iPhone Xr vs 11: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Are you trying to decide between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 11? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Released just a year apart, these two phones share a similar aesthetic, but they have distinct features and performance capabilities. The iPhone XR, while older, still holds its own, and the iPhone 11 boasts some significant upgrades, particularly in the camera department. We’ll delve into the specifics to determine which one reigns supreme for you.
From the display and processing power to the cameras and battery life, we’ll examine every aspect. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each phone, helping you understand the trade-offs involved. Get ready to discover which iPhone is the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Specs at a Glance:
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Type | Liquid Retina HD | Liquid Retina HD |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Main Camera | 12MP Wide | 12MP Wide |
| Ultra Wide Camera | – | 12MP Ultra Wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Video Recording | 4K up to 60 fps | 4K up to 60 fps |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Wireless Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Life (Video Playback) | Up to 16 hours | Up to 17 hours |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Display
- iPhone Xr: Features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Offers good color accuracy and brightness, but the lower resolution compared to the 11 results in a less sharp image.
- 11: Also has a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, with the same resolution (1792 x 828 pixels) as the XR. Offers the same good color accuracy and brightness.
- Winner: Tie
Processor
- iPhone Xr: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which is still a capable processor, offering smooth performance for everyday tasks and gaming. It’s slightly older than the A13 in the 11.
- 11: Equipped with the A13 Bionic chip, providing a noticeable performance boost over the A12, resulting in faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and improved gaming experiences.
- Winner: 11
Cameras
- iPhone Xr: Features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. Captures good photos in well-lit conditions, but struggles in low light compared to the 11.
- 11: Boasts a dual-camera system with a 12MP wide-angle and a 12MP ultrawide lens. Offers significantly improved low-light performance, wider field of view, and a Night mode for enhanced photos.
- Winner: 11
Battery Life
- iPhone Xr: Provides decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate usage. However, the 11 offers noticeably better battery endurance.
- 11: Offers significantly improved battery life compared to the XR, easily lasting a full day and often extending into the next.
- Winner: 11
Design
- iPhone Xr: Features an aluminum frame and glass back, available in a variety of colors. The design is somewhat dated compared to the 11.
- 11: Also has an aluminum frame and glass back, with a slightly more modern design featuring a square camera bump.
- Winner: Tie
Video Recording
- iPhone Xr: Records video up to 4K at 60fps. Video quality is good, but lacks the advanced features found in the 11.
- 11: Records video up to 4K at 60fps, with improved dynamic range and video stabilization. Offers QuickTake video functionality.
- Winner: 11
Front Camera
- iPhone Xr: Features a 7MP front camera. Delivers good quality selfies and video calls.
- 11: Features a 12MP front camera with Smart HDR and 4K video recording. Offers sharper selfies and improved video call quality.
- Winner: 11
Starting Price
- iPhone Xr: Generally available at a lower price point now, as it is an older model.
- 11: Still available at a relatively affordable price point, although it costs more than the XR.
- Winner: XR
Winner by Category:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Performance | iPhone 11 |
| Camera (Overall) | iPhone 11 |
| Battery Life | iPhone 11 |
| Value | iPhone XR |
| Water Resistance | iPhone 11 |
| Front Camera | iPhone 11 |
What They Have in Common:
- Display Size: Both the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 feature a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display, offering a similar visual experience for users.
- Wireless Charging: Both phones support wireless charging, providing convenient charging options with compatible wireless chargers.
- Face Id: Both models utilize Face ID for secure authentication and unlocking, enhancing user privacy and security.
- Storage Options: Both devices offer the same storage configurations, allowing users to choose between 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB models.
- Video Recording: Both phones are capable of recording 4K video at up to 60 frames per second, providing high-quality video capture capabilities.
iPhone XR vs iPhone 11 Buying Guide
Performance
The iPhone 11 boasts a significantly more powerful A13 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone XR’s A12 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved performance in graphically intensive games. While the XR is still a capable phone for everyday tasks, the 11 offers a noticeable upgrade in responsiveness. The A13 chip also contributes to improved battery efficiency. Both phones, however, offer a fluid iOS experience.
Camera
The iPhone 11 features a dual-camera system, including an ultrawide lens, enabling wider shots and improved low-light performance with Night mode. The iPhone XR has a single-lens camera. The addition of Night mode on the iPhone 11 dramatically improves image quality in dark environments. Both phones capture excellent photos in good lighting, but the 11 provides greater versatility and better overall image quality. The ultrawide lens adds considerable creative flexibility.
