The iPhone XR is the smart budget option iPhone. For a fraction of the price of the iPhone 12, you get a beautiful device with the same operating system (iOS14) and a few less features.
Particularly if the camera is not a very appealing part of the iPhone 12 for you, the Apple iPhone XR specifications are not far off.
Let's break down everything this phone has to offer.
The Smart Budget iPhone
The iPhone XR is the next step up from the XS. Both phones were created as a more price-conscious way to have one of the latest devices capable of running on the same software, iOS14.
The size is similar to a 6.1inch diagonal all-screen LCD Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, matching the iPhone 12 standard model. This comes with many of the latest features like haptic touch, a wide colour display, true tone and the incredibly useful fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating.
The chip is the big difference with this model running on the A12 chip instead of the A14, but the difference is marginal and won't be missed unless you are a hardcore techie in need of the latest gadget.
Apple iPhone XR Specifications
The iPhone XR is a powerful device in its own right and if you are coming from anything below the iPhone X, you will notice big improvements. The iPhone XR starts at just $849 AUD.
- Physical Dimensions: 150.9mm x 75.7mm x 8.3mm
- Battery Size: 2,942 mAh lithium-ion battery
- Battery Life: 15 hours of video playback
- Weight: 194 grams
- Screen Type: Liquid Retina HD Display
- Screen Size: 6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen LCD Multi-Touch display
- Water Resistance: 1 metre for up to 30 minutes
- Camera: 12-megapixel wide camera
- Camera Features: optical image stabilisation, digital zoom up to 5x, portrait mode with depth control, LED true tone flash
- Video Recording: 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Other Features: FaceID, haptic touch, wireless charging, Apple Pay, wifi calling
- Storage Capacity: 68GB or 128GB
Physical Dimensions
Coming in at the exact same size and weight as the iPhone 11, the only difference in dimensions and body here is the camera on the back which we will explore in more detail.
This is a beautiful device with a height of 150.9mm, width of 75.7mm and depth of 8.3mm meaning the screen is plenty big at 6.1-inch diagonally and the whole device is small enough to comfortably fit in your hand or pocket.
Colour Options
Released in six vibrant different colours; Black, White, Blue, Coral, Yellow and Red. If none of these colours suit your style, there are plenty of protective cases on the market to change up the look of the iPhone XR.
Battery Size
The iPhone XR actually has a larger capacity battery than the iPhone 12 Mini at 2,942 mAh.
It can be fast-charged with an adapter sold separately and allows the device to reach a 50% charge in just 30 minutes.
And it is even capable of wireless charging, just as any premium phone available on the market right now for considerably less.
Battery Life
The battery on the iPhone XR is designed to last even heavy usage throughout the day.
It can go up to 25 hours of talk time, 15 hours of internet usage or even 65 hours of audio playback.
Charge it up overnight, and you won't need to do it again during the day.
Weight
Again, this device has been engineered to match the iPhone 11's weight exactly.
At just 194 grams, it's a lightweight, heavy-duty phone built for comfort.
Screen Type
The screen is definitely different from the iPhone 12, but that doesn't mean it isn't beautiful to look at and use.
The liquid retina HD display produces a wonderfully clear image on the 6.1-inch (diagonal) all-screen LCD Multi-Touch display. With an incredible 1792-by-828-pixel resolution at 326 PPI, you won't be able to discern individual pixels without getting up way too close and personal.
Camera
Another major difference when comparing iPhones, such as the XR and the 12 Pro, is the camera.
The XR comes with a single 12MP wide camera instead of the triple 12MP cameras on the 12 Pro. If you aren't really into taking pictures, this won't be an issue. Still, even if you are an amateur photographer, the 12MP wide camera is more than sufficient for taking plenty of beautiful photos.
The iPhone XR can run many of the features that the OS has to offer, such as portrait mode, panoramic, burst mode and more. These modes really elevate any photo and can have you looking like a pro in no time.
Splash, Water- and Dust-Resistant
The iPhone XR is also rated resistant to water as deep as 1 meter for up to 30 minutes. This is quite a big drop from the 12 Pro's 6 meters, but unless you are planning to take it diving with you, 1 meter is more than sufficient for the regular wear and tear you are likely to face.
iPhone XR Price
The iPhone XR comes at a much lower price than the newer iPhone 12 model. This phone starts at $849 AUD. In fact, even the 128GB model upgrade is just $929 AUD.
Including many of the same features, the iPhone XR is a great choice for those who want the newest features Apple has to offer for a more customer-friendly price tag.
iPhone XR Accessories
The iPhone XR comes standard with the lightning to USB-C cable.
There are also plenty of other accessories to be purchased such as wireless chargers and cases direct from Apple.
The Best iPhone for Your Budget
Having explored the Apple iPhone XR specifications, you should now be able to tell where it matches up to the other iPhones out there and where it may come in just behind.
Overall when choosing an iPhone, this one is brilliant for a reduced price. So if the camera and A12 chip don't bother you, this phone comes highly recommended.