iPhone XS vs. iPhone XR: Design, Tech Specs, and Price Comparison

[chfilm]

They're using machine learning to tell what's the subject and everything else is background that can be blurred, that's my guess. Google Pixel phone is able to fake bokeh pretty well with a single lens so Apple with its new A12 and the incredible computing power on the neural engine part of the chip should be able to deliver a similar experience, or even better.

I found a paper that google published about how they achieve bokeh on their Pixel phones. It’s pretty interesting, as it appears to be an even smarter solution than the dual camera setup because it works just as good and saves up space in the phone. They are using the dual pixel autofocus system to create a depth map basically, of course in conjunction with ML, but it’s not just that the neural engine understands what’s foreground and what’s not, but there is still a depth map in play, just not from a second lens but created by the AF system somehow. Fascinating stuff!

Source: https://www.dpreview.com/news/48503...ulate-shallow-dof-from-a-single-mobile-camera

 

[budafied]

I agree. Resolution is less than the 3 year old plus range but if you want a decent screen , it's the XS or XS plus... But then they are unaffordable.

No decent middle ground.

Apple loves to provide their consumers with the illusion of choice. The XR seems like a total win, until you look a little closer. Given it's embarrassing pixel density and it's lack of 3D touch, it should be far less than $750. Apple has essentially said "$1000 is what our phones cost now. If you want a ****** stripped down version, we'll overcharge you for that too!"
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It also looks to have the best quality LCD of any device, ever. Don’t get caught up in the screen resolution race. OLED resolutions are misleading and should be counted at 2/3 when compared to traditional LCD because of the pixel layout.

The pixel density isn't pathetic compared to OLED, it's pathetic compared to Apple's own previous LCD phone.

Anyway, I’m talking about value proposition in the iPhone world, which is totally different than the Android world.

That's what they want you to believe. Value is value.

 

[seinman]

I used my brother’s 6 today to compare the PPI to that of my 7+. I can’t see a difference. I’ll be buying the Xr.

 

[michial]

I used my brother’s 6 today to compare the PPI to that of my 7+. I can’t see a difference. I’ll be buying the Xr.

Plus Apple claims this is the best LCD they’ve ever made. That’s saying a lot as they’re already great. Sure hyperbole reigns with all companies but we know Apple makes darn good lcds.

 

[EugW]

Plus Apple claims this is the best LCD they’ve ever made. That’s saying a lot as they’re already great. Sure hyperbole reigns with all companies but we know Apple makes darn good lcds.

Well, to be honest, I view Apple statement here as a little misleading. Yes the XR screen does have some advantages over the 8 Plus' screen such as mildly higher contrast ratio in the new XR screen, but the lower ppi is one feature where it falls behind.

So, strictly speaking, yes the XR LCD is in some ways among the best LCD they've ever made, but the lower ppi is a significant difference too that definitely doesn't make it the best.

Anyhow, I'm just going to wait. Despite there still being available stock of the Max for pickup locally or delivery, I won't pre-order. I would like to see the XR vs XS Max in hand.

And after thinking about it a while, if I don't actually like the XR screen (eg. for Zoomed Display mode), then who knows, I may just pick up an 8+ instead. It would have been nice to get rid of the forehead and chin, but given that it costs only 3/5ths as much as the Max, I might go that route. Or not. Dunno.

 

[IG88]

No one is talking about this, but you can NOT get an unlocked Xr, only Xs/XsMax. That can be a deal breaker to many including myself.

No SIM free Xr?

I doubt that's a permanent thing. Most of the previous launches did not have SIM free phones available to pre-order.

 

[michial]

Well, to be honest, I view Apple statement here as a little misleading. Yes the XR screen does have some advantages over the 8 Plus' screen such as mildly higher contrast ratio in the new XR screen, but the lower ppi is one feature where it falls behind.

So, strictly speaking, yes the XR LCD is in some ways among the best LCD they've ever made, but the lower ppi is a significant difference too that definitely doesn't make it the best.

Anyhow, I'm just going to wait. Despite there still being available stock of the Max for pickup locally or delivery, I won't pre-order. I would like to see the XR vs XS Max in hand.

And after thinking about it a while, if I don't actually like the XR screen (eg. for Zoomed Display mode), then who knows, I may just pick up an 8+ instead. It would have been nice to get rid of the forehead and chin, but given that it costs only 3/5ths as much as the Max, I might go that route. Or not. Dunno.

We’re getting both a 64 gb Xs and a Xr. If I don’t like either I’ll swap out. Will pick up the Xs at a local Apple Store on the 21st. I hear the WiFi and LTE is also limited on the Xr in comparison to the Xs which is unfortunate.

 

[EugW]

We’re getting both a 64 gb Xs and a Xr. If I don’t like either I’ll swap out. Will pick up the Xs at a local Apple Store on the 21st. I hear the WiFi and LTE is also limited on the Xr in comparison to the Xs which is unfortunate.

