iPhone XR Storage Options

The XR comes in three storage options: 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. The highest priced model is $899. One of the standout features of the iPhone XR is its vibrant color options, much more diverse than those available for the stainless steel iPhone XS and XS Max.

Unboxing Experience

Unboxing the iPhone XR is a visual treat, especially when you see all the colors side by side. Each iPhone color is illustrated on the top of its box with a matching wallpaper. The packaging also includes metallic-colored Apple logos and text that correspond with the aluminum finish of the iPhone.

The unboxing process is straightforward. First, remove the plastic wrapping using the pull tab on the side of the box—no knives needed. Inside the box, the first thing you'll see is the paperwork packet. The product red version stands out because it includes an additional pamphlet explaining the Product Red foundation, to which a portion of the proceeds is donated. The rest of the paperwork is identical for each box, including a quick start guide, a SIM ejection tool, and a set of white Apple stickers.

Design and Build

With the paperwork out of the way, you can see all six iPhones nestled in their boxes. The iPhone XR design is a blend of the iPhone 8 and iPhone X, featuring an aluminum frame with a glass back panel that supports wireless charging. The glass back panel showcases the most vibrant color on the phone, while the aluminum sides have a lighter anodized metallic finish.

Accessories

The accessories included with the iPhone XR are the same as those provided with other iPhones. These include a 5-watt travel charger (even though the iPhone XR supports rapid charging, you need to buy a separate charger for that), a set of EarPods with an inline remote control and microphone with a Lightning connector, and a USB-A to Lightning cable.

Setting Up the iPhone XR

Setting up the iPhone XR with iOS 12 is incredibly simple. Hold your old phone next to the new one, and you'll be prompted to transfer your information. Scan a code on the new phone, and the devices pair to transfer all login information. You’ll also set up Face ID, a two-step process where you scan your face twice. The performance of Face ID is faster thanks to improved algorithms and a quicker secure enclave.

During setup, you’ll see a demonstration of the True Tone display, which adjusts the display's color temperature to match ambient lighting. The setup process also guides you through Apple Pay and Siri setup, and you can choose between standard or zoomed view, an option available only on larger screen devices like the XR and XS Max. Personally, I prefer the standard view, which is what I’ll demonstrate.

Exploring the Colors

Let's take a closer look at each color, starting with blue. This shade of blue is reminiscent of the iPhone 5C, though it's more of a pastel or sky blue. The aluminum edges have a metallic anodized finish, lighter than the back color. Yellow is one of the most vibrant options, with a mustard yellow back and metallic lighter yellow sides. Product red is now available at launch instead of as a limited edition later in the year, featuring the same red glass back and dark red frame as the 8 Plus.

Coral is a surprising favorite, offering a unique salmon or peach color rather than pink. The metallic aluminum sides complement the back color well. White appears brighter and cleaner than previous white iPhones, with a classic raw aluminum finish along the sides. Lastly, black, or not space gray, has a dark gray black glass back and darker aluminum sides compared to the iPhone 8’s space gray.

With all the phones booted up, the vibrant new wallpapers matching the phone colors look impressive. Each color has two wallpaper options: one seen on the box cover and one that comes by default.

Differences from the iPhone XS

Apple made three key adjustments to the iPhone XR to provide a similar experience to the XS at a lower price. The main differences are the LCD display, aluminum construction, and a single rear camera. The LCD display has a lower resolution compared to the OLED display of the XS and XS Max. The XR features aluminum construction instead of stainless steel and lacks the telephoto camera found on the XS and XS Max.

In terms of size, the 6.1-inch iPhone XR fits between the 5.8-inch XS and 6.5-inch XS Max. This might be confusing as larger phones are typically more expensive, but the XR starts at $749 compared to $999 for the XS. The big difference is LCD versus OLED, with OLED offering deeper blacks and vivid colors. The XR’s LCD display has a resolution of 1792x828, suitable for 720p video, and a familiar 326 ppi, which is lower than the XS and XS Max’s 458 ppi.

Apple’s LCD and OLED displays have the same brightness of around 625 nits and are color calibrated for the wide color spectrum of the DCI-P3 spec. However, the XR doesn’t fully support HDR specs like the XS.

Design Compromises

The iPhone XR has a thicker bezel compared to the XS and XS Max due to the need for a backlight with LCD. Despite this, Apple has managed to create an edge-to-edge LCD design by tucking the display drivers underneath the display. This results in a uniform backlight without splotchiness or edge leaking, thanks to technologies like dual-domain pixels which maintain contrast and color accuracy off-axis.

Haptic Touch

Haptic Touch replaces 3D Touch on the iPhone XR, utilizing long presses and taptic feedback to replicate the same functionality. While the haptic feedback feels identical to 3D Touch found on the iPhone XS or XS Max, it's slightly slower and doesn't entirely replace the gestures offered by 3D Touch. Future iOS updates may expand its capabilities.

Conclusion: Affordable Innovation

The iPhone XR strikes a balance between innovation and affordability, retaining most of the flagship features at a lower price point. Its colorful aluminum design, thicker build for a larger battery, and impressive battery life make it a compelling choice. The XR offers an iPhone experience that aligns closely with the flagship models, without the premium price tag, making it an excellent upgrade option for iPhone users.

In summary, the iPhone XR delivers a remarkable blend of performance, design, and advanced technology, ensuring users do not feel left out or behind. For those seeking an affordable yet powerful iPhone, the XR is a stellar choice.