Apple’s iPhone lineup has always been one of the most popular smartphone choices for tech enthusiasts, with each year introducing cutting-edge features and advancements in design. In 2018, Apple introduced three new iPhone models: the iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max. While all three models are designed to offer an amazing user experience, they differ in some key ways, which makes choosing one over the other a bit of a challenge. In this article, we’ll be comparing the iPhone XR vs. iPhone XS to help you decide which one to buy.
Design & Build Quality
The first thing that you’ll notice is that the iPhone XR and iPhone XS have slightly different designs, despite sharing similar features. The iPhone XS has a stainless steel frame and glass front and rear, while the iPhone XR opts for aluminum and glass. Both models feature a notch at the top of the screen for the front-facing camera and Face ID system, and both are water and dust-resistant.
The iPhone XS is slightly smaller than the iPhone XR but is heavier. The display on the XS is a 5.8-inch OLED panel while the XR has a 6.1-inch LCD panel. The LCD screen offers a slightly lower resolution than the OLED option, but most people won’t notice much of a difference.
Performance & Battery Life
In terms of performance, both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS utilize the same A12 Bionic chip, so they offer the same blazing-fast speeds and smooth multitasking. However, the XS does have an extra gigabyte of RAM, which may make a difference in some more intensive applications.
As for battery life, the XR lasts slightly longer than the XS, thanks to a larger battery and slightly lower resolution display. The XS should still last you through a full day of moderate use, though.
Camera
The cameras on the iPhone XR and iPhone XS offer some differences. The rear camera on both is a 12-megapixel sensor, but the XS adds a second telephoto lens, which allows for optical zoom and improved portrait photos. However, the iPhone XR does offer the same Smart HDR feature, which allows for improved image quality in challenging lighting conditions.
The front-facing camera on both models is identical – a 7-megapixel sensor with Portrait Mode and the ability to use Face ID for authentication.
Price & Storage
Finally, we come to the factor that may be the ultimate deciding point – price. While the iPhone XS starts at $999 for the base 64GB model, the iPhone XR starts at a more reasonable $749.
Both models offer storage options of 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. If you’re on a budget and don’t require the telephoto lens and higher resolution display, the iPhone XR is a great choice.
Conclusion
So, which iPhone should you buy? If you’re someone who values having the best of the best and doesn’t mind paying for it, the iPhone XS is the way to go. With its premium materials, extra telephoto lens, and OLED display, it’s the more premium option.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option or don’t need the extra features the XS offers, the iPhone XR is a great choice. It offers nearly the same performance, excellent battery life, and the same Smart HDR feature for improved photos in challenging lighting conditions.
Regardless of which model you choose, you’ll be getting a top-of-the-line smartphone that will offer you a fast and reliable user experience.
