I won’t lie if I say that one of the most popular questions that the editors receive is related to the choice between the iPhone X and iPhone XR. The older models - iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max - pass by because these are smartphones of a different price segment, but the “ten”, as it is popularly called, and the XR, due to their almost identical cost, really make you think. It's been more than two months since I got my hands on the iPhone XR, so I was able to study all its advantages and disadvantages inside and out. And the main thing is to answer that very question of choice.
iPhone Xr - where did you come from?
The presented iPhone X turned out to be such a breakthrough device that this year the company had to resort to significant tricks.
The existing top ten simply needed to be improved. A new processor, updated cameras and a couple more technological features - the iPhone Xs is ready.
8 Plus, created specifically for lovers of larger screens, has been reborn as Xs Max.
And the place of the launch device could easily be taken by the current iPhone X. There was no need to release anything - just reduce the price tag to $749.
However, buyers would definitely have a question: why do they need a new iPhone Xs for a thousand dollars when there is the same ten, but cheaper. And if it is sold on par with a new product, then the manufacturer himself considers it relevant. Logics.
For this reason, the company had to make a device simpler than tens, and withdraw it from sale. Filigree solution!
As a result, the most affordable of the new iPhones was the device with the Xr index.
And may Apple forgive me, but I’ll tell you this. While the iPhone 10 is still on sale, grab it without hesitation. As soon as X finally leaves the shelves, there will be only one way - to take a fresh and relatively affordable “Apple” device, that is, the iPhone Xr. Will you feel deprived in some way? More likely no than yes. And in the iPhone Xr review, I’ll tell you why it’s a great smartphone in any case. Let's go!
A month has passed and I still haven’t gotten used to the size.
After the thinnest and lightest iPhone 7, I'm still afraid to drop the XR when I take it out of my pocket or take it from the table.
My palms are larger than average, but it’s difficult to operate with such a bar.
With one hand I can barely cope with the Control Center, which even after almost three years has not been moved to a more convenient place than the upper corner of the huge screens.
Either my hands are not yet accustomed to holding such a brick, or 194 grams is my limit for a smartphone.
Perhaps it’s just a matter of time and you need to use it a little more.
After all, girls also carry Pro Max, and in Shanghai, too, I constantly saw how fragile Chinese women quite deftly operated almost seven-inch smartphones. But for now, a minus for cumbersomeness.
XR best: 2 | XR so-so: 3
Design and convenience
The iPhone Xr is larger than the Xs, but smaller than the Xs Max. This applies to both the dimensions of the case and the size of the screen. Look at the sign under the cut.
| Length | Width | Thickness | Weight | |
| iPhone Xr (6.1'') | 150,9 | 75,7 | 8,3 | 194 |
| iPhone Xs (5.8'') | 143,6 | 70,9 | 7,7 | 177 |
| iPhone Xs Max (6.5'') | 157,5 | 77,4 | 7,7 | 208 |
| iPhone 8 (4.7'') | 138,4 | 67,3 | 7,3 | 148 |
It’s difficult to call the Xr a miniature device. If you are switching to it from an iPhone 6s, 7 or 8, you will have to get used to the dimensions. However, the inconvenience will be rewarded with a large display of excellent quality.
And the new product is quite thick - 8.3 millimeters. And this difference is easily noticeable, especially after the seventh or eighth device.
This thickness is due to the capacious battery inside. So far no one knows its exact capacity, but there is already data regarding the autonomy of the gadget. The Apple guys claim that the Ten-er lasts up to 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone 8 Plus.
We figured out the dimensions. Now let's go over the remaining nuances and exterior.
Framework
Perhaps this is the narrowest, or rather widest point in the entire smartphone.
While you are using the device, you do not notice any crime. However, if you compare Xr with last year’s ten or “ten-es”, it becomes sad. It will no longer be possible to unsee the wide black stripes on the sides. We'll have to live with it.
