iPhone Xr vs iPhone Se: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, with so many models and features to consider. Are you torn between the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE? Both offer the Apple experience, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
The iPhone XR, with its larger display and modern design, might appeal to those who prioritize screen real estate and a more premium feel. On the other hand, the iPhone SE presents a more compact and budget-friendly option, perfect for users who prefer a smaller phone or are looking for a great value.
This comparison delves into the key differences between the iPhone XR and the iPhone SE, examining their performance, cameras, battery life, and overall user experience. We’ll help you determine which iPhone best suits your lifestyle and budget, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone SE |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 4.7-inch |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina HD | Retina HD |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Face ID | Yes | No |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone Xr: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Offers a larger screen size and better viewing experience, but the resolution is lower compared to some other iPhones.
- iPhone Se: Boasts a 4.7-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1334 x 750 pixels. The smaller screen is more compact and easier to manage with one hand, but provides less screen real estate for content consumption.
- Winner: iphone xr
Processor
- iPhone Xr: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, which provides fast performance and efficient power management. It’s still a capable processor, but it’s older than the chip in the latest iPhones.
- iPhone Se: Powered by the A15 Bionic chip, offering significantly faster performance and improved efficiency. This leads to smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
- Winner: iphone se
Camera System
- iPhone Xr: Features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. Offers good image quality in various lighting conditions, but lacks the versatility of multiple lenses.
- iPhone Se: Also has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera, but benefits from the A15 Bionic chip’s improved image processing. Delivers excellent photos and videos, especially in well-lit environments.
- Winner: iphone se
Battery Life
- iPhone Xr: Provides all-day battery life, typically lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy use. Offers better battery performance compared to the iPhone SE.
- iPhone Se: Generally offers shorter battery life compared to the iPhone XR. May require charging before the end of a full day with heavy usage.
- Winner: iphone xr
Design and Build
- iPhone Xr: Features an aluminum frame and a glass back, offering a modern and stylish design with a larger overall footprint. Comes in a variety of color options.
- iPhone Se: Keeps the classic iPhone design with an aluminum frame and glass back. It is smaller and more compact, making it easier to hold and use with one hand.
- Winner: iphone xr
Biometrics
- iPhone Xr: Uses Face ID for secure authentication, allowing unlocking and Apple Pay authorization through facial recognition.
- iPhone Se: Uses Touch ID, utilizing a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button, which is a familiar and reliable method.
- Winner: iphone se
Storage Options
- iPhone Xr: Available in storage options up to 128GB.
- iPhone Se: Available in storage options up to 256GB.
- Winner: iphone se
Price
- iPhone Xr: Typically available at a lower price point compared to newer iPhones, but it can vary based on condition and storage.
- iPhone Se: Generally the more affordable option, offering excellent value for its performance and features.
- Winner: iphone se
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Size | iPhone XR |
| Processor | iPhone SE |
| Design | iPhone XR |
| Value | iPhone SE |
| Battery Life | iPhone XR |
| Front Camera | Tie |
What They Have in Common:
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone XR and iPhone SE support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Water Resistance: Both phones are rated IP67, offering protection against water and dust.
- Main Camera: Both devices feature a 12MP wide camera, capable of capturing high-quality photos and videos.
- Video Recording: Both phones can record 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for detailed and smooth video capture.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage configurations, including 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options to suit various user needs.
- Headphone Jack: Neither phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring the use of wireless headphones or a Lightning adapter.
iPhone XR vs. iPhone SE Buying Guide
Display and Design
The iPhone XR boasts a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display. The XR features an all-screen design with Face ID, while the SE retains the classic home button and Touch ID. Design-wise, the XR has a glass back and aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel. The iPhone SE has a glass front and back with an aluminum frame, which is also premium, though the overall design is more dated.
Performance and Processor
The iPhone XR is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, providing excellent performance for everyday tasks and gaming. The iPhone SE, on the other hand, runs on the A15 Bionic chip, which is significantly faster and more efficient, resulting in smoother performance and improved battery life. While both phones handle most apps well, the SE excels in demanding applications and future-proofs its performance. The A15 chip allows for features such as Cinematic mode in video.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone XR features a single 12MP wide-angle lens that takes good photos in various lighting conditions. It also offers Portrait mode with depth control. The iPhone SE, with its newer A15 Bionic chip, delivers improved image processing and Smart HDR 4, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos. While the XR has a wider display and better battery life, the SE produces better photos due to the newer image processing capabilities. The SE is also able to shoot in Cinematic mode.