Yes, the radio is more limited on the XR. I do wonder how much that will make a difference in terms of reliability. I'm not concerned about speed as much as true connection reliability (both for voice and data).

I suspect it will help, but a lot will depend upon the carrier. I don't know how well Rogers/Fido supports that up here in Canuckistan.

 

[michial]

Yes, the radio is more limited on the XR. I do wonder how much that will make a difference in terms of reliability. I'm not concerned about speed as much as true connection reliability (both for voice and data).

I suspect it will help, but a lot will depend upon the carrier. I don't know how well Rogers/Fido supports that up here in Canuckistan.

I’m on TMobile and they have an extended LTE that’s only on the Xs line. Plus the lte bands are fewer on the Xr, with the WiFi being 2x2 vs 4x4. I don’t know. We will have both and return whichever.

 

[GuruZac]

If the iPhone XR screen is fine in person, I’ll give it go. At this point in time, I think unless it simply doesn’t look good, I see no reason no to buy that vs the XS.

 

[michial]

You can always swap out. I’m sure by the time they’re out the Xs will be readily available. Im in the iphone upgrade plan and keep my phones only a year. The price difference per month is less than one cup of coffee so time will tell.

 

[Tech198]

Very few differences between XR and XS. Even less with the MAX..

Apple can't have more distinctions anymore in phones? I reckon the trade-off's for getting one phone over anther are getting less and less year over year. which makes it harder to buy.

It does make things more interesting, as you then come to more valid augments to to *why* you bought that model.

 

[EugW]

I think if you want the XS, it makes sense to get the XS, as it is a different phone in terms of design intent and size class.

The XR is a bit of a different beast. It's the LCD Plus replacement, and has a design intent of the Max, but a little bit smaller and with some cheaper parts. Both the XR and Max show 22% more screen space than the XS.

IOW, the XS replaces the X, which in turn replaces the 8.
XS Max replaces the 8 Plus.
The XR also replaces the 8 Plus as a cheaper smaller substitute to the XS Max.

As I've said before, I think why everyone compares the XS to the XR is because they are within 3 mm of each other and because the XR is the cheapest. But IMO, they are in different UI size classes. The XS is a big small phone, whereas the XR is a small big phone. The small small phone would be the 8, and the big big phone would be the Max.

 

[rumtyum]

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Probably closer to 75% but agreed. I think there is just a bigger segment of XSMax users out there then people think. I think the Xs is the loser.

I was considering the Xs vs the Xr and I don't care about 3D touch. The additional camera is nice BUT I don't take that many pictures that would need it. The OLED is great BUT it's not worth a $250 upcharge + the additional $50 upcharge on Apple care for the X that's $300. That's nothing really to me BUT doesn't mean I want to spend it. I'll save that for a new set of series 2 earpods when they ship.

And honestly, I think the Aluminum looks better in the slate grey and Product Red and I prefer the feel of it over stainless steel. I actually might do the RED because it looks pretty damn sleek.

I was debating the same thing...read my above. I'm going with Xr. Also the fact that 3D touch was omitted makes me think Apple is moving away from it.

[doublepost=1537073134][/doublepost]The price leap for all these phones is so precipitous that it looks worryingly like an act of greed on Apple's part. I've been holding onto my iPhone 6 with its dodgy battery expecting to swap it for a new phone this year but I won't be doing that. Far too much money for a phone. I'll swap the battery and soldier on with the old phone for a year or two.

 

[markrath]

I'm a big fan of 3D Touch and use it quite a bit. Wonder how it'll feel on the XR as people in the hands on area said it felt the same. I think someone said 'if you didn't say it wasn't 3D Touch specifically I would have assumed it was.'

The last time I used 3D Touch was today. My wife who has an 8 (I have and 8 Plus) sad “What’s 3D Touch?” I said “It’s this (showing her 3D Touch), but I never use it”. And she said “Oh yeah, sometimes I push down too hard by accident and it does that.” It was at that point we both sad “Let’s get the Xr”.

 

[Technarchy]

If the iPhone XR screen is fine in person, I’ll give it go. At this point in time, I think unless it simply doesn’t look good, I see no reason no to buy that vs the XS.

I’m equally curious about the XR display quality given the very low PPI on a rather large display.

I suspect Apple is upping the image processing and anti aliasing to clean up the image.

Guess we will see in s few weeks. No 3D Touch would be annoying though. I do use it often.

 

[AlexJoda]

I’m equally curious about the XR display quality given the very low PPI on a rather large display.

I suspect Apple is upping the image processing and anti aliasing to clean up the image.

Guess we will see in s few weeks. No 3D Touch would be annoying though. I do use it often.

We are using this "very low PPI" from the iPhone 4 (the sensational introduction of the Retina display) till the iPhone 8. Never had a problem with it. The iPad has an even lower PPI....

