Apple iPhone XR Review: Best Value Phone in Years

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Apple iPhone XR Review

The Apple iPhone XR is a flagship smartphone that offers a unique blend of features and value. 

Launched in 2018, it is positioned as a more affordable alternative to the iPhone XS and XS Max, with a lower price point and a single rear camera. 

Despite these compromises, the iPhone XR still delivers impressive performance, a vibrant display, and excellent battery life. 

With its sleek design and wide range of color options, the iPhone XR has become a popular choice among consumers seeking a high-quality iPhone without the hefty price tag.

This is a comprehensive review of the phone which will help you know in depth about the features and power it offers.

iPhone XR: Design and Durability

The Apple iPhone XR boasts a sleek and modern design that is both visually appealing and durable. The phone’s 6.1-inch LCD is surrounded by a stainless steel frame, which provides a solid foundation for the device. The frame is also slightly rounded, making it comfortable to hold and use.

In terms of durability, the iPhone XR has a glass front and a stainless steel frame, which provides a high level of protection against scratches and other forms of damage. The phone also has IP67 water and dust resistance, ensuring it can withstand minor exposure to water and dust.

Overall, the iPhone XR’s design and durability are impressive, making it a great choice for those who value both form and function.

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iPhone XR: Display

The Apple iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch display, which places it in between the smaller iPhone XS and the larger iPhone XS Max. This size provides a good balance, offering a larger screen for an immersive experience without being too unwieldy to hold and use.

Compared to the iPhone 7 Plus, the iPhone XR’s design has been optimized to fit the larger display in a similar overall footprint. This is achieved by removing the Home button and adopting a notched display design, similar to the iPhone X and newer models.

At 6.8 ounces and measuring 5.9 x 3 x 0.3 inches, the iPhone XR is slightly heavier and larger than the iPhone XS, but still manageable for one-handed use. The rounded aluminum frame and glass back contribute to a premium feel, despite being less expensive than the stainless steel iPhone X.

Overall, the iPhone XR’s size strikes a good balance between screen real estate and portability, making it a comfortable and practical choice for most users.

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iPhone XR: No 3D Touch an issue?

The iPhone XR does not have 3D Touch, which is a feature that some users may miss. However, the phone’s Haptic Touch provides a similar tactile feedback experience, which many users find sufficient. The lack of 3D Touch is not a significant issue for most users, as it is not a critical feature for everyday use.

In terms of size, the iPhone XR is a good balance between screen real estate and portability. It has a 6.1-inch display, which is larger than the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X/XS, but smaller than the iPhone XS Max. The phone’s size and weight are manageable, making it easy to hold and use with one hand. The design is also optimized to fit the larger display in a similar overall footprint as the iPhone 7 Plus, making it a good choice for those who want a larger screen without the bulk of the iPhone XS Max.

iPhone XR: Cameras

The Apple iPhone XR features a single 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization. While it may lack the dual-camera setup of the more expensive iPhone XS models, the XR’s camera still delivers impressive performance.

The iPhone XR’s camera utilizes advanced computational photography techniques, such as Smart HDR and Depth Control, to produce high-quality images. The Portrait mode, which simulates a shallow depth of field, works well, even with the single-camera setup.

In low-light conditions, the iPhone XR’s camera performs admirably, capturing detailed and well-exposed shots. The quad-LED True Tone flash also helps to illuminate subjects in dark environments.

For video, the iPhone XR can record 4K footage at up to 60fps, with smooth stabilization and accurate color reproduction. The 7MP front-facing camera also takes excellent selfies and supports Portrait mode for enhanced bokeh effects.

Overall, the iPhone XR’s camera may not be the absolute best, but it delivers a very capable and versatile photography experience.

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iPhone XR: Performance

The Apple iPhone XR features the A12 Bionic processor, which provides fast performance and is comparable to the iPhone XS and XS Max. The phone’s Geekbench 4 score of 11,312 is higher than that of the Galaxy Note 9 and OnePlus 6, and it outperforms the Pixel 3 XL in everyday tasks such as opening apps.

In real-world usage, the iPhone XR performs flawlessly, with the A12 Bionic processor providing a significant performance advantage. The phone’s 3GB RAM is also well-managed by iOS, ensuring that the phone remains responsive and efficient.

The iPhone XR’s performance is further enhanced by its improved Face ID, which uses faster algorithms and a newer Secure Enclave to process facial data more quickly. Overall, the iPhone XR’s performance is exceptional, making it a great choice for those who value speed and efficiency.

iPhone XR Battery Life

The Apple iPhone XR boasts impressive battery life, outperforming its more expensive counterparts, the iPhone XS and XS Max. With a 2,942mAh battery, the iPhone XR can deliver up to 15 hours of video playback and 65 hours of audio playback on a single charge.

In real-world usage, the iPhone XR consistently delivers all-day battery life. On the Tom’s Guide Battery Test, which involves continuous web surfing at 150 nits of brightness, the iPhone XR lasted an impressive 11 hours and 26 minutes. This surpasses the battery life of the iPhone XS Max and many top Android flagships.

The only downside is the included 5W charger, which takes a long time to fully charge the device. Apple recommends using a 30W USB-C Power Adapter and USB-C to Lightning Cable for faster charging, but this is an additional expense. Overall, the iPhone XR’s excellent battery life is one of its standout features.

iPhone XR: iOS 14

The Apple iPhone XR runs on iOS 14, which provides a seamless and intuitive user experience. iOS 14 introduces several new features, including a redesigned Home screen, improved multitasking capabilities, and enhanced security features.

One of the standout features of iOS 14 is the new Home screen, which allows users to customize their layout and add widgets. This provides a more personalized and efficient way to access frequently used apps and features.

iOS 14 also includes improved multitasking capabilities, such as the ability to use multiple apps simultaneously and a new “Picture in Picture” mode for watching videos while using other apps. Additionally, the operating system includes enhanced security features, such as improved Face ID and Touch ID authentication, and enhanced protection against malware and other threats.

Overall, iOS 14 provides a robust and user-friendly operating system that enhances the iPhone XR’s overall performance and functionality.

Conclusion

The Apple iPhone XR is a well-rounded smartphone that offers a great balance of features, performance, and price. With its impressive camera capabilities, fast performance, and long-lasting battery life, the iPhone XR is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and user-friendly device. Additionally, its sleek design and vibrant display make it a visually appealing option. While it may lack some of the premium features of the iPhone XS and XS Max, the iPhone XR is a great value for its price and provides a seamless and intuitive user experience with iOS 14.

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