Apple’s iPhone XR might be getting on in years, but it’s still a great option for those who want to try an Apple smartphone without paying a premium. Read on for the full lowdown and the best iPhone XR deals.
Compare iPhone XR deals
Use our dedicated tool to compare iPhone XR contract deals and find out how much you can pick one up for. There are great prices to suit all budgets.
The iPhone XR’s key features
The iPhone XR isn’t Apple’s newest iPhone. But it still has decent specs that will satisfy most users. These include:
- 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen
- 12MP main camera with optical image stabilisation
- Support for the latest iOS 16 software
- Face ID
- All day battery life
- Numerous colour options available
How good is the iPhone XR’s camera?
Unlike other newer full screen iPhones, the iPhone XR features a single lens camera, which clocks in at 12MP. It comes with optical image stabilisation (OIS), dual tone flash and uses a dedicated algorithm to serve up ‘portrait mode’ images from the 7MP selfie camera.
The results are decent from both cameras, perfect for quick snapshots, although not of the same calibre as images taken with the likes of the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, and well behind even budget Android options like the Google Pixel 6a.
This is no surprise seeing as the iPhone XR was first released in 2018. But if you love taking pictures while out and about, you may want to look elsewhere.
How good is the iPhone XR’s design?
The iPhone XR’s design mimics that of the iPhone X. It ditches the old school Touch ID button in favour of a notch at the top of the screen which houses a Face ID sensor and the front facing camera.
The result is a large, full screen device that has a premium feel despite its age. What really sets the iPhone XR apart is the fact it’s available in numerous colours, including red, black, yellow, coral, blue and white. If you like a flash of colour rather than the monotone look of most modern smartphones, then this is the way to go.
How good is the iPhone XR’s display?
The iPhone XR comes with a large, 6.1-inch display which, thanks to the notch design, covers the entire front of the phone. Unlike the iPhone XS and other, more premium iPhones, it uses LCD rather than OLED tech. This means that images aren’t rendered as brightly and videos and games don’t pop in quite the same way.
It all comes down to what you use your phone for. If you love streaming, then an OLED display is where it’s at. But for messaging, web browsing and listening to music, the iPhone XR is more than ample.
How good is the iPhone XR’s battery life?
The iPhone XR has a rock solid battery that will get you through an entire day without the need to charge up. Although the likes of the Samsung Galaxy S22 can go for longer, the iPhone XR is much more affordable. Even if you leave it 24 hours between charges you’ll find it has enough juice to get you through the morning before needing to plug it in.
What are the key differences between the iPhone XR and the iPhone X?
What we like
- iPhone XR is available in loads of different colours
- Capacious screen
- Great battery life
What we don’t like
- Notch design divides opinion
How does the iPhone XR compare against other handsets in the UK market?
The iPhone XR was always positioned as an entry level rather than flagship iPhone and therefore should be considered against similar phones rather than top end models.
At the time of writing, it is available for roughly the same price as the iPhone SE 2022. And while the latter has a better processor, the iPhone XR has a sharper, more modern design and supports the latest iOS 16 software.
Against the Google Pixel 6a it stacks up well in design terms, but falls short when it comes to the camera.
MoneySuperMarket’s expert rating: Three and a half out of five
The iPhone XR remains a great choice for new iPhone owners, despite being released in 2018. Its screen is decent and battery life impressive, although its camera and processor lag behind newer devices. As a budget alternative, it’s a solid bet.
iPhone XR contract options
Check out our no upfront cost phones guide to see how you can snag an iPhone XR without paying out an initial fee. Our bad credit phone deals will show you how you can get an iPhone XR if you have a poor credit history.
More iPhone handsets
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone 11 Pro
Is the iPhone XR worth buying in 2023?
The iPhone XR still supports the latest iOS 16 software and, as such, remains up to date. Support won’t last for more than a few years, though, so you may wish to consider a more recent model.
Is now a good time to buy the iPhone XR?
The iPhone XR is available on some great cheap deals, so now is a good time to get one.
Will the iPhone XR drop in price?
As the iPhone XR ages it’s likely it will drop in price in the next year. That said, there are some very affordable deals available right now.
Should I upgrade or wait for the 2023 model?
The iPhone XR is unlikely to be replaced by a budget model with the same design. If you want Apple’s full screen look but have a tight budget, it’s best not to wait.
iPhone XR specs
| Manufacturer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Sim Card Type | Nano |
| Accelerometer | Yes |
|---|---|
| Proximity | Yes |
| Compass | Yes |
| Barometer | Yes |
| Gyroscope | Yes |
| GPS | No |
| Form Factor | Candy Bar |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 8.3 mm |
| Size | 75.7mm x 8.3mm x 150.9mm |
| Weight | 194 g |
| Battery Type | Lithium Ion |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2942 mah |
| Standby | hours |
| Talktime | 25 hours |
| Display Size | 6.1 inches |
|---|---|
| Screen Type | IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 828 x 1792 inches |
| Pixels Per Inch | 326 ppi |
| Touch Screen Type | Capacitive |
| CPU | 2490 mhz |
|---|---|
| Processor Cores | 6 Cores Cores |
| Memory | 3000 MB |
| Internal Storage | 64, 128, 256 |
|---|---|
| External Storage | No |
| Primary Camera | 12 MP |
|---|---|
| Flash | Yes |
| LED Flash | |
| GEO Tagging | Yes |
| Auto Focus | Yes |
| Fixed Focus | Yes |
| Touch Focus | |
| Face Detection | Yes |
| Smile Detection | |
| Image Stabilisation | Yes |
| Video Quality | 2160p |
| 2nd Camera | 7 MP |
| Generation | 4G |
|---|---|
| Frequency | |
| NFC | No |
| Wi-Fi | No |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | No |
| Wi-Fi Direct | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| USB | No |
| Loudspeaker | Yes |
|---|
