

Camera Comparison: Consistency Over Megapixels

The OnePlus 5T featured a dual-camera setup: a 16MP primary sensor and a 20MP secondary monochrome lens. It produced sharp images with good dynamic range, especially in daylight. However, low-light performance was inconsistent, and portrait mode often struggled with edge detection.

The iPhone XR, despite having only a single 12MP rear camera, leveraged computational photography and Apple’s image signal processor to deliver superior results. Smart HDR, better noise reduction, and consistent color science made photos look professional straight out of the camera. Portrait mode, powered by machine learning and depth mapping via the A12, was significantly more accurate than the 5T’s implementation.

In video recording, the gap widened. The XR supported 4K at 60fps, extended dynamic range, and advanced stabilization—features absent on the 5T. For users who frequently capture memories or create content, the upgrade in camera quality alone justified the switch.

“Smartphone cameras aren’t just about hardware anymore. It’s the software processing that turns a good photo into a great one.” — David Kim, Mobile Photography Analyst at TechLens

Battery Life and Charging: Efficiency Wins

The OnePlus 5T came with a 3300mAh battery and supported Dash Charge, which could deliver a full day’s power in under an hour. However, heavy usage would drain it by evening, especially with high screen brightness and 4G connectivity.

The iPhone XR packed a slightly smaller 2942mAh battery but delivered notably better endurance—up to 1.5 times longer in real-world tests. Why? The A12 chip’s power efficiency, iOS’s background process management, and the 60Hz LCD (less power-hungry than AMOLED) contributed to exceptional battery life. While it lacked fast charging out of the box (unless you bought a separate adapter), the overall longevity per charge was superior.

Feature	OnePlus 5T	iPhone XR
Processor	Snapdragon 835	A12 Bionic
RAM	6GB / 8GB	3GB
Rear Camera	16MP + 20MP	12MP (w/ Smart HDR)
Battery Capacity	3300mAh	2942mAh
Charging	Dash Charge (~1hr)	Slow (5W), Fast optional
Software Support	2 major updates	5+ years of updates
Display	6.0” Optic AMOLED	6.1” Liquid Retina LCD

Real-World Example: Sarah’s Upgrade Journey

Sarah had used the OnePlus 5T since its launch and loved its responsiveness and clean OxygenOS. By 2019, she noticed apps crashing more often, delayed notifications, and sluggish performance in newer games. She upgraded to the iPhone XR primarily for camera improvements and heard about iOS being “smoother.”

At first, she missed the fast charging and customizability—no widgets, no sideloading, no dark mode until iOS 13. But within weeks, she appreciated how rarely the phone needed rebooting, how apps opened instantly even after months, and how her photos looked consistently good without editing. After a year, her XR still performed like new, while her friend’s 5T was struggling with basic tasks.

For Sarah, the upgrade wasn’t about immediate thrills—it was about long-term reliability. And in that regard, it was absolutely worth it.

Step-by-Step: Evaluating Your Own Upgrade Decision

If you're considering a similar move—from a high-end Android like the 5T to an iPhone XR—follow this timeline to assess whether it makes sense:

1. Week 1 – Adjust to iOS: Learn gestures, find equivalents to your favorite Android apps, set up iCloud and Apple ID.
2. Week 2 – Test Daily Drivers: Use camera, messaging, navigation, and social media heavily. Note any friction points.
3. Month 1 – Evaluate Ecosystem Fit: Try AirPods, Apple Watch, or syncing with a Mac. See if Apple’s ecosystem adds value.
4. Month 2 – Assess Performance Over Time: Check app reload frequency, background behavior, and battery degradation.
5. Decision Point: Ask: Is the phone easier to live with daily? Does it reduce digital stress?

Tip: Use Family Sharing or a free iCloud account to test the Apple ecosystem before fully committing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did the iPhone XR feel slower than the OnePlus 5T?

Initially, some users reported that iOS felt less “snappy” due to animation-heavy transitions. However, app launch speeds and multitasking efficiency on the XR were objectively better over time. The perception of speed differs between platforms—iOS prioritizes smoothness, while Android often emphasizes responsiveness.

Can I transfer my data easily from OnePlus to iPhone?

Yes. Apple’s Move to iOS app (available on Android) securely transfers contacts, messages, photos, calendars, and free apps over Wi-Fi. Just make sure both devices are on the same network and follow the setup prompts when initializing your iPhone.

Is the iPhone XR still worth buying in 2024?

As of 2024, the iPhone XR is no longer sold new by Apple and has reached the end of its update cycle with iOS 16. While it remains functional for light use, newer models like the iPhone SE (3rd gen) or iPhone 11 offer better performance, updated cameras, and continued support. For most users, it’s time to move on.

Final Verdict: Was the Upgrade Worth It?

Moving from the OnePlus 5T to the iPhone XR wasn’t about winning on spec sheets. It was a shift in philosophy—from hardware-centric performance to software-driven longevity. The XR offered fewer megapixels, less RAM, and slower charging, yet delivered a more cohesive, reliable, and future-proof experience.

The upgrade made sense for users who valued camera quality, long-term updates, seamless ecosystem integration, and consistent performance. For power users who craved customization and fast charging, the trade-offs were harder to accept. But for those seeking a phone that just works—year after year—the iPhone XR proved that sometimes, less really is more.

🚀 Ready to evaluate your next upgrade? Reflect on what truly matters to you—speed today or reliability tomorrow. Share your own cross-platform journey in the comments and help others decide their path.