iPhone 11 Pro vs Xr: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many great options available. Are you eyeing the sleek sophistication of a Pro model, or are you looking for a more budget-friendly yet still powerful device? This comparison dives deep into the battle between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone XR, helping you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
The iPhone 11 Pro, with its advanced triple-camera system and stunning display, promises a premium experience. It boasts features that cater to the most demanding users, from photography enthusiasts to those who crave the latest technology. On the other hand, the iPhone XR, though released earlier, still holds its own with a vibrant display and impressive performance at a more accessible price point.
We’ll examine key aspects like camera capabilities, performance, battery life, design, and, of course, the all-important price difference. By the end of this comparison, you’ll have a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both phones, enabling you to make an informed decision when choosing between the iPhone 11 Pro and the iPhone XR.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 11 Pro | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.8 inches | 6.1 inches |
| 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 |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Weight | 188 grams | 194 grams |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Fast Charging | Yes (18W adapter required) | Yes (18W adapter required) |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 11 Pro: 5.8-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels. Offers vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and impressive brightness. A significant upgrade over the XR’s display.
- Xr: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Good for everyday use, but lacks the sharpness, contrast, and overall quality of the 11 Pro’s display.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Processor
- iPhone 11 Pro: A13 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements over the previous generation. Provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance.
- Xr: A12 Bionic chip, still a powerful processor, but slightly behind the A13 in terms of speed and efficiency. Handles most tasks with ease.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Cameras
- iPhone 11 Pro: Triple 12MP camera system (Wide, Ultra Wide, Telephoto) with Night mode, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR. Offers incredible versatility and image quality in various lighting conditions.
- Xr: Single 12MP wide-angle camera with Smart HDR. Performs well in good lighting, but lacks the versatility and low-light capabilities of the 11 Pro’s camera system.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Battery Life
- iPhone 11 Pro: Offers good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage.
- Xr: Generally offers excellent battery life, often outperforming the 11 Pro in real-world tests.
- Winner: XR
Design
- iPhone 11 Pro: Stainless steel frame and textured matte glass back, giving it a premium feel and look. More compact and easier to handle than the XR.
- Xr: Aluminum frame and glass back. While still a premium build, it lacks the luxurious feel of the 11 Pro. Available in a wider range of colors.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Water Resistance
- iPhone 11 Pro: IP68 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 4 meters of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Xr: IP67 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Price
- iPhone 11 Pro: Launched at a higher price point than the XR.
- Xr: Initially sold at a more affordable price.
- Winner: XR
Storage Options
- iPhone 11 Pro: Available in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage options.
- Xr: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options.
- Winner: 11 Pro
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Camera | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Performance | iPhone 11 Pro |
| Battery Life | iPhone XR |
| Value | iPhone XR |
| Design | iPhone 11 Pro |
What They Have in Common
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient ways to power up without the need for cables.
- Fast Charging: Both the iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone XR support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery with a compatible charger.
- Video Recording Capabilities: Both devices can record videos in 4K resolution at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture high-quality footage.
- Front Camera: Both phones feature front-facing cameras for selfies and video calls.
- Siri Integration: Both phones come with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant, for voice commands and information retrieval.
iPhone 11 Pro Vs XR Buying Guide
Performance & Processing Power
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a significantly more powerful A13 Bionic chip, offering superior performance compared to the A12 Bionic in the iPhone XR. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The 11 Pro also handles computationally intensive tasks, such as video editing and augmented reality applications, with greater efficiency. While the XR still provides a very capable performance, the difference is noticeable in demanding scenarios.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-lens camera system, offering a wide array of photography options, including ultrawide and telephoto lenses. This allows for greater versatility in capturing different perspectives and achieving professional-looking shots. The XR, with its single-lens camera, delivers excellent image quality in good lighting conditions, but lacks the flexibility of the 11 Pro’s multi-camera setup, especially in low light or when using zoom.