Battery Life and Charging
The iPhone XR generally offers better battery life than the iPhone SE, allowing for all-day use for most users. This is due to the larger battery capacity in the XR. The iPhone SE’s battery life is decent but may require charging before the end of a full day for heavier users. Both phones support fast charging, though a compatible charger needs to be purchased separately. Wireless charging is supported on the XR but not on the SE.
Price and Value
Historically, the iPhone SE is the more budget-friendly option, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a powerful iPhone without breaking the bank. The iPhone XR, while no longer the newest model, is still available at a competitive price and offers a larger screen and a more modern design, making it a good value considering its features. The best choice depends on your priorities and budget. Consider the features you value most and how much you are willing to spend.
Features and Ecosystem
Both iPhones seamlessly integrate into the Apple ecosystem, offering access to the App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services. The iPhone XR features Face ID, while the iPhone SE uses Touch ID. The XR features a larger display, better battery life and a more modern design. The SE offers a more compact design and a more powerful processor. Both offer access to iOS updates, ensuring a continued experience and security updates. Consider which features matter most to your daily usage.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and browsing.
- You want Face ID for secure and convenient unlocking.
- You value a more modern design with a larger screen-to-body ratio.
- You want a phone with a slightly longer battery life.
Buy iPhone SE If…
- You prefer a smaller, more compact phone that’s easier to handle with one hand.
- You’re on a budget and looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You want the latest A-series processor for improved performance.
- You prefer a physical home button with Touch ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has the better performance?
The iPhone SE, with its A15 Bionic chip, has superior performance compared to the iPhone XR’s A12 Bionic chip. The A15 chip allows for faster processing speeds, smoother multitasking, and better graphics performance, especially in demanding applications and games. The SE handles tasks more efficiently and is generally more future-proof in terms of performance capabilities. The XR is still a capable phone, but the SE is significantly faster.
Which phone has a better camera?
The iPhone SE generally takes better photos. While the XR has a single 12MP wide-angle lens, the SE, with its A15 Bionic chip, benefits from improved image processing and Smart HDR 4, leading to sharper and more detailed images, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. The SE also offers features like Cinematic mode for video recording, which the XR does not have, making it the better choice for photography.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone XR typically offers better battery life due to its larger battery capacity. It can easily last a full day with moderate to heavy usage. The iPhone SE’s battery life is decent, but it may require charging before the end of the day for some users, especially those who use their phones extensively for gaming or streaming. The XR’s larger battery is a noticeable advantage in terms of longevity.
Which phone has a larger display?
The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, offering a more immersive viewing experience compared to the iPhone SE’s 4.7-inch Retina HD display. This makes the XR more suitable for media consumption, gaming, and general use. The SE’s smaller screen makes it more compact and easier to use with one hand, but the XR offers a more expansive view of the content.
Which phone is more affordable?
Historically, the iPhone SE is the more budget-friendly option. It offers a powerful performance at a lower price point compared to the iPhone XR. The SE is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-performing iPhone without spending a lot of money. While prices fluctuate, the SE is generally positioned as the more affordable choice, making it accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Which phone has Face ID?
The iPhone XR features Face ID, allowing users to unlock their phone and authenticate purchases using facial recognition. The iPhone SE, on the other hand, uses Touch ID, which is a fingerprint sensor integrated into the home button. The choice between Face ID and Touch ID is a matter of personal preference, with both offering secure and convenient ways to access the device.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone SE is generally better for gaming due to its A15 Bionic chip, which delivers faster processing speeds and improved graphics performance. This allows for smoother gameplay and better visual quality in demanding games. While the iPhone XR can also handle gaming, the SE’s more powerful processor provides a significant advantage, especially for graphically intensive titles. Therefore, the SE provides a superior gaming experience.
Final Verdict
Both the iPhone XR and iPhone SE offer compelling features, but their strengths cater to different needs. The iPhone SE shines with its powerful A15 Bionic chip, excellent camera processing, and affordability. The iPhone XR provides a larger display, and better battery life. The choice depends on your priorities, with the SE offering raw performance and the XR providing a more expansive experience.
Winner: iPhone SE