iPhone Xr vs 12: Which iPhone Should You Buy?
Choosing a new iPhone can feel like navigating a tech minefield, with so many models vying for your attention. If you’re stuck between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 12, you’re not alone. Both phones offer compelling features, but they cater to different needs and budgets.
The iPhone XR, released in 2018, remains a popular choice due to its balance of affordability and performance. It boasts a stunning display and a powerful processor. The iPhone 12, on the other hand, is a more modern offering, packed with upgrades and a sleek design.
This comparison delves deep, examining the key differences between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 12. We’ll explore everything from their displays and cameras to their performance and battery life. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which iPhone is the perfect fit for your lifestyle and budget.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone 12 |
|---|---|---|
| Display Size | 6.1-inch | 6.1-inch |
| Display Technology | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A14 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Main Camera | 12MP | 12MP |
| Ultra Wide Camera | No | Yes |
| Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps | 4K @ 60fps |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP |
| Water Resistance | IP67 | IP68 |
| 5G Connectivity | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| MagSafe | No | Yes |
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 for everyday use, but the lower resolution compared to modern iPhones can result in a less sharp image.
- 12: Boasts a 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 2532 x 1170 pixels. Provides significantly sharper images, better contrast, and higher brightness levels, leading to a more immersive viewing experience.
- Winner: 12
Processor
- iPhone Xr: Powered by the A12 Bionic chip. While still capable, the A12 is older and less powerful than the chip in the iPhone 12, potentially leading to slower performance in demanding tasks and games.
- 12: Equipped with the A14 Bionic chip, offering a substantial performance boost. This results in faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and improved graphics performance for gaming and video editing.
- Winner: 12
Camera System
- iPhone Xr: Features a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. Takes good photos in daylight, but struggles in low-light conditions compared to newer models. Offers Portrait mode with limited capabilities due to the single-lens design.
- 12: Includes a dual 12MP camera system (wide and ultrawide). Provides improved low-light performance, wider dynamic range, and Night mode for significantly better photos in challenging lighting situations. Offers more versatile shooting options.
- Winner: 12
Design
- iPhone Xr: Features an aluminum frame and glass back with a thicker bezel compared to the 12. Offers a range of colors. The design, while functional, feels dated compared to the newer, more refined design of the 12.
- 12: Boasts a more modern design with flat edges, a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability, and a more premium feel. Offers a sleek and updated aesthetic compared to the XR.
- Winner: 12
Battery Life
- iPhone Xr: Offers decent battery life, typically lasting a full day with moderate use. Battery performance can degrade over time and with heavy usage.
- 12: Provides similar battery life to the XR, although actual usage can vary based on factors like screen brightness and app usage. The A14 Bionic chip’s efficiency can contribute to slightly better battery performance in some scenarios.
- Winner: Tie
5G Connectivity
- iPhone Xr: Does not support 5G connectivity. Relies on 4G LTE for data and cellular connections.
- 12: Supports 5G connectivity, enabling faster download and upload speeds in areas with 5G coverage. This provides a more responsive online experience and is a future-proof feature.
- Winner: 12
Video Recording
- iPhone Xr: Can record 4K video at up to 60fps, but lacks some of the advanced video features found in the iPhone 12.
- 12: Records 4K video at up to 60fps with improved image stabilization, and offers Dolby Vision HDR video recording, providing a significant upgrade for video quality.
- Winner: 12
Price & Availability
- iPhone Xr: Typically available at a lower price point, especially used or refurbished. It is often a more budget-friendly option.
- 12: Generally more expensive than the XR. It is a premium offering with a higher starting price.
- Winner: xr
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Display Quality | iPhone 12 |
| Performance | iPhone 12 |
| Camera Features | iPhone 12 |
| 5G Connectivity | iPhone 12 |
| Design | iPhone 12 |
| Value | iPhone XR |
| Battery Life | Tie |
What They Have in Common
- Display Size: Both phones feature a 6.1-inch display, offering a large screen for viewing content and interacting with apps. This size provides a comfortable balance between portability and usability.
- Main Camera: Both the iPhone XR and iPhone 12 have a 12MP main camera, enabling users to capture high-quality photos and videos. The core functionality and resolution remain consistent across both models.
- Video Recording: Both phones support 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, allowing users to capture detailed and smooth footage. This ensures high-quality video capabilities for both devices.
- Storage Options: Both models offer the same storage configurations, providing users with the choice between 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB of internal storage. This allows users to choose the storage space that best fits their needs.
- Front Camera: Both phones have the ability to record video up to 60fps.
iPhone XR vs iPhone 12 Buying Guide
Performance and Processing Power
The iPhone 12 boasts a significantly more powerful A14 Bionic chip, offering substantial performance gains over the iPhone XR’s A12 Bionic. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better overall responsiveness. Gamers will especially appreciate the performance boost, as the A14 handles graphically intensive games with ease. While the XR remains capable for everyday tasks, the 12 delivers a noticeably superior experience, especially when dealing with demanding applications or resource-intensive processes.
The neural engine in the A14 Bionic is also more advanced. This means that the iPhone 12 will handle AI-based tasks more efficiently. This provides enhanced image processing and a better overall user experience when using various apps. The difference in overall performance is a significant deciding factor for many users when comparing these two models.
Display and Design
The iPhone 12 features a sleek, modern design with flat edges and a vibrant Super Retina XDR display. This OLED screen provides richer colors, deeper blacks, and higher contrast compared to the iPhone XR’s Liquid Retina LCD. The 12 also benefits from a smaller notch and a higher screen-to-body ratio, offering a more immersive viewing experience. The design of the iPhone 12 is more premium and modern. The flat edges of the 12 also give it a more comfortable grip than the XR.
