Apple iPhone XR (128GB) review. Compare 197 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among smartphones and if it's worth buying.
Overall score
What it is: An overall evaluation of the smartphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best smartphones on the market.
Score components:
90.0%
Technical Score
10.0%
User score
Technical Score
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
User score
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.
#35 in Best Apple Smartphones
#68 in Best 6-Inch Smartphones
#73 in Best Compact Smartphones
#937 in Best NFC Smartphones
#1050 in Best AI Smartphones
#1053 in Best Smartphones
What it is: An assessment of the smartphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: performance & hardware, software, camera, connectivity, display, battery, audio, and design.
When it matters: When you want to compare smartphones based on technical performance and available features.
Score components:
25.0%
Performance & Hardware
18.0%
Camera
15.0%
Display
15.0%
Battery
10.0%
Software
10.0%
Connectivity
4.0%
Audio
3.0%
Design
What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the smartphone
When it matters: When you want to know how a smartphone handles daily tasks and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score components:
70.0%
User reviews
30.0%
Popularity
What it is: An indicator that combines the smartphone's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for a smartphone with a good balance between quality and price.
Score components:
60.0%
Overall score
40.0%
Price
Importance: MEDIUM
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Good value: >12 GB
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Good value: >256 GB
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Good value: >3.2 GHz
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Good value: >4000
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Good value: 8+
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Good value: >950 MHz
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Good value: >1800
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Good value: >3200 MHz
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Good value: 5
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Good value: > 50 GB/s
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Good value: >16 GB
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Good value: <6 nm
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Good value: >9 W
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Good value: >8192 KB
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Good value: >2048 KB
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Good value: >100000 million
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Good value: 3.3
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Good value: 2.0/3.0
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Good value: >50 MP
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Good value: >60
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Good value: ≥1.2 µm
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Good value: >2.5x
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Good value: ≥2
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Good value: >16 MP
Importance: MEDIUM
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Good value: >130
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Good value: >120
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Good value: ≥2
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Good value: >5.2
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Good value: 3.1/3.2
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Good value: ≥2
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Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
Importance: HIGH
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Good value: >400 ppi
Importance: HIGH
Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >300 Hz
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >800 nits
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >1300 nits
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Good value: >1000 nits
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Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >60 W
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Good value: <45 min
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Good value: >40 W
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Good value: >10 W
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Importance: HIGH
Importance: MEDIUM
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Good value: >800
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Good value: ≥3
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Good value: <162 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <75 mm
Importance: LOW
Good value: <8 mm
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <190 g
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Good value: <98cm³
Importance: LOW
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Good value: ≥1.5 m
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Good value: >8
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Importance: HIGH
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Good value: >2048 KB
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Importance: HIGH
Good value: ≥120 Hz
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >5000 mAh
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >50 MP
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >256 GB
Importance: HIGH
Good value: >12 GB
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: ≥6.6 inches
(Reviews last updated: March 2026)
(Reviews last updated: March 2026)
The Consumer Reports review identifies the iPhone XR as a high-value device, awarding it an "Excellent" rating for performance, ease of use, and a fast A12 Bionic processor. It features a bright LCD "Liquid Retina" display and delivers top-tier durability, having passed rigorous 100-drop tumble tests and waterproofing assessments. Furthermore, the device is considered a "battery king" based on testing that showed 27.5 hours of battery life. Despite these strengths, the review notes several compromises compared to the XS series, including a single-lens rear camera that lacks optical zoom and struggles with bokeh effects on non-human subjects. The LCD screen, while good, lacks the deep blacks of OLED, and the device features thicker bezels.
The iPhone XR is positioned as a high-value, "Goldilocks" option in Apple's 2018 lineup, featuring the powerful A12 Bionic chip and superior battery life compared to the more expensive XS models. Key benefits include a 6.1-inch LCD "Liquid Retina" display and a single-lens camera that supports software-driven portrait mode. While offering premium performance, the device features thicker bezels, lacks 3D Touch, and includes a slow 5-watt charger.
