iPhone XR Apple refurbished iPhone xr in 2021?
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skottichan
macrumors 65816
I'm still using my XR, and I'm not really seeing much difference in speed vs my fiancée's 12. Granted, I know the newer models have better cameras and other features, I just figured, it works, so focus on upgrading my older tech first.
Motionblurrr
macrumors 65816
A refurb from Apple? A XR? If you got the funds, absolutely.
Apple_Robert
Contributor
Even with it being Apple refurbished, I don't think it is a good buy, unless you have to have that particular model for some reason. In my opinion, the better deal is the SE 2020.
SE has way smaller screen and battery
Apple_Robert
Contributor
Why didn't you mention your preference (screen size and battery) in your OP? If you want a luggage phone, then get one.
Are you crazy? On what planet is an SE remotely as good as an XR??
rui no onna
Contributor
XR wins on battery.
SE 2020 has A13 while XR has A12 so SE will potentially be supported longer.
FaceID vs TouchID, design and size are all subjective.
snipr125
macrumors 68020
Well the SE2 has the faster A13 bionic chip, and takes better images than the XR. To some people the more compact size/weight and Touch ID is also a preference. The XR does have a larger battery and screen though with Face ID, which again may be a preference for others. Also in terms of money, you can get a brand new SE 128 GB for less than the refurbished XR that the OP is interested in.
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Apple_Robert
Contributor
It depends on who you ask as to whether you get the crazy vote.
primarycolors
Suspended
Where are you getting that idea? Do you mean "dropped" in terms of software or from the available lineup? The 8 stopped being sold (new from Apple in the US) in April 2020.
The 2020 SE has the same very capable A13 as the 11 and 11 Pro. Given Apple's software support trend, the iPhone 8 with its A11 will probably get at least up to iOS 16, and the SE at least two years more.
primarycolors
Suspended
This—it 100% depends on what the OP wants in a phone.
I'm very happy with my SE because it's the perfect balance between portability and screen size, and I like the home button. It's a very fast and capable device.
But based on the OP's reply, they want a big screen and big battery, in which case the refurb XR sounds like a great option.
Go for it, Apple Refurbished products are great.
Thank you everyone. I have made a humble analysis to see if the XR cost would make sense versus 11, 12 and if I waited 2-3 more months for the new 13, giving the number of years each phone can last (5 years vs 6 years vs 7 years). I included sales taxes in the prices, and I think it make the most sense to just wait for the new one and buy it. Would appreciate any feedback on that analysis.
snipr125
macrumors 68020
Very impressed with your financial analysis spreadsheet OP! Based on your preference, the XR looks to be a good choice as an official Apple refurb at $470 (but only Apple refurb, i would not risk a refurb from anywhere else personally). If you can find an iphone 11 for only a few dollars more though, get that instead.
tedley
macrumors 6502
Good advise right here!