iPhone 8 Plus vs iPhone Xr: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can be a tough decision, especially when considering older models that still pack a punch. The iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XR, both released by Apple, offer compelling features and performance, but cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
This comparison dives deep into the specifications, features, and overall user experience of the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XR. We’ll explore their displays, cameras, processing power, battery life, and design, helping you determine which phone best suits your lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or prioritizing specific features like a larger screen or improved camera capabilities, this guide will provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of each device. By the end, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision between the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XR.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone 8 Plus | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 5.5-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | Retina HD | Liquid Retina HD |
| Processor | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 3GB |
| Main Camera | Dual 12MP | 12MP |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP67 |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | No | No |
| Face ID | No | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Design and Build
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a classic design with a glass back and aluminum frame. It has a familiar home button and thick bezels. Pros: Familiar design, durable. Cons: Dated look, thicker bezels.
- iPhone Xr: Boasts a modern design with an all-screen display and an aluminum frame. It features a notch at the top for the front-facing camera and Face ID. Pros: Modern design, vibrant colors. Cons: Notch may be distracting to some.
- Winner: XR
Display
- iPhone 8 Plus: Equipped with a 5.5-inch Retina HD display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It offers good color accuracy and brightness. Pros: Good display quality. Cons: Lower resolution than XR.
- iPhone Xr: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Offers a large screen size and good color reproduction. Pros: Larger screen size, good color. Cons: Lower resolution than 8 Plus.
- Winner: XR
Processor
- iPhone 8 Plus: Powered by the A11 Bionic chip. It provides smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. Pros: Still performs well. Cons: Older chip.
- iPhone Xr: Equipped with the A12 Bionic chip. Offers significant performance improvements over the A11, resulting in faster app launch times and improved gaming. Pros: Faster performance. Cons: None.
- Winner: XR
Camera
- iPhone 8 Plus: Features a dual 12MP rear camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Offers Portrait mode with background blur. Pros: Dual-camera system. Cons: Portrait mode limited compared to XR.
- iPhone Xr: Has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. Offers Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and depth control. Pros: Excellent portrait mode. Cons: Single camera limits some features.
- Winner: XR
Battery Life
- iPhone 8 Plus: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Pros: Reliable battery. Cons: Not as good as the XR.
- iPhone Xr: Boasts excellent battery life, often lasting longer than a full day with typical usage. Pros: Excellent battery life. Cons: None.
- Winner: XR
Storage Options
- iPhone 8 Plus: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Pros: Multiple storage options. Cons: Limited availability in some storage sizes.
- iPhone Xr: Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage options. Pros: Multiple storage options. Cons: Limited availability in some storage sizes.
- Winner: Tie
Price
- iPhone 8 Plus: Generally available at a lower price point, especially in the used market. Pros: More affordable. Cons: Older technology.
- iPhone Xr: Typically priced higher than the iPhone 8 Plus, but offers better value. Pros: Better value for money. Cons: More expensive.
- Winner: 8 Plus
Water Resistance
- iPhone 8 Plus: Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance. Can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Pros: Water resistance. Cons: Limited water resistance.
- iPhone Xr: Rated IP67 for water and dust resistance. Can withstand submersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. Pros: Water resistance. Cons: Limited water resistance.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display | iPhone XR |
| Performance | iPhone XR |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone XR |
| Battery Life | iPhone XR |
| Design | iPhone XR |
| Value | iPhone XR |
What They Have in Common
- Water Resistance: Both phones share an IP67 rating, offering protection against splashes and brief submersion in water.
- Wireless Charging: Both the iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone XR support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options.
- Storage Options: Both models offer a variety of storage options, allowing users to choose the capacity that best suits their needs.
- Front Camera: Both phones have a 7MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.
- Video Recording: Both devices can record videos in 4K at 60 frames per second.
iPhone 8 Plus Vs iPhone XR Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone XR boasts a significantly more powerful A12 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better performance in graphically demanding games. The XR also benefits from improved machine learning capabilities, enhancing features like Face ID and computational photography. While the 8 Plus remains a capable phone for everyday tasks, the XR offers a noticeable edge in responsiveness and future-proofing, handling newer software updates with greater ease. Ultimately, the XR’s newer processor provides a superior user experience.
Display
The iPhone XR features a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, offering a more immersive viewing experience than the 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD display. While both are LCD panels, the XR’s display has a slightly higher resolution and a more modern design with slimmer bezels. The XR’s screen also supports wide color gamut and True Tone technology, which adjusts the display’s white balance to match the ambient lighting. This results in more vibrant colors and a more natural-looking image. The XR provides an edge in visual appeal.