The CNET review highlights the iPhone XR as a high-value device, offering roughly 95% of the iPhone XS experience for 75% of the cost, driven by the A12 Bionic chip and exceptional battery life. Key pros include this robust performance, a vibrant 6.1-inch LCD screen, and a superior battery that lasted nearly 20 hours in testing. The device is considered the "sensible" choice for most, securing a CNET Editors' Choice award for its balance of essential features. Conversely, the XR makes compromises with a single rear camera that lacks optical zoom and features limited Portrait Mode, along with the omission of 3D Touch in favor of Haptic Touch. The device also utilizes an aluminum frame and an LCD screen, which, while bright, lacks the deep blacks of OLED, and may show scuffs more easily. CNETUltimately, the review recommends the 128GB model as the best option, praising the phone's ability to provide key features like Face ID and fast performance without the high price tag of the XS series. The XR stands out for its longevity and performance, making it a...
WIRED characterizes the iPhone XR as a "moderately great" device, offering top-tier performance via its A12 Bionic processor in a more accessible package than the XS models. Key pros include exceptional battery life surpassing the XS, a vibrant Liquid Retina display, and a strong single-lens camera. However, notable cons include the lack of 3D Touch, reduced display quality compared to OLED, and the absence of a dual-lens zoom camera.
PCMag’s review positions the iPhone XR as a high-performance, "low-cost" alternative in Apple’s 2018 lineup, boasting the same A12 Bionic processor and exceptional battery life found in more expensive models. Key advantages include its vibrant color options and a high-quality single rear camera, which delivers, at times, similar image quality to flagship models. However, the device presents notable drawbacks, including a lower-resolution 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, which lacks the deep blacks of OLED, and thicker screen bezels. Additionally, the phone features weaker Wi-Fi and wireless performance compared to the XS series, due to the lack of 4x4 MIMO antennas. Ultimately, the review suggests that while the $749 iPhone XR serves as a strong, stylish option, it requires sacrificing top-tier display technology for performance. For long-term users, the superior modem and display of the iPhone XS Max might prove more valuable, despite the XR's status as a well-balanced "sweet spot" for many consumers.
Trusted Reviews describes the iPhone XR as a well-balanced device offering premium features like the A12 Bionic chip and Face ID at a more affordable price, notable for its vibrant colors, sturdy build, and exceptional battery life. Key trade-offs include a lower-resolution LCD screen with thicker bezels, a single rear camera lacking optical zoom, and a slow 5W charger included in the box.
In its 2018 review, Macworld hailed the iPhone XR as a top-tier device, praising its blend of premium features—specifically the A12 Bionic chip and Face ID—with a more accessible price point. While offering near-identical performance to the XS, it sacrifices 3D Touch and features a 6.1-inch LCD "Liquid Retina" display with thicker bezels, rather than OLED. The device is highly lauded for its exceptional battery life, which benchmarks showed outlasted the iPhone XS Max. The camera system is a single 12MP lens that achieves high-quality results via software, including Portrait Mode for faces, though it lacks the optical zoom of the dual-lens XS. Minor compromises include a lower IP67 water-resistance rating and slightly lower screen resolution, but these are balanced by its strong performance. Ultimately, the review recommends the iPhone XR as the best choice for most users due to its superior value and longevity.
According to a Forbes review, the iPhone XR was considered a compelling option in Apple's 2018 lineup due to its strong build quality, exceptional battery life, and a high-quality "Liquid Retina" LCD screen. It shares the same powerful A12 Bionic chip as the more expensive models, offering identical performance. Key drawbacks included a single rear camera lacking optical zoom, the replacement of 3D Touch with Haptic Touch, and slightly thicker bezels compared to the XS series.
Tom's Guide characterizes the iPhone XR as the "best iPhone for most people," citing its value, A12 Bionic chip for fast performance, and industry-leading battery life, lasting over 11 hours in testing. Pros include a vibrant 6.1-inch LCD display, a 12MP camera with software-enabled Portrait mode, and diverse color options. However, cons involve the LCD screen lacking deep blacks, the absence of a telephoto lens limiting optical zoom and portrait mode, and minor issues like no 3D Touch or included fast charger.
