iPhone XR in 2023, Still Worth Buying?

Today, we will be reviewing the iPhone XR, examining its exterior design, cameras, and internal components to determine its worth in 2023. Starting with the exterior, the iPhone XR boasts a familiar design with aluminum sides, glass back, and a premium feel in hand, setting it apart from mid-range phones. Despite its current price of under four hundred dollars, it retains features like IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, typically found in the latest iPhones rather than mid-range options available in 2023. Moving on to the internal components, the iPhone XR houses an A12 Bionic processor, three gigabytes of RAM, and a 2942 milliamp-hour battery, which, though seemingly modest, benefits from Apple's optimization capabilities.

In terms of power and performance, the iPhone XR delivers the equivalent of a mid-range phone, functioning smoothly for everyday tasks. However, it falls short of top-tier performance, which was its status four years ago. For basic applications such as social media and email, the user experience is exceptional, making the phone feel incredibly fast. Nevertheless, for avid gamers seeking maximum settings in demanding 3D titles, the graphics may need to be adjusted as the phone may exhibit slight sluggishness and heat up, which can be considered a minor inconvenience given its affordable price point.

Considering the battery, despite its capacity of 2900 milliamp-hours, Apple's optimization ensures that the iPhone XR can easily last throughout the day for most users, even with moderate to heavy usage. However, charging the phone is a lengthier process, taking approximately two to three hours due to Apple's preference for slow charging to preserve battery longevity. While some users prefer fast charging, Apple prioritizes battery preservation, offering a trade-off between longer battery life and slower charging.

When it comes to the exterior design, the iPhone XR features a retina display with 625 nits of brightness and an LCD panel, which some people may perceive as a disadvantage compared to OLED. However, the difference between the two is extremely subtle, and most people cannot tell them apart. The main drawback of the LCD display is that colors may appear slightly less vibrant and contrasted than on an OLED panel. Additionally, the bezels surrounding the LCD display are relatively thick, and using a case can further increase the overall size of the phone.

Moving on to the pricing, the iPhone XR is initially priced at around $350, but it can be found for under $250 on Amazon at the moment. However, Amazon prices fluctuate, so it's advisable to act quickly if interested. Before discussing the cameras, it's worth noting that despite having only one camera at the front and one at the back, the 12-megapixel main camera on the iPhone XR delivers surprisingly good results. It excels at capturing ample light and producing accurate, realistic colors. Apple's excellent sensor calibration and the integration of artificial intelligence through the neural engine contribute to achieving impressive image quality. The AI capabilities also enable features like background blur for a bokeh effect commonly found in professional cameras.

Regarding video performance, the iPhone XR offers a comparable experience to other smartphones, but it stands out due to Apple's exceptional video processing capabilities. The codec used by Apple is widely regarded as the best in the smartphone market, resulting in videos that are sharp, with vibrant colors and minimal quality loss when shared on social media. However, the selfie camera of the iPhone XR is average and lacks any notable improvements since its release four years ago. Comparing the iPhone XR to the iPhone 11, which is slightly pricier but offers better internals and an additional rear camera.

For those torn between the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, both being similar in price, the decision ultimately depends on personal preferences. Currently, the iPhone 11 may be the better option as it offers improved internals and features, including dual rear cameras. Nonetheless, both phones are impressive choices, and users can expect satisfaction regardless of their decision.