iPhone XR Time to upgrade to XS Max or XR?

[dasycar]

Hi, I need some advice.

After four years I´m upgrading my Iphone 5s. I gave him one more year beacuse I didn´t have to use it a lot and because the X last year didn´t call me.

After watching the keynote, even I was looking forward to the new phones, my first though was "I want a Apple Watch". I was going to wait to have the phone but with the 3-4 weeks of waiting I ordered it on October 8, ETA 6nov-13nov...

So at the begining I was like: i get the watch and the iphone XR.
But after all the reviews (all bad talk about the XR screen) and going to the Apple Store I started to like the idea of getting a Max. Yes, it´s big, but the XR is going to be a bit smaller, and in the XS i can´t reach the corner of the screen either. I know "you have 5s any new phone that you buy today the screen is going to look 100 times better".

As you imagine I dont change the phone every year. I feel like buying the XR is not getting a 2018 phone, the screen, the cameras, some people say that is the X but with the new chip... but the price is awesome and I also like the battery life of the XR. Is worth it expending $350 more?

I want to have the feeling that i´m buying something 2018...when i bought the 5s the 6 was the new one, but I didn´t like it.

I don´t know if any of you are having the same problems. I still have 2 week before my watch arrives.

Thank you.

 

[Mackinjosh]

Show me the reviews of the XR complaining about the screen.

 

[kre62]

XR screen will be incredible. Way higher PPI than MacBook Pro or iPad Pro, both of which have excellent screens.

 

[dasycar]

Show me the reviews of the XR complaining about the screen.

I mean all the people talking about the 326 ppi, not being a 1080p screen, that kind of complains.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Get the XR and try it for 13 days. If you don't like it or it doesn't meet your needs, return it for a different model.

 

[Mackinjosh]

I mean all the people talking about the 326 ppi, not being a 1080p screen, that kind of complains.

Those people haven't used the phone. Listen to the folks who have.
Go to 3:04 in this video for his impression of the screen.

 

[Arei]

If saving money is your prerogative, then go with the XR. You're definitely getting a big upgrade from the 5s either way you go. The Max is pretty big. I think that would be a good choice if you tend to watch a lot of videos/stream/play games on your phone, or that is something you'd LIKE to do (can't do much of that to a huge degree on the 5s). If that's not something you really think you'll be doing, and you don't like the size, I wouldn't bother with the Max.

I went with the XS half because I was impatient and wanted a new phone now, and half because I really wanted the dual lens camera instead of the XR's single lens. Though from reviews it honestly sounds like the dual/single lens is not going to make that much of a difference. I like that the XS screen is like the Plus but in a slightly smaller package so you still get that big screen experience. Going from the 5s to the 6s Plus was a huge upgrade for me at the time.

I haven't had any hands on with the XR yet, but I would listen to the people that have, it definitely sounds like you're not going to be losing any quality just because it's a different display type. I plan on getting the XR for my mom, so I'll see when we get that (it's gonna be another month or so). The XR should be worth the money.

 

[Squirreljam]

Op, if it helps, I bought a launch day sim free 256 max - and returned it in favor of waiting for the xr (which I did preorder Friday am). I liked the max, but the pricing didn’t match my sense of value. I want more than 64gb but don’t need 256 which is the max’s only option for $150 more than base. On the xr, the 128gb is only a $50 bump over base. Coming from a 6, the xr will still be a huge jump in performance, I really value the extra battery life and the $450 I’m saving makes it a home run.

 

[44267547]

I mean all the people talking about the 326 ppi, not being a 1080p screen, that kind of complains.

You mean all the people complaining on here on Macrumors, Thats because its a tech forum. The average consumer likely will not have any issues with the retina display with the XR. Try not to read too much into everyone’s opinion about the XR on a tech site.

 

[dasycar]

Those people haven't used the phone. Listen to the folks who have.
Go to 3:04 in this video for his impression of the screen.

Thanks, I think I will go to the store on friday and use it, or maybe try it and return it.

 

[Mackinjosh]

Thanks, I think I will go to the store on friday and use it, or maybe try it and return it.

Maybe order one for store pickup and when you get there, check out the display units and if you don't like it, cancel the order.