According to a 2018 New York Times review, the iPhone XR balances performance and cost with its powerful A12 Bionic chip and exceptional, all-day battery life, which are presented as significant pros. However, compromises for the lower price include a less vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen compared to OLED, a thicker aluminum body, and the absence of 3D Touch. The single-lens camera system limits Portrait Mode to human subjects, though the review notes the software still produces satisfying bokeh effects and Smart HDR ensures quality images in varied lighting conditions.
According to a Bild.de review, the iPhone XR stands out for its vibrant aesthetics and high-performance, featuring the same A12 Bionic chip as the premium XS model. Pros include this top-tier speed, a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display described as crisp and sharp, and a single 12-megapixel rear lens that produces excellent, high-quality images. The device is positioned as a colorful, powerful alternative to more expensive flagships. However, the review identifies limitations, particularly with the camera's Portrait Mode, which only functions on human faces, unlike the dual-lens XS that maps depth for objects and pets. Further cons include the absence of OLED technology, resulting in lower contrast, and a slightly less premium aluminum build. Despite these drawbacks, the device is considered a strong, cost-effective option for most users. Ultimately, Bild.de suggests the trade-offs in screen technology and camera features are justified by the significant cost savings compared to the XS.
ComputerBase concludes the iPhone XR is a versatile device offering flagship-level performance via the A12 Bionic chip and superior battery life compared to the XS series. Key pros include excellent battery longevity often exceeding two days, a fast processor, and Face ID. Conversely, cons center on the 6.1-inch LCD's lower resolution (326 ppi) and thicker bezels, alongside the replacement of 3D Touch with Haptic Touch. While the camera provides solid, single-lens performance, it lacks the optical zoom found on premium models.
Macwelt positions the iPhone XR as Apple's "Golf-Class" smartphone, offering a well-rounded, reliable, and more practical alternative to the pricier XS models. The device is highlighted for its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, which hits a comfortable size middle ground, and its powerful A12 Bionic chip, which ensures top-tier performance for daily tasks and gaming. Key advantages include top-tier battery life—ranked as the best in an iPhone at the time of review—and a single 12MP camera that delivers excellent Smart HDR and portrait results. Additionally, the phone features modern Face ID and is available in six distinct colors, giving it a premium feel over previous budget attempts. Compromises, however, include a lower-resolution 326 ppi display, the absence of 3D Touch, thicker screen bezels, and a slippery back. Furthermore, the single-lens camera system is limited to recognizing only human faces for portrait bokeh effects and lacks optical zoom.
The iPhone XR is positioned as a more affordable, color-diverse alternative to the XS, featuring a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen with thicker bezels, which offers good brightness but lower resolution than OLED alternatives. Despite lacking 3D Touch and having only IP67 water resistance, the device boasts exceptional build quality, top-tier performance via the A12 Bionic chip, and superior battery life. The single-lens 12-megapixel camera produces high-quality images with Smart HDR, though it lacks optical zoom and limits portrait mode to human subjects.
Capital.fr describes the iPhone XR as a balanced "middle-ground" flagship, offering premium performance via the A12 Bionic chip and excellent battery life at a lower price point. While featuring a sophisticated, colorful glass and aluminum design, the device utilizes a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen, which sacrifices OLED contrast and 3D Touch for cost savings. Key pros include top-tier performance and Face ID, while cons include a single-lens camera limited to human-only portrait mode, lower IP67 water resistance, and a lack of deep blacks in the display.
The Electroguide review characterizes the iPhone XR as a high-performance, cost-effective device featuring the powerful A12 Bionic chip and exceptional battery life. It boasts a durable, colorful design with an aluminum frame, wireless charging, and an IP67 water resistance rating. While the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD is bright, the review notes it lacks the resolution and contrast of OLED panels, and the single-lens 12MP camera restricts Portrait Mode to human subjects only.
