By selecting “Accept all” you allow Back Market and our partners to use cookies and to share your data for all these purposes. We and our partners use cookies and similar tools to measure our site's audience, evaluate the performance of our ads, and show you personalized content and ads.
Except for cookies that are essential for navigating our site, we use these cookies and share your data only with your consent. Learn more about cookies. You can change your mind and modify your choices at any time by going to the "Cookies and privacy settings" section at the bottom of any page. Read our Cookie policy and Data Protection Policy for more info.
The iPhone XR is one of the most affordable models in Apple's X Series line-up. Does that also mean it takes lower-quality photos and videos to meet its low price? Not at all. Here we look at the capabilities of the iPhone XR’s camera – or rather cameras, plural.
The iPhone XR has a rear camera that, combined with Apple's efficient-as-always software processing, takes pictures and videos with truly "professional" image quality.
Although its 12 MP may seem meagre compared to those of other brands, the truth is that higher MP doesn’t always mean better photos. In fact, it can be preferable to have a more modest resolution so that your file sizes aren’t massive, thus allowing you to save storage.
The iPhone XR has a fast rear lens, boasting a f/1.8 aperture that can capture a great amount of light. This results in sharp images with little noise and better background separation from your subjects.
The main disadvantage of the iPhone XR camera is that it only has one lens: a wide-angle lens. Therefore, it lacks the ultra-wide-angle lens that models like the iPhone X or iPhone XS additionally include.
Here are the iPhone XR's key camera specs so you can see them at a glance:
12MP wide-angle camera
f/1.8 aperture
x5 digital zoom
Optical image stabilisation
Portrait mode with enhanced bokeh mode
Smart HDR
Find all the iPhone XR technical specifications in our article, Why a Refurbished iPhone XR is affordable superior functionality
The front-facing camera has always been a big deal on iPhones, and it also pioneered high-quality video calls on mobile phones via FaceTime. The iPhone XR thus gets the attention it deserves. Its front camera is a classic TrueDepth camera, similar to the iPhone XS, though slightly inferior to later models like the iPhone 11.
It takes 7 MP images, and its aperture is f/2.2. So it's a little less "powerful" than the rear camera, but it’s definitely pleasant enough for selfies and video calls. In fact, it also includes portrait mode that gives pictures and videos a bokeh effect. Portrait mode can use six types of lighting effects, including contour light or studio light.
👉Reading tip: iPhone X vs iPhone XR
One of the advantages of the iPhone XR's camera system is that it not only takes "professional" photos, but also shoots cinematic videos. Here’s a run down of its two cameras:
⚫ Rear video camera: the camera on the back is the main one you’ll use, and it has a wide range of recording capabilities. It can record at up to 4K 60 fps, allowing you to shoot in slow-motion at the highest quality. You can also set the resolution to HD (1080p), an option that additionally allows you to shoot in "super slow motion" mode at 120 and 240 fps.
It also records time-lapse videos with stabilisation: The digital zoom remains at x3, which is 2x less than when used as a still camera.
⚫ Front video camera: the video quality on the front is also very respectable. It can shoot video in HD resolution (1080p) at up to 60 fps, which offers the possibility to take creative selfie-mode recordings.
You won’t notice any functional difference when you use a refurbished iPhone XR compared to a new iPhone XR. Although a refurbished iPhone XR implies that it already had another owner, this has no influence on the functionality of the camera.
🩺 In fact, all smartphones sold on Back Market undergo a thorough technical test for refurbishing, especially iPhones. This test checks 25 key components on a refurbished device: the battery, the microphone, the screen, – and of course – the camera. If any faults are found, they are repaired or replaced. Therefore, your device is guaranteed to work as if you ordered it new.
If you want to switch to a newer iPhone model just to get a better camera. . . well, you don't really have to get a brand new device. Instead, you should opt for a refurbished iPhone XR. If you have an older device, it’ll likely be a significant camera upgrade.
Refurbished devices are also much cheaper. The iPhone XR price is based on the aesthetic condition of the device in question. On Back Market, you will always find this to the right of the device you are interested in. For example, if you don't mind small scratches, you can choose the condition "Good" and save more.
Plus it’ll be the most sustainable choice too! Buying second hand phones helps to reduce the current technological demand which leads to overproduction, and it ultimately saves the Earth from more e-waste. So what are you waiting for? Buy one of the many used iPhones for sale at Back Market and help save the planet (and your wallet) from any harm! Feel secure with 1-year warranty (always) and a 30-day return policy if you ever change your mind.
The iPhone XR has a rear camera that, combined with Apple's efficient-as-always software processing, takes pictures and videos with truly "professional" image quality.
It takes 7 MP images, and its aperture is f/2.2. So it's a little less "powerful" than the rear camera, but it’s definitely pleasant enough for selfies and video calls.
