Is an iPhone X or an iPhone XR better?

So you’re wondering about the iPhone X vs. iPhone XR. When it comes to purchasing refurbished phones, understanding the features of each model can help you decide what phone is best for your needs. While the iPhone XR is a more current model than the iPhone X, they have some features that are extremely similar. Let’s take a look at some of the similarities and differences of the iPhone X and iPhone XR. 

Is an iPhone X or an iPhone XR better?

iPhone X and  iPhones XR Similarities: 

  • The iPhone X and XR both have FaceID that gives you the option to use facial recognition to unlock your phone, enter passwords and make online purchases. 
  • Both have a 7 megapixel front camera and a 12 megapixel rear camera (but not that the iPhone X has a dual lens camera with a telephoto lens that offers 10x zoom rather than 5x zoom on the iPhone XR)
  • Both phone models support a lightning cable and neither have a traditional headphone jack
  • Both support Qi wireless charging 
  • Same dust and water resistance: 
  • IP67 (up to 1m for 30 mins)

We’ll also mention the size and weight for both phones here because even though they ARE different, it’s not drastic. Overall the iPhone XR is going to be slightly bigger and weighs a little more. 

iPhone X Size

Dimensions: 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7 mm (5.65 x 2.79 x 0.30 in)

Weight: 174 g (6.14 oz)

Display: 5.8 inches, 84.4 cm2


iPhone XR Size

Dimensions: 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm (5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in)

Weight: 194 g (6.84 oz)

Display: 6.1 inches, 90.3 cm2 

Shop the refurbished iPhone X at Frank Mobile 

Shop the refurbished iPhone XR at Frank Mobile

Is an iPhone X or an iPhone XR better?


iPhone X and  iPhones XR Differences: 

  • The iPhone X has a better display with higher pixel density which gives more clarity. 
  • The resolution on the XR is lower but the screen is actually larger (6.1 inches)
  • iPhone X is powered by an A11 bionic chip but the XR was upgraded to the A12 so it shows an improvement in performance.
  • The iPhone X has a standard nano SIM while the iPhone XR features dual SIM which means it has a nano SIM and an eSIM. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to activate a cellular plan from your carrier without having to use a physical nano SIM.
  • The iPhone X and iPhone XR are both offered in 64GB and 256GB but the iPhone XR is also offered in 128GB
  • Colors: The iPhone X comes in Space Gray and Silver but if you’re looking for something a little more vibrant you’ve got options with the iPhone XR; which comes in Black, Red, Yellow, Blue, Coral, White

Is an iPhone X or an iPhone XR better?

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Both the iPhone X and the iPhone XR are great smartphones. Overall knowing what you’re really going to use your phone for and comparing that against the model specs will give you the best idea of what model is most suitable for you. Both the iPhone X and the iPhone XR are great and strike a good balance between price and current features for Apple.

The XR offers a little bit less in the way of features to allow its lower price, but it's still an excellent phone. It even beats out the other recent iPhones in some categories.

The screen on the iPhone XR is bigger than that of the X and XS but smaller than that of the XS Max. The XR, however, has a lower resolution and pixel density than the X, XS and XS Max and lacks an HDR display.

Overall, the device is also bigger and heavier than the X and XS but smaller and lighter than the Max. Instead of the stainless steel of the XS and XS Max, the XR's frame is made of aluminum. The back of the phone is still glass.

The XR starts to pull ahead of the older X when it comes to the processor. It features the same A12 Bionic chip and next-gen Neural Engine as the XS and XS Max. This makes it more powerful than the X and enables some features that help minimize the gap between the capabilities of the two devices.

Battery life is one of the XR's standout categories. The A12 and updated Neural Engine enable some significant energy efficiency improvements that help give the XR the best battery life of any iPhone.

Another feature that helps the XR stand out is the range of fun, aesthetically pleasing colors it comes in — coral, blue, yellow, red (Product Red), white and black.

While the iPhone X, XS and XS Max have dual lenses, the XR has just one. The camera, though, is the same as the main camera on the XS and XS Max. The zoom on the XR isn't as powerful as on the other models, but it does have portrait mode with Depth Control and advanced bokeh, which XS and XS Max have, but the X does not. It also matches the XS and XS Max but outperforms the X with its stereo recording and cinematic stabilization for video recording.

The next-gen Neural Engine helps the XR make up, at least in part, for its lack of a dual lens. It uses its artificial intelligence technology to allow photography modes such as smart HDR, Depth Control and enhanced portrait mode. The Neural Engine can identify faces in portrait mode and then blur out the background for beautiful-looking portraits and selfies.

The XR also has dual-sim capabilities like the XS and XS Max but offers slightly less robust water resistance. It's water resistance matches that of the X at IP67. Like the other new models, the XR offers Face ID, Memoji and wireless charging.

It doesn't come in a 512 GB like the XS and XS Max, but it does offer a 128GB option that none of the other models do.

Upgrading Your iPhone

All four of the latest iPhones are excellent smartphones. Whether you're a die-hard Apple fan or you're just looking for a practical, reliable and aesthetically appealing phone, you'll be happy with any of these devices. So, should you upgrade and, if so, which phone should you choose? Let's review.