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 the 10th generation of the Apple iPhone and offers high performance, which is comparable to the iPhone XS. Deciding on which iPhone to buy and wondering about their differences? Then read our in-depth comparison between the two iPhones below.
We’ve compiled the most important technical information of both models:
iPhone XR | iPhone XS | |
Dimensions | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3mm | 143.6 x 70.9 x 7.7mm |
Size | 6.1 inches | 5.8 inches |
Colours | 6 colors | 3 colors |
Screen size | 6.1 inches | 5.8 inches |
Resolution | 1792x828 | 2436x1125 |
Weight | 194g | 177g |
Height | 8.3mm | 7.7mm |
Advantages:
Beautiful design
Amazing battery performance
Fantastic LCD screen
Superior to the iPhone XS - 👉Read our iPhone XR review
Areas which could be better:
No minijack
Somewhat cumbersome iPhone
Still expensive when brand new
Advantages:
Magnificent processing power
Great photos, especially during the day
Amazing LCD screen
Areas which could be better:
Battery life
No plug or adapter
Still expensive when brand new
What colours can you get the iPhone XS or iPhone XR in? Among the notable differences that we can highlight in this comparison between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS, colours are worth highlighting when deciding between the two phones:
The iPhone XR is available in 6 colours : white, black, blue, coral red, yellow and red.
In comparison, the iPhone XS only has 3 colours available: silver, space grey and gold.
The iPhone XS offers more classic colours that could appeal to those looking for a more elegant design. On the other hand, the iPhone XR might appeal to those who prefer more striking colourways. Don't worry, you can still find a touch of classic design with the iPhone XR in black!
The big winner in this duel is the iPhone XR. Unlike the iPhone XS, which lasts a day and a half, the iPhone XR provides two days of battery life (depending on its usage, of course).
👉 iPhone tip: To make your battery last as long as possible, try; putting your iPhone in airplane mode, turn it off at night, and turn off any apps or features you’re not using like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
iPhone XR camera:
The iPhone XR is equipped with a single 12MP camera on the back.
If you're in a low-light environment, the iPhone XR is better than the iPhone XS for taking portrait mode photos.
iPhone XS camera:
The iPhone XS is equipped with a double camera: a wide-angle sensor and an additional telephoto sensor, perfect for taking high-quality photos and for close-ups of very distant elements.
The iPhone XR and iPhone XS have almost the same photo quality because they use Smart HDR and their wide-angle camera is the same. Selfies look the same because both iPhones have the same 7-megapixel front-facing camera, which is capable of depth perception.
The only notable difference in the cameras is the optical zoom. The iPhone XS can zoom up to 10x when using both optical and digital zoom. In the case of the iPhone XR, it only reaches 5x.
Another difference between the iPhone XR and the iPhone XS is the resistance to water, splashes and dust.
The iPhone XR has a protection score of IP67 according to the IEC 60529 standard, so it can survive a depth of up to 1 metre for 30 minutes.
The iPhone XS has a protection score of IP68 according to the IEC 60529 standard, which allows it to survive up to 30 minutes at depths of up to 2 metres
The iPhone XS is therefore more resistant to water and dust than the iPhone XR.
👉iPhone tip: If you accidentally spill liquids (beer, soda, milk, tea, coffee, etc.) on your iPhone, remember to turn it off and unplug it. Gently rinse it with tap water and then dry it with the cloth you use for cleaning sunglasses. Then leave to dry.
Although we love the Apple iPhones for their fantastic design, elegance and incredible features, we are not especially fans of their prices. As for the price of the iPhone XS compared to the iPhone XR, the iPhone XS is more expensive than the iPhone XR.
However, if you want to buy an iPhone XS or XR at a lower price, then a refurbished iPhone is your best option. Not only are they between 30% and 70% cheaper, but they also maintain the Back Market quality standard, so you can be sure that they are 100% functional and look as good as new.
Also, you have 30-days to return if you’re unhappy, plus a 1-year warranty if you are impressed - get all the same perks as if you were buying a brand new iPhone XR or XS.
👉 Check out our mobile phone comparison tool and find the best phone for you! Here are a few examples that compare the iPhone XS and iPhone XR to other smartphones:
The iPhone XR is available in 6 colours : white, black, blue, coral red, yellow and red. In comparison, the iPhone XS only has 3 colours available: silver, space grey and gold.
The big winner in this duel is the iPhone XR. Unlike the iPhone XS, which lasts a day and a half, the iPhone XR provides two days of battery life (depending on its usage, of course).
The only notable difference in the cameras is the optical zoom. The iPhone XS can zoom up to 10x when using both optical and digital zoom. In the case of the iPhone XR, it only reaches 5x.
The iPhone XR has a protection score of IP67 according to the IEC 60529 standard, so it can survive a depth of up to 1 metre for 30 minutes. The iPhone XS has a protection score of IP68 according to the IEC 60529 standard, which allows it to survive up to 30 minutes at depths of up to 2 metres
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 ?
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.
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.
Using a wireless charger for the iPhone offers many advantages, but which iPhones are they compatible with? Find out in this article which iPhones feature wireless charging.
If you're serious about iPhone photography or take a lot of videos on your phone, it's worth looking into your iPhone’s camera quality. Find out which iPhone has the best camera, and which features really make a difference when it comes to taking great pictures and videos with your phone.
According to an IFOP study, more than four out of ten French people have already bought a fake iPhone without knowing it! So how do you know if the refurbished iPhone you are buying is a real iPhone? We tell you everything in this article.
With the number of iPhones available on the market, we often ask ourselves, "Which iPhone should I buy?" That's why we offer you a short guide to help you choose the iPhone that best suits your needs.
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.