The Labo Fnac review highlights the iPhone XR as a balanced, affordable entry into the modern iPhone era, featuring the powerful A12 Bionic chip for top-tier performance and exceptional battery life. While the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen offers excellent color accuracy (Delta U'V' of 0.01) and high contrast for its class, it lacks the higher resolution and deeper blacks of OLED panels. L'É Key trade-offs include the absence of 3D Touch, replaced by haptic touch, and a single-lens rear camera system that limits optical zoom and certain portrait mode features. The design also features thicker bezels compared to premium models to accommodate the LCD backlight. L'É Ultimately, the analysis deems the iPhone XR a "good deal" for users upgrading from older devices, offering Face ID and high-end processing power at a lower price point. The combination of strong performance, varied color options, and superior battery longevity makes it a practical choice despite the absence of a dual-camera setup. For the full lab report, visit Leclaireur Fnac. L'É
The 20 Minutes review of the iPhone XR concludes that Apple created a high-performance alternative to the XS rather than a simple "discount" version, offering the core Apple experience at a lower price point. Sharing the A12 Bionic chip, the device ensures the same speed and fluidity as the flagship models, making it a compelling option for most users. Key pros include exceptional battery life surpassing the iPhone XS, a vibrant color lineup, and a single 12MP rear lens that uses software to deliver high-quality Portrait Mode with adjustable bokeh. The phone excels in performance, handling demanding applications and Face ID with the same efficiency as the XS. Cons include the LCD "Liquid Retina" display with lower resolution and less vibrant blacks compared to OLED, along with thicker, less refined bezels. Furthermore, the device features a slightly bulkier aluminum frame, lacks a secondary telephoto lens for optical zoom, and has a lower IP67 water resistance rating.
Europe 1 highlights the iPhone XR as providing the best value in Apple's lineup, featuring the powerful A12 Bionic chip and a vibrant, multi-color glass-and-aluminum design. While utilizing a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen instead of OLED, the display is praised for high quality and brightness. Despite having a single 12MP camera, the device delivers impressive photo quality with Portrait Mode and Smart HDR. Key advantages include exceptional battery life, fast Face ID, and robust performance. Conversely, limitations noted include the absence of a telephoto lens, restricted portrait functionality, and the lack of 3D Touch.
The 01net review highlights the iPhone XR as an excellent, colorful device that brings premium performance to a lower price point, featuring the same A12 Bionic chip as the XS. Key strengths include exceptional battery life, often surpassing the XS Max, and a very good 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen. While the single-lens camera performs well with portrait mode, it lacks optical zoom, and cost-cutting measures result in lower screen resolution, no 3D Touch, and slightly thicker bezels.
The iPhone XR is identified as a high-value alternative to XS models, delivering flagship performance via the A12 Bionic chip, Face ID, and gesture navigation at a lower price point. It offers superior battery life, lasting 1.5 hours longer than the 8 Plus, alongside a durable aluminum frame and IP67 water resistance. Key compromises include a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen with lower resolution and thicker bezels, plus a single-lens camera that limits Portrait Mode to human subjects. Despite these constraints, the device remains a recommended, colorful option for most users, according to analysis from CNET www.cnet.com/reviews/apple-iphone-xr-later-review/.
The iPhone XR is positioned as a balanced, high-value alternative in Apple's 2018 lineup, featuring the A12 Bionic chip and a Liquid Retina LCD display in a comfortable aluminum frame. It stands out for its superior battery life and vibrant color options, delivering a top-tier user experience similar to the more expensive XS models. Key compromises include the lack of 3D Touch, thicker screen bezels, and a single-lens camera system lacking 2x optical zoom, though its overall performance is highly recommended.
The CNET France review identifies the iPhone XR as the most practical 2018 Apple model, balancing high-end features with a lower price point. While utilizing a 6.1-inch LCD display and aluminum frame instead of OLED/stainless steel, the device offers, bright, vivid performance and a variety of vibrant color options. The review highlights the A12 Bionic chip for top-tier performance, along with exceptional battery life, Face ID, and wireless charging as key advantages. However, the, handset has notable drawbacks, including a single 12MP rear camera that lacks a telephoto lens and limits Portrait Mode to human subjects. Other compromises include lower screen resolution and contrast compared to OLED, the absence of 3D Touch, and no Gigabit-class LTE. Despite these limitations, the analysis concludes that the XR offers the best price-to-performance ratio for most consumers.