Display
Both phones feature Liquid Retina LCD displays. While the screen resolution is nearly identical, the iPhone 11’s display is slightly brighter. Both screens offer vibrant colors and good viewing angles. The differences are subtle, but the iPhone 11’s display is marginally better in direct sunlight readability. However, both displays provide a great viewing experience for watching videos and browsing the web.
Battery Life
The iPhone 11 offers considerably better battery life than the iPhone XR. The A13 Bionic chip contributes to this improvement, alongside a slightly larger battery capacity. You can expect significantly longer usage times with the iPhone 11, easily lasting a full day under heavy use. The XR still provides decent battery life, but the 11 offers a more worry-free experience, allowing more prolonged usage before needing a charge.
Design and Build
Both phones share a similar design aesthetic, with glass backs and aluminum frames. The iPhone 11 has a slightly more refined design, with a matte finish on the camera bump. The iPhone XR comes in a wider range of colors. Both are durable phones, but the iPhone 11 boasts improved water resistance. The overall design language is consistent between both devices, offering a familiar Apple look and feel.
Price and Value
The iPhone XR is typically available at a lower price point than the iPhone 11, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. However, considering the improved performance, camera, and battery life, the iPhone 11 offers better value for money, especially if you plan to keep the phone for several years. Assess your budget and needs to determine which phone offers the best value. Both remain great value choices.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and want a reliable iPhone experience.
- You don’t need the latest processor or camera upgrades.
- You prioritize a balance of features and affordability.
Buy iPhone 11 If…
- You want the latest processor for improved performance.
- You value the ultra-wide camera for more versatile photography.
- You want better water resistance and a slightly improved battery life.
- You want a better front-facing camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main differences between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 11?
The iPhone 11 features a more powerful A13 Bionic chip, a dual-camera system with an ultrawide lens and Night mode, and significantly better battery life compared to the iPhone XR. The 11 also has a slightly brighter display and improved water resistance. The XR offers a more budget-friendly option, but the 11 provides a more enhanced experience.
Does the iPhone 11 have a better camera than the iPhone XR?
Yes, the iPhone 11 has a superior camera system. It includes a dual-camera setup with an ultrawide lens, enabling wider shots and improved versatility. The addition of Night mode significantly enhances low-light photography. The XR’s single-lens camera is still capable, but the 11 offers better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
Is the iPhone 11 worth the extra cost compared to the iPhone XR?
Generally, yes. The iPhone 11 provides better value due to improved performance, camera capabilities, and battery life. While the XR remains a good phone, the upgrades in the 11 justify the price difference for most users. If budget is a primary concern, the XR remains a decent option, but the 11 offers a more complete package.
What is the battery life like on the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR?
The iPhone 11 offers significantly better battery life than the iPhone XR. You can expect a full day of heavy use on the 11, while the XR may require charging before the end of the day with similar usage. The A13 Bionic chip and a larger battery contribute to the 11’s improved longevity. Both support wireless charging.
Do the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 have the same screen size?
Yes, both the iPhone XR and the iPhone 11 have a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display. While the resolution is nearly identical, the iPhone 11’s display is slightly brighter. Both displays provide vibrant colors and good viewing angles, making them suitable for video watching and general use. The screen size is a key similarity.
What colors are available for the iPhone XR and iPhone 11?
The iPhone XR comes in a wider range of colors, including white, black, blue, yellow, coral, and red. The iPhone 11 comes in white, black, green, yellow, purple, and red. The available color options influence the aesthetic choice. Both phones have a vibrant color selection, catering to individual preferences.
Which phone is better for gaming, the iPhone XR or the iPhone 11?
The iPhone 11 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful A13 Bionic chip. It provides faster app loading times, smoother gameplay, and better graphics performance. While the iPhone XR can handle most games, the 11 offers a superior gaming experience, especially for graphically intensive titles. The 11’s display enhancements also contribute.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 11 emerges as the superior choice due to its enhanced performance, a more versatile camera system with Night mode, and dramatically improved battery life. While the iPhone XR remains a solid phone, the upgrades in the iPhone 11 justify the price difference for most users seeking a more future-proof and enjoyable mobile experience. The value lies in the overall improvements.
Winner: iPhone 11