iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone Xr: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially with so many great options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone XR? Both phones offer fantastic features, but cater to slightly different needs and budgets, making the choice a little more complicated.
The iPhone 11 Pro, Apple’s flagship from its generation, boasts impressive camera capabilities, a stunning display, and powerful performance. On the other hand, the iPhone XR, a more budget-friendly option, still delivers a great user experience with its vibrant screen and solid performance. This comparison will help you navigate the differences.
We’ll dive deep into the key aspects of the iPhone 11 Pro vs iPhone XR, including design, display quality, camera performance, battery life, and overall value. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone best suits your needs and budget, leading you to the perfect upgrade.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Processor | A13 Bionic chip | A12 Bionic chip |
| Main Camera | Triple 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60fps | 4K up to 60fps |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensions | 144 x 71.4 x 8.1 mm | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 188g | 194g |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. It offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and HDR support for a premium viewing experience. A potential con is the smaller screen size compared to some competitors.
- iPhone Xr: Boasts a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. It provides good color accuracy and brightness, making it suitable for everyday use. Its lower resolution compared to the Pro can result in slightly less sharpness.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, offering superior performance for demanding tasks and gaming. It provides faster processing speeds and improved efficiency compared to the XR. The performance is top-tier.
- iPhone Xr: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor for smooth performance in most applications. While it’s slightly less powerful than the A13, it handles everyday tasks and gaming well.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro
Camera System
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a triple-camera system with 12MP Ultra Wide, Wide, and Telephoto lenses. It excels in low-light photography with Night mode and offers impressive video recording capabilities. The versatility is a major advantage.
- iPhone Xr: Includes a single 12MP Wide lens, which delivers good image quality in well-lit conditions. However, it lacks the flexibility of multiple lenses and Night mode, limiting its capabilities in challenging lighting situations.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offers all-day battery life, typically lasting through a full day of moderate to heavy usage. It provides a reliable power source for extended use.
- iPhone Xr: Known for its exceptional battery life, often surpassing the 11 Pro in real-world tests. It can easily last a full day, and sometimes even longer, depending on usage.
- Winner: iphone xr
Design and Build
- iPhone 11 Pro: Features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back. It offers a more refined and durable construction. It’s a more premium feel.
- iPhone Xr: Has an aluminum frame and a glass back, offering a more colorful and playful design. It’s still a well-built phone, but it lacks the premium feel of the Pro.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro
Water Resistance
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offers an IP68 rating, providing excellent water and dust resistance, allowing it to withstand submersion in up to 4 meters of water for 30 minutes.
- iPhone Xr: Boasts an IP67 rating, offering water resistance to a depth of 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro
Price
- iPhone 11 Pro: Was initially launched at a higher price point than the XR, reflecting its premium features and build quality.
- iPhone Xr: Was initially more affordable than the 11 Pro. It provided a more budget-friendly option while still offering a great user experience.
- Winner: iphone xr
Storage Options
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offered storage options ranging from 64GB to 512GB, providing ample space for photos, videos, and apps.
- iPhone Xr: Offered storage options starting at 64GB, with options for 128GB and 256GB.
- Winner: iphone 11 pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Camera | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone XR |
| Value | iPhone XR |
| Design | Tie |
| Overall | iPhone 11 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Design: Both phones feature a modern, all-screen design with Face ID for secure authentication.
- Operating System: Both run on iOS, offering a consistent user experience with regular software updates.
- Video Recording: Both iPhones support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing for high-quality video capture.
- Wireless Charging: Both models are compatible with wireless charging, offering a convenient way to power up your device.
- Fast Charging: Both support fast charging capabilities, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery with a compatible charger.
- Siri Integration: Both phones come with Siri integration.
iPhone 11 Pro Vs iPhone XR Buying Guide
Display Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a superior display compared to the iPhone XR. It features a Super Retina XDR display with a higher resolution, resulting in sharper images and more vibrant colors. The 11 Pro’s display also supports HDR, providing enhanced contrast and dynamic range for a more immersive viewing experience. The iPhone XR, while still offering a good display, uses an LCD panel with a lower pixel density, which doesn’t match the clarity and visual fidelity of the 11 Pro.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 Pro excels in photography, offering a triple-camera system with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. This allows for greater versatility in capturing photos and videos, including impressive low-light performance with Night mode. The iPhone XR has a single-lens camera, which is still capable of taking great photos, but lacks the flexibility and advanced features of the 11 Pro. Portrait mode on the XR is limited compared to the 11 Pro’s enhanced capabilities.
