Image: SuppliedIt's been a few weeks since the iPhone XS and XS Max hit the shelves, and now its time for the younger sibling. The iPhone XR is now on sale - this is what you need to know.
There has been some talk, okay a lot of talk, about whether the iPhone XR is a better investment than the XS. For those of you who have decided to wait until today - your time has finally come.
iPhone XR Review: Affordability Done Right
Apple does not typically do budget devices, but as they go, the iPhone XR comes pretty close. While hardly cheap (a budget phone should be under $500, not $1,229, it represents a calculated attempt at creating a more affordable device that isn’t a tremendous compromise. Something powerful enough that you can enjoy the perks of having the latest tech, without having to spend top dollar. And that’s an extremely big deal, especially if spending $1500+ on a phone feels like too much for you.
We actually haven't seen as much initial excitement around the XR release, probably because it has been dropped so long after the flagship XS and XS Max. This is an interesting move, because last year the iPhone 8 was released ahead of the X.
While I'm sure Apple know what they're doing - switching up the order to have the cheaper device release last this year seems odd to me. It kind of feels like the hype train already left the station and that there is perhaps less interest in this device.
But I may very well be proven wrong. The reviews of the XR have been good, and a $400 price difference between the entry level XR and XS would be a serious consideration for a lot of people.
The Tricky Economics Of The iPhone XS And The iPhone XR
The iPhone XR hits stores on Friday, and everybody is flipping out about it being the most affordable new iPhone. Starting at $1,229, however, the XR isn’t actually that much cheaper in the grander scheme of things.
And yet, to the casual observer, the device also looks a heck of a lot like the undeniably expensive iPhone XS, which starts at $1,629. But deciding between the two new iPhone models isn’t quite the $400 proposition it seems to be.
In case you've forgotten, here are the key specs you can expect from the XR:
- iOS 12 OS
- A12 Bionic chip CPU
- 6.1-inch all-screen LCD Multi‑Touch display with IPS technologyy
- 1792 x 828 pixel resolution at 326 ppi
- 3GB RAM
- 64GB/128GB/256GB storage
- 12MP rear and 7MP front cameras
- 4K video recording
- Face ID
- Battery lasts 1.5 hours longer than iPhone 8 Plus (working on getting the mAh at the time of writing)
- 150.9 mm x 75.7 mm x 8.3 mm, 194g
- Black, white, blue, yellow and coral colour options
While it may not be as beefy as the XS, you're still looking at some updated specs - including the battery. Plus, the XR has the same A12 Bionic chip as the XS and XS Max have.
If you didn't pre-order, you can now buy your new XR directly from Apple's website. The 64GB will cost you $1,229, the 128GB $1,299 and the 256GB $1,479.
Alternatively, you can opt for a plan through Telstra, Optus or Vodafone - and we have a round up of all their plans right here:
Every iPhone XR Plan In Australia From Telstra, Optus And Vodafone
If you've been waiting around for this year's more affordable iPhone to hit the market, it's now available for pre-order. Even so, they're not exactly cheap and you may be more inclined to go on a plan. Luckily, we have all the plans and pricing right here for you.