The iPhone XR’s display is still very good, but the differences are noticeable. The XR’s display is still bright and clear, but the 12 has a significantly improved screen. The bezels on the XR are also larger. The overall design of the iPhone 12 is a huge upgrade.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone 12’s dual-camera system, featuring improvements in image processing and Night mode, outperforms the iPhone XR’s single-lens camera. The 12 captures sharper photos with more detail and better low-light performance. Night mode allows for stunning photos in dimly lit environments. The iPhone 12 also offers Smart HDR 3, which further enhances image quality. Furthermore, the 12 can record 4K HDR video with Dolby Vision, a feature absent in the XR.
The iPhone XR’s camera is still capable of taking great photos in good lighting conditions. The iPhone 12 is a substantial upgrade, especially in low light. The addition of Night Mode on the iPhone 12 is a significant improvement. The iPhone 12 offers more versatility in terms of photo and video capabilities.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is comparable between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 12. Both phones can easily last a full day of moderate use. However, the iPhone 12 supports wireless charging via MagSafe, offering a convenient charging solution not available on the XR. The 12 also supports faster charging with a compatible adapter. The XR offers decent battery life but lacks the modern charging features of the 12.
The iPhone 12 also has better power efficiency due to its more efficient processor. Both phones have similar battery life, but the charging options are more modern on the 12. Although the battery life on the 12 is only slightly better than the XR, the convenience of the charging is better.
Connectivity and Features
The iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, providing significantly faster download and upload speeds where available. This is a major advantage over the iPhone XR, which is limited to 4G LTE. The 12 also includes Ceramic Shield front cover, offering improved drop resistance. The XR is still a capable phone, but the 12 offers the latest in connectivity technology. The 12 also has a more advanced set of features.
The iPhone XR is still a great phone, but the 12 supports 5G. This is a significant advantage. The 12 also offers the Ceramic Shield front cover, which makes it more durable. Although the XR does not have 5G, it is still a capable phone, and the lack of 5G may not affect all users.
Price and Value
The iPhone XR is typically available at a lower price point than the iPhone 12, making it a more budget-friendly option. While the XR represents a great value for its performance, the iPhone 12 offers more advanced features and a superior overall experience. The best choice depends on your budget and desired features. The iPhone XR may be the better option for those who want a quality phone at a lower price. The iPhone 12 is the better option if you can afford it.
The iPhone XR is still a great value, but the iPhone 12 offers much more. The 12 is a better value overall. The price of the XR is usually lower. The iPhone 12 is the better value if you want the best features. The XR may be a good option if you are on a budget.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy iPhone XR If…
- You’re on a tighter budget and are looking for a more affordable iPhone.
- You prioritize a large display size without needing the latest display technology.
- You primarily use your phone for basic tasks, photography, and social media.
- You don’t need 5G connectivity.
Buy iPhone 12 If…
- You want the latest Apple technology and features.
- You value a superior display with OLED technology.
- You want advanced camera features, including an ultrawide lens and improved low-light performance.
- You want 5G connectivity for faster download and streaming speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 12?
The primary differences lie in the processor (A12 Bionic vs. A14 Bionic), display (LCD vs. OLED), camera capabilities (single-lens vs. dual-lens with Night mode), and connectivity (4G LTE vs. 5G). The iPhone 12 also features a more modern design, MagSafe charging, and a Ceramic Shield front cover for increased durability. These upgrades make the 12 the more advanced device.
Is the iPhone 12 camera significantly better than the iPhone XR?
Yes, the iPhone 12’s camera is significantly better. It features a dual-camera system with improvements in image processing, Night mode for better low-light performance, Smart HDR 3, and 4K HDR video recording with Dolby Vision. These features are not available on the iPhone XR, resulting in sharper and more detailed photos and videos.
Does the iPhone 12 have better battery life than the iPhone XR?
The battery life is comparable between the two phones. Both can easily last a full day of moderate use. However, the iPhone 12 supports MagSafe wireless charging and faster charging with a compatible adapter, offering more convenient charging options. Battery life is similar, but the charging options are better on the 12.
Does the iPhone 12 support 5G?
Yes, the iPhone 12 supports 5G connectivity, offering significantly faster download and upload speeds in areas where 5G is available. The iPhone XR is limited to 4G LTE. The iPhone 12’s 5G capability is a major advantage for users who prioritize fast internet speeds on their mobile devices.
Is the iPhone XR still a good phone in 2024?
The iPhone XR is still a capable phone in 2024. It offers a good display, decent performance, and a good camera. However, it lacks some of the advanced features of the iPhone 12, such as 5G, a more powerful processor, and a superior camera system. It is still a good option for those on a budget.
What are the design differences between the iPhone XR and the iPhone 12?
The iPhone 12 features a more modern design with flat edges, a smaller notch, and a higher screen-to-body ratio. The iPhone XR has curved edges and larger bezels. The iPhone 12 also uses a Ceramic Shield front cover for improved durability. The iPhone 12 has a more premium and modern design compared to the iPhone XR.
Which phone is better for gaming?
The iPhone 12 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful A14 Bionic chip, which provides faster app loading times and smoother gameplay. While the iPhone XR can handle most games, the iPhone 12 offers a more responsive and immersive gaming experience, especially with graphically intensive titles. The 12 provides a better overall gaming experience.
Final Verdict
The iPhone 12 emerges as the clear winner, offering superior performance, a more advanced display, an improved camera system, and 5G connectivity. While the iPhone XR remains a capable device, the iPhone 12 provides a more modern and feature-rich experience. The iPhone 12 is the better choice for those prioritizing the latest technology and a premium user experience.
Winner: iPhone 12