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Decision! iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone XR?

  • iPhone 8 Plus

    Votes: 74 26.6%
  • iPhone XR

    Votes: 204 73.4%

  • Total voters
    278

dmk1974

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Sep 16, 2008
2,474
531
Pre-order time is upon us! Which is better? Assume both 64 GB storage models. To me, here are the pro's for each:

iPhone 8 Plus
  • 1080p Display
  • Higer DPI (401 vs 326)
  • Touch ID
  • 3D Touch (I do actually use for some apps)
  • Dual Rear Cameras
  • $50 less ($699 vs $749)
iPhone XR
  • Narrower form so easier to 1-handed text
  • 1.5 hour longer battery life
  • Faster Processor
  • Better camera capabilities
  • Slightly lighter weight
 
I pick 8+ because:
1. Touch ID is a proven technology. I tried an Xs in store and Face ID does not work if the phone is too close to my face (i.e. using phone in bed).
2. XR's portrait mode uses the 28mm wide angle lens, while on the 8+ it uses tele lens. In general longer lens is preferred for portrait unless you are after the wide angle effect (instagram generation may like the wider effect).
3. Most importantly Face ID emits IR radiation and constantly blasts hundreds of IR dots at your face (even when Face ID is not being actively used, search youtube video to see this). It is still a gen1 product and is too new to say it's 100% safe. Apple only states it "is safe to use under normal usage conditions" (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208108). This implies there are conditions it is not safe (but Apple does not tell us). However, Samsung users already reported the IR iris scanner in their phones caused eye discomfort: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/science...-say-iris-scanner-causing-eye-discomfort.html It is too early to tell if FaceID will cause any long term health effect.
4. 8+ is less thick.
5. The LCD screen on the 8+ is better. I compared 8+ and 8 (LCD similar to XR's) in the store and the font on the 8+ is indeed sharper when viewed from close (i.e. when using phone in bed)
 
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Pre-order time is upon us! Which is better? Assume both 64 GB storage models. To me, here are the pro's for each:

iPhone 8 Plus
  • 1080p Display
  • Higer DPI (401 vs 326)
  • Touch ID
  • 3D Touch (I do actually use for some apps)
  • Dual Rear Cameras
  • $50 less ($699 vs $749)
iPhone XR
  • Narrower form so easier to 1-handed text
  • 1.5 hour longer battery life
  • Faster Processor
  • Better camera capabilities
  • Slightly lighter weight

Really, I think it depends on what you’re comfortable handling. Perhaps it would be best if you can actually go and test the iPhone XR in the store first to find out if that’s even something you’re interested in terms of seeing the display, the new form factor and how it feels in your hand.
 
While these XR pro’s were not listed & might not appeal to OP, they could for other people:
  • FaceID for automatic password autofill
  • Color options - not a big deal for me, but others might like it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • Possibly a year longer OS updates from Apple?
  • Swipe gestures to help with switching between apps smoother / faster
  • Dual SIM capability
Also two for 8+:
  • No ugly notch when watching video in full screen mode :p
  • $50 cheaper for the 64gb model ($699 vs $749)
 
Looks like PWM is there in XR, so the decision is already made by Apple for me
 
This is a tough choice, OP. If the slightly less crispness of the XR display doesn’t bother you, consider how long you plan to keep the phone. If it’s, say, four or five years, do you want to continue that long with the older Plus form factor? If it’s a couple of years, perhaps it’s irrelevant.

I was going to preorder the XR, but I’ve about decided to wait till I can see and compare.

What do you have now?
 
I couldn’t live without 3D Touch. It was and is a game changer for me. I use it throughout the day every day.

That combined with the fact it has a crippled camera system and the choice was clear for me (but not easy): Xs Max. I don’t like any of the colors the Max came in, while I LOVE the red and blue Xr.

