The Apple iPhone XR Review: A Different Display Leads To Brilliant Battery Life
by Andrei Frumusanu on February 5, 2019 9:45 AM EST- Posted in
- Mobile
- Apple
- Smartphones
- iPhone XR
Camera - Quick Verification
The camera on the iPhone XR is a straightforward matter: It employs the same module as on the iPhone XS and XS Max, meaning we find a new 12MP sensor with 1.4µm pixel pitches and better DTI (Deep trench isolation), as well as an f/1.8 aperture lens along with OIS in the module. The only difference is that the iPhone XR eschews having a telephoto lens – meaning the phone won’t be able to have as high a quality of zoomed in photos as its more expensive XS siblings.
We can quickly verify the picture quality results against the iPhone XS:
[ iPhone XR ] - [ iPhone XS ]
[ iPhone XR ] - [ iPhone XS ]
In both images, the results are virtually identical. This was to be expected, but it’s always good to verify!
Overall, rather than repeating myself here I'm going to refer to the camera section of the iPhone XS review, as all of my analysis there is also valid for iPhone XR – minus the telephoto module, of course.
The iPhone XS Camera Review - Historic iPhone comparisons
Similarly, for readers interested in a broader, more contemporary camera comparison, I'm going to refer to the camera comparison in our Google Pixel 3 review. It contains the most up-to-date camera comparisons across 2018 flagship phones, including results of the iPhone XS against the newest Android competition.
The Google Pixel 3 Review - Most recent full competitive camera review
Overall – the iPhone XR camera shines in the same way the iPhone XS camera did: Apple’s absolute strength here is in terms of picture consistency and the assurance that essentially every shot will come out the same in the best possible way.
Key to making this happen was that this generation’s main camera sensor saw big improvements in terms of resolving details – thanks to the bigger sensor with bigger pixels, as well as the much improved DTI (Deep trench isolation) which is able to reduce noise and improve sharpness. Apple’s new HDR system is also a big upgrade for the new iPhones, as it manages to capture a much greater dynamic range in virtually all scenarios. Low-light performance of the new iPhones is also good – although Apple doesn’t use some of the new-fangled computational photography magic that is now standard on Huawei devices, and was most recently adopted by Google’s Pixel phones.
Another aspect of the camera that is understated for the new generation of phones is an absolute huge jump in video recording quality. Here the dynamic range in video recording has seen immense jumps – and together with Apple’s first-time introduction of stereo audio recording, actually makes the new iPhones, including the XR, what I find to be the best smartphones on the market for video recording.
The lack of a telephoto lens on the XR is something that needs to be subjectively evaluated based on your experience and needs. On one hand, I do find it quite useful and a feature I would probably miss – but on the other hand it’s also not something that I find to be a deal-breaker or represent a key deciding factor when having to choose between different smartphones. It’s a feature that augments the camera experience, but one can also live without it.
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Maxpower2727 - Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - link
*you're* commenting on. Damn autocorrect.FreckledTrout - Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - link
LOL you had to grammar natzi yourself due to no edit. For some reason this made me laugh.AceMcLoud - Thursday, February 7, 2019 - link
How clueless are you to think resolution is the only determining factor of display quality. Additionally, life is too short for a slow smartphone, hence no Android for me.Icehawk - Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - link
I bought a new iPhone recently, and I went with an 8+. I just don’t see the need to spend $1k on a phone nor replacing it as often as when they were subsidized. I chose the 8 because I wanted the fingerprint scanner and not a face scan and it provided all the extras (screen size, telephoto) in a format that is still excellent IMO. I replaced a 7+ that I would have kept but was shuffling phones around so I could give my parents one so they can FT my kid. Performance was just fine for my usage too so there wasn’t a tech reason for a new one. This is a large part of why sales are down across the board for phones. Just like with PCs.cha0z_ - Monday, February 11, 2019 - link
The technology matured and true - nowdays no matter how much you bump the specs - from years enough power is there to run smoothly the OS + open the apps fast and run the games smooth. Cameras are good from a few generations too... really, nothing to ditch your old phone and spend 1000+ euro on a new one that will do basically the same just a little bit better.AdditionalPylons - Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - link
With Apple's limited number of models it's hard for very many people to find an iOS device to suit personal preferences (and wallets!). This round Apple clearly prioritised CPU performance over low cost, better screen technology, dual cameras etc.Personally I don't think I would mind the screen, but I would have preferred dual cameras, lower price and smaller size. I think an SE 2 would be perfect for me! Ended up buying a used 6S to replace my 5S.
Losttek - Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - link
I switched to the XR from the S9, and like the review said the battery life is just freaking amazing. It's the first smartphone I've had where I never have to worry about my phone dying. I don't know why Apple doesn't push this aspect of the phone more, instead all their stupid ads focus on all the color choices.Screen PPI is a bit of a bummer, but I got used to it within a couple of days. But one thing that still kind of bugs me is the weight of this phone. It feels significantly heavier than any phone I've held, and I still haven't gotten used to the weight despite it being months since I've bought it. It's a minor complaint though. But overall, this is the best phone experience I've had in a long, long time. Runs smoother than any Android phone, gesture navigation is great, no mysterious battery drains, and my god upgrades direct from Apple. Don't get me wrong, iPhones still have plenty of issues and limitations, but it's kind of refreshing to see what the other side has to offer.
CHJ - Wednesday, February 6, 2019 - link
The weight is indeed noticable, especially with any case that offers a decent amount of protection. My fingers and wrists ache sometimes from holding it (the width plays a role in that as well).cha0z_ - Monday, February 11, 2019 - link
They don't advertise it that much as this will put the *a lot* more expensive iphone xs and xs max in a bad spot light.beggerking@yahoo.com - Tuesday, February 5, 2019 - link
umm... battery life isn't improved because of screen technology... its because its displaying at a much lower resolution...