Choosing between Apple’s premium offerings can be a delightful dilemma, and the iPhone X and iPhone XR are two such contenders that often spark debate. Both represent significant leaps in Apple’s smartphone technology, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
The iPhone X, a revolutionary device that redefined smartphone design with its all-screen display and Face ID, still holds a special place for many. Its OLED screen and dual-camera system were cutting-edge at launch.
On the other hand, the iPhone XR brought a vibrant and more affordable approach to Apple’s flagship experience. It boasts a larger display and impressive battery life, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking a balance of features and value.
This comparison aims to dissect the nuances between the iPhone X and iPhone XR, helping you determine which of these iconic devices is the perfect fit for your digital life.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Apple X | XR |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | OLED | LCD |
| Resolution | 2436 x 1125 pixels | 1792 x 828 pixels |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (Wide & Telephoto) | Single 12MP (Wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth | 7MP TrueDepth |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Materials | Glass and Stainless Steel | Glass and Aluminum |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display Technology
- Apple X: Features a 5.8-inch Super Retina HD OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. This results in deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors. The OLED technology is a significant advantage for image quality.
- Xr: Sports a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. While larger, the LCD technology means it doesn’t achieve the same deep blacks or contrast as OLED. It’s still a good display, but a step down from the X’s OLED.
- Winner: apple x
Processor and Performance
- Apple X: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip with a 6-core CPU and 3-core GPU. It offers excellent performance for its time, handling demanding apps and multitasking with ease. However, it’s an older generation chip compared to the XR.
- Xr: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip, which is faster and more power-efficient than the A11. It offers improved neural engine capabilities and generally smoother performance, especially in graphics-intensive tasks.
- Winner: xr
Camera System (Rear)
- Apple X: Boasts a dual 12MP rear camera system (wide and telephoto) with optical zoom and Portrait Mode. It excels in good lighting conditions and offers more versatility with its telephoto lens for optical zoom.
- Xr: Features a single 12MP wide rear camera with advanced Portrait Mode powered by computational photography. While it lacks optical zoom, its Smart HDR and Portrait Mode capabilities are impressive, often producing comparable or even better results in many scenarios, especially with its software enhancements.
- Winner: xr
Design and Build Materials
- Apple X: Features a premium stainless steel frame and a glass back. Its smaller size and more compact form factor are preferred by some users. The materials contribute to a more luxurious feel.
- Xr: Utilizes an aerospace-grade aluminum frame and a glass back. While still premium, the aluminum is less dense than stainless steel. It has a slightly larger footprint due to its bigger display.
- Winner: apple x
Battery Life
- Apple X: Offers decent battery life for its generation, typically lasting a full day for moderate users. However, it’s not its strongest suit compared to newer models.
- Xr: Is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting significantly longer than the iPhone X on a single charge. The A12 Bionic chip’s efficiency and the larger battery capacity contribute to this.
- Winner: xr
Face ID and Biometrics
- Apple X: Introduced Face ID, a secure and convenient facial recognition system. It’s fast and reliable for unlocking the phone and authorizing payments.
- Xr: Also features Face ID, which is an iteration of the technology introduced in the X. Performance is very similar, offering a seamless and secure unlocking experience.
- Winner: Tie
Water Resistance
- Apple X: Rated IP67, meaning it can withstand submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This offers good protection against splashes and brief accidental dips.
- Xr: Rated IP67, providing the same level of water resistance as the iPhone X. Both phones offer comparable protection against water ingress.
- Winner: Tie
Price and Value (Original Launch)
- Apple X: Launched as a premium flagship with a high price point, reflecting its cutting-edge technology at the time. Its value has depreciated significantly over time.
- Xr: Launched at a more accessible price point than the X, positioning itself as the more budget-friendly flagship option. It offered many of the X’s core features at a lower cost.
- Winner: xr
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | Apple X |
| Overall Performance | XR |
| Camera Versatility | Apple X |
| Value for Money | XR |
| Build Quality | Apple X |
| Battery Life | XR |
What They Have in Common
- Display Technology: Both phones feature edge-to-edge displays with minimal bezels, maximizing screen real estate for an immersive viewing experience.
- Face Id Authentication: Security and convenience are paramount with both devices utilizing Apple’s advanced Face ID system for unlocking, payments, and app access.
- A-Series Chip Performance: While different generations, both phones are powered by Apple’s powerful A-series chips, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks and demanding applications.