Le Monde Informatique characterizes the iPhone XR as a masterclass in compromise, blending flagship performance with a more accessible price point through the inclusion of the A12 Bionic chip and TrueDepth camera system. Key advantages highlighted include exceptional battery life surpassing the XS Max, a vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, and a comfortable aluminum-glass design. Conversely, limitations cited include a single rear camera lacking optical zoom, thicker bezels, and the absence of 3D Touch.
Phonandroid’s review positions the iPhone XR as a high-performance, high-value alternative to the XS models, powered by the A12 Bionic chip and offering exceptional battery life. Key pros include vibrant color options, fast performance, Face ID, and wireless charging. However, the device compromises with a lower-resolution 6.1-inch LCD screen, thicker bezels, and an aluminum build with IP67 resistance. The camera features a single lens that delivers excellent, though less versatile, photo quality compared to dual-lens models. Lacking 3D Touch and shipping with a 5W charger, the XR is ultimately deemed the most balanced option for most users.
Xataka’s review highlights the iPhone XR as a competitive, "best-seller" device, featuring a modern notch design, a robust matte aluminum frame, and a vibrant, durable color palette. Key advantages include the high-performance A12 Bionic chip, exceptional battery life, and a bright, well-calibrated 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, despite its lower 326 ppi resolution compared to OLED models. While it compromises by omitting 3D Touch and offering only a single rear camera with portrait mode limited to human subjects, the device provides a balanced, high-end experience at a lower price point.
In a 2018 review for The New York Times, Brian X. Chen identifies the iPhone XR as an ideal, budget-friendly option for the average user, offering core flagship features like the A12 Bionic chip for a lower price point than the XS models. While featuring an older 6.1-inch LCD screen rather than OLED, the performance and speed remain top-tier. Key pros include exceptional battery life, varied color options, and the inclusion of Face ID. The Conversely, compromises include a single-lens camera that lacks optical zoom and, despite solid software-based portrait mode, has limited functionality compared to the dual-lens system. Hardware differences also include a less durable aluminum frame, thicker bezels, and the removal of 3D Touch. Ultimately, the review concludes the XR’s balance of value and performance makes it the best choice for most consumers. The
El Español reviews the 2018 iPhone XR, positioning it as the most practical, high-performance option for most users due to its A12 Bionic chip and exceptional battery life. While offering flagship speed and Face ID, compromises include a lower-resolution 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen, aluminum construction, and a single-lens 12MP rear camera lacking optical zoom. The review concludes that these minor sacrifices make the XR a superior price-to-performance alternative to the more expensive XS models.
According to a 2018 review on Saggiamente, the iPhone XR is a successful compromise offering core features of more expensive models, including the A12 Bionic chip, Face ID, and a modern design with diverse color options. The device is highly regarded for its top-tier performance, excellent battery life, and the high-quality 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen, which features accurate colors despite lower resolution. While the device represents a strong value, compromises include a single rear camera with limited portrait modes, the absence of 3D Touch, and slightly thicker display bezels compared to the XS.
In his review, Andrea Galeazzi positions the iPhone XR as a superior value alternative to the flagship XS, praising its vibrant color options, solid build quality, and exceptional battery life. While it utilizes a 6.1-inch LCD "Liquid Retina" display with slightly thicker bezels and lacks 3D Touch, these compromises are balanced by its top-tier A12 Bionic performance, which matches the XS. The single rear camera performs well, though it lacks a telephoto lens, and the device is hindered by slower charging speeds from the included 5W charger. Ultimately, Galeazzi considers the 128GB XR a more "intelligent" choice than the iPhone X for most users seeking a mix of high performance and value.
