If you’re searching for a budget-friendly iPhone, the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 are excellent options that won’t break the bank. Both models offer good performance, sleek designs, and a range of features that can serve you well today. In this article, we’ll compare the iPhone XR vs. the iPhone 11 to help you decide which one is the better fit for your needs, ensuring you get the best value for your money.
Table of contents
iPhone XR vs. iPhone 11 at a glance
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Release date | October 2018 | September 2019 |
| Display size | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Display type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 1792 x 828 pixels | 1792 x 828 pixels |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| Rear camera | Single 12MP (f/1.8) | Dual 12MP (f/1.8 wide, f/2.4 ultra-wide) |
| Front camera | 7MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) |
| Night Mode | No | Yes |
| Portrait Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Video recording | 4K at 24/30/60 fps | 4K at 24/30/60 fps |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | IP67 (up to 1 meter for 30 mins) | IP68 (up to 2 meters for 30 mins) |
| Battery life | Up to 16 hours of video playback | Up to 17 hours of video playback |
| Fast charging | Yes (18W adapter sold separately) | Yes (18W adapter sold separately) |
| Wireless charging | Yes | Yes |
| Storage options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Max OS compatibility | iOS 18 | iOS 18 |
| Colors | Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Coral, (PRODUCT)RED | Black, White, Green, Yellow, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED |
| Dimensions | 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm | 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm |
| Weight | 6.84 oz 194 g | 6.84 oz 194 g |
| SIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM | Nano-SIM and eSIM |
| Original price | $749 (64GB), $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB) | $699 (64GB), $749 (128GB), $849 (256GB) |
| Price (refurbished) | Starting at | Starting at |
Reasons to choose the iPhone XR
64GB storage
Black
- Lower cost.
- Similar display quality.
- Good performance with A12 Bionic chip.
- Variety of color options.
- Decent single rear camera for everyday use.
Reasons to choose the iPhone 11
64GB storage
Black
- Better camera system with dual lenses (wide and ultra-wide).
- Improved battery life.
- Faster A13 Bionic chip.
- Night Mode and additional camera features.
- Higher water resistance (IP68).
iPhone XR vs. iPhone 11: What are the differences?
While the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 share many similarities, including their size and display, there are key differences that could sway your decision. Let’s investigate the specifics and uncover the nuances that set these two budget-friendly iPhones apart.
Design
When comparing the designs of the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, you’ll notice several similarities and subtle differences that can influence your choice. Both models feature a sleek, modern design with an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display measuring 6.1 inches, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. The devices are nearly identical in size and weight, making them comfortable to hold and use with one hand.
The iPhone XR is available in a range of six vibrant colors: Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Coral, and (PRODUCT)RED. This colorful array allows for a more personalized choice, appealing to those who enjoy a pop of color in their gadgets.
The iPhone 11, while also available in six colors, offers a slightly different palette: Black, White, Green, Yellow, Purple, and (PRODUCT)RED. The introduction of new colors like Green and Purple provides fresh options for users looking for a unique look.
Both phones feature an aerospace-grade aluminum and durable glass back. However, the iPhone 11 has a more robust design with improved water and dust resistance, rated at IP68 compared to the iPhone XR’s IP67. This means the iPhone 11 can withstand submersion in water up to 2 meters for 30 minutes, whereas the iPhone XR can handle up to 1 meter for the same duration.
Additionally, the rear camera module on the iPhone 11 is slightly larger due to the inclusion of the ultra-wide lens.
Image by: Apple
Display
Both models feature a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. This ensures that both phones deliver vibrant colors, sharp text, and detailed images, providing a pleasant viewing experience.
The Liquid Retina display technology used in both devices is known for its accurate color reproduction and True Tone feature. True Tone adjusts the display’s white balance to match the surrounding lighting conditions, making the screen easier on the eyes and more comfortable to view in various environments.
Despite the similarities, the iPhone 11 has a slight edge with its enhanced display capabilities. It supports a wider color gamut (P3), which results in richer and more true-to-life colors, especially noticeable when viewing photos, videos, and other media content.
The iPhone 11 also boasts slightly improved brightness levels, making it easier to see the screen in bright outdoor conditions.
Both the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 lack the OLED technology found in the more premium iPhone models, which means they do not offer the deep blacks and infinite contrast ratios associated with OLED displays. However, their LCD screens are still among the best in the market for this price range, providing excellent performance for most users.
Performance
The iPhone 11 packs a slightly more powerful punch with its A13 Bionic chip compared to the iPhone XR’s A12 Bionic. While both chips offer smooth and responsive performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, social media, and casual gaming, the A13 Bionic’s extra power becomes noticeable when handling demanding applications or graphics-intensive games.
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Additionally, the A13 Bionic enhances machine learning capabilities, supporting even more advanced AR experiences, improved camera functionalities, and faster Face ID recognition. It also contributes to better battery management, ensuring the iPhone 11 can handle extended use throughout the day.
The iPhone 11 has 4GB of RAM, compared to the iPhone XR’s 3 GB. This extra gigabyte can contribute to smoother multitasking and better overall performance when running multiple apps simultaneously.
Image by: Apple
Battery life
Both the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 deliver impressive battery life, easily lasting a full day with moderate use. However, the iPhone 11 holds a slight advantage, with up to 17 hours of video playback, compared to the iPhone XR’s 16 hours.
Is this a difference to consider when making your purchase? Not really. This difference is marginal, and in real-world usage, both phones will likely need charging by the end of the day with heavy use.
Additionally, while both phones support fast charging, the iPhone 11 comes with an 18W fast charger in the box, whereas the iPhone XR only includes a 5W charger. This means you can charge the iPhone 11 up to 50% in just 30 minutes, while the iPhone XR will take significantly longer.
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Cameras
The cameras are one of the most significant areas where the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 differ, and these differences can play a crucial role in your decision-making process.
The iPhone XR features a single 12MP wide lens, while the iPhone 11 boasts a dual-lens setup with a 12MP wide lens and a 12MP ultra-wide lens.
The addition of the ultra-wide lens on the iPhone 11 allows for expansive landscape shots and group photos that were not possible on the XR.
The iPhone 11 also introduces Night Mode, a feature that significantly enhances low-light photography. Night mode automatically activates in dimly lit environments, producing brighter, more detailed photos with less noise. This is a significant advantage over the iPhone XR, which struggles in low-light conditions.
Both iPhones offer Portrait mode for stunning effects, but the iPhone 11’s improved image signal processor (ISP) and neural engine deliver even better edge detection and subject separation. Additionally, the front-facing camera on the iPhone 11 is upgraded to 12MP, allowing for higher-resolution selfies and improved video calls.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the iPhone XR and iPhone 11 offer compelling value for budget-minded consumers. The XR provides an affordable entry point with a vibrant design, while the iPhone 11 boasts enhanced camera capabilities and slightly better performance.
To find the best deals on iPhones, consider exploring RefurbMe. Our platform features a wide selection of refurbished devices from reputable sellers, often at significant discounts. You can discover models no longer available in stores, enjoy warranty coverage, and easily compare features to find the perfect iPhone for your needs and budget.
Check all models in real time below. 👇
64GB storage
Black
64GB storage
Black
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