I'm glad that at least all the frames are the same thickness. This is one of the biggest problems in Android smartphones. Until now, no one has created a device in which the chin would be as narrow as the side edges. So, Xr owners still have a reason to be proud - there is no such thing in the Android camp.
Xiaomi Mi MIX 2S, for example
Protruding camera
At the back we have one camera module and it protrudes noticeably above the body. It looks, of course, nice and minimalistic, but the device wobbles a lot if you put it face up on the table.
In addition, there is a risk of scratching the lens glass. There is no solution to this problem yet, because Apple has not yet presented any branded cases for the new product. At least not yet.
Aluminum
The body base is made of anodized aluminum. In the Xs and Xs Max it is smooth polished steel.
On the one hand, sadness, trouble and how to live with it. On the other hand, we draw an analogy with the Apple Watch. The fourth generation came to us only in aluminum cases. Steel watches are equipped with an electronic SIM card, and therefore are not officially sold here.
Did AW 4 become unpleasant to use after this? Not at all! It's the same story with the iPhone.
Otherwise
In all other respects, the device is convenient and pleasant to use. It is moderately slippery, lies quite comfortably in the palm of your hand and can even be operated with one hand. This definitely cannot be repeated with the Xs Max.
Oh yes! Another nuance.
For some inexplicable reason, the Lightning connector at the bottom is slightly shifted towards the back. I noticed it once, I won’t be able to forget about it. Don't thank me!
I now have a folder with random screenshots
It's called Recently Deleted.
This, unfortunately, is a problem with all frameless iPhones.
Previously, a screenshot was taken by pressing Home and Lock.
After the disappearance of the classic button, the solution was found by pressing two opposite sides: + and Lock.
They always come to hand during a grab, so the function works constantly.
I assume that the solution is hidden in transferring the combination to – and Blocking. It feels like the bottom button of the volume rocker is hit less often by the support finger.
But we know how rarely Apple changes the functionality of combinations. So it’s unlikely that change is worth waiting for. Minus for the inconvenience.
XR best: 2 | XR so-so: 2
Display
I would advise AMOLED screen adherents to relax. I closely compared the display of our hero with the iPhone Xs Max (the first has IPS, the second AMOLED) and did not notice a difference.
Color rendition “dances” only when the screen deviates strongly from the right viewing angle, and only with direct comparison. When you look at the device screen at the right angle, you see an IPS matrix of exceptional quality.
Just like the flagships of the current line, the new product supports professional P3 color gamut, boasts a brightness of 625 cd/m², and True Tone support. I assure you that you will definitely not be disappointed with the color rendition and contrast of the local panel (1400:1), so in this case there is no particular point in chasing exclusively AMOLED.
Unless you are an ardent fan of HDR video, because it is not supported by our character’s screen.
But the lack of the usual 3D Touch may confuse some at first. Of course, if you are used to using this feature.
Instead of “deep pressing” there is a regular, long hold on Haptic Engine. For example, the flashlight or camera icon on the lock screen just needs to be held lightly for a second. But they didn’t come up with an alternative to calling up the context menu (quick actions) when pressing hard on application icons. There is simply no such functionality anymore.
iPhone Xr Specifications
I propose to compare all the available specifications of our hero with the advanced Xs, in order to establish on paper and in numbers exactly how the devices differ from each other.
