iPhone XR review

Design and Colors That Pop — iPhone XR

A Premium Feel for Less Money

When people hold onto old phones to avoid spending $1,000, Apple built the iPhone XR to meet them halfway. Instead of recycling old parts, Apple took everything that made the iPhone XS great and wrapped it in a new, cheaper body. This isn't about cutting corners—it's about giving you a modern iPhone without the jaw-dropping price. At $749, the phone launches $250 below the flagship iPhone XS, yet it includes the same top-tier Apple A12 Bionic processor and Face ID.

You don't get a second camera on the back, and the bezel around the screen is a hair thicker. But those are trade-offs most people never notice during daily use. One reviewer even said the iPhone XR never really feels compromised, and that is the whole idea: you get the premium core without the premium cost. If you are coming from an older iPhone, this phone will feel like a giant leap forward. Before you decide, browse our other phone reviews to see what else is out there.

Display and Size: Big Screen, No Frills — iPhone XR

Its 6.1-inch LCD, 60Hz display works with the Apple A12 Bionic and Not officially stated by Apple of memory. Storage choices are 64GB–256GB, so buyers should leave enough room for apps, photos, and system updates.

Highlight Section — iPhone XR

The iPhone XR uses a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, which is the biggest screen in an iPhone at this price point in 2018. It is perfectly fine for watching videos, browsing the web, and reading messages. The bezel is a little thicker than on the iPhone XS, but you almost never notice it unless you hold both phones side by side.

One reviewer summed it up by calling the iPhone XR a moderately great phone, and that fits: the screen is not the absolute best, but it is more than capable enough for most people. Battery life is a standout feature. Apple rates it for up to 16 hours of video playback, and real-world use easily gets you through a full day. When you do need to refuel, the phone supports both fast wired charging and Qi wireless charging.

That combination of a big screen, solid battery, and wireless charging makes the iPhone XR a very practical daily driver. You do not need the most expensive specs to feel satisfied—you just need the right phone for you.

Performance That Keeps Up — iPhone XR

iPhone XR Review: The Smart Choice for Most People

Released in 2018, the iPhone XR is Apple's attempt to bring the premium iPhone experience to a more affordable price. It costs $749 at launch, a significant savings over the $1,000 iPhone XS. But does it feel like a compromise? The evidence suggests it does not. The iPhone XR packs a 6.1-inch LCD display with a 60Hz refresh rate, the same powerful A12 Bionic chip found in the XS, and a design that comes in six fun colors: Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Coral, and Red.

It has IP67 water resistance and supports fast wired charging and Qi wireless charging. This phone is a great option for anyone who wants a modern iPhone without the premium price tag.

You can compare the iPhone XR against other phones using our phone finder tool to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a direct look at how it compares to its more expensive sibling, check out our side-by-side comparison.

Camera and Battery Life That Deliver — iPhone XR

The iPhone XR runs on Apple's top-of-the-line processor, the A12 Bionic chip. According to reviewers, this means the phone never really feels compromised. It's fast, responsive, and handles everything from browsing the web to playing games without lag. The phone runs iOS, and while Apple doesn't officially state the RAM, the performance is smooth and reliable. The 6.1-inch LCD screen is bright and clear, though it has a slightly thicker bezel than the iPhone XS. But for most people, this won't be a noticeable issue.

The camera system includes a single 12MP main camera. Reviewers say it takes great photos in most situations, and while it lacks the second telephoto lens found on the XS, the main camera still delivers sharp and colorful images. The battery life is another strong point, with Apple claiming up to 16 hours of video playback. The evidence shows that the iPhone XR is still a moderately great phone, especially for those upgrading from an older iPhone. They'll get a phone with strong performance, a strong camera, and battery life that lasts through a full day of use.

Is the iPhone XR right for you?

The iPhone XR is the smart choice for most people because it delivers the core iPhone experience at a lower price. The bright and colorful design, strong performance from the A12 Bionic chip, and solid battery life make it a great everyday phone. The single camera takes strong photos, and while it has a slightly thicker bezel than the XS, these compromises are easy to live with. For anyone upgrading from an older iPhone, the iPhone XR will feel like a huge step forward without breaking the bank.

If you want a phone that looks modern, performs well, and saves you money, the iPhone XR is a great pick. It's not the most advanced iPhone, but it gives you everything you need for everyday use. As the evidence shows, it's a smart choice for most people.