One of the advantages of the iPhone XR's camera system is that it not only takes "professional" photos, but also shoots cinematic videos.
You won’t notice any functional difference when you use a refurbished iPhone XR compared to a new iPhone XR.
When not talking about the latest eco-friendly tech and reducing our carbon footprint, Brian enjoys the odd game of football, a classic horror (book or film) or just to kick back with a beer or a proper Scottish whisky. Slàinte Mhath!
Did you find this article useful ?
Apple released its newest and possibly sleekest iPhone model in September 2019, the iPhone 11. This, along with the iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone 11 Pro Max, make up the 11th gen iPhone family, following on from the iPhone XS. With the price dropping after the release of the iPhone 12 and the specs still incredible, it's a no brainer of a phone choice. The only real question you have to ask yourself is which model to choose.
Samsung stands out as a leading smartphone manufacturer for a good reason – quality. The company did not become the bestseller of Android devices overnight. Its flagship product line, Samsung Galaxy S, offers users new premium features and aesthetics with every release. The Samsung Galaxy S9 is one of the finest smartphones in the Galaxy S family. Its official launch was in March 2018, but it remains one of the most sought-after android devices. Are you wondering why anyone would be shopping for a device so old in the market? Hang on. If you want the best value for your hard-earned cash, don't be the first to buy a newly launched product unless you want to be a guinea pig. It's best to wait until the first buyers to review it.
So you need a new phone, and have zeroed in on the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S8, and the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus. Great choices both! These guys are absolute monsters in innovation and design with their glass-and-metal sandwich designs, and spillover edge-to-edge screens. Right off the bat however, you should know that the processor, camera, and technical specs are almost the same in the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S8, and the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus, so the difference is mostly in size, price and battery life.Read on, and hopefully you'll have decided on whether the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S8, or the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus makes its way to your pocket.
We’ve emptied our piggy bank and traded in the obligatory arm and a leg. All so we could get our remaining hand on the latest iPhone 12 and see how it stacks up against our refurbished iPhone 8, X and 11. So, let’s take an objective look at whether the iPhone 12 is – at present – worthy of its number and price tag.
When looking for the best iPhone to buy, it is essential to look at your prospective phone's features and price. iPhone X is an excellent choice for those looking for the best smartphone with useful features. iPhone smartphones are popularly known for their security, ease of use, and integration with other Apple products. We will help you learn how to choose the best refurbished iPhone X and get value for your money.
In the 21st century, mobile phones have become somewhat of an additional limb for everyone. Well, except the few who refuse to be in touch with the times. When it comes to mobile phones, no discussion can be genuinely complete without mentioning iPhones. These Apple products have come to epitomize class and functionality in the smartphone sector.
All hail the glorious Apple brand, beloved by tech connoisseurs across the world (and potentially beyond). If you'd already pledged your lifelong devotion to the iPhone series then you'll be feeling pretty smug right now - we're going to go right out there and say it; we think the iPhone X may be one of the finest mobile phones ever made. Ready to be seduced by a piece of near-pristine phone technology? Come join us dear reader on a handset journey...;)
So you're mulling over the refurbished iPhone 7, and the refurbished iPhone 7 Plus? Great choices both. Prices have fallen considerably, and with Back Market, you'll be enjoying a deeper discount (with peace of mind) but more on our quality charter later. Let's get right into it then - hopefully you'll have decided on a winner by the end of this article - will it be the refurbished iPhone 7, or the refurbished iPhone 7 Plus.
Which of these two premium mobiles are you going to be taking home - the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S10, or the refurbished Samsung Galaxy S10+ ? Read on, and hopefully by the end of this comparison, you'll have zeroed in on a winner.
Updated on 30 October, 2023 - Unexpectedly just as good as the iPhone 12
SIM-locked iPhones should be a thing of the past from the end of 2021, but if you happened to have an old iPhone from before, then you need to know how to unlock your iPhone safely with this helpful guide.
Find out everything you need to know about the meaning of "unlocked iPhone" :)
If you’ve bought a refurbished iPhone, inherited one, or are planning to sell your old iPhone, it's always good to check if the iPhone is actually unlocked or not so that it can work with any UK SIM card. Here’s a simple guide to help you find out.
Find out all you need to know about how to activate your new SIM card with your sim free iPhone in the UK.
Apple's iPhone 11, 11 Pro, and 11 Pro Max do not support 5G, unlike the iPhone 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, and 12 mini, which came out a year later. This was one of the main criticisms made when the iPhone 11 range was launched, especially in a context where this new network is gaining importance and where the competition is adapting. Why is the iPhone 11 series not compatible with 5G? What models are compatible with 5G instead? We tell you everything below.
Wondering whether buying refurbished electronics really helps the planet? Here are the facts to prove how refurbished electronics reduce e-waste, save you money, and more.