| Hidden text | SelectExpand> | ||
| iPhone Xs | iPhone Xr | ||
| Display | AMOLED (Super Retina) HD, 5.8'', 19.5:1, 2436 x 1125 pixels, 458 ppi, contrast ratio 1,000,000:1, brightness 625 cd/m², TrueTone, P3 profile support, 3D Touch | IPS (Liquid Retina) HD, 6.1'', 19.5:1, 1792 x 828 pixels, 326 ppi, contrast 1400:1, brightness 625 cd/m², TrueTone, P3 profile support | |
| Chipset | A12 Bionic (2.49 GHz, 6 cores, 8-core neural module, 7 nm) | ||
| Graphic arts | Unknown (1.5 times faster than A11 Bionic) | ||
| RAM | 4 GB | 3 GB (information not exact) | |
| Built-in memory | 64, 256 or 512 GB | 64, 128 or 256 GB | |
| Battery | 2,569 mAh + fast and wireless charging | 2,942 + fast and wireless charging | |
| Rear cameras | Everything is the same, plus an additional 12 MP camera (f/2.4, 52 mm) and dual optical stabilization | 12 MP (f/1.8, 26 mm + optical stabilization, smart HDR, True Tone Quad-LED flash, Slow Sync, 4K 60 FPS recording, Slo-Mo 1080p 240 FPS, stereo sound recording | |
| Front camera | TrueDepth, 7 MP, f/2.2, smart HDR, portrait with Depth function, Full HD recording | ||
| OS (at time of release) | iOS 12 | ||
| Ports | Lightning | ||
| Sensors | Face ID Advanced, accelerometer, light and distance sensor, gyroscope, barometer | ||
| Networks | LTE, Wi-Fi (802.11 ac), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC for Apple Pay, | ||
| Geolocation | GPS, Glonass, Galileo, QZSS | ||
| Protection from dust and moisture | IP68 (immersion in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes) | IP67 (up to 1 meter depth for 30 minutes) | |
| SIM cards | 1x Nano, 1x eSIM (for China 2x Nano SIM in iPhone Xs Max) | 1x Nano, 1x eSIM (for China 2x Nano SIM) | |
| Colors | Black, gold, silver | Black, white, yellow, red, coral, blue | |
Along the way, we read a separate post about the differences between older devices (Xs and Xs Max).
Important point. Any Xr in the world supports dual SIM cards. The first is a physical Nano-card, and the second is an eSIM and is sewn directly into the device. Its operation depends on the support of a specific cellular operator (it does not work in Russia). However, in China, the iPhone Xr was released in a dual-SIM version - you can install two Nano SIMs at the same time. Exactly the same as for Xs Max (not for Xs).
Performance
Under the hood of the “ten-er” is installed the top-end and most powerful mobile chipset in the world today - A12 Bionic. I talked about it in detail in the Xs Max review, so follow the link and study for your health.
Fortunately, our hero has exactly the same, never cut down “stone”.
XS Max
Xr
There is no task or game that could properly load the processor and cause the system to lag.
Although no, there is still one nuance.
If you put your iPhone on charge and distribute the Internet from it via Wi-Fi, while being in conditions of a poor signal, the smartphone will warm up properly. The situation arose for me once, but it was notable for the fact that the smartphone began to slow down very seriously. Most likely, the heating had an effect, which forced the processor to reduce frequencies to a minimum.
I was unable to repeat the situation again under artificial conditions.
Face ID is good! But not with my eyesight
I am sure that for people with healthy eyes there is nothing better than face unlock. I have myopia (myopia) of about 8 diopters, and therefore, without glasses, I hold my smartphone very close to my face.
In the mornings or during a break, a funny game starts with finding the distance and checking whether the smart phone is unlocked.
Force Touch clicks help here. They tap differently depending on whether there was an error or successful unlocking.
In all other situations, a face scanner is much more convenient than a finger sensor.
The coverage of the projector is excellent. It happens that a smartphone recognizes me literally at first glance from afar at an extreme angle, this is incredibly convenient.
There are no problems with leaning towards the table - apparently, I sit high, and the iPhone is always close.
Face ID almost always works: cuts and abrasions on the hands no longer bother, as well as washed, wet hands, which the seven do not like to recognize.
Yes, being in a mask you have to hesitate for a second, but in the same way, I was not immune from problems with fingerprints. Only the latter happened much more often.
I'll give it a plus because the technology is amazing and not everyone has vision problems. Moreover, Face ID works smoothly with glasses.
