A Day With the iPhone XR: Unboxing and First Impressions

[code-m]

You are correct. I admit that I’m in the minority and that Apple is just responding to the overwhelming demand for big phones, especially in markets like Asia where the phone is the primary computer. I’m atypical in that I use my iPad and Mac at home and only use my phone when I’m out and about. I don't need an all-in-one phablet, just a portable device that's easy to slip in my pocket and use one handed. Still, I’m not the only one who feels this way...

Mobile devices have become the new TV, where previously it was too expensive to own more than one, the price drops then there is one in the kitchen, bedroom, etc.

Mobile devices while some got expensive others cheap, family members started handing these devices down or selling on the second hand market. Eventually saturation and the devices are still capable to perform their core functions.

I like you have too many devices.

 

[tkermit]

Looks nice and huge. But until Apple comes out with a more reasonably sized phone again, they won't be getting any money from me. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[Thrutheroofnunderground]

There's still an emerging market in wearable friends.


Since you're coming from a 6, consider returning your Xr for an 8 Plus. The Xr is better in most ways, but it sounds like the dual camera setup is important to you, and the 8 Plus is still a great phone. (On a side note, how did you not notice the absence of a second camera on the Xr? I mean, it *obviously* doesn't have a second camera to support depth perception. Not trying to harangue you, I just don't understand.)

Because it works with people? Because the screen isn't capable of HDR, but the camera is capable of Smart HDR, so it still takes multiple images and is able to detect people/apply the bokah. I take pictures of my pets, but literally never use portrait mode for it, so I'll probably be fine. If it's that big of a deal I can just use my wife's Xs Max and take the picture.

 

[psac]

I just hope they got lunch at Sophie's Cuban while they were in front of it, that place rocks. Incredible pernil.

 

[bluespark]

Because it works with people? Because the screen isn't capable of HDR, but the camera is capable of Smart HDR, so it still takes multiple images and is able to detect people/apply the bokah. I take pictures of my pets, but literally never use portrait mode for it, so I'll probably be fine. If it's that big of a deal I can just use my wife's Xs Max and take the picture.

Gotcha. After I hit send, I realized my post was unfair and I apologize. I try to be a better forum member than that and failed this time.

I suspect you'll love the Xr camera.

 

[5hugknight]

Is it just me or have phones, tablets, and computers are just plain boring nowadays. I just don't care to get the latest stuff anymore. Seems like every year there is less of a reason to upgrade. Same goes for my friends. I take it the market is fully saturated and this whole tech bubble is ready to pop.

I had a similar feeling. Then, I reminded myself that iPhone is meant to be a tool, not an asset. A means to an end, and not an end itself.

My point is - Try challenging yourself on how you are using your device, and not the device itself.

 

[Jimrod]

How small would you want an SE2 (I don't think Tim Cook woudl approve of the SE X) to be? 5" 5.5"? Honestly I think a screen the size of the original Pixel which I have in my hand right now, which stands at 5" wouldn't be bad at all.

That would be absolutely fine - the SE would fit a 5" screen with iPhone X design at a push, 4.7" easily, it could also get a little bigger and use XR design but still be fine for one-handed use and smaller than the 6/7/8. I honestly think there are a LOT of people that want this (based on anecdotal experience and from every forum comment section) - many people seem to think people want "cheap" iPhones, most I know aren't that bothered about the price, would be fine paying same price as the larger models but just want a phone that's easy to fit in the pocket and use one-handed with "current" tech.

 

[MacManiac1]

Picking up my 128G Black one tomorrow at my local Apple Store! UPS delivers pretty late in the day where I live and I can get it a lot quicker at the store.

I’m moving from a 256G 8 a plus iPhone. I never used more than about 50G of space on my iPhone so I feel comfortable downsizing a little.

I like the idea of even longer battery life.

 

[cardfan]

Is the XS worth the extra 250? Yep. The OLED screen and other minor improvements are easily worth it. Especially for a device you'll probably be using for 2-3 years. Some will longer.

Here's another reviewer claiming this XR will be fine for most users even though that person will prefer an XS. Gruber even mentions he prefers the XS even after gushing all over the XR. So does the Verge guy. Why is this? Hmmmm....

There's no way I'd recommend anyone get the XR when the XS sits there for only a few hundred more with the best mobile screen ever made vs this crappy one.

 

[5105973]

Is the XS worth the extra 250? Yep. The OLED screen and other minor improvements are easily worth it. Especially for a device you'll probably be using for 2-3 years. Some will longer.

