The iPhone XR vs. the Other New Models
The XR offers a little bit less in the way of features to allow its lower price, but it's still an excellent phone. It even beats out the other recent iPhones in some categories.
The screen on the iPhone XR is bigger than that of the X and XS but smaller than that of the XS Max. The XR, however, has a lower resolution and pixel density than the X, XS and XS Max and lacks an HDR display.
Overall, the device is also bigger and heavier than the X and XS but smaller and lighter than the Max. Instead of the stainless steel of the XS and XS Max, the XR's frame is made of aluminum. The back of the phone is still glass.
The XR starts to pull ahead of the older X when it comes to the processor. It features the same A12 Bionic chip and next-gen Neural Engine as the XS and XS Max. This makes it more powerful than the X and enables some features that help minimize the gap between the capabilities of the two devices.
Battery life is one of the XR's standout categories. The A12 and updated Neural Engine enable some significant energy efficiency improvements that help give the XR the best battery life of any iPhone.
Another feature that helps the XR stand out is the range of fun, aesthetically pleasing colors it comes in — coral, blue, yellow, red (Product Red), white and black.
While the iPhone X, XS and XS Max have dual lenses, the XR has just one. The camera, though, is the same as the main camera on the XS and XS Max. The zoom on the XR isn't as powerful as on the other models, but it does have portrait mode with Depth Control and advanced bokeh, which XS and XS Max have, but the X does not. It also matches the XS and XS Max but outperforms the X with its stereo recording and cinematic stabilization for video recording.
The next-gen Neural Engine helps the XR make up, at least in part, for its lack of a dual lens. It uses its artificial intelligence technology to allow photography modes such as smart HDR, Depth Control and enhanced portrait mode. The Neural Engine can identify faces in portrait mode and then blur out the background for beautiful-looking portraits and selfies.
The XR also has dual-sim capabilities like the XS and XS Max but offers slightly less robust water resistance. It's water resistance matches that of the X at IP67. Like the other new models, the XR offers Face ID, Memoji and wireless charging.
It doesn't come in a 512 GB like the XS and XS Max, but it does offer a 128GB option that none of the other models do.
Upgrading Your iPhone
All four of the latest iPhones are excellent smartphones. Whether you're a die-hard Apple fan or you're just looking for a practical, reliable and aesthetically appealing phone, you'll be happy with any of these devices. So, should you upgrade and, if so, which phone should you choose? Let's review.