XR best: 5 | XR so-so: 4
Front camera and video recording
In general, there is nothing to talk about the front camera and video recording. The front cameras in the iPhone Xr and Xs are absolutely the same, without any BUT. The situation is similar with video recording. The only function the Xr lacks is optical zoom when shooting videos, for which the second rear camera is responsible.
In any case, for examples of front camera shots and videos, please follow the Xs Max review. There I tested all the modes in great detail.
In any case, all the originals of the examples given can be downloaded in one archive using this link.
Bottom line
iPhone XR is a high-quality smartphone that can last for several years with proper use. The powerful processor handles multitasking easily and is great for active gaming. Fast cameras will capture all the bright moments and add beautiful pictures to your memories.
XR is a real helper. He will not forget to remind you about an important meeting or call, suggest leisure activities and help you plan your time.
After the presentation, the “filling” of the smartphone does not arouse much interest among Apple product connoisseurs, but the XR remains a worthy phone. It's not worth replacing the iPhone X with the XR, but owners of earlier models may like its design and performance. The smartphone is also perfect for those new to the Apple culture. A relatively budget device with a powerful engine will show all the beauty of using an iPhone and its extensive functionality. There is no point in overpaying for Apple's 2022 flagships, since the processor will be outdated next year. So, in a company with XR, you can calmly wait for the new innovative giant.
Sound
As in all the latest iPhones, the Xr has two speakers responsible for the external sound: the main one on the bottom, and the conversational speaker on the top. The latter, of course, is weaker than its partner, but it creates a stereo effect.
Both in terms of volume and quality, the Xr is identical to its predecessor, the X. But it can no longer compare with the Xs Max. The latter sounds louder, more bassy, and overall more pleasant.
The sound in the headphones is familiar and quite pleasant. 95% of users will definitely like it. There is only one nuance here - there is no longer an adapter for 3.5 mm included in the kit. We purchase additionally separately and as needed.
Huge frames
The phone is so criticized for these plump and plump frames, as if Apple were hiding them. Everything was shown at the presentation, and wide frames, according to the company’s designers, are in order. We are already accustomed to the fact that the Chinese first show a beautiful “thin-frame” phone in a render, but in fact there are quite noticeable frames there. Therefore, at least say thank you for the fact that you don’t have to create illusions and you can mentally prepare for a meeting with a broad soul, that is, with a wide framework.
Autonomy
Apple cleverly reveals the battery life of its devices.
Thus, the iPhone Xs Max (3,179 mAh battery) can last up to 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone X. In turn, the top ten lasts 2 hours longer than the iPhone 7.
Our hero can last up to 1.5 hours longer than 8 Plus. The latter is identical to the 7 Plus, and it is longer lasting than the 6s Plus by only an hour. Accordingly, the 6s Plus works on... but the company no longer provides data.
A setup!
In any case, the Xr seemed like a very durable device to me. In my subjective opinion, it lasts about the same as the Xs Max. By the way, here are the battery capacity data:
- battery in Xr 2,942 mAh
- Xs Max battery – 3,179 mAh
As with all recent devices, there is no fast charger included. 1 amp adapter only. This is very sad, because the device costs a lot of money, and it takes an unforgivably long time to charge from such a unit. In the first 30 minutes, the smartphone was charged by (attention!) 17%. In an hour the battery was filled to 34%.
Ultimately, it took 3 hours and 5 minutes to fully charge!
In the near future I will test the operation of fast charging and update the review. In the meantime, you can read a separate post about the charging speed of the iPhone Xs.
Multicolored glass
As sales statistics show, in Russia the iPhone XR is predominantly bought in black. Unfortunately, for some reason our people are conservative and do not want to experiment with colors. It's a pity, because the blue or yellow iPhone XR looks great, original and bright. But it’s like with cars: everyone likes rare colors, but we buy ourselves black or white, so as not to have to worry about selling them later.
The body is made of aluminum, glass on the front and back, the feel is pleasant, the phone is large, but it is slightly smaller than the iPhone 6 Plus or 7 Plus.
