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I too, was battling this scenario when looking to upgrade my iPhone 7.

Being in Canada...prices really suck on everything.

That being said, I was vacationing in Florida and opted to purchase the Refurb iPhone X 256GB for $999.00 and ship it to the nearest Apple Store.

Don't regret my decision one bit!

Having many co-workers/friends with the Xr...I feel the X is far superior. It feels more "stout" in the hand and premium.
 
It’s a tricky one. By all accounts, the XR is a tank and I’ve heard amazing things about its battery life.

I’d always be wary of buying a used iPhone especially a first gem design and especially with an OLED screen.

Mind you I’m talking as someone who loves the size of the X and has misgivings about the size of the XR.
 
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I toyed with the idea of getting an XR, but I just can't help thinking it looks like a cheap knock-off. Secondly, the XR is quite thick and wide, which made it difficult for me to swipe from side to side between webpages, even without a case on it. It would be difficult for me to use one-handed.

As you can tell, both are highly personal opinions and yours may differ. Just test them out in store.

In the end, I got a brand new iPhone X for a good price and couldn't be happier. OLED display, premium feel and just the perfect size.
 
I recently sold my x and bought a 2nd hand xr. It’s a great device and the camera improvements are really noticeable. I am however probably going to sell it towards an xs soon.

For me the size, weight, and thickness are a bit too big. It just feels so chunky compared to my old x or 7 I had before. Screen is fine but definitely feels inferior after having an OLED. Smart HDR is great but not really loving the single lens for portrait shots.

Owning the xr has helped me realise that the few ‘sacrifices’ apple had to make for the cheaper price point, are the things I miss most from the x.
 
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I toyed with the idea of getting an XR, but I just can't help thinking it looks like a cheap knock-off. Secondly, the XR is quite thick and wide, which made it difficult for me to swipe from side to side between webpages, even without a case on it. It would be difficult for me to use one-handed.

As you can tell, both are highly personal opinions and yours may differ. Just test them out in store.

In the end, I got a brand new iPhone X for a good price and couldn't be happier. OLED display, premium feel and just the perfect size.
Looks like a cheap knock off. Sureeeee lol.
 
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I’ve found out that I couldn’t get the X even if I wanted one.

I was trying the XS out and I had the effect that a few other people have mentioned where because of the way that the OLED screen on the X/XR display refresh works (it pulses in a wave) I simply can’t use the X/XS series phone, even if I wanted to!
 
I’ve found out that I couldn’t get the X even if I wanted one.

I was trying the XS out and I had the effect that a few other people have mentioned where because of the way that the OLED screen on the X/XR display refresh works (it pulses in a wave) I simply can’t use the X/XS series phone, even if I wanted to!

The XR isn’t oled.
 
I finally saw an Xr in an Apple store last weekend. At least in that artificial environment I didn't have any issues with the screen.

I do use the "telephoto" on my X for a quick 2X picture, so that may be a disadvantage.

But I would't replace my X with the Xr unless I damaged my X. Everything still works fine on my X, battery 91%.
 
If you like to stream then the XR wouldn’t be my first choice. It only has a 720p screen. I bought an XS Max myself because I like true HD streaming. Anything else is pure subpar for me. The X does 1080p which is sad because the XR being a newer phone you would think it would.
 
Don't settle with the XR. It's mediocre.
I love when someone stares their opinion as if it’s a fact. The XR is far from mediocre.
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I knew that would offend someone... If you're happy with your XR that's all that matters. It may be the better phone for you.
I currently have a 8plus, X and XR and out of the 3 phones my XR is my favorite. There’s no need to knock the XR the phone looks gorgeous and the colors are so vibrant.
 
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Don't settle with the XR. It's mediocre.

Why do you believe this? The XR to the average consumer is an excellent buy, it literally offers identical features to the XS [With the exception of the 3D Touch/Telephoto lens], aside from the 828P display (Which actually looks really good) and the battery life has been praised heavily. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this phone to anyone considering wanting to upgrade.
 
Why do you believe this? The XR to the average consumer is an excellent buy, it literally offers identical features to the XS [With the exception of the 3D Touch/Telephoto lens], aside from the 828P display (Which actually looks really good) and the battery life has been praised heavily. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this phone to anyone considering wanting to upgrade.

For me, it's all about the 3 features you've already mentioned. I compared the XR side by side with my X - and the real dealbreaker is the display. Viewing angle, colors, sharpness - it simply is inferior to the OLED display. A lot of people say the display is "great" - either they are deluding themselves or they simply cannot spot the difference. In fact, I do appreciate the display of my X even more now!
Concerning battery life - never would I give up the rather gracile design and form factor of the X for this bulky brick.

Nevertheless, I think it's a good thing that Apple's serving different people with different needs. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good phone, but not a great one.
 
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Most X users
For me, it's all about the 3 features you've already mentioned. I compared the XR side by side with my X - and the real dealbreaker is the display. Viewing angle, colors, sharpness - it simply is inferior to the OLED display. A lot of people say the display is "great" - either they are deluding themselves or they simply cannot spot the difference. In fact, I do appreciate the display of my X even more now!
Concerning battery life - never would I give up the rather gracile design and form factor of the X for this bulky brick.

Nevertheless, I think it's a good thing that Apple's serving different people with different needs. Don't get me wrong, it's a very good phone, but not a great one.

Other than the screen, the “brick XR” is superior in almost every way compared to the X. Better processor, better camera and better battery. I get you want to defend your precious X but the reality is that your X will be inferior to the XR as the years progress and new iOS updates come out. A great screen is useless if it can’t handle new software.
 
Most X users


Other than the screen, the “brick XR” is superior in almost every way compared to the X. Better processor, better camera and better battery. I get you want to defend your precious X but the reality is that your X will be inferior to the XR as the years progress and new iOS updates come out. A great screen is useless if it can’t handle new software.

"Defending my precious X" - Firstly, you are not talking to a 15 year old who's angry that the device he's using right now is getting old. I am simply stating the fact that the display is inferior to the X. Moreover, speaking as someone who used every iteration of iPhone, I can assure you, the technical improvements between 2017 iPhones and 2018 iPhones are little. Which is why I'm anticipating this year's iPhones even more.
 
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I was considering and made a post on here about swapping my XR for a Max, but I’ve decided not to as at the end of the day, I like the XR screen size. And it’s rumoured to get a dual lens camera this year and and OLED screen next year, so I just need to wait till 2020 to upgrade again and get the same features as the XS but in a bigger screen.

Best thing to do is ignore those who just post the XR is trash or a waste of time etc.. to them it may be but it does show they have never spent time with one or need to justify their more ‘premium’ phone, look for actual sensible arguments why people prefer the X etc, fact is the XR is thought of by many to be the best screen size. And it’s not meant to feel as premium, but then again it’s several hundred pounds or dollars cheaper!
 
I bought a used iPhone X on eBay for $600. Within a few days the screen started to flicker. Took it in to Apple for a warranty repair and they told me that the screen was third party. Contacted the eBay seller and he “forgot” to mention it. Sending the iPhone X back. Trying to decide if I should keep my iPhone 7 until the 2019 iPhones are released or trade it in for an iPhone Xs. Could really use the upgraded camera as I have a five month old baby.
 
I'd choose my XR over a used X any day.
I'd choose a new XR over a new X any day. (Or even an XS, really.) The processor is way better, the memory is way better, the battery is life-changingly better, and for me the screen size is also the perfect fit. Really the only slight disadvantage is the camera.
 
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