Wired.it positions the iPhone XR as a "rational choice," offering a modern Apple experience without the high price of XS models, despite using an aluminum frame and 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD. Standout features include vibrant color options and, as a major pro, exceptional battery life that lasts over a day, combined with the fast A12 Bionic chip. While the single 12MP rear camera produces quality portraits, the review notes cons like lower screen pixel density, thicker bezels, lack of 3D Touch, and a bulkier, heavier feel.
The SmartWorld review positions the iPhone XR as a balanced, "all-screen" alternative to the XS, bringing Face ID to a wider audience with a solid, colorful aluminum design. A key strength is the top-tier A12 Bionic chip, which delivers flagship performance, though the device is slightly heavier and thicker than its premium counterparts. The Liquid Retina LCD display, while high-quality, represents a compromise with lower-than-Full-HD resolution and a lack of deep blacks compared to OLED panels. Additionally, the screen features slightly thicker bezels and replaces 3D Touch with Haptic Touch, representing a downgrade in premium feel. On the camera front, the single-lens system is capable of high-quality 4K video and software-enabled Portrait Mode, but lacks a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom. Despite these trade-offs, the device stands out for its exceptional battery life, which often outlasts the XS.
The iPhone XR is presented as a balanced, cost-effective alternative to the XS, featuring a vibrant design with durable aluminum construction and the high-performance A12 Bionic chip. Key advantages include exceptional battery life, often matching the XS Max, and strong performance for daily usage. However, the device sacrifices the OLED screen for a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD with lower resolution and thicker bezels, alongside replacing 3D Touch with Haptic Touch. The camera system, while limited to a single 12MP lens, supports Portrait Mode via software, though this feature is restricted to human subjects. The lack of a telephoto lens means optical zoom is unavailable.
The iPhone XR is positioned as a compelling, balanced alternative to the XS, highlighted by a vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen that offers excellent brightness and natural colors, though it lacks deep blacks and features thicker bezels. Performance is top-tier due to the A12 Bionic chip, and the battery life is a significant advantage, often exceeding the XS Max. However, the single 12MP rear camera, lack of 3D Touch (replaced by Haptic Touch), and lower-than-OLED resolution are notable compromises. The device retains a premium feel with an aluminum frame and six color options, although this finish can be more slippery than stainless steel. Fast Face ID and wireless charging are present, strengthening its value proposition.
The Multiplayer.it review positions the iPhone XR as a balanced, high-performance alternative to the XS series, offering flagship power without the top-tier price, featuring a vibrant design and robust build. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, the device delivers excellent performance and superior battery life compared to its more expensive counterparts, with a capable single-lens camera system. Key drawbacks include a lower-resolution Liquid Retina LCD display with thicker bezels, lower IP67 water resistance, and the absence of a telephoto lens.
The GadgetGear review positions the iPhone XR as a strategic, cost-effective alternative to the flagship XS, delivering a premium "X experience" with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen and diverse color options. While the screen resolution is lower than OLED counterparts, it offers excellent color accuracy and brightness, paired with the powerful A12 Bionic chip for top-tier performance. Key pros include exceptional battery life and a single-lens 12MP camera that uses advanced software for high-quality, smart HDR photography. Compromises to lower the price point include the absence of a secondary telephoto lens, thicker screen bezels, and the replacement of 3D Touch with a more basic Haptic Touch system. Additionally, the device features an IP67 water-resistance rating rather than the superior IP68 found on premium models. Despite these, the review concludes the XR is a compelling choice for those seeking flagship performance without the highest price tag.
The IGN review characterizes the iPhone XR as an excellent, cost-effective alternative to the iPhone XS, delivering roughly 95% of the flagship experience at a lower price point. Key pros highlighted include the powerful A12 Bionic chip, the vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, and an exceptional battery life that outlasts the XS Max. The device features durable aluminum construction in six distinct colors, with a single 12MP camera that effectively utilizes software for high-quality Portrait Mode. However, the review notes significant cons stemming from its lower price point, including a lack of optical zoom due to the single-lens system and a portrait mode limited to human subjects. Additional drawbacks include a lower-resolution screen with thicker bezels, the omission of 3D Touch, and IP67 water resistance compared to the XS’s IP68 rating.