Camera
The iPhone XR features a single 12MP wide-angle lens, while the iPhone 8 Plus has a dual-camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. The XR utilizes software to simulate portrait mode with one lens. Both phones take excellent photos in good lighting conditions. The 8 Plus offers the flexibility of optical zoom and better portrait mode capabilities for objects and people. The XR excels in low-light performance due to its improved image processing capabilities and Smart HDR. Both are great cameras, but the 8 Plus gives more versatility.
Battery Life
The iPhone XR offers significantly improved battery life compared to the iPhone 8 Plus. The XR can easily last a full day of heavy use, while the 8 Plus might require a top-up by the end of the day. This is due to a combination of a larger battery in the XR and the more power-efficient A12 Bionic chip. The XR’s extended battery life is a major advantage for users who prioritize longevity. The 8 Plus still provides decent battery life, but the XR has the clear lead in this area.
Design and Build Quality
Both phones feature premium build quality with glass backs and aluminum frames. The iPhone XR has a more modern design, with a larger display and slimmer bezels. The 8 Plus features a more traditional design with larger bezels. The XR’s design also lacks a physical home button and features Face ID. The XR feels more modern with its edge-to-edge display and updated aesthetics. Both phones are durable, but the XR’s design feels more contemporary and offers a larger screen in a similar-sized body.
Price and Value
The iPhone XR was initially launched at a higher price point than the iPhone 8 Plus, but the 8 Plus is often available at a lower price point now. The price difference depends on the condition and storage capacity. The XR’s more advanced features, including the A12 Bionic chip, Face ID, and improved camera, justify its higher initial price. When considering the current market prices, the 8 Plus represents a good value for users on a budget. The XR is a better value if you want the newest features.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone 8 Plus If…
- You prefer a physical home button.
- You want a dual-camera system with telephoto capabilities.
- You prefer a smaller form factor.
- You find the iPhone XR design less appealing.
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You want a larger display.
- You want a phone with a more modern design, including Face ID.
- You want a faster processor for improved performance.
- You prefer a longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which phone has a better processor?
The iPhone XR boasts a more advanced A12 Bionic chip, outperforming the iPhone 8 Plus’s A11 Bionic. This leads to faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better overall performance, particularly in demanding applications and games. The A12 also enhances the XR’s machine learning capabilities, improving features like Face ID and photo processing. The XR offers a significantly better user experience in terms of speed and responsiveness.
Does the iPhone XR have a better display?
Yes, the iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display, which is larger and offers a slightly higher resolution than the iPhone 8 Plus’s 5.5-inch Retina HD display. The XR’s display also supports wide color gamut and True Tone technology, adjusting the white balance for a more natural look. The XR’s display has slimmer bezels and a more modern design.
Which phone has better battery life?
The iPhone XR has significantly better battery life than the iPhone 8 Plus. The XR’s larger battery and more efficient A12 Bionic chip allow it to easily last a full day of heavy use. The 8 Plus provides decent battery life, but it may require charging before the end of the day with intense usage. The XR is the clear winner for battery longevity.
Does the iPhone XR have a better camera?
The iPhone XR has a single 12MP wide-angle lens, while the iPhone 8 Plus has a dual-camera system with wide-angle and telephoto lenses. Both phones take great photos. The 8 Plus offers optical zoom and better portrait mode. The XR excels in low-light performance due to its improved image processing. The XR’s Smart HDR adds a further boost. It depends on your needs.
Which phone is more durable?
Both phones are built with durable materials, featuring glass backs and aluminum frames. The durability is comparable. However, the iPhone XR has a more modern design with a larger screen and slimmer bezels. Both phones are well-built and should withstand general wear and tear, but protection is advised for either phone.
Is the iPhone XR a better value?
The value of each phone depends on the price. The 8 Plus is often available at a lower price, making it a good value for budget-conscious buyers. The XR, with its newer features and improved performance, justifies its price. Considering all factors, including performance, design, and features, the XR provides more long-term value, even if the initial price is higher.
Which phone is best for me?
If you prioritize the latest features, a modern design, and superior performance, the iPhone XR is the better choice. If you’re on a budget and prioritize a dual-camera system and a physical home button, the iPhone 8 Plus is still a capable phone. Consider your budget and desired features when making your decision.
Final Verdict
The iPhone XR emerges as the stronger contender, showcasing a more powerful processor, a larger and more vibrant display, and significantly improved battery life. While the iPhone 8 Plus offers a dual-camera system, the XR’s advancements in performance and overall user experience make it the superior choice for most users. The XR provides a more modern and future-proof experience.
Winner: iPhone XR