iPhone XR Review: A Balanced Offering at a Lower Price

The iPhone XR was released in October 2018 as a more affordable alternative to the flagship iPhone XS and XS Max. Despite being a part of Apple’s older lineup, the iPhone XR still holds up well, thanks to its solid performance, good display, and capable camera. Here's a detailed review of the iPhone XR:

Design and Display

The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Though it’s not as high-resolution as the OLED displays on the iPhone XS or XS Max, the Liquid Retina display still offers vibrant colors, sharp text, and great brightness, making it an enjoyable experience for watching videos, browsing, and gaming.

The phone has an aluminum frame with a glass back, giving it a premium feel despite its more affordable price. The notch at the top of the display houses the TrueDepth camera system for Face ID, while the bezels around the screen are relatively thin. It’s available in a variety of colors, including Black, Blue, Coral, Yellow, White, and Red, offering a more personalized touch compared to other iPhones.

Performance

The iPhone XR is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, the same processor found in the higher-end iPhone XS models. This chip offers excellent performance, handling everything from simple tasks like browsing and social media to more demanding applications like gaming and multitasking. It still performs smoothly even with more recent software updates, making it a reliable device for everyday use.

With 3GB of RAM and 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB storage options, the iPhone XR offers ample storage for most users. While it might not have the same multitasking power as newer iPhones, the A12 Bionic chip ensures that the device remains fast and responsive.

Camera

The iPhone XR features a 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. It delivers excellent photo quality in well-lit conditions, with accurate colors, good detail, and dynamic range. The camera also supports Portrait Mode, which creates a blurred background effect for more professional-looking photos.

Although the iPhone XR has only a single rear camera, it still supports features like Smart HDR, which improves details in highlight and shadow areas, and Deep Fusion, which enhances image quality in medium-to-low light conditions. The front camera is a 7MP TrueDepth camera, capable of taking great selfies and supporting Portrait Mode and Animoji.

Battery Life

The iPhone XR has a 2,942mAh battery, which offers impressive battery life for its size. It’s one of the longest-lasting iPhones of its generation, thanks to the energy-efficient A12 Bionic chip and the optimization of iOS. In real-world use, you can expect a full day of usage with regular tasks, such as browsing, social media, and occasional gaming.

The device supports 18W fast charging, which can charge the battery to 50% in about 30 minutes, though the fast charger is sold separately. It also supports Qi wireless charging, making it convenient for users who prefer wireless charging pads.

Software and Features

The iPhone XR runs on iOS, which is known for its smooth performance and regular software updates. This device will continue to receive updates for several years, providing access to new features and security patches. The Face ID feature works flawlessly, offering fast and secure facial recognition to unlock the phone, make payments, and use apps like Apple Pay.

The phone also supports Stereo speakers, providing rich and clear sound for videos, music, and calls. It also includes water resistance (IP67 rated), meaning it can survive being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes, adding extra durability.

Verdict

The iPhone XR is an excellent option for those who want a premium iPhone experience without paying the high price of the latest models. It offers solid performance, a great camera, good battery life, and a beautiful design. While it lacks some of the newer features found in the iPhone 11, 12, and 13 series (like a dual-camera system and OLED displays), it still provides an excellent overall experience for those on a budget or looking for an older iPhone.

For users who value performance, camera quality, and software longevity, the iPhone XR is a great option that remains relevant today. If you find one at a discounted price, it’s definitely worth considering, as it still holds up well compared to newer budget smartphones.