A few days after the iPhone XS and XS Max appeared on the market, the American company Apple launched sales of the no less exciting iPhone XR model. How does it differ from its brethren? The main differences are immediately visible: the iPhone XR has a different screen - IPS, not OLED. In addition, the resolution and pixel density are lower. The diagonal, in turn, is larger. The iPhone XR has less RAM than the XS and XS Max, and flash memory is limited to 256 GB. The smartphone is also devoid of a telephoto lens. The degree of protection against water is lower - IP67. It doesn't shy away from splashes, but submerging it in water is a bad idea. In terms of dimensions, this model is substantially larger than the iPhone XS and thicker than the XS Max.
Apple iPhone XR Specifications
- Release date: 2018, September
- Colors: Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Coral, White
- Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm.
- Weight: 194 g.
- Screen: 6.1" in, 828 x 1792, IPS LCD
- Camera : Single, 12MP
- Chipset: Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm)
- CPU: Hexa-core (2x2.5 GHz Vortex + 4x1.6 GHz Tempest)
- Memory: 64/128/256 GB, 3 GB RAM
- Battery: 2942, Non-removable Li-Ion
- Network: GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE
- Operating system: iOS 12, upgradable to iOS 12.1.3
- Sensors: Face ID, accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
If you are curious to find out all the details before reading the full review, visit the page for Apple iPhone XR Specs, where you will find even the smallest detail about the phone.
Design
A key feature of the iPhone XR is the design. It's worthy of falling in love with. If the XS is no different in appearance to the iPhone X, the iPhone XR demonstrates a different approach to both style and ergonomics. First, we see the return of aluminum as the material of choice for the side edges. Second, there's an emphasis on colour. In addition to black and white versions, the iPhone XR can be acquired in coral, yellow, blue and red.
The back of the device is covered by glass. Its smooth rounding is definitely a plus. Let's also say something about the shortcomings - the smartphone is a little thicker, the frame around the screen is wider. This is visible to the naked eye. As a result, the ratio of the area of the front surface to the area of the screen itself is lower compared to other models of the X series.
Display
Unlike the other "top ten" models, the iPhone XR has an IPS screen. In addition, its screen diagonal is 6.1 inches - larger than the X and XS offer, but smaller than the XS Max. The resolution is the lowest at 1792 x 828 pixels, giving a pixel density of just 326 per inch.
It should be known that the front surface of the iPhone XR screen is executed in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface. It is scratch resistant.
The screen offers good viewing angles. There is also a True Tone feature which, if turned on, adjusts the colour balance to the environmental conditions.
Performance
Like the iPhone XS and XS Max, the iPhone XR runs on Apple's A12 Bionic platform. RAM is limited to 3 GB. This decision was made keeping in mind the low screen resolution. I.e. it does not represent a serious disadvantage. It is not advisable to work with ten browser tabs open at the same time.
The internal storage is 64, 128 or 256 GB. You have a choice. If you need a smartphone primarily for calls, the 64 GB version will do a great job. If you rely on watching movies, then go for the 128 GB. The more expensive 256 GB version is for people who really feel a huge need for memory.
Tests show that the iPhone XR's performance is comparable to that of the XS and XS Max. You won't feel much difference. As for gaming, you can count on a higher amount of frames per second since the resolution is lower.
Apart from the nanoSIM, the smartphone can also use an eSIM - a second SIM card - electronically.
As for the absence of a fingerprint sensor, it has been replaced with a facial recognition system. It works fast, even in the dark.
Cameras
The main camera of the cute iPhone XR is identical in characteristics to the cameras of the other "tens". The exception is the telephoto lens. The main module consists of only one sensor with 12 MP resolution and aperture ƒ/1.8. Good impression is made by the speed and accuracy of the autofocus. When shooting in natural daylight, the results are excellent. Under difficult conditions - the quality is satisfactory.
Portrait mode in the iPhone XR is preserved, it has only three lighting effects, while in the Xs and Xs Max they are five.
The front camera is 7-megapixel and can't stand out with many new features. It manages to blur the background, which isn't bad. This way of shooting will be popular for a long time.
Thanks to machine learning, with the iPhone Xr in hand you can take excellent portrait photos in several stages. Initially it gets to know the person, then marks the face and estimates the depth. On the finished photo, the user can adjust the degree of background blur and select lighting effects.
The camera app has a post-processing mode with studio lighting.
Video recording capabilities are not different from the iPhone Xs results. The maximum resolution is 4K at 60 frames per second. Delayed video is recorded in Full HD at 240 frames per second.
Autonomous operation
A 2940 mAh battery is placed under the iPhone XR's body. Under average load, you can count on an hour and a half more autonomous work compared to iPhone 8 Plus. Considering the low screen resolution, 7nm processor, this is quite realistic. In other words, you'll need to recharge after about a day or so. With more active use, of course, more often.
Fast charging technology is supported on iPhone XR. You get 50% of the charge in 30 minutes. To achieve this, you need to buy a MacBook charger.
Conclusion
The iPhone XR is an interesting alternative to other iPhones. In terms of functionality, it is inferior to some of them because of the absence of telephoto lens and 3D Touch. Otherwise, its capabilities are no worse. What it wins users over with is its distinctive design. It comes in a variety of body colours. Something that is absent in more expensive iPhones. Despite the formal deterioration in screen performance, the quality it offers is above average.
Why buy the iPhone XR? Want a good smartphone but need to save money? This is your iPhone. It meets these criteria. It will win you over with its comfortable size.
Pros:
- Large and quality screen;
- Beautiful body colours;
- Flagship performance;
- Wireless charging;
- Satisfactory level of autonomous operation.
Cons:
- The user does not get a headphone adapter in the package;
- Fingerprint scanner is absent;
- Power supply does not support fast charging.
Apple iPhone XR video review
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based on our team's personal experience with the Apple iPhone XR and third-party sources. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and reliable information, readers should keep in mind that this is a subjective assessment. The writing of this article was not paid for or sponsored by Apple.
