Why Spend Money on an iPhone XR?

Smartphones these days are packing more features than we care to imagine. The flagship devices that have been launched recently all show that it is possible for them to get even better. But there is only one downside to this, and that is their price tags aren’t exactly cheap. This is true with the Apple iPhone 12 which is the company’s latest offering which is priced at £749. But between its expensive price tag and those who are on a tight budget, what iPhone can provide decent performance for a cheap price tag? There is one model that fits the bill which is the iPhone XR.

The iPhone XR is budget-friendly. (photo credit: trustedreviews.com)

What’s in the Box?

iPhones for sale are numerous nowadays that you are bound to be overwhelmed with the choices. If you are looking for a recently released unit that is budget-friendly, the iPhone SE is a good place to start. On the other hand, if you want the new release, then you can get the iPhone 12 series. However, if you are not into small compact phones like the SE or that you are on a budget, your best bet is the iPhone XR. Let’s talk about the iPhone XR what’s in the box for now.

Apple is cutting back on electronic wastes hence they aren’t putting any accessories in the XR box with the exception of the USB-C to Lightning cable. The tech giant is encouraging its customers to reuse their previous accessories as they are supported with the XR model. In any case, you can still purchase their headphones independently, but you can get these for free if you choose a refurbished version instead.

A Quick Review of the iPhone XR

The iPhone XR was an instant hit when it was released in 2018 because of its retail price which was at £749. Today, however, two years after it was launched, the XR can be bought for only £499. Yes, you have read that right, this popular handheld device from Apple is more within range which is why it is worth considering. But what makes this model a must-have?

• Large screen measuring at 6.1 inches.
• 7MP selfie camera/ 12MP rear camera
• 3GB RAM
• 64GB/128GB/256GB internal storage
• iOS 13
• A12 Bionic chipset

Its specs does look great if you compare it with the previous models, but what exactly do they mean in terms of user experience?

Overall Look

The iPhone XR has a larger screen. (photo credit: gsmarena.com)

For its affordable price tag, you will get a huge screen which is at 6.1 inches. This isn’t a bad size especially when the Home button is no longer present. With more screen surface available, your viewing experience will certainly improve, particularly when streaming movies or playing heavy online games. Take note that the XR features an LCD screen which is a clear indication that Apple has made some compromises to its materials just to make this model more affordable.

As for its design, Apple has introduced the XR in a fun way with its various colors which was one of the reasons why many wanted to have it. The glass backs and bands are often the same color so the solid color effect makes it more pleasing to the eyes. However, be careful where you place the XR since it can get damaged when you drop it. It comes with an IP67 rating which offers protection from dust and water. Take care though, since the water resistance can only protect your smartphone for half an hour in 1 meter of water.

Haptic Touch

The 3D Touch feature is not available in the XR model, but in its place, there is the Haptic Touch. The only difference between the two is that the latter requires light touch on the screen. This will require some getting used to especially when you are used to pressing hard on the display. Still, with a light touch, you will be able to press on the screen to delete an app, or organize the interface as you see fit. Once you have gotten used to it, there won’t be much difference in terms of experience.

Cameras

People tend to believe that the single camera lens at the rear of the XR will not deliver quality photos like its bigger siblings that come with dual lenses. Well this isn’t true since the single camera lens installed in the XR can easily match them. Also, it sports a wide-angle camera as well as the Smart HDR feature too which helps with improving the quality of the photo especially when it is taken in low light. Even when you compare shots with the XS and XS Max, you will find that the XR can deliver well.

The only downside to this device is that its Portrait mode is only limited to human subjects. On a good note, the Portrait Mode does offer great shots and can even compete with the Pixel 3 at this stage. You will still get decent shots with this device although there will be some loss on the details of the subject when using the zoom feature.

For everyday use, the camera specs on the XR is decent enough for the job, but if you want to be more creative with your shots, investing on the iPhone 11 may be worth your while.

Performance

Of course, when it comes to smartphones, performance is everything. Fortunately, the iPhone XR comes with the A12 Bionic chipset which was the fastest among the mobile phones back in 2018. Even the Snapdragon was no match for the A12’s speed. What this means is that there will be no lags as you switch from one program to the next, plus you can play graphics-laden games without any hitch. .

Battery

What about the iPhone XR battery life? Compared to its bigger siblings, the XR has the better battery performance. Even when it is used on a daily basis, the battery is able to go on for hours. This is something to consider especially now when we need a smartphone that can handle the daily tasks that we need to accomplish with our gadget.

Why is the iPhone XR Better than the iPhone 11?

Which one to pick? iPhone XR or iPhone 11? (photo credit: macrumors.com)

 
Between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 11, you might want to stick with the XR since it is more affordable these days. Why? Well, there isn’t much difference between these two devices since they both have the same size screen, plus they both use LCD screens instead of the OLED. They have the same glass body which means that both are vulnerable to damages when dropped, but there are advantages to the iPhone 11.

For starters, the iPhone 11 is equipped with the A13 Bionic chipset which is faster than the A12, plus it has a second camera lens at the rear. Additionally, it has a better battery life and its overall performance is much better too because of the higher processor. If you are one of those individuals who love to take selfies or are a budding photographer, then adding an extra hundred pounds won’t be a bad idea.

However, these are minor upgrades since these two models can still deliver the same performance and quality of the photos too. Both have decent battery life, plus they are of the same size so there is not enough noticeable difference between the two. If you are on a budget, however, then the XR is the best option in this department.

Save More with the iPhone XR

It is understandable that you will want to get the best value for your smartphone. Yes, the iPhone 12 flagship phone is packing plenty of new features to it, but if you are not a fan of its price tag, a cheaper option like the XR may be a logical choice. This is probably the biggest reason why opting for this model is a great idea since it is cheaper compared to before. 

The iPhone XR has quite an interesting selection over here in terms of colors so you can mix and match it with your personality. The red version is certainly dominating, but the cerulean blue evokes that calm feeling to it. The colors are definitely eye catching so this is one good reason why it is nice to have this smartphone today.

For only £499 you will already get a large phone to use. It does fit your hand nicely so you will have a better grip on it even for its size. But if you want to prevent it from getting damaged, holding it with two hands is much better.

Quality iPhone for a Cheap Price

Is it really worth it to get the iPhone XR these days? The answer here is yes. Where else will you find an iPhone that you can purchase for only £499 and you will get a big screen, a powerful processor, and upgradeable iOS? Its array of colors add more to this model than the previous models, plus it works smoothly too. If you are on a budget and want to get the most out of your funds, then this is a good option to get.