So if I HAD to choose between the Xr and 8+, I’d get the 8+. But I wouldn’t be happy about it. The Xr will still yield more impressive photos, but I couldn’t live without 3D Touch.
 
I couldn’t live without 3D Touch. It was and is a game changer for me. I use it throughout the day every day.

That combined with the fact it has a crippled camera system and the choice was clear for me (but not easy): Xs Max. I don’t like any of the colors the Max came in, while I LOVE the red and blue Xr.

So if I HAD to choose between the Xr and 8+, I’d get the 8+. But I wouldn’t be happy about it. The Xr will still yield more impressive photos, but I couldn’t live without 3D Touch.

What in particular about 3D Touch where long press won’t do the job even if not as cool and interactive layered iOS feeling?
 
What in particular about 3D Touch where long press won’t do the job even if not as cool and interactive layered iOS feeling?

Long press Just isn’t the same thing. You can’t compare long press and 3D touch, Which 3D Touch is instantaneous where you can quickly navigate and shortcut through an application including the haptic feedback when scrolling through specifics of what you want to open with that application. Even with the Peak/Pop features for viewing a quick message, photo or email can’t be replaced or simulated efficiently that 3D Touch offers.
 
Looks like PWM is there in XR, so the decision is already made by Apple for me

Please provide your source for this information! In general LCD's aren't known for PWM.

iPhone 8+ is a great phone no doubt about it. Touch ID is you prefer it, 1080P resolution and of course the added telephoto lens. However, I personally hate the forehead and chin bezels. I prefer the gestures, Face ID and given that the camera is the same with the exception of telephoto. I boils down to what is most important to each individual. I'd pick the XR myself and I say that as an iPhone 8+ user which is my daily driver for work. Fact is my cellular plans these days cap your video at 480p to 720p unless you are willing to pay a tad bit more. Because I want to stretch my video over the month, I personally always limit my video to 720p even on my current iPhone 8+ for work. So, this isn't a big deal to me. In fact I'd say it much to do about nothing and it only matter to those stuck on specs.
 
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I’m not going to lie. Size is a big factor for me. While the XsMax is a littler smaller in size compared to the plus it still is a huge phone completely. I took it back. I am pre ordering the Xr. It should hit the sweet spot for me.
 
Agree about face ID, but I never enabled it. It is not used on my Xs, ot even once. So you do not have to use it.

I pick 8+ because:
1. Touch ID is a proven technology. I tried an Xs in store and Face ID does not work if the phone is too close to my face (i.e. using phone in bed).
2. XR's portrait mode uses the 28mm wide angle lens, while on the 8+ it uses tele lens. In general longer lens is preferred for portrait unless you are after the wide angle effect (instagram generation may like the wider effect).
3. Most importantly Face ID emits IR radiation and constantly blasts hundreds of IR dots at your face (even when Face ID is not being actively used, search youtube video to see this). It is still a gen1 product and is too new to say it's 100% safe. Apple only states it "is safe to use under normal usage conditions" (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208108). This implies there are conditions it is not safe (but Apple does not tell us). However, Samsung users already reported the IR iris scanner in their phones caused eye discomfort: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/science...-say-iris-scanner-causing-eye-discomfort.html It is too early to tell if FaceID will cause any long term health effect.
4. 8+ is less thick.
5. The LCD screen on the 8+ is better. I compared 8+ and 8 (LCD similar to XR's) in the store and the font on the 8+ is indeed sharper when viewed from close (i.e. when using phone in bed)
 
Dude. Calm down :D

Dude, I am so calm, I am almost a sleep before ordering the phone. Just don't post stuff like it's facts when it nothing more than speculation... that is the point.

I had this exact dilemma and picked the 8+ as I thought it offered a better experience for the price. Both are great iPhones though. I wanted one last iPhone with the classic design too .

Gosh, I am so, so over the thick bezels and I think many are... but you are right the 8+ is a great phone... tried and true.. just tired... :) LOL
 
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