iPhone 12 vs Xr: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many models available. The iPhone 12 and iPhone XR are two popular choices, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. This comparison will help you navigate the differences and decide which phone is the perfect fit for your needs and budget.
The iPhone XR, released in 2018, offered a compelling combination of features at a more accessible price point. The iPhone 12, launched in 2020, brought significant upgrades, including a more advanced camera system and a faster processor. This comparison dives deep into specs, performance, and real-world usage.
We’ll examine the displays, cameras, performance, and battery life of the iPhone 12 and iPhone XR. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the key differences and which phone delivers the best value for your money. Get ready to find your next iPhone!
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display Technology | Super Retina XDR | Liquid Retina HD |
| Processor | A14 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 4GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP Dual-Camera | 12MP Wide-Angle |
| Front Camera | 12MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision HDR | 4K |
| 5G Connectivity | Yes | No |
| Water Resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe) | Yes |
| Dimensions | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.4 mm | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone 12: Features a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast. Pros: Superior picture quality, sharper details. Cons: Can be more prone to burn-in.
- Xr: Equipped with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. Provides good color accuracy and brightness, but lacks the contrast and deep blacks of OLED. Pros: Less expensive to replace. Cons: Lower resolution and contrast compared to OLED.
- Winner: iphone 12
Processor
- iPhone 12: Powered by the A14 Bionic chip, offering significant performance improvements in both CPU and GPU tasks. Pros: Faster performance, improved efficiency. Cons: Can generate more heat.
- Xr: Uses the A12 Bionic chip, still a capable processor, but slower than the A14. Pros: Still performs well for everyday tasks. Cons: Slower performance compared to the A14.
- Winner: iphone 12
Camera System
- iPhone 12: Features a dual 12MP camera system with advanced computational photography, including Night mode on all cameras and Dolby Vision HDR video recording. Pros: Excellent image quality in various conditions, improved low-light performance. Cons: Dual-camera system limits zoom capabilities.
- Xr: Has a single 12MP wide-angle camera with Smart HDR. Offers good image quality in well-lit environments, but lacks some of the advanced features of the iPhone 12. Pros: Still takes good photos. Cons: Lacks Night mode and ultrawide lens.
- Winner: iphone 12
Design
- iPhone 12: Boasts a flat-edge design with Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. Offers a more modern look. Pros: Sleeker design, improved durability. Cons: Flat edges may not be as comfortable for some users.
- Xr: Features a rounded-edge design with an aluminum frame and glass back. A bit thicker than the iphone 12. Pros: Comfortable to hold. Cons: Less durable than the iphone 12.
- Winner: iphone 12
5G Connectivity
- iPhone 12: Supports 5G connectivity for faster download and upload speeds where available. Pros: Future-proof connectivity. Cons: 5G availability varies by location and carrier.
- Xr: Lacks 5G support. Relies on 4G LTE. Pros: N/A. Cons: No access to faster 5G networks.
- Winner: iphone 12
Battery Life
- iPhone 12: Offers good battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. Pros: Good all-day battery. Cons: Battery life can vary depending on usage.
- Xr: Known for excellent battery life, often surpassing the iPhone 12 in real-world tests. Pros: Excellent battery life. Cons: May be slightly heavier.
- Winner: xr
Price
- iPhone 12: Higher price point due to its advanced features and newer technology. Pros: Premium features. Cons: More expensive.
- Xr: Generally available at a lower price point, making it a more budget-friendly option. Pros: More affordable. Cons: Older technology.
- Winner: xr
Water Resistance
- iPhone 12: IP68 water resistance, capable of withstanding submersion in up to 6 meters of water for 30 minutes. Pros: Increased protection against water damage. Cons: Still susceptible to damage from water.
- Xr: IP67 water resistance, resistant to submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Pros: Protection against splashes. Cons: Less water resistance than the iPhone 12.
- Winner: iphone 12
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 |
| Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
| Value | iPhone XR |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones share the same 6.1-inch display size, offering a similar viewing experience for users.
- Overall Design: Both phones feature a sleek, modern design with a glass front and back.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone XR support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Wide-Angle Camera: Both phones feature a 12MP wide-angle camera for capturing stunning photos.
- iOS Ecosystem: Both phones run on the iOS operating system, providing a consistent and user-friendly experience.
iPhone 12 vs XR Buying Guide
Performance & Speed
The iPhone 12 boasts the A14 Bionic chip, offering significantly improved performance compared to the iPhone XR’s A12 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming experiences. The A14 Bionic’s neural engine also powers advanced computational photography features. While the XR is still a capable phone for everyday tasks, the iPhone 12 provides a noticeable boost in speed and efficiency, especially when dealing with demanding applications and resource-intensive processes.
