Everything you need to know about the iPhone XR
The iPhone XS smartphone series consist of:
- iPhone XS: iPhone's flagship model - an upgrade to last year’s iPhone X.
- iPhone XS Max: the plus-sized version of the iPhone XS, boasting a bigger screen and Apple’s longest battery life.
- iPhone XR: positioned as the entry-level model.
- Apple Watch Series 4: available in GPS and cellular versions.
Here’s all you need to know about the latest entry-level model, the iPhone XR.
Availability
The iPhone XS: available now.
Design
The iPhone XS has a 6.1 inch screen as well as an OLED display, giving it a clearer, brighter picture.
Available in red, yellow, coral, white, black and blue. Splash, water and dust resistant.
Features
The update includes features such as:
- Face ID: enabled by TrueDepth camera tech for facial recognition
- NFC: NFC (near field communication) capabilities, with reader mode
- Charging: in addition to traditional recharging of the lithium-ion battery, boasts wireless charging via Qi chargers and charging via USB.
- Camera: 12MP wide-angle camera
- iOS 12: the new iPhone has the latest Apple operating system, iOS 12. 4K video recording at 24 fps, 30 fps or 60 fps
- Apple Pay: pay using facial recognition in shops, within apps and on the web.
Looking for a new handset? By comparing offers on MoneySuperMarket you can see what’s available before making your decision.
We’ve got competitive pay-monthly offers as well as pay-as-you-go deals from the top mobile phone manufacturers and network providers, including Apple. That means you’ll be able to find the perfect phone and tariff combination for you.
Is the iPhone XR still worth it in 2021?
With Apple quite regularly introducing new models of iPhones, is it always better to get the latest model? Or are some of the brand’s earlier handsets just as good, and more affordable? We take a look at whether the iPhone XR is worth buying in 2020.
Although now slightly outdated, the iPhone XR still has a lot to offer users. First released in 2018, the XR was the best-selling iPhone of 2019, thanks to its attractive price point and high-class features.
Its chic all-display design is just as attractive as the newer Apple models and its 6.1-inch screen performs well in bright sunlight, making it great for watching movies on the go. It comes in a range of colours and is protected with some level of dust and water resistance.
The XR offers a standout battery life, proven in tests where it lasted longer than the iPhone XS or XS Max and easily got through a full day’s use with 30% to spare. Only the iPhone 11 Pro Max performed better.
The XR will be compatible with many iOS software updates yet to come, so you can look forward to the fresh features Apple brings, as well as performance and security improvements.
And because it is available for much less than the latest models, the iPhone XR is worth a consideration.
iPhone XR contracts
In the market for an iPhone XR? We’ve picked out what we consider to be our best deals in the comparison table at the top of this page.
Can’t see one that appeals? Use the filters on the side to track down deals that meet your required data allowance, as well as how much you’d like to pay per month and whether you’d prefer to pay something upfront to secure lower monthly premiums.
No upfront cost iPhone XR deals
If you’re a little short of money to spend right away, picking up an iPhone XR on a contract with nothing to pay upfront could be a good choice. But be mindful that your monthly premium will be higher, as your network looks to recoup the cost of the handset over the course of your contract.
Unlimited data iPhone XR deals
Between streaming video on your commute, checking your emails and day-to-day browsing, it’s easy to get through a lot of data. If that sounds like you, you might be best off with a plan that offers unlimited data.
They’re pricier than contracts with data limits, but they’ll also ensure you don’t incur excess charges for running over your limit.
Cheap iPhone XR deals
You can save a lot of money by opting for an iPhone XR contract that doesn’t include supposedly ‘free’ extras, such as subscriptions to streaming services and customer reward schemes, or choosing a deal with a low-ish data limit, such as 2GB-5GB per month.
Is the Phone XR waterproof?
It’s not waterproof; no smartphone is. But the iPhone XR is water-resistant and is capable of withstanding submersion in up to one metre of water for half an hour.
Does the iPhone XR have wireless charging?
Yes, you can charge the iPhone XR wirelessly, but it’s worth noting that the charging pad you’ll require is sold separately. You can also charge the iPhone XR at wireless charging points in public locations, such as cafés or airports.
What are the best iPhone XR deals?
That really depends on what you’re looking for. You might require a deal with a generous data allowance, for instance. Or you might want to join a particular network for their appealing customer rewards or the quality of their coverage. Use the comparison table above to find the best deal to suit you.
Can I upgrade to the iPhone XR?
That depends on your contract status. If you’re out of contract you can upgrade any time and it won’t cost you extra.
And if you’re on a deal that allows you to upgrade mid-contract, for instance with Tesco Mobile’s Anytime Upgrade Flex or O2’s Refresh, you’ll also be able to upgrade, but will have to pay a fee to cover any remaining payments on your handset.
Which iPhone XR colours are available?
The iPhone XR comes in the standard colour options of white and black, as well as blue, yellow, pink and red.
How long is the iPhone XR battery life?
The XR is one of the best performing phones for battery life. We consistently got over 11 hours of usage on a single charge before it needed to be recharged.
There’s also a handy fast-charge mode, but the charger you’ll require is sold separately.
How good is the iPhone XR camera?
The XR doesn’t feature the same array of lenses as the pricier iPhone XS phones or the iPhone 11 range and instead features a single-lens, 12-megapixel camera.
That means you can’t zoom in as close as you can with Apple’s newer phones and that the ‘bokeh’, depth-of-field shots you take will be less striking.
But it’s still a very good camera that performs well in a range of lighting conditions and consistently serves up shots that are almost as good as its more costly stablemates.
iPhone XR specs
| Manufacturer | Apple |
|---|---|
| Operating System | iOS |
| Release Date | 26/10/2018 00:00:00 |
| 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 |
|---|