The iPhone XR is identified as a high-value option, offering a modern, near-borderless design with Face ID, alongside the powerful A12 Bionic chip for top-tier performance. Key advantages include exceptional battery life, six vibrant color options, and a capable 12MP camera utilizing Smart HDR and software-based portrait mode. Compromises include a 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina display with lower resolution and contrast compared to OLED, the absence of 3D Touch (replaced by Haptic Touch), and an IP67 water resistance rating rather than IP68. Additionally, the single-lens camera lacks optical zoom and has limited portrait functionality. The iPhoned review concludes that despite these compromises, the iPhone XR provides an excellent balance of features and performance for most users. It delivers a flagship experience in a more affordable package.
The iCulture review highlights the iPhone XR as a top "value-for-money" option, particularly for users upgrading from an iPhone 7 or older. It features the high-performance A12 Bionic chip, Face ID, and excellent battery life, all wrapped in a colorful design. While it lacks the dual cameras and premium stainless steel frame of the XS, it offers a comparable "all-screen" experience at a lower price point. Key pros identified include the fast, future-proof processor, exceptional battery longevity, and a vibrant color selection. However, the 6.1-inch LCD Liquid Retina display has lower resolution and thicker bezels compared to OLED models, which is a noted drawback. Additionally, the single rear camera lacks optical zoom, and the device misses features like 3D Touch and features a lower IP67 water resistance rating. Ultimately, the review suggests that for most users, the cost savings outweigh the missing premium features, making it a better choice than the XS for many. The compromise on the display quality is the main trade-off for the lower price, which many users may find acceptable.
The Tweakers review positions the iPhone XR as a "bridge" device, combining the premium A12 Bionic chip from the XS series with a more accessible price point and a variety of color options. Key compromises to achieve this price include a lower-resolution 6.1-inch LCD screen with thicker bezels, the omission of 3D Touch, and a single-lens camera system that lacks optical zoom. Despite these, the XR boasts exceptional battery life, superior to the XS models, and delivers high-end performance, concluding that it offers the best price-to-quality ratio in the 2018 lineup.
In 2021, the iPhone XR remains a solid, cost-effective option featuring the A12 Bionic chip, modern design, and excellent battery life. However, the device is limited by its 720p LCD screen and the lack of a dedicated Night Mode for its single rear camera. Due to the absence of 5G and MagSafe, the review recommends considering the iPhone 11 as a more future-proof alternative for slightly more money.
The Bright.nl review identifies the iPhone XR as the "best buy" of its generation, offering flagship A12 Bionic performance and superior battery life compared to the XS models. Key benefits include the modern 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display and a wide range of colors, making it an excellent upgrade from older iPhone models. The primary drawbacks noted are the lower-resolution LCD screen, which lacks the deep blacks of OLED, and the absence of a telephoto lens for optical zoom. Additionally, the device features slightly thicker bezels and an aluminum frame, giving it a chunkier, less premium feel than the XS Max. Ultimately, the review recommends the iPhone XR for the average consumer, offering essential, high-end features like Face ID without the premium price tag of the XS series. It concludes that the performance and value outweigh the limitations in display and camera capabilities.
The iPhone XR is positioned as a compelling, slightly more affordable alternative to the XS, delivering top-tier performance via the A12 Bionic chip despite a €859 launch price. While featuring a high-quality 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen, the device's design is noted for slightly thicker bezels, though they do not detract significantly from its premium feel. A major advantage is the exceptional battery life, which outperforms the higher-end XS and XS Max, largely due to the less power-hungry display technology. However, the LCD screen lacks the deep blacks of OLED, and the device is limited to a single rear camera, which lacks the advanced optical zoom and portrait capabilities found on more expensive models. Despite these drawbacks, the overall performance and efficiency make it a strong contender in the Apple lineup. Ultimately, the review suggests that for users prioritizing battery longevity and value over premium screen technology, the iPhone XR is a superior choice.
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