Ever since the iPhone XR was launched in 2018, it has become one of the more popular models that Apple has released recently. Even today, two years after its launch date, people are still considering this model for their smartphone needs, especially now when it is significantly cheaper compared to before. Add to that the fact that the latest models are more expensive (think beyond a thousand pounds) and the XR is looking more and more interesting for those who prefer a smartphone that comes with a budget-friendly retail price.
The iPhone XR is an affordable smartphone. (photo credit: appleinsider.com)
But if you are still weighing your options, reading an iPhone XR review can help provide you with insight on why this device is worth investing in. Also, you might learn a thing or two about how customers perceive this Apple iPhone.
The Basics of the XR
If you have yet to read an iPhone XR review, here are the specs for this model.
6.1-inch screen
A12 Bionic chipset
Upgradeable iOS to iOS 14
IP67 rating
Six colors
Quick Facts About the iPhone XR
For those who are considering getting an Apple iPhone today, you should include the XR in your list of options. What makes this model a worthwhile option? Here are a few facts about the iPhone XR to take into consideration.
It matches the XS and XS Max in terms of performance. The XR matches its siblings in terms of performance because all three, (XS and XS Max) come with the A12 Bionic chipset. This is actually the fastest processor in the market, beating the one used by Samsung although Qualcomm is playing catchup already. So, if you are considering getting the more expensive model, remember that the XR is still powered by the same chipset so there isn’t much difference except that the XS and XS Max are high priced.
Impressive battery life. Another factor that made the XR quite popular is its battery. Even with heavy use, the battery can last the entire day with just a single charge, which can be extended to another day if you are not that much of a heavy user. What’s more, expect the XR to offer wireless and even fast charging features so you can get more juice to it even with just half an hour of charging.
All-screen design. Apple has already removed the home button in their iPhone X so you won’t see it in the XR model too. This is because this unit sports an all-screen display rather than the previous designs. In order to unlock your device, you will be relying on the FaceID feature which it is now equipped with. Also, you will need to learn how to use gestures when closing any programs in the XR which may feel a bit odd if you are a first time user.
Water-resistant features. No one wants to have a malfunctioning iPhone because you accidentally spilled liquid on it or you dropped in the pool. Well, Apple has seen it fit to make its latest units more resistant to water and dust which is a relief. This model comes with an IP67 rating meaning that it will be able to withstand getting wet but only for at least thirty minutes at a certain depth. You won’t have to worry too much if someone accidentally spilled water on your iPhone or you dropped it while in a boat with your friends.
It is more affordable. The XR was already affordable when it was first launched in the market which was one of the reasons why it became popular. Today, it is even more affordable especially when you compare it with the latest models, including the more recent offering of Apple which is the iPhone 12. It is possible to bring down the price even further if you choose to go for a refurbished version because the prices will be more competitive. If you are planning on switching to an iPhone that has superb performance, and an upgradeable iOS, the XR is definitely a good choice.
It has awesome colors to choose from. The rose gold color was an instant hit with Apple users, but the iPhone XR doesn’t limit itself to this range. The iPhone XR colors are funkier with six options to consider and these are black, coral, red, white, blue, and yellow. You can select an iPhone that best represents your character which makes it a worthwhile experience to mix and match this model with your outfits or personality.
Good quality cameras. Unlike the XS and XS Max, the iPhone XR only sports a single camera at the rear. You might feel a bit disappointed by this especially when the recent models come with two or three camera lenses at the back. The thing is, that a single lens can still provide you with amazing shots and video quality that you can still get creative with every photo that you take. What makes this stand out, even more, is that it makes use of Neural Engine technology that lets you take selfies where your image is more prominent and with that bit of blurred background style. You can also tweak the depth of the field to make your shots appear as if it was taken by the aperture used in a professional-grade camera lens. It also sports the TrueDepth feature where you can use lighting effects while taking your portrait. It is quite fun to tweak your shots afterwards.
Superb Display. The iPhone XR sports a Liquid Retina screen which is different compared to its more expensive siblings since they are equipped with OLED screens with Super Retina features. Unlike these models, the XR doesn’t have the 3D touch. On a good note, the XR makes up for it by installing a full screen on this phone which means you will have plenty of surfaces to work with. Also, since there is no home button on this model, you just need to tap the screen to wake it up. The fact that you will have a bigger screen on the XR provides you with a better viewing experience, plus it makes up for the fact that it is not the same as that of the Super Retina displays.
Exclusive set of wallpaper. What else is there to know about the iPhone XR? Well, it does come with its own exclusive wallpaper collection that matches the iPhone XR colors. This is a simple feature but it means a lot for those who love to color coordinate their wallpaper with their phone’s body. Apple has hit the mark here so you will be able to customize your display as you see fit.
Should You Buy the iPhone XR Today?
The iPhone XR is still a good buy. (photo credit: Trusted Reviews)
With the iPhone 12 in the market, is the XR still a good option for those who want an iPhone? This is a great question especially since the iPhone is not coming exactly cheap. Although the newest iPhone promises to have better specs than the XR, the latter seems capable of standing on its own. You have read a few important details or facts about the XR that made it a highly popular iPhone in 2018. Even with the XS and the XS Max, many preferred to stick with the XR because it is as powerful as its siblings.
If you compare it with the recent models, such as the iPhone 11 and 12, the XR will still be a good option especially when you are on a budget. This is because the XR is already considered as an old model and Apple is sure to sell it at a much lower price to give way to its newest product. This means that you will end up with huge savings. And speaking of savings, you will get extra discounts if you choose to look for iPhone XR for sale refurbished over here!
Why Refurbished?
You can always a brand-new iPhone XR from Apple if you like, but the discount rate will not be that big. On the other hand, a refurbished XR model will not only give you a hefty discount, but the unit will also be in pristine condition or like new. This depends mostly on which retailer you will purchase your refurbished unit, but if you are looking for a professionally refurbished device, then QwikFone should be your first stop.
Refurbished doesn’t always mean that there was something wrong with the device, because some are returned because the owner did not want it or they want a different model. This means that the XR will only be used for a few days so it is relatively new. The seller will go over the device, test its parts and software, and restore it to its factory settings before selling it at a lower rate since it is no longer considered brand-new.
If you do decide to get a refurbished iPhone XR, always buy one from a reputable source since it will usually come with a year-long warranty, plus other perks. Even today, the XR still remains one of the best models that Apple has come up with and it is still worth getting even when there is a new iPhone in town.