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The iPhone XR was launched in 2018 and is positioned as a more versatile option than the iPhone XS. If you're tired of all the hype and want an honest view, here's what you need to know. We'll take a deep dive into its camera quality, on-screen display, design and workmanship, battery life, performance, features, and connectivity. You ready?
If, after reading these drawbacks, you still want to buy this product, congratulations! You made a wise decision and you won't regret it!
Disappointing single camera
The iPhone XR has only one camera. Only one. In a world where dual and triple cameras are common, this feels like a step backwards. If you don't have a telephoto lens, don't think about having good zoom ability. For photography enthusiasts, relying on a lens that doesn't have a zoom feature may not be exciting – especially when trying to capture distant objects.
Struggles in low-light environments
Let's talk about low-light environments. The iPhone XR doesn't perform well in low-light conditions. Photographs are often taken that appear grainy and lack clarity. Moreover, it does not have a night mode. Subsequent models introduced a night mode feature that enhanced low-light shots by merging multiple exposed photos, but this was not present on the iPhone XR. It feels like groping your way through the dark.
Outdated technical sense
This camera technology dates back to 2018. While it may have been considered good at the time, now it's like comparing a carriage to a Tesla. The latest iPhone comes with better sensors, improved image processing, and a host of features that make the iPhone XR's camera look outdated.
LCD screen trouble
The iPhone XR uses an LCD screen instead of the advanced OLED screen on the new model. This leads to a difference in the quality of the display. OLED screens offer better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. In contrast, the iPhone XR's LCD screen, while good, lacks that punch, especially when watching high-resolution photos or streaming.
Conspicuous thick bezels
And then there are those borders. They make the iPhone XR look out of place in today's world of screens with extremely narrow bezels. It's like wearing flared pants in the world of jeans – conspicuous and outdated.
Resolution and pixel density
The iPhone XR has a display resolution of 1792×828 pixels – not up to the 1080p standard. The pixel density is 326 pixels per inch – the same as the earlier iPhone 4 and 8. If you have high requirements for the screen, the iPhone XR may not meet your expectations because it is not as high resolution as the new device. It is suitable for everyday tasks, but it may not satisfy those who have high requirements for screen clarity.
Bigger and heavier
Compared to other models, the iPhone XR is larger and heavier, which may not be very comfortable to use for long periods of time. It also doesn't fit well in your pocket. If you like lightweight devices, the weight of the iPhone XR can be a drawback.
Slippery feel
Due to the glass material on the front and back, the iPhone XR is prone to slippage and is a bit tricky to handle. While it looks beautiful, the practicality may not be great. Most people end up with a protective case for it to add to the grip, but that also adds volume.
The camera is raised
The iPhone XR's rear camera stands out slightly, which some may find unique and others find unsightly. This feature not only affects the appearance, but also makes the camera susceptible to scratches. Also, the phone will wobbly a bit on a flat surface, which can be inconvenient when typing or swiping.
Material selection
The use of anodized aluminum sides instead of stainless steel makes the iPhone XR feel lighter, but it's also easier to slip out of the pocket, and it's a little less textured.
Water resistance
The iPhone XR has a waterproof rating of IP67, while the XS has a rating of IP68, which is higher. While it offers a certain level of protection, it's not as strong as the XS model. Therefore, you need to be careful when approaching water bodies!
Battery life
At first, the battery life of the iPhone XR was good. However, over time, it began to decline. When battery health deteriorates, you may experience performance degradation and shorter charging intervals. This can be frustrating if you're highly dependent on your phone throughout the day.
A12 Bionic chip
In its heyday, the iPhone XR's A12 Bionic chip was a powerhouse. What now? It's starting to look a little older. Newer apps and iOS updates demand more from it, making it difficult for the iPhone XR to keep up. When multitasking or using resource-intensive apps, you may feel stuck.
RAM limit
The iPhone XR comes with 3GB of RAM, which is 1GB less than the XS. While it handles tasks efficiently, the lower RAM capacity can affect the ability to multitask and the smoothness of switching between apps.
Lack of night mode
The absence of a night mode can be a shame for people who like to take photos in low-light environments. This absence puts the iPhone XR at a disadvantage for low-light shots.
Personalization options are limited
Personalization options are quite limited. There are no options to customize the icon pack, adjust the home screen grid, or always show the screen. These limitations of iPhone XR can be frustrating for people who like to personalize their devices.
Basic camera functions
The camera lacks speed settings for timed shooting and multiple zoom options for slow-motion video. These deficiencies limit your ability to explore creativity through photography.
There is no external storage option
This device doesn't support SD card expansion, so you'll only have to rely on the internal storage capacity you originally purchased. If you need to store a lot of photos, videos, and apps, this limitation may be obvious.
Gigabit LTE support is missing
The lack of Gigabit LTE support means that data speeds and overall performance may lag behind newer models in high-speed connection locations. This may affect the streaming and browsing experience of the iPhone XR.
Final evaluation
Although the iPhone XR has its charms, some of its drawbacks have become more noticeable over time. Its camera limitations, lower-quality screens, bulkier design, and outdated performance are all hard to ignore. The lack of advanced features, limited personalization options, and limitations in connectivity and storage further highlight its shortcomings.
If you're looking for cutting-edge technology, advanced camera configurations, bezel-less displays, and advanced features, the iPhone XR may not live up to your expectations. However, if you're budget-conscious and able to ignore these drawbacks, it still offers a full iOS experience. Knowing these shortcomings can help you make an informed decision about your iPhone XR.
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We realize that many product reviews nowadays overemphasize the advantages, often due to various interests and profit reasons, intentionally or unintentionally weakening, or even ignoring the disadvantages of the product. This can lead to consumers being misled into making the wrong purchase decision. Often, people only find out many shortcomings after buying a product, which makes them regret it and waste money and time. JustCons was founded to solve this problem, through the evaluation of all the product shortcomings information, to help people understand the product more objectively and rationally, so as to make a better purchase decision.