- Wireless Charging Capability: Both the iPhone X and XR support Qi wireless charging, offering a convenient way to power up without the need for cables.
- Water and Dust Resistance: Both models boast an IP67 rating, providing a good level of protection against dust ingress and submersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
- Truedepth Front Camera: The front-facing camera system on both devices is the TrueDepth camera, enabling Portrait mode selfies and Animoji/Memoji features.
Apple X Vs Xr Buying Guide
Design and Build Quality
The iPhone X boasts a premium stainless steel frame and a glass back, exuding a more luxurious feel. Its smaller footprint makes it more comfortable for one-handed use for some users. The iPhone XR, while also featuring a glass back, opts for an aluminum frame, which is still durable but less overtly premium than the X’s surgical-grade stainless steel.
The X’s more compact dimensions might be a deciding factor for those who prefer a phone that easily slips into pockets. However, the XR’s slightly larger screen can be more immersive for media consumption and gaming, despite its slightly thicker bezels. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Display Technology
The iPhone X features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display. This technology offers true blacks, infinite contrast, and vibrant colors, resulting in a visually stunning experience for photos, videos, and general use. The resolution is higher, providing sharper details.
The iPhone XR sports a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. While LCD technology has improved significantly, it doesn’t quite achieve the same contrast ratios or deep blacks as OLED. However, the XR’s display is still excellent for everyday tasks and offers a larger viewing area, which some users will prefer.
Camera Performance
The iPhone X is equipped with a dual-camera system on the rear, featuring both a wide and a telephoto lens. This allows for optical zoom and Portrait Mode with more advanced depth control. The telephoto lens is a significant advantage for users who frequently shoot distant subjects or desire more creative framing options.
The iPhone XR has a single 12MP wide-angle lens. Despite lacking a telephoto lens, it excels in computational photography, delivering impressive photos, especially in good lighting. It also features Portrait Mode, though it relies on software processing and is generally best for single subjects.
Performance and Battery Life
Both the iPhone X and XR are powered by capable Apple processors, offering smooth and responsive performance for most tasks and demanding applications. The A11 Bionic chip in the iPhone X is still very competent. The A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XR offers a generational improvement in speed and efficiency. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
However, the iPhone XR generally boasts superior battery life. Its larger physical size allows for a bigger battery, and the more efficient LCD display also contributes to longer usage times between charges. This makes the XR a more compelling choice for heavy users who are always on the go.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Apple X If…
- You prioritize the superior contrast and deeper blacks of an OLED display for media consumption.
- You prefer a more compact and premium-feeling device with stainless steel construction.
- You want the dual-lens camera system for optical zoom capabilities.
Buy XR If…
- You are looking for a more affordable entry into the iPhone X design language.
- A larger screen is more important than the absolute best display technology.
- You value slightly longer battery life in a device with a similar feature set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which iPhone is better for photography, X or XR?
For versatility in photography, the iPhone X takes the lead due to its dual-camera system. The inclusion of a telephoto lens enables optical zoom, allowing you to capture distant subjects without losing quality and offering more creative framing possibilities. While the iPhone XR’s single camera is excellent with computational photography, it lacks the optical zoom advantage.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone X features a Super Retina OLED display, offering superior contrast ratios, true blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to the iPhone XR’s Liquid Retina LCD. While the XR’s display is still very good and larger, the OLED technology on the X provides a more premium visual experience, especially for media consumption.
Is the iPhone X still a good value?
The iPhone X can still be a good value if found at a significantly lower price, especially if you prioritize its premium build and OLED display. However, considering its age and the advancements in newer models like the XR, it might not offer the best long-term investment or the latest features for the price.
Does the iPhone XR have Face ID?
Yes, both the iPhone X and the iPhone XR feature Face ID for secure authentication and device access. This biometric system uses advanced TrueDepth camera technology to map your face, allowing for convenient and secure unlocking, app logins, and Apple Pay transactions. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone XR generally offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone X. This is attributed to its larger physical battery capacity and the more power-efficient Liquid Retina LCD display compared to the X’s OLED screen. For users prioritizing longevity between charges, the XR is the clear winner.
Final Verdict
The iPhone XR stands out as the more practical and well-rounded choice for most users. Its superior battery life, slightly larger and still excellent display, and strong single-camera performance make it a reliable daily driver. While the iPhone X offers a more premium build and OLED screen, the XR’s overall package and longevity make it the more sensible purchase for those seeking a balance of features and value in this comparison.
Winner: iPhone XR