 

[profets]

Why does the steel matter? Less scratches if you don't use a case? Less bendy if you sit on it? (I am asking seriously)

I think mainly (to me anyway) it feels like a more premium material. I personally think aesthetically its stunning when you see the polished stainless steel on the phone from a short distance. I really like how the combination of steel and glass looks. Also there’s a nice heft to the overall feel/weight of the device.

Structurally I’m not sure if anything really changes. And in terms of scratches I feel like aluminum is easier to care for.

 

[ColdShadow]

Seems that many, tech sites, YouTube reviewers, etc., et al., are recommending iPhone XR!

I think they'll sell like hot cakes!

don’t forget the low resolution screen.

 

[Coconut Bean]

Nope.

iPhone 6s Plus: 1080x1920, 401 PPI
iPhone Xr: 828x1792 (subtract rounded corners and notch), 326 PPI
iPhone Xs Max: 1242x2688 (subtract rounded corners and notch), 458 PPI

This page is a useful resource for comparing iPhone screen res / PPI.

For context, although the iPhone 4 had a smaller screen, the PPI is no better on the Xr. And Apple just introduced a brand new iPhone in 2018 with a lower screen PPI and resolution than an iPhone that was introduced in 2014 - at the exact same price point.

Many people miss this. Apart from their most expensive options, iPhones have a ****** screen resolution if you have a good eyesight. They are calibrated well though.

 

[123]

I pre-ordered an iPhone Xs (256 GB Silver) this morning, but after reading the technical comparison of Xs vs. Xr, I wonder if I should have just waited for the Xr next month. I own an iPhone X which I love, but giving up OLED display and 3D touch is not exactly a deal breaker for me. Especially when you consider the price difference.

When you consider the price difference and already have an iPhone X, the best option is to not buy a new phone.

 

[The Game 161]

When you consider the price difference and already have an iPhone X, the best option is to not buy a new phone.

Yeah I get this reasoning. Depends how much faster chip you want and a better camera is to you.

I’m going from the x to the max as I missed the bigger screen. The faster chip and camera improvements are just a bonus.

 

[Ramchi]

750... XR is hardly a value proposition. Its priced like their flagships from 2016. Other than processor it has the specs of a low end Android which is a fraction of the price. The screen itself is like going back to 2014 for most Android phones.
So yeah, smart move by Apple , at your considerable expense.

There are many Android mobiles like RedMi Pro etc...which has 6 inches 1080p resolution, metal body, Dual Camera system, bigger battery, clean Dual SIM etc...VoLTE without restrictions (such as eSIM) for $150-$200 in our place. Of Course, they have SD 660....as compared with A12 Bionic (but with 4GB or 6 GB RAM). Difficult to convince people here to shell out $500-600 more for a spec that is when compared with low-end Android mobile does not measure up.

You just forget if you start comparing products in the $300-$500 where you have tons of options with SD 845 with 6GB-8GB RAM AMOLED Screen etc...

 

[EugW]

Yeah sure, if you want to start comparing Android phones, you will always be able to find phones with better paper specs for cheaper. That's been true for almost a decade now, but that doesn't factor in the other variables such as the fact that often the Android phones in question have poorer manufacturer support, poorer phone QA, poorer cross-model OS and software support, and of course lack of support or iOS and the Apple ecosystem.

IOW, arguing that a cheaper iPhone isn't a good value because it doesn't have the paper specs of cheaper Android phones is just an Apples vs oranges Androids comparison that doesn't really help anyone.
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Yes, the radio is more limited on the XR. I do wonder how much that will make a difference in terms of reliability. I'm not concerned about speed as much as true connection reliability (both for voice and data).

I suspect it will help, but a lot will depend upon the carrier. I don't know how well Rogers/Fido supports that up here in Canuckistan.

I'm told the Gigabit LTE upgrade may not make much difference any time soon in most of Canada in terms of real world speed on Rogers/Fido. However, I do still wonder if the spec upgrade will help in maintaining voice and data connection stability, particularly in sparse coverage areas, on existing networks.

What do you gals and guys know about this, for the Canadian carriers? I don't fully understand the technology myself.

 

[AppleFan910]

I love how you describe the XR display as a quality viewing experience. Lol.

Its not even full HD. Its resolution is about as good as a low end Chinese import Android for a fraction of the price. 326ppi at 6.1 inches is laughable. Welcome to pixelville. Not even as good as the 8 plus which has a full HD 1080 display at 5.5inch (440ppi). That's shocking. A regression at your expense.

But yeah, it will have good colours, and it will be fast.

Why couldn't they have used an A11 chip from the old X (still fast) and put a better display on it ???

Let's be clear... Apple really skimped on the XR display. All to get you up to an XS and spend even more.

The plus models are 1980x1080 or 401 ppl.
The lcd display on the 7 and 8 models are plenty good. You have to understand that you’re not just buying a “screen”. You’re getting the latest A12, pretty much every spec except 3D Touch, dual camera (but can still do bokeh using software) and the faster gigabit LTE. All in all I’d say the xR is a damn good deal. They could’ve even shipped it with an A11 and it would still be a solid phone.