Display Quality
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR display, an OLED screen, which provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. It also supports HDR content. The iPhone XR, on the other hand, has an LCD screen. While it still offers a good viewing experience, the colors aren’t as rich, and the blacks aren’t as deep. The iPhone 12’s display offers a more immersive and visually appealing experience, especially for watching videos and browsing photos.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12 has a dual-camera system, including an ultrawide lens, enabling a wider field of view. It also features improved low-light performance thanks to Night mode on all cameras and Deep Fusion technology. The iPhone XR has a single-lens camera and relies on software for features like Portrait mode. The iPhone 12 captures sharper, more detailed photos and offers greater versatility with its additional lens and advanced software features, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Design & Build
The iPhone 12 has a more modern design with flat edges and a Ceramic Shield front cover, offering improved drop resistance. It’s also slightly thinner and lighter than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR has a more rounded design with an aluminum frame and glass back. While both phones are well-built, the iPhone 12 offers a more premium feel with its updated design and enhanced durability. The iPhone 12 also supports MagSafe accessories.
Battery Life
Battery life varies depending on usage, but the iPhone XR generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone 12, especially when running less demanding applications. The iPhone 12’s more powerful processor and display can consume more power. However, both phones should easily last a full day for most users. If battery life is a primary concern, the iPhone XR’s longer lasting battery might be a deciding factor, although the difference isn’t huge.
Connectivity & Features
The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. It also includes other features like MagSafe for charging and accessory attachment, which the iPhone XR lacks. The iPhone XR is limited to 4G LTE. The iPhone 12 provides a more future-proof experience with 5G and MagSafe compatibility, offering enhanced connectivity and a wider range of accessories.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want the latest processor and performance.
- You prioritize a more advanced display with better color accuracy and contrast.
- You want access to 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
- You want the latest camera features, including Night mode and improved video recording capabilities.
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You’re looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You’re satisfied with a slightly older but still capable processor.
- You don’t need the latest camera features or 5G connectivity.
- You prefer a larger phone with a slightly thicker design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone 12 and the iPhone XR?
The iPhone 12 features a faster processor (A14 Bionic), a better display (OLED), improved camera capabilities (dual-camera system with ultrawide lens, and enhanced low-light performance), a more modern design, and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XR has an older processor (A12 Bionic), an LCD display, a single-lens camera, and lacks 5G support. The iPhone 12 also supports MagSafe accessories.
Which phone has a better display?
The iPhone 12 has a superior display. It features a Super Retina XDR display, an OLED screen, which provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and exceptional contrast. The iPhone XR has an LCD screen. While the XR’s screen is still good, the iPhone 12’s OLED offers a more immersive and visually appealing experience, especially for watching videos and browsing photos.
Does the iPhone 12 have a better camera?
Yes, the iPhone 12 has a significantly better camera system. It boasts a dual-camera system, with an ultrawide lens. The iPhone 12 also benefits from Night mode on all cameras and Deep Fusion technology. This allows for sharper, more detailed photos, especially in low-light conditions. The XR has a single-lens camera and relies more on software.
Which phone is faster?
The iPhone 12 is noticeably faster due to its A14 Bionic chip. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and an overall more responsive user experience. The A12 Bionic in the XR is still capable but can’t match the iPhone 12’s performance, particularly when handling demanding tasks and applications.
Does the iPhone XR have better battery life?
The iPhone XR generally offers slightly better battery life than the iPhone 12, especially when running less demanding applications. However, this varies depending on usage. While the iPhone 12 might drain battery quicker due to a more powerful display and processor, both phones usually last a full day. The XR’s battery advantage is marginal.
Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, which enables faster download and upload speeds where 5G networks are available. This provides a more future-proof experience. The iPhone XR is limited to 4G LTE. The iPhone 12’s 5G capability is a significant advantage for users looking for the fastest possible mobile data speeds.
Is the iPhone 12 worth the upgrade from the iPhone XR?
If you value a better display, camera, performance, and future-proof features like 5G, the iPhone 12 is definitely worth the upgrade. While the iPhone XR is still a capable phone, the iPhone 12 offers significant improvements across the board. The enhanced display, camera, performance, and 5G connectivity provide a much more modern experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 outshines the XR with its superior display, faster performance, improved camera, and 5G connectivity. While the XR remains a solid choice, the iPhone 12’s advancements make it the clear winner for most users seeking a more modern and feature-rich smartphone experience. The iPhone 12 provides a much better user experience.
Winner: iPhone 12