Apple iPhone XR Review: Affordable Apple Flagship with Lasting Appeal

1. Introduction

The Apple iPhone XR debuted in October 2018 as Apple’s answer to users wanting flagship performance at a more accessible price point. Blending powerful specs from the iPhone XS line—including the A12 Bionic chip and Face ID—with a vibrant Liquid Retina display and colorful design, the iPhone XR quickly became one of Apple’s best-selling models. Even in 2025, the XR’s strong battery, robust build, and consistent iOS updates make it a popular choice for first-time iPhone users, students, or those looking for a reliable and affordable iOS device. For a deeper look into Apple’s evolving smartphone family, visit the official iPhone XR page.

Apple iPhone XR (64GB) Key Features Table

3. Design & Build Quality

The iPhone XR offers a premium aluminum frame and sturdy glass back, with Apple’s high-precision build quality ensuring the device remains stylish and durable even after years of use. It stands out from the crowd with a variety of vivid colors like Coral, Blue, Yellow, and the classic Black, White, and (PRODUCT)RED. Weighing 194g, the XR feels solid but comfortable in hand, with curved edges and a seamless finish. The 6.1-inch form factor hits a sweet spot for usability—offering more screen than older iPhones while staying easy to grip or slip into most pockets. With IP67 certification, it’s guarded against dust and water (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes). The absence of a physical Home button makes for a modern, all-screen look, while Face ID ensures both security and simplicity. More design details can be found on Apple’s official XR overview.

4. Display

Unlike pricier OLED-equipped siblings, the XR employs a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD LCD that still dazzles with accurate colors, wide color gamut, and True Tone for automatically adjusting balance to ambient lighting. The 1792 x 828 resolution gives sharp images, and the 326ppi pixel density matches earlier Retina displays, ensuring text and photos remain crisp. 120Hz touch sampling enhances responsiveness. While not as striking as OLED, this LCD delivers strong viewing angles, minimal color shift, and impressive brightness—great for web browsing, Netflix, and everyday use. Despite lacking HDR support, its color accuracy and size make it a pleasant daily driver.

5. Performance

Under the hood, the iPhone XR is powered by Apple’s A12 Bionic chip, the same processor used in the 2018 XS and XS Max, delivering fluid app launches, excellent multitasking, and smooth gaming performance. The 3GB RAM ensures seamless transitions between apps and background processes. The A12 Bionic, with its 8-core Neural Engine, supports advanced photo features, real-time augmented reality, and efficient power management—keeping the phone spry into 2025. The 64GB storage variant is ample for casual users managing photos, music, and apps, but power users may want to consider the higher storage versions for media and game files.

6. Cameras

The single 12MP wide rear camera with f/1.8 aperture, optical image stabilization, and Smart HDR technology takes sharp, colorful photos, rivaling many dual-camera setups of its era. Portrait mode uses AI for background blur (“bokeh”) effects, even with just one lens, elevating both people and objects. Photos in good lighting boast rich colors and detail, while low-light shots benefit from OIS but aren’t as advanced as Night Mode on newer iPhones. The 7MP TrueDepth front camera enables reliable Face ID, fun Animoji/Memoji features, and solid selfies with Portrait Lighting effects. Both cameras support 4K 60fps video, slow motion, and cinematic stabilization, making XR a versatile choice for content creation and social sharing.

7. Battery Life

The iPhone XR set the standard for impressive battery life in its generation, thanks to the efficient A12 chip and large 2942mAh battery. Users regularly report a full day of mixed-use—calls, browsing, navigation, streaming—without anxiety over topping up mid-day. It supports fast charging (up to 50% in around 30 minutes with a compatible adapter) and wireless charging via Qi pads, keeping it future-proof and convenient. Even years after launch, careful power management in iOS helps sustain strong runtime, making it reliable for commuters, students, and professionals alike.

8. Connectivity & Other Features

The XR features all the key connectivity options: 4G LTE Advanced, Wi-Fi 5 (ac), Bluetooth 5.0 for efficient wireless accessories, NFC for Apple Pay, GPS with GLONASS, and stereo speakers for immersive audio. It offers dual SIM support (nano SIM + eSIM), popular with travelers or users needing two numbers on one device. Face ID remains fast and accurate, securing Apple Pay and sensitive data. IP67 water and dust proofing, the robust Taptic Engine for haptic feedback, and easy integration with AirPods, Apple Watch, and Mac all make the XR feel modern even in 2025.

9. User Experience

Shipped with iOS 12 and now updateable to iOS 17, the iPhone XR continues to deliver a buttery-smooth, secure, and intuitive Apple interface. Its gestures (introduced with the iPhone X) feel natural, and continuity features let users easily move calls, texts, and files across Apple devices. Consistent security updates, privacy options, and accessibility tools keep the phone functional and safe. The XR’s size is ideal for users who want a big screen experience but not the bulk of the Max or Plus models. App support and animations remain fluid despite the phone’s age, thanks to Apple’s efficient hardware/software synergy.

10. Pros and Cons

11. Comparison

Compared to the iPhone 8, the XR features a larger, edge-to-edge display, superior Face ID security, a faster processor, and better battery life. Relative to the XS/XS Max, it skips OLED and dual cameras but matches on core performance and build, at a much lower cost. In 2025, it competes with newer budget Androids and iPhones SE/11/12—the XR stands out for ongoing updates, peace-of-mind reliability, and value in the refurbished market. For a model-by-model breakdown, check Apple’s iPhone comparison tool.

12. Pricing, Variants & Availability

At launch, the iPhone XR 64GB was priced around ₹76,900 in India and $749 in the US. As of 2025, Apple no longer offers it new, but it’s widely available on the refurbished and second-hand market for a fraction of the original price. Buyers can choose from 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB variants, and multiple color options. Refurbished and “as new” devices are often sold by Apple-certified resellers and online platforms, making the XR a great choice for value-seekers needing reliable iOS device access.

13. Verdict / Conclusion

The iPhone XR 64GB remains one of Apple’s best value propositions: a reliable, stylish, and powerful smartphone that covers all the essentials with finesse. Its balanced feature set—good display, long battery life, capable cameras, and enduring iOS support—make it a strong pick for students, first-time iPhone buyers, and anyone wanting the Apple experience on a budget. While it won’t match newer iPhones in camera prowess or display tech, its user experience stands the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is the iPhone XR still a good buy in 2025?
Yes. For users needing a dependable, well-supported iPhone with a big screen and strong battery, the XR is worthy, especially as a refurbished or secondary device. It’s compatible with iOS 17 and the latest apps.

Q2: How does the single rear camera compare to newer iPhones?
While the XR’s 12MP camera lacks features like Night Mode or ultra-wide/telephoto, it still captures vibrant, sharp photos and 4K video. For everyday photography, it holds up well, but advanced shooters may miss newer modes.

Q3: Does the iPhone XR have Face ID?
Yes, it launched with Face ID and does not have a fingerprint (Touch ID) sensor. Face ID is fast, secure, and works reliably across the system and Apple Pay.

Q4: Can I use two numbers on the XR (dual SIM)?
Absolutely. The iPhone XR supports one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM, so you can have dual numbers—ideal for travellers or work/personal lines.

Q5: What are the notable limitations of the XR in 2025?
Main limitations are the lack of OLED screen, only one rear camera (with no Night Mode), and base 64GB storage may not suit all users. Battery health in older units should be checked before purchase.