 

[DNichter]

I’m sure the screen will be fine coming from a 5s. I think unless you’re coming from an OLED model, you’ll be happy with the screen.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

The problem with this already tired XR debate is that people are trying to evidence that it's objectively 'better' than the XS which of course, is nonsense. I expect this largely stems from people trying to convince themselves their purchases are best due to their restrictive budgets etc. But in short -

1. LCD on thr XR will certainly be great as per normal with all Apple LCDs. It cannot compete with the XS's contrast and black levels - pixels turning off on OLEDS is noticeably better in day to day use, end of.
2. The bezels on the XR are noticeably thicker - just check out the review videos. It's odd that this isn't mentioned more in discussions.
3. The XR size sits comfortably between the XS and Max sizes. This could be very useful for some.
4. The XR is cheaper although by no means cheap.
5. The XR has a single rear camera lens - I am not camera expert and so you should check out whether this will affect your needs.
6. The XS lacks force touch (I for one couldn't care less about this).
7. XR is heavier.
8. The XS comes in a range of funky colours which certainly look less premium than the XS silver, black and gold. This is all so subjective though - I quite like the coral colour which is unexpected!

I haven't had the time to give you the exact figures for the above but Google is your bestie here.

Think about your budget, your needs and then make your choice. Don't buy into people here or anywhere else selling you their view on which phone is the definitive best.

WWHG.

 

[threeonthetree]

I actually prefer LCD over OLED but it is just me lol.

I am sure I will be fine with the screen even at 326ppi

 

[davedvdy]

Those people haven't used the phone. Listen to the folks who have.
Go to 3:04 in this video for his impression of the screen.

That is actually exciting, I can't wait to see one in person lol.
I am so curious now about this iPhone.

 

[Mackinjosh]

The problem with this already tired XR debate is that people are trying to evidence that it's objectively 'better' than the XS which of course, is nonsense. I expect this largely stems from people trying to convince themselves their purchases are best due to their restrictive budgets etc. But in short -

For many people it is better. Objectively.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

For many people it is better. Objectively.

That’s the very definition of subjective. For many people...

That’s my point.

 

[Mackinjosh]

That’s the very definition of subjective. For many people...

That’s my point.

Then why pretend that one is objectively better? That's the point.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

Then why pretend that one is objectively better? That's the point.

I don’t think you have understood my post as you seem to be reiterating what I’ve already said back to me.

Thanks.

 

[kre62]

I don’t think you have understood my post as you seem to be reiterating what I’ve already said back to me.

Thanks.

I dont think you can say OLED is objectively better overall.

You can say OLED has objectively deeper blacks

You can say OLED has objectively better contrast.

Thats about it.

OLED has worse viewing angles, color shifting, burn in worries, missing subpixels, and PWM flickering that are all objectively worse than the XRs LCD.

To some, the blacks and contrast outweigh these glaring and egregious shortcomings. For me, it does not.

I subjectively think OLED is trash, and is literally worse than the XRs LCD. If you put all your focus on the blacks and contrast, and dont suffer from eye strain or migraines when using it, OLED may be better for you. But I don't think OLED is even in the majority of being better for most people.

 

[SnacksGU]

I own the Max. I really enjoy it. But I also think I would enjoy the XR and have saved a lot of $. But I will live with my choice now.

 

[chanerz]

Sounds like you want the XR. I love my Xs though.

 

[Teach4]

I got the Xs max, because of the camera. I am on the upgrade program with Apple so I make payments. Get what you want and can afford. I had an X, so when I upgraded, my sister who has a really old iPhone model asked if she could have my X as her upgrade. Win, win for both of us. Good luck with your decision, I love my Xs max.

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

I dont think you can say OLED is objectively better overall.

You can say OLED has objectively deeper blacks

You can say OLED has objectively better contrast.

Thats about it.

OLED has worse viewing angles, color shifting, burn in worries, missing subpixels, and PWM flickering that are all objectively worse than the XRs LCD.

To some, the blacks and contrast outweigh these glaring and egregious shortcomings. For me, it does not.

I subjectively think OLED is trash, and is literally worse than the XRs LCD. If you put all your focus on the blacks and contrast, and dont suffer from eye strain or migraines when using it, OLED may be better for you. But I don't think OLED is even in the majority of being better for most people.

I didn’t say OLED was objectively better though. I agree with your points - that it comes down to preference.

 

[Scott G.]

I dont think you can say OLED is objectively better overall.

You can say OLED has objectively deeper blacks

You can say OLED has objectively better contrast.

Thats about it.

OLED has worse viewing angles, color shifting, burn in worries, missing subpixels, and PWM flickering that are all objectively worse than the XRs LCD.

To some, the blacks and contrast outweigh these glaring and egregious shortcomings. For me, it does not.

I subjectively think OLED is trash, and is literally worse than the XRs LCD. If you put all your focus on the blacks and contrast, and dont suffer from eye strain or migraines when using it, OLED may be better for you. But I don't think OLED is even in the majority of being better for most people.

I'm really thinking about going from the XS to the XR, because I can't stage the color shifting of Apple's OLED displays. I LOVE their LCD displays. They've pretty much perfected them. However, I can't help but feel like it's a downgrade going from the XS to the XR, specifically because of the resolution, the size of the bezels, the less premium hardware, and the single camera..