Editor's note: Both the iPhone 11 and iPhone XR have been discontinued by Apple. We've checked the information below for relevance, but pricing and availability will differ from when we originally reviewed these devices. You may only find these devices refurbished or at online retailers.
The iPhone 11 has replaced the iPhone XR as the best Apple smartphone for personal use. However, prices start near $1,000 so Apple is keeping the XR on the market at a discounted price. It's still a pretty powerful and feature-rich phone so we break down what they have in common, what makes them different, and how to pick the best iPhone for you.
The newest iPhone has launched with a new naming scheme. The best new iPhone for personal use is the iPhone 11 with two spectacular 12MP rear-facing cameras, a speedy new A13 Bionic processor and sharp 6.1" LCD screen. The iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max add a third camera and spectacular OLED display, and is aimed at content creators and professionals who rely on their smartphone to get work done.
Last year Apple introduced the iPhone XR under similar circumstances; offering the fastest hardware, giant screen, and low price for Apple-faithful who want the newest thing without breaking the bank. While Apple is letting the premium iPhone XS ride off into the sunset, the iPhone XR will stick around for at least another year. The starting price in Canada for the iPhone XR is $180 less than the iPhone 11. By Apple's own admission during this year's launch event, the year-old A12 Bionic CPU is still one of the fastest smartphone chips on the market.
So, should you go with the popular iPhone XR or this year's hot new iPhone 11?
iPhone 11 vs iPhone XR At A Glance
iPhone 11
Insanely powerful iPhone with two premium cameras
- Two premium 12MP rear cameras
- A13 Bionic CPU is the fastest ever
- Storage up to 256GB
- Improved speaker, Dolby Atmos
iPhone XR
Still fast, flagship features and $180 cheaper
- New low price
- A12 CPU is still really fast
- Same display as iPhone 11
- Apple TV+ included for one year
Reasons To Get an iPhone 11
The iPhone 11 only sacrifices a few Pro-level features to get this handset into your hands for under a grand.
- 12 megapixel (MP) wide angle camera plus 12MP ultra-wide camera
- Intelligent software lets you jump back and forth between lenses smoothly, even while shooting 4K video
- 4K and slow-motion video capture on the 12MP front-facing camera too
- 64GB, 128GB and 256GB storage options available
- Slightly better battery life and slightly better water-resistance than the XR (IP68)
- A13 Bionic CPU performance blows every other smartphone out of the water
- Spatial audio playback gets an upgrade and Dolby Atmos is supported.
Reasons To Get an iPhone XR
Last year the XR also sacrificed a few premium features for a lower price tag. It's still one of the fastest smartphones on the market and it's now available for a discount price.
- The same 6.1" Liquid Retina HD display as the iPhone 11
- Same glass and aluminum design in the same physical dimensions as iPhone 11 too
- Shoots Smart HDR photos and 4K video
- Water and dust resistant (IP67 rating)
- Comes in a selection of six colours
- Costs $180 (Cdn) less than the iPhone 11
- Upgrade to 128GB and still save more than $100 compared to the base model iPhone 11
Personal Smartphones, Premium Features
Although released in different years, both devices share one purpose; put the most powerful iPhone features in a smartphone priced for the personal smartphone market. Not everyone conducts their business on their smartphones, but they can still have premium hardware if they buy an iPhone XR or iPhone 11.
Now that the iPhone XR is a year old, it's been discounted and priced below the iPhone 11. However, it's still one of the most powerful and feature-rich smartphones in 2019. Perhaps best of all, buying either the iPhone XR or iPhone 11 will include Apple TV+ for one year for free (~$60 value).
Compare Specs: iPhone 11 vs. iPhone XR
| Apple iPhone 11 | Apple iPhone XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1" IPS LCD Liquid Retina HD |
6.1" IPS LCD Liquid Retina HD |
| Resolution | 1792x828 pixels 1,400:1 contrast ratio |
1792x828 pixels 1,400:1 contrast ratio |
| OS | iOS 13 |
iOS 12 (upgradable to iOS 13) |
| Processor | A13 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| Storage | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB |
| Rear Camera(s) | 12MP f/1.8 wide 12MP f/2.4 ultra wide | 12MP f/1.8 wide |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP f/2.2 TrueDepth 4K video |
7MP f/2.2 TrueDepth 1080p video |
| Power | Wireless Charging Fast-charge Capable Up to 17 hours video playback |
Wireless Charging Fast-charge Capable Up to 16 hours video playback |
| Colours | White Black Yellow Purple Green (PRODUCT)RED |
White Black Yellow Blue Coral (PRODUCT)RED |
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