Here's another reviewer claiming this XR will be fine for most users even though that person will prefer an XS. Gruber even mentions he prefers the XS even after gushing all over the XR. So does the Verge guy. Why is this? Hmmmm....

There's no way I'd recommend anyone get the XR when the XS sits there for only a few hundred more with the best mobile screen ever made vs this crappy one.

If people can comfortably afford the XS or XS Max and don’t have health issues with the OLED display, and if Apple has the WiFi and LTE connection issues sorted, the XS/Max option definitely is the better choice. The back glass is stronger and the display is really beautiful. I hated having to give up my Max due to pwm induced migraines. Photos viewed on the Max display were so rich in detail.

Unfortunately it didn’t work out for me. So, I’m really excited about the Xr. I’m hoping that the compromises it makes won’t be a detriment to my full enjoyment of it. It does help that it is less expensive and comes in fun colors. I can’t wait to see mine tomorrow and find out for myself if it’s worthwhile.

 

[epicrayban]

If people can comfortably afford the XS or XS Max and don’t have health issues with the OLED display, and if Apple has the WiFi and LTE connection issues sorted

I had serious connectivity issues with my X when I had it a while back. In my experience, iPhones have always had poor connectivity, but the X was the worst. And it's a $1K priced phone!

 

[buststyles]

I bought an X last year after having 3 generations of Plus phones. While I loved the Plus screen size, the physical size always seemed a bit much. With the X the thing I miss most about my Plus phones is the width, especially on the keyboard and for reading emails and webpages. This is where I feel the XR hits it. The in between size seems perfect. While I would still want 3D touch, the OLED, the smaller bezels, and the other premium features that differentiate it, had I waited another year I may very well have bought the XR for its size sweet spot.

That was my issue also with the X. My eyes could not get use to narrow web pages again after just 1 year of having a plus size phone.

 

[qawes]

Maybe we’re all just taking technology in general for granted now.

Very well put. And with that mindset out of the way, people can stop and truly appreciate what they have and start using that technology to do good and awesome things.

I'd like to see threads with what people created on their iPhones, not complaining about some random meaningless PPI numbers.

 

[5105973]

I had serious connectivity issues with my X when I had it a while back. In my experience, iPhones have always had poor connectivity, but the X was the worst. And it's a $1K priced phone!

I’ve had overall poor connectivity with iPhones, too, especially when compared to my Android phones. However my X wasn’t too bad for the month that I had it. It was one of the unlocked Qualcomm ones if I remember correctly.

 

[imac2017mm]

Is it just me or have phones, tablets, and computers are just plain boring nowadays. I just don't care to get the latest stuff anymore. Seems like every year there is less of a reason to upgrade. Same goes for my friends. I take it the market is fully saturated and this whole tech bubble is ready to pop.

Boring if you upgrade every-year. The true appreciation comes when an upgrade is a once in awhile thing. For me I love my iMac, since it was my very first one, and first computer in nearly 9 years

 

[Tofupunch]

Unsung feature of the XR: No inevitable OLED wear aka burn-in aka botched display.

I know it has not been an issue on X yet. But I'm sure we'll begin to see this when Apple's first gen OLEDs start to show their age.

I have been wondering this myself. But so far, I haven't heard of any reports. When does burn in typically start to occur?

 

[sofila]

Yeah. I also stopped upgrading my friends every year a while ago.

Best 2018 Macrumors reply hands down

 

[dewski]

Isnt there going to be an event in like less than a week where a brand new iPad with a bold, radical new redesign is debuted—being the first time the tablet has seen major innovation since back in 2013 with iPad Air? What about last year where they literally released an innovative new take on iPhone design that rivals the much lauded, tentpole models such as the 4 and the 6?

That is his point. All those changes and it doesnt really matter. The device has been solid since the iPhone 6. All of the upgrades have been great, but there is just no where for the phone to go from here. I remoted in to a user's computer from my SE last weekend and helped him through an issue while on the phone with him. All done with one device. There is just no need for new devices except for fashion and tech people that just like to have new tech. Nothing wrong with any of that. Its just that I think people are starting to realize that nothing is really changing at the heart of the devices.

 

[Mactendo]

A bezel looks "interesting”? Seems you are merely finding a reason, a justification, to not go XS / XS Max. Carry On

Hahahaha this is the funniest thing I've read today. Keep telling yourself that. LMAO.

