iphone-xs-vs-iphone-xr

iPhone XR vs iPhone XS: which should you choose?

30 April 2024

5 mins read

Back Market

Brian

Published on 30 April, 2024 - The iPhone XR is the 10th generation of the Apple iPhone and offers high performance, which is comparable to the iPhone XS. Deciding on which iPhone to buy and wondering about their differences? Then read our in-depth comparison between the two iPhones below.

iPhone XR vs iPhone XS: what are their features?

We’ve compiled the most important technical information of both models:

iPhone XR

iPhone XS

Dimensions

150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm

143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm

Size

6.1 inches

5.8 inches

Colours

6 colors

3 colors

Screen size

6.1 inches

5.8 inches

Resolution

1792x828

2436x1125

Weight

194g

177g

Height

8.3mm

7.7mm

Our opinion on the iPhone XR:

Advantages:

  • Beautiful design

  • Amazing battery performance

  • Fantastic LCD screen

  • Superior to the iPhone XS

Areas which could be better:

  • No minijack

  • Somewhat cumbersome iPhone

  • Still expensive when brand new

Let's see what the iPhone XS gives us

Advantages:

  • Magnificent processing power

  • Great photos, especially during the day

  • Amazing LCD screen

Areas which could be better:

  • Battery life

  • No plug or adapter

  • Still expensive when brand new

iPhone XS or XR: What are the differences in their design?

What colours can you get the iPhone XS or iPhone XR in? Among the notable differences that we can highlight in this comparison between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, colours are worth highlighting when deciding between the two phones:

  • The iPhone XR is available in 6 colours : white, black, blue, coral red, yellow and red.

  • In comparison, the iPhone XS only has 3 colours available: silver, space grey and gold.

The iPhone XS offers more classic colours that could appeal to those looking for a more elegant design. On the other hand, the iPhone XR might appeal to those who prefer more striking colourways. Don't worry, you can still find a touch of classic design with the iPhone XR in black!

Battery performance between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS?

The big winner in this duel is the iPhone XR. Unlike the iPhone XS, which lasts a day and a half, the iPhone XR provides two days of battery life (depending on its usage, of course).

👉 iPhone tip: To make your battery last as long as possible, try; putting your iPhone in airplane mode, turn it off at night, and turn off any apps or features you’re not using like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Camera: Which iPhone performs best for photography and videos?

iPhone XR camera:

  • The iPhone XR is equipped with a single 12MP camera on the back.

  • If you're in a low-light environment, the iPhone XR is better than the iPhone XS for taking portrait mode photos.

iPhone XS camera:

  • The iPhone XS is equipped with a double camera: a wide-angle sensor and an additional telephoto sensor, perfect for taking high-quality photos and for close-ups of very distant elements.

The iPhone XR and iPhone XS have almost the same photo quality because they use Smart HDR and their wide-angle camera is the same. Selfies look the same because both iPhones have the same 7-megapixel front-facing camera, which is capable of depth perception.

The only notable difference in the cameras is the optical zoom. The iPhone XS can zoom up to 10x when using both optical and digital zoom. In the case of the iPhone XR, it only reaches 5x.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS: Which is more resistant to water and dust?

Another difference between the iPhone XR and the iPhone XS is the resistance to water, splashes and dust. 

  • The iPhone XR has a protection score of IP67 according to the IEC 60529 standard, so it can survive a depth of up to 1 metre for 30 minutes.

  • The iPhone XS has a protection score of IP68 according to the IEC 60529 standard, which allows it to survive up to 30 minutes at depths of up to 2 metres 

  • The iPhone XS is therefore more resistant to water and dust than the iPhone XR.

👉iPhone tip: If you accidentally spill liquids (beer, soda, milk, tea, coffee, etc.) on your iPhone, remember to turn it off and unplug it. Gently rinse it with tap water and then dry it with the cloth you use for cleaning sunglasses. Then leave to dry.

Which iPhone is cheaper?

Although we love the Apple iPhones for their fantastic design, elegance and incredible features, we are not especially fans of their prices. As for the price of the iPhone XS compared to the iPhone XR, the iPhone XS is more expensive than the iPhone XR.

However, if you want to buy an iPhone XS or XR at a lower price, then a refurbished iPhone is your best option. Not only are they between 30% and 70% cheaper, but they also maintain the Back Market quality standard, so you can be sure that they are 100% functional and look as good as new. 

Also, you have 30-days to return if you’re unhappy, plus a 1-year warranty if you are impressed - get all the same perks as if you were buying a brand new iPhone XR or XS.

Compare the iPhone XS and iPhone XR to other smartphones

👉 Check out our mobile phone comparison tool and find the best phone for you! Here are a few examples that compare the iPhone XS and iPhone XR to other smartphones:

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Written by Brian

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