Apple Inc., this year, launched a set of three new iPhone models – iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR. All of them are built on the similar framework as that of iPhone X. Among the three variants, iPhone XR (read it as ‘ten R’) is marketed as an entry-level handset integrated with the latest Apple technologies. With a price tag of $749, yes, it’s less expensive than iPhone X/XS/XS Max, but affordable? That’s completely a subjective matter.
As 2018 flagship Apple model, iPhone XS is launched to take over iPhone X, similarly, iPhone XR is succeeding iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. At the same time, though iPhone XR sits at the bottom of the iPhone’s price range, it shares a lot of similarities with both the 2018 Apple flagship models.
Let’s review how iPhone XR stands in comparison to the outgoing models along with reference to all the new technologies it is embedded with.
iPhone XR’s major architecture is sandwiched between two glass frames joined by an aluminum band. Source: Apple
iPhone XR Review: Design
The so-called new ‘affordable iPhone’ emulates the iPhone 8 outer design without a home button. iPhone XR comes with a 6.1-inch all-screen LCD with thick bezels whereas latter device has 4.7-inch widescreen LCD. Even iPhone X and iPhone XS have slightly smaller screens (5.8-inch), but that’s OLED.
Never mind, on the general level both types of display technologies deliver sharp picture quality. Plus, according to Apple, iPhone XR has the most advanced LCD display with innovative backlight and industry-leading color accuracy.
The display on iPhone XR and the outgoing handsets is rated IP67 that makes them dust-resistant and water-resistant gadgets.
iPhone XR Built
iPhone XR’s major architecture is sandwiched between two glass frames joined by the aluminum band, unlike stainless steel as in iPhone XS.
iPhone XR is available in six finishes – White, Black, Blue, Yellow, Coral and (PRODUCT)Red. Source: Apple
iPhone XR Performance
There is no Touch ID feature available on iPhone XR as on iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and it is equipped with advanced facial recognition technology, similar to iPhone XS and XS Max.
All the new iPhone devices are powered by A12 Bionic 7-nanometer chip along with the next-generation Neural engine, run on iOS 12 and support dual SIM. On the other hand, both the iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus feature the same technologies but of the older generation.
The innovation giant boasted that iPhone XR battery offers up to 90 minutes longer battery than iPhone 8 Plus.
iPhone XR Review: Camera
Apple is pushing the advanced camera technologies in its all newly launched iPhone models through providing features such as wide color gamut, Portrait mode with advanced Bokeh effect and Depth Control, and Portrait Lighting.
However, iPhone XR is not configured with the dual camera and telephoto technology as in iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max. It is configured with a 7MP TrueDepth front camera and 12MP single camera at the back.
iPhone XR Colors
Apple knows the target market of iPhone XR has entirely different demographics and shopping habits. With this in mind, the entry-level iPhone of 2018 is available in six finishes – White, Black, Blue, Yellow, Coral and (PRODUCT)Red.
iPhone XR Pricing and Availability
The price iPhone XR starts from $749. Source: Apple
iPhone XR will be available for pre-order starting from October 19, 2018, and it will arrive in the stores on October 26, 2018. Meanwhile, we are expecting a launch of Google’s flagship phone, Pixel 3 on October 9.
This year, Apple has launched its entire smartphone line-up with three different capacities – 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The price of iPhone XR is set as $749 for 64GB, $799 for 128GB and $899 for 256GB. The basic iPhone XS (64GB), conversely, is available in stores from today for $999.
In 2017, the iPhone 8 price started at $699 and iPhone 8 Plus debuted at $799. Their prices are now reduced to $599 and $699 respectively.
Technowize Verdict
iPhone XR is embedded with all-screen display, next-generation processor, latest OS, advanced camera technology and superior Face ID technology. It appears to be a better deal in terms of ‘value for money’ when compared to iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus.
