iPhone Xr vs iPhone 11 Pro: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 11 Pro? This comparison will break down the key differences to help you make the best decision.
The iPhone XR was a popular choice, offering a balance of features and affordability. However, the iPhone 11 Pro upped the ante with a more advanced camera system and a few other notable upgrades. We’ll examine the pros and cons of each, helping you determine which phone best suits your needs.
From performance to display quality, and of course, camera capabilities, we’ll cover everything. This in-depth comparison of the iPhone XR vs. iPhone 11 Pro aims to provide you with the information necessary to confidently choose your next iPhone. Let’s dive in and see which phone comes out on top for you!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone 11 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 5.8-inch |
| Display Technology | LCD | OLED |
| Chip | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide, 12MP Ultra Wide, 12MP Telephoto |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Weight | 194 grams | 188 grams |
| Material | Glass front and back, aluminum frame | Textured matte glass back, stainless steel frame |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 16 hours | Up to 18 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone Xr: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. While vibrant, it has a lower pixel density compared to the 11 Pro, resulting in a slightly less sharp image. It’s still a good display for everyday use.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Boasts a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. This OLED display offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and higher pixel density, leading to a much sharper and more immersive viewing experience.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Processor
- iPhone Xr: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor for most tasks, including gaming and multitasking. It handles everyday operations smoothly.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the A12, including faster processing speeds, improved graphics, and enhanced power efficiency.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Camera System
- iPhone Xr: Features a single 12MP wide-angle lens. While it captures good photos in well-lit conditions, it lacks the versatility of multiple lenses and struggles more in low light.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Houses a triple-camera system with 12MP wide, ultra-wide, and telephoto lenses. This allows for wider shots, optical zoom, and significantly improved low-light performance with Night mode.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Build Quality & Design
- iPhone Xr: Features an aluminum frame with glass front and back. It’s available in a variety of colors. Build quality is good, though the design is less premium compared to the 11 Pro.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, providing a more premium feel and better grip. It is also more durable.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone Xr: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Provides improved battery life compared to the XR, often lasting significantly longer due to the more efficient processor and optimized software.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Water Resistance
- iPhone Xr: Has an IP67 rating, offering water resistance up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Boasts an IP68 rating, providing water resistance up to 4 meters for 30 minutes, offering greater protection against water damage.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Video Recording
- iPhone Xr: Can record video up to 4K at 60 fps.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Can also record video up to 4K at 60 fps, with improved features such as extended dynamic range and better stabilization.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Price & Value
- iPhone Xr: Typically available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. It offers good value for its features.
- iPhone 11 Pro: Was a more expensive phone at launch.
- Winner: XR
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Camera | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Design & Build Quality | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Value | iPhone XR |
What They Have in Common
- Operating System: Both phones run on iOS, providing a consistent user experience with regular software updates and access to the App Store.
- Face Id: Both models feature Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking, using facial recognition technology.
- Video Recording: Both devices support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones are compatible with Qi wireless charging, providing a convenient way to charge without cables.
- Siri Integration: Both phones include Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, for voice commands, information retrieval, and smart home control.
- Connectivity: Both support Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for wireless connectivity.
iPhone XR vs iPhone 11 Pro Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a significant performance advantage due to its A13 Bionic chip, offering a noticeable speed boost in apps, gaming, and multitasking. The iPhone XR, powered by the A12 Bionic, still delivers excellent performance, handling most tasks with ease. However, the 11 Pro’s enhanced processing power ensures smoother performance in demanding applications and future-proofs it for more intensive software updates. Consider your usage; if you’re a heavy gamer or power user, the 11 Pro is the better choice.
Camera
The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-camera system, providing versatility with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. This setup enables superior low-light photography, enhanced zoom capabilities, and greater creative control. The iPhone XR, with its single-lens camera, takes excellent photos in good lighting conditions but lacks the flexibility and advanced features of the 11 Pro. Portrait mode on the 11 Pro is also more refined, offering better subject separation and background blur. The 11 Pro is the clear winner for photography enthusiasts.