What’s the reason of being so aggressive at someone else’s opinion? You must be truly unhappy with you life.

 

[dewski]

I'd love to see evidence of that. This gets blurted out everywhere, but I haven't actually seen any evidence.

People will buy what's available, it's just that no smaller form factor is available. The closest comparison we have is the 6/7/8 plus and non-plus, and the X/Xs and Xs Max in terms of phones that are very similar but differ in size. For all of those I would bet that the smaller of the two sold more.

As to why Apple is going big? I think it must be because 1) it's way easier to design/build a larger phone... there is just more space to fit things in., 2) people are still buying the phones, 3) there is no competition that makes smaller phones

This. I work with middle aged people and they ask me what type of phone I have all the time. When I tell them its an SE they say "yeah but what model is it? iPhone 7? 8?" They don't even know the SE exists. It wasn't marketed and it wasn't a 4 inch flagship device. We haven't had a 4" Flagship device in 4 years. We do not know what the public wants because apple has never offered it. It could be that a 4" device wouldn't sell well, but there is no evidence either way.

 

[GoodWheaties]

If the market wanted smaller screens like the 4S or even the 5, other companies, not just Apple, would be building them, but so far as I can tell, no one or at least no one significant is making those phones.

I don’t think it’s as simple as that. I would say most people want good performance and features. A high performing smartphone with lots of features requires lots of space and battery. It’s simply a lot easier to create a larger phone with those features than a smaller one. It might even be more expensive to pack things more tightly hence why most companies (who are working on slim margins already) avoid doing so.

 

[lastwomanstanding98]

If people can comfortably afford the XS or XS Max and don’t have health issues with the OLED display, and if Apple has the WiFi and LTE connection issues sorted, the XS/Max option definitely is the better choice. The back glass is stronger and the display is really beautiful. I hated having to give up my Max due to pwm induced migraines. Photos viewed on the Max display were so rich in detail.

Unfortunately it didn’t work out for me. So, I’m really excited about the Xr. I’m hoping that the compromises it makes won’t be a detriment to my full enjoyment of it. It does help that it is less expensive and comes in fun colors. I can’t wait to see mine tomorrow and find out for myself if it’s worthwhile.

[doublepost=1540482581][/doublepost]Wow, I didn't even know such issues existed. I'm glad I opted for the XR, can't wait to get it. Though I don't agree the colors are fun, luckily I can just get a new Uniqfind skin to get the look I want. I held both the XS and XR in my hands and didn't notice that big a difference, definitely not one that would warrant the extra expense. To each their own I guess. Good luck with your XR!

 

[2499723]

There's still an emerging market in wearable friends.


Since you're coming from a 6, consider returning your Xr for an 8 Plus. The Xr is better in most ways, but it sounds like the dual camera setup is important to you, and the 8 Plus is still a great phone. (On a side note, how did you not notice the absence of a second camera on the Xr? I mean, it *obviously* doesn't have a second camera to support depth perception. Not trying to harangue you, I just don't understand.)

When they announced that the XR would still be able to achieve Portrait Mode through software, they didn’t overtly state that it was to capture humans only. So, yes, I knew there wasn’t a second camera, but it wasn’t immediately clear that software-based Portrait Mode was unable to achieve a similar (if not same) result.

 

[Geekbabe]

And it may be worth waiting for an extra month or so to see what they do. I'm coming from an iPhone 6S Plus and I'd love to be able to pick the iPhone XR as my next phone. I'd be gaining so much, but losing 3D Touch may be the deal breaker for me.

My son will get my 6S Plus ( I will take it to Apple for a new battery) Assuming I don’t hate the XR, getting used to Face ID will be a challenge but..everything in life changes. I was long overdue for an upgrade and look forward to having a red phone & introducing my son to Apple. Oh & battery life! The XR has plenty!

And yes, money is a thing! I use my phone daily but the device I use most is my iPad & MacBook, not going to shell out $1,100 plus tax, plus case & screen protector for a device that will sit on the charger once my work day is over.

 

[Jimmy James]

Is it just me or have phones, tablets, and computers are just plain boring nowadays. I just don't care to get the latest stuff anymore. Seems like every year there is less of a reason to upgrade. Same goes for my friends. I take it the market is fully saturated and this whole tech bubble is ready to pop.

It’s not so much that new phones are boring. It’s more that your old phone probably doesn’t suck. If it sucked you’d be all over the new stuff.