Apple has always been a leader in the smartphone industry, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and design. With the release of the iPhone XR in 2018, Apple once again proved why it is considered one of the top players in the market. The iPhone XR offers a perfect balance of performance, features, and affordability, making it a popular choice among consumers.
In this comprehensive review, we will take an in-depth look at the design, display, performance, camera capabilities, battery life, software, and pricing of the iPhone XR, along with the latest updates that have been rolled out for this device.
Design and Build Quality
When it comes to design, the iPhone XR follows the same aesthetic as its predecessors, with a sleek and modern look. However, what sets it apart is its vibrant color options – white, black, blue, yellow, coral, and (PRODUCT)RED. These colors give the iPhone XR a unique personality and make it stand out in a sea of smartphones.
The build quality of the iPhone XR is top-notch, as expected from Apple. It features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame with a durable glass back. The glass back not only adds to the premium feel of the device but also allows for wireless charging. The edges of the phone are rounded, making it comfortable to hold and use.
One noticeable difference between the iPhone XR and its higher-end counterparts (iPhone XS and XS Max) is that it does not have a stainless steel frame. Instead, it uses aluminum, which makes it lighter and more affordable. However, this does not compromise on the overall sturdiness of the device.
Water and Dust Resistance
The iPhone XR has an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for 30 minutes. This feature gives users peace of mind in case of accidental spills or drops in the water.
Notch and Bezels
Like the iPhone X, the iPhone XR also has a notch at the top of its display. This notch houses the front-facing camera and necessary sensors for Face ID. While it may be a polarizing design choice, it allows for a larger screen-to-body ratio and makes for a more immersive viewing experience.
The bezels on the iPhone XR are slightly thicker compared to the XS models, but they are still minimal and do not hinder the overall design of the device.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone XR measures 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 inches (150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm) and weighs 6.84 ounces (194 grams). It is slightly larger and heavier than the iPhone XS, but still comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
Display and Screen Technology
The iPhone XR boasts a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, which is the largest LCD display ever used in an iPhone. The screen has a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels and a pixel density of 326 pixels per inch. While this may not be as impressive as the OLED displays on the XS models, the display on the iPhone XR is still sharp and vibrant.
True Tone and Wide Color Gamut
The iPhone XR features True Tone technology, which adjusts the color temperature of the screen based on the ambient lighting. This ensures that the display always appears natural and easy on the eyes. Additionally, the iPhone XR has a wide color gamut, displaying a vast range of colors that make images and videos look more lifelike.
Haptic Touch
The iPhone XR does not have 3D Touch, which was present in previous iPhone models. Instead, it uses Haptic Touch, which provides haptic feedback when you press and hold on the screen. It may take some time to get used to, but it offers similar functionality to 3D Touch.
Notch and Gesture-Based Navigation
As mentioned earlier, the notch on the iPhone XR houses the front-facing camera and necessary sensors for Face ID. While some may find it distracting, others have grown accustomed to it. Additionally, the notch does not hinder the overall viewing experience as most apps and videos are optimized to work around it.
With the removal of the home button, the iPhone XR uses gesture-based navigation similar to the iPhone X. This adds to the modern and futuristic feel of the device and allows for a larger display without increasing the size of the phone.
Performance and Hardware Specifications
The iPhone XR is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, which has a six-core CPU and a four-core GPU. This chip was first introduced in the XS models, making the iPhone XR just as powerful and efficient as its higher-priced counterparts. The A12 Bionic chip also has a neural engine, which allows for advanced machine learning and AI capabilities.
RAM and Storage Options
The iPhone XR comes with 3GB of RAM, which is less than the 4GB on the XS models. However, this does not affect the overall performance of the device. In terms of storage, the iPhone XR is available in three options – 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. While it may not be expandable, the 256GB option provides ample space for all your apps, photos, and videos.
Dual SIM Capability
One notable feature of the iPhone XR is its dual SIM capability, allowing you to use two phone numbers on the same device. This is possible through a physical nano-SIM card and an eSIM, which is a digital SIM card that can be activated through your carrier.
Camera Capabilities and Features
The iPhone XR features a single 12MP rear camera, unlike the dual-camera setup on the XS models. However, this does not mean that the camera capabilities on the iPhone XR are lacking. In fact, it still offers impressive features and produces high-quality images.
Smart HDR and Portrait Mode
The iPhone XR has Smart HDR, which takes multiple shots in a fraction of a second and combines them to produce a well-exposed image with minimal noise. This feature works incredibly well in various lighting conditions and ensures that every photo you take looks natural and detailed.
Portrait mode is also available on the iPhone XR, despite the lack of a second camera. The A12 Bionic chip allows for advanced segmentation of subjects and blurring of backgrounds, resulting in stunning photos with depth-of-field effect.
Depth Control and Studio Lighting
One of the latest updates for the iPhone XR is the introduction of depth control. With this feature, you can adjust the depth-of-field effect even after taking a photo, giving you more creative control over your images.
Studio lighting is another notable feature that uses AI and machine learning to enhance portrait photos. It applies different lighting effects to your subject, making it look like it was taken in a professional studio.
Battery Life and Charging Options
The iPhone XR has a slightly larger battery compared to the XS and XS Max models, thanks to its LCD display. This translates to longer battery life, with Apple claiming that the iPhone XR can last up to 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone 8 Plus.
Fast Charging and Wireless Charging
The iPhone XR supports fast charging, allowing you to charge up to 50% in just 30 minutes with the right adapter. However, the fast charger is not included in the box, and you will have to purchase it separately. Alternatively, you can opt for wireless charging with any Qi-certified charger.
Software and User Experience
The iPhone XR runs on iOS, which is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other Apple devices. With the latest version of iOS, the iPhone XR offers a range of new features and improvements to enhance the overall user experience.
Face ID
The iPhone XR uses Face ID for secure unlocking and authentication. The TrueDepth camera system projects over 30,000 invisible dots onto your face to create a precise map and verify your identity. This feature has been improved on the iPhone XR, making it faster and more accurate than before.
Animoji and Memoji
Another fun feature that utilizes the TrueDepth camera system is Animoji and Memoji. These are animated emojis that mimic your facial expressions and can be sent through iMessage. With the latest update, you can also create custom Memoji that look like you or any character you want.
Siri Shortcuts
Siri has become even smarter with the introduction of Siri Shortcuts. This feature allows you to automate tasks and create personalized commands for Siri to perform specific actions quickly. For example, you can set a shortcut for your daily commute, and Siri will automatically provide directions and play your favorite playlist when you say, “Hey Siri, I’m going to work.”
Pricing and Availability
The iPhone XR starts at $599 for the 64GB model, $649 for the 128GB model, and $749 for the 256GB model. While it may be considered expensive by some, it is still more affordable compared to the XS and XS Max models. Additionally, the iPhone XR is widely available and can be purchased from authorized retailers, carrier stores, and online.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the iPhone XR is a well-rounded device that offers excellent value for its price. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end XS models, but it still packs a punch in terms of performance, features, and design. With the latest updates, the iPhone XR continues to impress and remains a top choice among consumers looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone.