Display Quality & Features
The iPhone 11 Pro features a Super Retina XDR display, delivering vibrant colors, excellent contrast, and impressive brightness. The XR, on the other hand, has a Liquid Retina LCD, which is still a very good display but it doesn’t offer the same level of clarity and visual fidelity as the 11 Pro. The 11 Pro also supports HDR10 and Dolby Vision, providing a more immersive viewing experience for movies and videos.
Battery Life & Charging
The iPhone 11 Pro offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone XR, thanks to its more efficient processor and larger battery capacity. Both phones support fast charging, allowing you to quickly replenish the battery. However, the 11 Pro includes a fast charger in the box, while the XR requires you to purchase one separately. The XR still provides good battery life that lasts the day.
Design & Build Quality
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a premium design with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, giving it a more sophisticated feel. It’s also water-resistant up to 4 meters. The XR features an aluminum frame and a glass back, which feels durable and is available in a wider range of colors. Both phones are well-built and feel solid in hand, but the 11 Pro has a more premium finish.
Price & Value Proposition
The iPhone 11 Pro was initially more expensive than the iPhone XR. Considering the advanced features, superior camera system, and enhanced performance, the 11 Pro offered a premium experience. The XR, however, presented a compelling value proposition by offering excellent performance, a great display, and a modern design at a more accessible price point. The current prices may vary depending on the condition and retailer.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 11 Pro If…
- You prioritize a smaller, more pocketable design.
- You want the best display quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- You need the most advanced camera system for photography and videography.
- You desire the extra processing power of the A13 Bionic chip.
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You prefer a larger display for media consumption and gaming.
- You’re looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You don’t need the triple-lens camera system.
- You are satisfied with excellent performance and battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences in performance between the iPhone 11 Pro and the XR?
The iPhone 11 Pro utilizes the A13 Bionic chip, which significantly outperforms the A12 Bionic in the XR. This translates to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically demanding games and applications. The 11 Pro handles intensive tasks like video editing and AR applications with greater ease, offering a noticeably faster and more efficient experience compared to the XR.
How does the camera system of the iPhone 11 Pro compare to the XR?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a triple-lens camera system, offering versatility with wide, ultrawide, and telephoto lenses. This allows for various shooting options and high-quality zoom capabilities. The XR has a single-lens camera, which still takes great photos in good lighting, but lacks the flexibility of the 11 Pro, particularly in low-light conditions and when zooming.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 11 Pro boasts a Super Retina XDR display, with a vibrant color, excellent contrast, and brighter display. The XR has a Liquid Retina LCD, which is still a quality display but doesn’t offer the same level of clarity and visual fidelity. The 11 Pro’s display provides a more immersive viewing experience, especially for HDR content.
What are the differences in battery life?
The iPhone 11 Pro offers slightly better battery life than the XR, due to its more efficient processor and slightly larger battery capacity. However, both phones provide all-day battery performance for typical usage. The 11 Pro also includes a faster charger in the box, while the XR does not.
Which phone has a more premium design?
The iPhone 11 Pro features a more premium design with a stainless steel frame and a matte glass back, giving it a more sophisticated feel and a higher degree of water resistance. The XR has an aluminum frame and a glass back, offering a durable and stylish design in a wider variety of colors. Both are well-built, but the 11 Pro’s materials feel more luxurious.
Is the iPhone 11 Pro worth the extra cost?
Whether the iPhone 11 Pro is worth the extra cost depends on your budget and needs. If you prioritize top-tier performance, a versatile camera system, and a more premium design, the 11 Pro is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a great iPhone experience at a more affordable price, the XR is still a fantastic option, offering great value.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 11 Pro offers a superior gaming experience, due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip and enhanced graphics capabilities. Games load faster, run smoother, and look more visually impressive on the 11 Pro. The XR still provides a good gaming experience, but the 11 Pro handles demanding games with greater ease and efficiency.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 Pro offers superior performance, a more versatile camera system, and a premium design, making it the better choice overall. The XR remains a strong contender, delivering excellent value with great performance and a good display at a more affordable price. The best choice depends on your budget and desired features.
Winner: iPhone 11 Pro