Launched in 2018, the iPhone XR was Apple’s more affordable option within their flagship lineup at that time. Even with newer iPhone models readily available in 2024, the iPhone XR remains an attractive choice for those looking for a balance between price and features.
This phone offers a large, vibrant display, a powerful A-series chip, and a long-lasting battery, making it a compelling option for budget-conscious iPhone users who don’t necessarily need the absolute latest technology.
Contents
- 1 Design & Display
- 2 Performance & Efficiency
- 3 Camera Capabilities
- 4 Connectivity & 5G
- 5 Software & OS
- 6 Pricing & Availability
- 7 Pros & Cons: iPhone XR
- 8 iPhone XR Specs and Prices in Philippines
- 9 iPhone XR Specifications Summary
- 10 Is the iPhone XR Still Selling?
- 11 Is the iPhone XR Still Good Today?
- 12 Should You Buy the iPhone XR?
Design & Display
The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display, offering a vibrant viewing experience while keeping costs down compared to OLED displays found in newer iPhones. Despite not being the highest resolution, the display delivers sharp visuals for everyday use. The phone retains a familiar design with a large display and sizable bezels compared to newer models. It comes in a variety of colors, including black, white, blue, and yellow, providing a touch of personality.
Performance & Efficiency
The iPhone XR is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which remains a capable processor even in 2024. It can handle most everyday tasks and games smoothly. While not the absolute fastest chip compared to newer iPhones, it offers sufficient performance for most users. Battery life is another strong point, lasting a full day for most users with moderate usage. The iPhone XR supports fast charging, but keep in mind a fast charger needs to be purchased separately.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone XR features a single-lens 12MP wide rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. While it lacks the telephoto lens and some features of newer iPhones, it still takes good quality photos in most lighting conditions. Portrait mode with adjustable bokeh and depth control is available, allowing for creative background blurring. It can also record 4K video at up to 60fps, offering good video recording capabilities.
Connectivity & 5G
One drawback of the iPhone XR is the lack of 5G connectivity. This may be a dealbreaker for some users looking for future-proof technology. However, it offers reliable LTE connectivity for most data needs. It supports Wi-Fi 6 for faster wireless connections and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting to headphones and other devices.
Software & OS
The iPhone XR benefits from Apple’s long-standing software support. As of May 2024, it is still receiving the latest iOS updates, ensuring access to new features and security patches. This extended software support is a major advantage compared to some Android phones that receive fewer updates over time.
Pricing & Availability
The iPhone XR is no longer sold new by Apple. However, it is widely available through third-party retailers and carriers, often at significant discounts compared to its launch price. The final price will vary depending on the seller, storage capacity, and condition (new or used). This makes it a good option for budget-minded iPhone buyers who prioritize affordability over having the absolute latest model.
Pros & Cons: iPhone XR
Pros
- Affordable Price: Compared to newer iPhones, the iPhone XR offers a significant price advantage, making it a good option for budget-conscious buyers.
- Large Display: The 6.1-inch display provides a spacious viewing experience for everyday tasks, media consumption, and gaming.
- Long Battery Life: The iPhone XR boasts excellent battery life, lasting a full day for most users with moderate usage.
- Powerful Processor: The A12 Bionic chip delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and most games.
- Good Camera: While not the most versatile camera system, the single-lens 12MP rear camera still captures good quality photos and videos.
- Up-to-date Software: The iPhone XR continues to receive the latest iOS updates, ensuring access to new features and security patches.
Cons
- No 5G: This phone lacks 5G connectivity, which may be a significant drawback for users looking for future-proof technology.
- Lower Resolution Display: Compared to newer iPhones with OLED displays, the iPhone XR’s LCD display offers a lower resolution.
- Larger Bezels: The bezels around the display are thicker compared to newer iPhone models with a more modern design.
- Single Rear Camera: If you prioritize a versatile camera system with multiple lenses and zoom capabilities, the iPhone XR may not be ideal.
- Not Sold New by Apple: You can only find the iPhone XR through third-party retailers, and the condition (new or used) will affect the price.
iPhone XR Specs and Prices in Philippines
The iPhone XR, while no longer sold new by Apple, remains a compelling option in the Philippines due to its affordability and strong feature set.
Prices vary depending on the seller, storage capacity (64GB, 128GB, 256GB), and whether it’s new or used. The cheapest option can be found for around โฑ 9,270, making it a very budget-friendly entry point into the iPhone world. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key specifications:
iPhone XR Specifications Summary
- Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display (1792 x 828 resolution, 326 ppi)
- Performance: Apple A12 Bionic chip, 3GB RAM
- Camera: Single-lens 12MP wide rear camera (f/1.8 aperture), 7MP TrueDepth front camera
- Battery: 2942mAh battery with fast charging support (fast charger sold separately)
- Software: iOS 12 (upgradable to iOS 16.2)
- Price: Starts at around โฑ 9,270 for 64GB version (prices may vary depending on seller, storage capacity, and condition)
Is the iPhone XR Still Selling?
Technically, the iPhone XR is no longer sold new by Apple. Apple typically discontinues sales of older models when newer versions are released. However, the iPhone XR is still widely available in the Philippines through third-party retailers and carriers. These sellers often offer the phone at significant discounts compared to its original launch price. You can find the iPhone XR new or used, with the price depending on the seller, storage capacity (64GB, 128GB, 256GB), and its condition.
This wide availability through third-party sellers makes the iPhone XR a very accessible option for budget-conscious buyers looking for an iPhone experience. While you won’t find it brand new in Apple stores, there are plenty of reputable retailers offering the iPhone XR in the Philippines.
Is the iPhone XR Still Good Today?
The iPhone XR remains a good option for many users today, particularly those prioritizing affordability. It offers a large and vibrant 6.1-inch display, making it enjoyable for everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and even gaming. The A12 Bionic chip, while not the absolute latest, still delivers smooth performance for most applications. The battery life is also excellent, lasting a full day for most users with moderate usage.
However, there are some trade-offs to consider. The iPhone XR lacks 5G connectivity, which may be a drawback for users looking for future-proof technology. The display resolution is lower compared to newer iPhone models with OLED technology. Additionally, the design features thicker bezels around the display compared to newer iPhones with a more modern look. Finally, the camera system, while capable, is a single-lens setup and may not be ideal for users who prioritize advanced photography features.
Should You Buy the iPhone XR?
The iPhone XR is a good choice for users who prioritize affordability and still desire a capable iPhone experience. It offers a large display, long battery life, and a powerful processor, making it suitable for everyday tasks, multimedia, and even gaming. However, the lack of 5G and a lower resolution display compared to newer models are important considerations. If you need the absolute latest technology or a versatile camera system, a newer iPhone might be a better fit. The decision depends on your budget and priorities.