Performance and Processor
The iPhone 11 Pro is powered by the A13 Bionic chip, which delivers a significant performance boost over the A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XR. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming performance. The 11 Pro also benefits from more efficient power management, leading to longer battery life. While the XR’s A12 chip is still capable, the 11 Pro offers a noticeably snappier and more responsive user experience.
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back, conveying a more luxurious feel. It also offers a slightly more compact form factor compared to the XR. The iPhone XR features an aluminum frame and a glass back. Both phones are water-resistant, but the 11 Pro has a higher IP rating. The 11 Pro’s design reflects its higher-end positioning, offering a more refined and durable build.
Battery Life Comparison
While both phones offer all-day battery life, the iPhone 11 Pro generally provides a slight advantage due to its more efficient processor and larger battery. The XR still has impressive battery life, often exceeding that of many other smartphones. The difference in battery life isn’t substantial in normal usage. The 11 Pro consistently provides a bit more usage time, especially when engaging in power-intensive activities.
Price and Value
The iPhone 11 Pro was initially priced higher than the iPhone XR. The price difference reflects the advanced features and superior specifications offered by the 11 Pro. The iPhone XR provides excellent value for its price, especially if you prioritize core features like display quality and camera performance. Assess your budget and feature priorities to determine which phone offers the best value for your needs. Consider the ongoing support and software updates as well.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You want the best possible camera system with triple lenses for versatile photography.
- You prioritize a brighter, more vibrant display with a higher resolution.
- You desire a more compact phone size for easier one-handed use.
- You need the most powerful performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable iPhone without sacrificing essential features.
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You value excellent battery life that lasts throughout the day.
- You want a phone with a wide range of color options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in camera quality?
The iPhone 11 Pro has a triple-camera system offering greater versatility with ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto lenses. It excels in low-light photography with its Night mode. The iPhone XR has a single-lens camera, which is still capable of taking good photos, but lacks the 11 Pro’s advanced features and flexibility. Portrait mode on the 11 Pro is more refined as well.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a Super Retina XDR display with a higher resolution, leading to sharper images and more vibrant colors. It also supports HDR for enhanced contrast. The iPhone XR utilizes an LCD panel with a lower pixel density. The 11 Pro’s display is notably superior in terms of clarity, color accuracy, and overall visual experience.
How does the performance compare between the two?
The iPhone 11 Pro, with its A13 Bionic chip, provides a faster and smoother experience than the iPhone XR, which has the A12 Bionic chip. App loading times are quicker, multitasking is smoother, and gaming performance is improved. The 11 Pro’s processor offers noticeably enhanced responsiveness and overall performance compared to its counterpart.
What is the build quality like on each phone?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a textured matte glass back. The iPhone XR has an aluminum frame and a glass back. Both are water-resistant, but the 11 Pro has a higher IP rating for better protection. The 11 Pro’s design reflects its higher-end positioning, offering a more refined and durable build.
Which phone has better battery life?
While both offer all-day battery life, the iPhone 11 Pro generally provides a slight edge due to its more efficient processor and larger battery. The XR still has impressive battery life, often exceeding that of many other smartphones. The difference isn’t huge in normal use, but the 11 Pro provides a bit more usage time, especially when using power-intensive apps.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro worth the extra cost?
The iPhone 11 Pro was initially priced higher, reflecting its advanced features. If you value a superior display, a more versatile camera system, and enhanced performance, the 11 Pro is worth the extra cost. The iPhone XR provides excellent value, especially if core features are prioritized. Your budget and feature priorities will determine whether the extra cost is worthwhile.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 Pro offers a superior gaming experience thanks to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip. Games load faster, run smoother, and graphics render more quickly. The XR, while capable, doesn’t match the 11 Pro’s processing power. The 11 Pro provides a more responsive and lag-free gaming experience, especially for demanding titles.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 Pro emerges as the superior device, boasting a better display, a more versatile camera system, and superior performance. While the iPhone XR offers excellent value, the 11 Pro’s advanced features and overall user experience make it the clear winner for those prioritizing the best possible iPhone experience.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro