iPhone XR XR vs 8 vs XS

[paapplefan]

I know – I’m not the first with this dilemma. I switched to xfinity mobile from Verizon. Gave my iPhone 7 (which I loved) to my daughter and I got an XR. Used it for a few days and exchanged it for an iPhone 8 (with smaller storage, but I managed it). The iPhone 8 is $25 a month (64GB). The XR was $33 (128GB) and the XS is $41 (64GB). I liked the XR tech, camera, and the larger screen but just couldn’t get used to the physical size. I love the iPhone 8 size but am wondering if I should go back to the XR for just a few dollars more (per month) or even try the XS? Maybe I’ll get used to the size of the XR if I try for longer? Re the size - it's a one handed issue, but also the ease of putting the phone in my pocket to walk the dog, etc.. I would like to keep the phone for at least 2 years and want one that will last. I know others have had similar experiences and want to get others thoughts. Thanks!

 

[JohnnyGo]

Definitely recommend the XR. $8 bucks per month more will get you:
- 50% larger screen area
- 30-40% better battery life
- 100% more storage (assuming base model)
- faster CPU
- better camera

I moved from an iPhone 7 to the XR and I couldn’t be happier. Larger screen, fluidity (speed) and not having to worry about battery life are key factors for me.

 

[Jetcat3]

Just get the XS. Yes, you’ll have to stretch just a bit farther but the display is unbelievable and the gestures a joy to use. Not to mention 4GB of ram for future proofing!

 

[cableguy84]

8 plus

 

[Significant1]

Apple might not sell Iphone X anymore, but here in Denmark everyone else does and without contract it is only smidgen more expensive than 8 plus (even cheaper than comparable Xr, though it is close). I would hate loosing fingerprint sensor, but 8 plus is really an old design and 6 plus had already too big bezels when it was released. So from where I am standing I would choose an iPhone X, if upgrading now.

 

[I7guy]

For the reasons mentioned above, if you can get used to the size of the XR it's a technical leap above the iphone 8, not to mention double the storage and excellent battery life.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I'm in the same boat here with an 8+ and trying to decide the same thing. Someone shared a video with me that went into the camera changes and the difference isn't all that much. I wouldn't get the max though - this is a good size.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

Just get the XS. Yes, you’ll have to stretch just a bit farther but the display is unbelievable and the gestures a joy to use. Not to mention 4GB of ram for future proofing!

Honestly I don't think there's a comparison between the XS and the XR. The battery on the XS sucks, the display is a LOT smaller (and renders a lot less stuff). You don't need all that RAM with the XR's resolution and TBH the benchmarks have been showing that the XR is actually the fastest iPhone of the three.

With the XS Max it's another story entirely, however.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

Honestly I don't think there's a comparison between the XS and the XR. The battery on the XS sucks, the display is a LOT smaller (and renders a lot less stuff). You don't need all that RAM with the XR's resolution and TBH the benchmarks have been showing that the XR is actually the fastest iPhone of the three.

With the XS Max it's another story entirely, however.

In what way? Why go for the Max? I'm coming from an 8+ and I plan on keeping whatever phone I have for the full term. Why spend the extra $100?

 

[I7guy]

Honestly I don't think there's a comparison between the XS and the XR. The battery on the XS sucks, the display is a LOT smaller (and renders a lot less stuff). You don't need all that RAM with the XR's resolution and TBH the benchmarks have been showing that the XR is actually the fastest iPhone of the three.

With the XS Max it's another story entirely, however.

I don't know what the benchmarks are showing, but I'm guessing, the XR technically may be faster because it's pushing around a lot less pixels, but it's not anything anyone would every notice.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I don't know what the benchmarks are showing, but I'm guessing, the XR technically may be faster because it's pushing around a lot less pixels, but it's not anything anyone would every notice.

I'm confused on the whole OLED thing. I can't honestly separate the marketing pitch from any real value. Will the OLED be the way for the next gen of phones?

 

[ericwn]

Generally if you need to ask others, consider that the change is probably not worth it.

The device was too big for you in the first place. It’s a device intended to be used with two hands, like all plus size phones too. Not everybody likes that and it’s absolutely personal preference if so and wether or not you will adjust to it.

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

I have an 8+ now and I need the real estate because I have huge hands and fingers and larger display=larger keys. For the, the 8+ is a one hand device. But now I'm reading into the differences between the Xs and the Xs Max and wondering if I should go large. Truth is, I would probably be fine sticking with the 8+ but the camera issue is getting annoying and I hate paying the balance of the higher amount loan for old technology.

 

[bigboy29]

Honestly - the size of the Xr is something that you need to simply decide on. If it fits into your pockets etc. then - you will get used to it when holding it in your hand. It might take a little bit of time, yes. I also found that installing a bumper case (like I now have on mine) with a screen protector is something that I unexpectedly like (never did before) AND it keeps the bulk of the device down.

Oh yeah - I moved to Xr from an X (which I handed to my son). No regrets.

 

[AppleHaterLover]

I don't know what the benchmarks are showing, but I'm guessing, the XR technically may be faster because it's pushing around a lot less pixels, but it's not anything anyone would every notice.

https://www.macworld.com/article/3318198/iphone-ipad/iphone-xr-benchmarks.html

You'd be correct, but anyway it shows that the XR will be every bit as future proof as the XS/Max (maybe more, since the resolution is indeed a lot lower)
[doublepost=1545924226][/doublepost]

In what way? Why go for the Max? I'm coming from an 8+ and I plan on keeping whatever phone I have for the full term. Why spend the extra $100?

The XS Max has a very decent battery, which the XS does not. XS displays a lot less content than 8+, and the XS Max/XR in particular.

The XS Max screen size is a liiiiittle bit on the excessive size, but the actual phone's size is the same as the 8+. So I wouldn't even look at the XS for such a small price difference (you're already paying $1000+ anyway...)

 

[Dr_Charles_Forbin]

https://www.macworld.com/article/3318198/iphone-ipad/iphone-xr-benchmarks.html

You'd be correct, but anyway it shows that the XR will be every bit as future proof as the XS/Max (maybe more, since the resolution is indeed a lot lower)
[doublepost=1545924226][/doublepost]

The XS Max has a very decent battery, which the XS does not. XS displays a lot less content than 8+, and the XS Max/XR in particular.

The XS Max screen size is a liiiiittle bit on the excessive size, but the actual phone's size is the same as the 8+. So I wouldn't even look at the XS for such a small price difference (you're already paying $1000+ anyway...)

The whole OLED thing is sticking with me for some reason. Maybe what I really need to do is get the camera on my 8+ checked. I had posted a picture of my friends Newfie and the detail on the fur is just horrible.

 

[agente46]

Just get the Xr. It’s the best valued iPhone ever made in the history of iPhones.

 

[janeauburn]

8 plus

Agree.

 

[paapplefan]

Thanks everyone. So although I love the 8's form factor I will probably exchange for the XR and give it another chance. Value wise I think it's the better option - it's just $8 more per month.

 

[I7guy]

The whole OLED thing is sticking with me for some reason. Maybe what I really need to do is get the camera on my 8+ checked. I had posted a picture of my friends Newfie and the detail on the fur is just horrible. View attachment 812859

It’s probably not the camera but the version of iOS and the amount of softening.

 

[Kendo]

No amount of money can trump comfort factor. The X and the XS are the closest in size to the iPhone 8 size, like 95%. The X and XS have a bigger height but the width is only 4 mm wider than the 8 which is the most important thing. The XR is 5 mm wider than the XS which means altogether the XR is 9 mm wider than the 8 which is extremely noticeable. Like you, I find the iPhone 6, 7, 8 size to be PERFECT. If XR came in the XS size or smaller, I would simply get the XR.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Wow, I can't believe people are having a tough time with the size of the latest phones. I went to a local Best Buy shortly after the iPhone Xs and Xs Max were released. I picked up both phones and was surprised that I could easily operate the phone in one hand. Then I compared it to my Nexus 6 and my N6 dwarfed both phones. Maybe I picked up the wrong iPhones at Best Buy although there was a display stand next to each phone that said iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max but neither phone struck me as being physically big and I could see myself easily using them with one hand.

 

[Kendo]

Wow, I can't believe people are having a tough time with the size of the latest phones. I went to a local Best Buy shortly after the iPhone Xs and Xs Max were released. I picked up both phones and was surprised that I could easily operate the phone in one hand. Then I compared it to my Nexus 6 and my N6 dwarfed both phones. Maybe I picked up the wrong iPhones at Best Buy although there was a display stand next to each phone that said iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max but neither phone struck me as being physically big and I could see myself easily using them with one hand.

Just like you can have people range from 4 feet tall to 7 feet tall, 100 lbs to 350 lbs, hand sizes are just as diverse. I would think that the XR would be a phone too big for most people to use one handed.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Just like you can have people range from 4 feet tall to 7 feet tall, 100 lbs to 350 lbs, hand sizes are just as diverse. I would think that the XR would be a phone too big for most people to use one handed.

I'm not that big, have what's considered small to regular sized hands i.e. don't have LeBron James size hands and I could easily wrap my fingers around the new Xs iPhones while at Best Buy. I can't operate my Nexus 6 with one hand or it's really challenging to do so especially if I have to text or make a call. I could not envision that as a problem with the latest oversized phones from Apple.

 

[Jetcat3]

Honestly I don't think there's a comparison between the XS and the XR. The battery on the XS sucks, the display is a LOT smaller (and renders a lot less stuff). You don't need all that RAM with the XR's resolution and TBH the benchmarks have been showing that the XR is actually the fastest iPhone of the three.

With the XS Max it's another story entirely, however.

Haha what? I’m dumbfounded by the love for the XR. That display PALES in comparison to the XS display. And a lot bigger? You mean by 7%? The battery doesn’t suck especially if you use dark modes with apps that support it. What sucks is the XR’s display.