iPhone X vs iPhone XR: How to choose the right Apple smartphone for you?

iPhone X

To celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the first iPhone, Apple unveiled the iPhone X in 2017. Although the iPhone X was discontinued by Apple in 2018, you can still find functional refurbished iPhone X smartphones from reliable resellers such as Swappie. You might be thinking that a smartphone released in 2017 will be outdated by now. However, the iPhone X is still a great choice if you are looking for an affordable Apple smartphone for everyday use.

iPhone XR

Apple released the iPhone XR in 2019, making it a slightly newer model than the iPhone X. This twelfth generation iPhone comes with a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, a long-lasting battery as well as Apple’s A12 Bionic -processor. However, as opposed to the older iPhone X, the XR is equipped with a more modest camera with a single lens. 

Comparing iPhone X and iPhone XR

Both phones are worth buying even some years after their release. The iPhone X and iPhone XR have their pros and cons, so it might not be easy to decide between the two. Luckily, we compared these two Apple smartphones to help you decide which one is the right device for you. Continue reading and find out if your next smartphone could be the iPhone X or XR.

iPhone X vs iPhone XR: Size

When deciding between two smartphones, you are probably interested in their size. The choice between the iPhone XR and X depends on your preferences as well as what you will be using your phone for. If you are looking for a smartphone with a larger screen, then the iPhone XR might be the right one for you. With a 6.1-inch display, the iPhone XR is great for watching videos and playing games, for instance. Yet, the larger display is not too big, so it works well for everyday use, such as texting, making phone calls and browsing social media.

The iPhone X comes with a smaller 5.8-inch screen. This might not seem like that big of a difference, but will be noticeable especially when comparing the two phones side by side. In addition to the smaller screen, the iPhone X is lighter than the iPhone XR. In case you value a smaller and slimmer phone that is easy to carry around, the iPhone X might be the better choice for you. 

Screen

This round goes to the iPhone X that comes with an OLED Retina display, compared to the iPhone XR and its LCD display. OLED displays are capable of displaying a stunning and sharp image with bright whites and deep blacks, making it a sight to behold. If you watch a lot of high-resolution videos and movies on your phone, you may want to choose the iPhone X with its impressive and advanced OLED display. 

Even though the iPhone XR’s screen is not as advanced as the one in the iPhone X, the XR is still a good option if you don’t need a phone that is able to produce full HD 1080p video. Where the iPhone XR does outmatch the iPhone X, however, is its larger screen. So, it is up to you, which one fits your needs better.

Camera

If you need a high-quality camera in your smartphone, then you might want to consider the iPhone X as your device of choice. Packed with two 12-megapixel rear cameras, the iPhone X lets you shoot beautiful 4K video in 60 fps. The dual cameras of the iPhone X include one 12-megapixel wide camera as well as a telephoto camera. The iPhone X’s camera comes also with a 2x optical zoom as well as a digital zoom up to 10x. 

Again, the iPhone XR is the more modest option when it comes to its single 12-megapixel rear camera. However, even the XR’s camera is great for taking high-quality photos and smooth 4K video recording with its optical image stabilisation.

Both the iPhone XR and X have a 7-megapixel front camera as well as the Smart HDR feature that allows you to take even better photos. By taking multiple photos with different exposures, the Smart HDR combines the best parts of the different photos. Both phones also include Portrait Lighting for taking great professional-level photos of friends and family. 

Processor and battery life

When comparing the iPhone X and XR’s processing power and battery life, the iPhone XR wins without a doubt. Whereas the iPhone X is packed with the A11 Bionic -chip, the iPhone XR is powered with an A12 Bionic -processor. This makes the iPhone XR great for games and even augmented reality applications. Still, the iPhone X’s A11 Bionic -processor is up to 70% faster than its predecessors, allowing the phone to run even demanding applications and functions.

Even though the iPhone X’s battery will last you a good while with a single charge, it still pales in comparison with the iPhone XR. This is thanks to the more powerful processor and less energy-intensive display. The iPhone XR will last you even 4 hours longer with a single charge than the iPhone X. However, both phones are equipped with wireless charging.

Colours and styles

The selection of different colours and designs is certainly better with the iPhone XR. Available in black, blue, coral, red, white and yellow, the iPhone XR is certain to look stylish thanks to its vibrant colours. The iPhone X has less options that are limited to silver and space gray. Still, thanks to Apple’s smooth and modern design, the iPhone X will not disappoint either.

Price

The iPhone X was quite expensive during its launch back in 2017. However, now you can get a refurbished iPhone X from Swappie for an affordable price, without having to compromise on quality. The prices for refurbished iPhone X smartphones start at a bit over 300 €, ranging to a little over 500€. The price for a refurbished iPhone XR is not notably different, but will cost you 10€ to 50€ more, depending on the version you choose to buy.

At Swappie, the price of our refurbished iPhones depend on the phone’s model, condition and capacity. The phones come in four conditions: Acceptable, Good, Very Good and Like New. the iPhone XR can be purchased with 64 or 128 GB of storage capacity, while the iPhone X is available with 64 and 256 GB.

iPhone XR vs iPhone X: Which one is the one for you?

Even though the iPhone X is older than the XR, it is not necessarily a bad choice. What matters when settling on the right Apple iPhone for you, is what you value the most in a smartphone. While the iPhone XR has the A12 Bionic -processor, longer battery life and larger screen, the iPhone X comes with a dual camera and an OLED display. 

Both phones are water resistant and are equipped with wireless charging, 7-megapixel front camera, face-ID for secure and fast identification as well as portrait mode for stylish photos. Both the iPhone X and iPhone XR also include the True Tone feature that adjusts the screen’s brightness and colours based on the surrounding environment.

Choose the iPhone X if you value:

  • High quality camera: The iPhone X includes a 12-megapixel dual camera with wide and telephoto lenses.
  • Small and slim design: With a 5.8-inch display, the iPhone X comes in a handy size and is easy to use and carry around.
  • Stunning display: The all-screen OLED display of the iPhone X is a joy to look at.

Choose the iPhone XR if you value:

  • Powerful processor: The iPhone XR packs a more powerful A12 Bionic -processor that is great for mobile gaming and even augmented reality.
  • Long-lasting battery: The battery of the iPhone XR lasts longer than that of the iPhone X.
  • Larger screen: In case you value a larger 6.1-inch screen, go with the iPhone XR.

Getting a refurbished iPhone

After choosing the right Apple iPhone for you, it’s time to check out some of Swappie’s refurbished iPhones. Browse different options for refurbished iPhone X and iPhone XR models, which are available in four different conditions, ranging from slightly used to near brand new.

Instead of buying a new iPhone and paying more, consider getting a refurbished iPhone. All Swappie’s iPhones go through our rigorous 52-step testing process. In addition, we offer a 12-month warranty as well as a free 14-day right to return.

So, check out Swappie’s selection of refurbished and affordable iPhones for a cheaper, smarter and environmentally friendly option for a new smartphone.