With a myriad of iPhone models available from Apple, it can get confusing trying to determine which one best suits your needs and budget. Two of the most popular choices are the iPhone X and iPhone XR, which offer premium features along with some key differences.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll compare the iPhone X and XR across critical categories like display, camera, battery life, design, and pricing. You‘ll get to know the standout features of each model and learn which iPhone aligns with your priorities.
iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: Key Specs Comparison
Let‘s kick things off with a high-level overview of the core hardware specs of these two iPhone models:
| iPhone X | iPhone XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 5.8" Super Retina OLED, 2436 x 1125 pixels | 6.1" Liquid Retina LCD, 1792 x 828 pixels |
| Rear Camera | Dual 12MP (wide + telephoto lenses) | Single 12MP (wide lens only) |
| Front Camera | 7MP TrueDepth | |
| Chip | A11 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Battery Life | Up to 21 hours talk time | Up to 25 hours talk time |
| Frame Material | Glass & Stainless Steel | Glass & Aluminum |
As we dive deeper into comparing these iPhones, keep this specs table in mind as a handy reference point on the core hardware.
In-Depth Comparison of Features and Capabilities
Beyond the basic on-paper specs, let‘s explore some of the standout features of the iPhone X and iPhone XR to reveal the meaningful differences in real-world usage:
Display Technology
The iPhone X introduced Apple‘s first OLED display, offering a number of advantages over traditional LCD technology found in other iPhones like the XR. The rich, vibrant colors and pixel-perfect blacks of the Super Retina OLED display allow HDR content to truly pop.
With a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels crammed into just 5.8 inches, you get a tremendous 458 pixels per inch (PPI). This leads to crisp fine details and smooth text rendering. Plus, OLED‘s ability to individually light pixels means you get consistent image quality even at wider off-axis viewing angles.
While not as technologically advanced, the iPhone XR‘s 6.1-inch LCD display still impresses. It has less resolution at 1792 x 828 pixels, but images remain sharp thanks to a respectable 326 PPI density that suits everyday usage just fine. You‘ll enjoy vivid colors too, although blacks won‘t be as inky deep.
Camera Capabilities
The iPhone X gives you more flexibility to capture shots exactly how you want with its dual 12MP rear camera system. The wide lens lets you snap sweeping landscape or group photos. When you need to get closer to the action, you can switch to the 2x "telephoto" lens.
This telephoto lens also enables advanced Portrait mode. By combining depth data with creative lighting effects, you get professional-looking portraits right from your iPhone X.
While the iPhone XR has a single 12MP rear lens, Apple uses software algorithms to mimic zoom and still produce depth effects. So you can absolutely take nice photos – they just might lack some of the compositional choice offered on the dual-lens iPhone X.
Battery & Performance
Battery life is one area where the iPhone XR shines bright. Thanks to a bigger physical battery pack combined with a more efficient A12 Bionic processor, you can expect up to 25 hours of talk time – a whopping 4 extra hours over the iPhone X. This could prevent a lot of scrambling for spare battery packs!
Both are extremely fast in apps and tasks though. While they each have different Apple processors, rest assured you‘ll have plenty of smooth power for gaming, multitasking work, and everything in between.
Design & Durability
With their all-glass front and backs surrounded by metal frames, the iPhone X and XR clearly share Apple‘s stunning contemporary design aesthetic. The difference lies in materials used.
The iPhone X has a gorgeous stainless steel band holding together the glass, exuding a premium feel in the hand. A special 7-layer color process on the back glass results in a beautifully lustrous texture and hue.
While made of aluminum instead, the iPhone XR still feels very solid and sleek in midnight black, white, blue, yellow, coral or red glass back options. It‘s slightly larger overall than the iPhone X too.
Both models carry an IP67 rating for water / dust resistance, meaning they can withstand splashes, rain, and accidental dunks just fine.
Authentication & Security
You‘ll get streamlined secure access on both devices thanks to Apple‘s Face ID technology. Using a precise 3D facial map combined with machine learning, Face ID allows quick unlocking or app authentication just by glancing at your iPhone.
The iPhone XR actually has a slight edge, with performance optimizations in its TrueDepth camera system leading to up to 30% faster Face ID function over the iPhone X.
Pricing Factors
As Apple‘s flagship 2017 phone with more premium materials and features like dual rear cameras and an OLED display, the iPhone X initially demanded a higher price tag. The iPhone XR was positioned as a more budget-friendly option upon its 2018 release.
However, with both devices now discontinued in favor of newer iPhone 13 models, you can find very attractive deals on iPhone X and iPhone XR units. This brings their pricing much closer together in the resale market from $180-$250 depending on storage capacity and condition.
Key Facts to Know
To recap the most important facts around iPhone X and iPhone XR capabilities:
- The iPhone X‘s OLED screen has higher resolution, brighter colors and blacks, and crisper clarity than the iPhone XR‘s LCD.
- You get 2x optical zoom and advanced Portrait Mode from the iPhone X‘s dual rear cameras.
- Four extra hours of battery life gives the iPhone XR a significant uptime advantage.
- The luxurious stainless steel and glass design of the iPhone X commands more premium appeal.
- Both models feature water resistance and convenient wireless charging.
Which Should You Choose: iPhone X or iPhone XR?
So when choosing one of these two fantastic iPhones, which model wins out? The short answer is: it depends!
If you want the absolute best display quality and imaging flexibility from dual cameras, the iPhone X is your top pick. For longer battery endurance, a bigger screen, and some cost savings, go with the iPhone XR.
Really prioritize which features matter most for how you use your phone. Watch a ton of videos and movies? The OLED display of the iPhone X will amaze. Take lots of photos and care about compositional control? Choose the iPhone X for that optical zoom ability.
Use your phone nonstop for long days without easily charging? Then the extra hours of runtime on the iPhone XR could be a real lifesaver. Any choice is great though, as both deliver classic Apple design and the latest iOS 16 software experience.
Whether you land on the iPhone X or iPhone XR, you have an exemplary smartphone. Identify the capabilities most meaningful for your daily experience to decide which model gets your vote!