Display
The iPhone 11 Pro’s Super Retina XDR display offers a sharper, brighter, and more vibrant viewing experience compared to the iPhone XR’s Liquid Retina LCD. The OLED technology of the 11 Pro provides deeper blacks and higher contrast ratios, resulting in a more immersive visual experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. While the XR’s display is still good, the 11 Pro’s display is a significant upgrade, offering a more premium feel and better visual quality.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers longer battery life than the iPhone XR, allowing for more extended use throughout the day. The 11 Pro benefits from both a more efficient processor and a slightly larger battery capacity. The XR provides respectable battery life, easily lasting a full day for most users, but the 11 Pro can often push through a day and a half or even two days with moderate usage. For those prioritizing battery longevity, the 11 Pro has the edge.
Design & Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro features a more premium design with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, conveying a more luxurious feel. The iPhone XR has an aluminum frame and a glossy glass back, which is still durable but less premium. Both phones are water-resistant, but the 11 Pro offers slightly better water resistance. The 11 Pro’s smaller size and sleeker design also make it easier to handle. The overall design and build quality of the 11 Pro is superior.
Price & Value
The iPhone XR is generally available at a lower price point than the iPhone 11 Pro, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the iPhone 11 Pro, despite its higher price, offers a significantly enhanced feature set, including a better camera, display, and performance. The value proposition depends on your needs and budget. If you prioritize advanced features and are willing to pay more, the 11 Pro offers better value. If budget is a major concern, the XR remains a solid choice.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You want a large display without paying for the Pro features.
- You are on a budget and want a more affordable iPhone.
- You primarily use your phone for basic tasks, social media, and casual photography.
- You value a good balance of features and price.
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You want the best possible camera experience with triple-lens system.
- You prioritize a smaller, more premium design with a higher-quality display.
- You need the most powerful performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
- You want the best water resistance and build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 Pro?
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a superior triple-camera system, a brighter and more vibrant OLED display, a faster A13 Bionic chip for enhanced performance, and a more premium design with a stainless steel frame. It also generally offers longer battery life. The iPhone XR features a single-lens camera, an LCD display, and the A12 Bionic chip, making it a more affordable but less feature-rich option.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a vastly superior camera system. Its triple-lens setup (ultra-wide, wide, telephoto) allows for greater versatility in photography, including enhanced low-light performance, optical zoom, and more creative control. The XR’s single-lens camera is still capable, but it lacks the features and quality of the 11 Pro’s advanced system. The 11 Pro is the clear winner for camera quality.
Does the iPhone 11 Pro have a better display?
Yes, the iPhone 11 Pro has a significantly better display. It features a Super Retina XDR OLED display, which offers richer colors, deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and better brightness compared to the iPhone XR’s Liquid Retina LCD. This results in a more immersive and visually appealing viewing experience, especially when watching videos or playing games. OLED displays are inherently superior to LCDs.
Is the iPhone XR still a good phone in 2024?
Yes, the iPhone XR remains a good phone in 2024, especially for users on a budget. It offers solid performance, a good display, and a decent camera. While it lacks some of the advanced features of newer iPhones, it can still handle most everyday tasks with ease. However, the iPhone 11 Pro offers a more premium experience, but the XR is still a capable device.
Which phone offers better battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro generally offers better battery life than the iPhone XR. This is due to a more efficient processor and a slightly larger battery capacity. The 11 Pro can often last a full day, and sometimes even longer, depending on usage. The XR provides decent battery life, typically lasting a full day for most users, but the 11 Pro tends to have the edge in terms of longevity.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro worth the extra cost?
Whether the iPhone 11 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your priorities and budget. If you value a better camera, display, performance, and a more premium design, then the 11 Pro is worth the investment. If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the most advanced features, the iPhone XR still offers excellent value. Consider what features are most important to you.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 Pro is better for gaming due to its faster A13 Bionic chip, which provides smoother performance and handles demanding games more effectively. The display’s higher brightness and contrast also enhance the gaming experience. While the iPhone XR can still handle most games, the 11 Pro offers a more responsive and immersive gaming experience, particularly for graphically intensive titles.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 Pro clearly outshines the iPhone XR, offering a superior camera system, a more vibrant display, faster performance, and a more premium design. While the iPhone XR remains a viable option for budget-conscious users, the 11 Pro delivers a significantly enhanced user experience, justifying its higher price for those seeking the best.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro