Should I buy iPhone XR or iPhone X now?

The decision between purchasing an iPhone XR or iPhone X today hinges on prioritizing either modern hardware longevity or a premium design at a potentially lower cost, with the iPhone XR generally representing the more rational choice for most users seeking a primary device. The iPhone X, released in 2017, and the iPhone XR, released in 2018, occupy distinct positions despite their similar naming. The iPhone XR’s core advantage lies in its newer A12 Bionic chip, which provides a meaningful performance and efficiency leap over the iPhone X’s A11 Bionic. This translates not only to better handling of intensive applications and future iOS updates but also to superior battery life in practice, as the A12 is more power-efficient even when paired with the XR’s larger battery. For a device intended for daily use over several years, this processor advantage is decisive, as it directly impacts the phone’s functional lifespan and day-to-day reliability.

Conversely, the iPhone X retains appeal primarily through its build and display technology, offering an OLED screen with higher resolution and contrast compared to the XR’s Liquid Retina LCD. The X also features a dual-camera system with optical zoom and a stainless-steel frame, presenting a more premium tactile and visual experience. However, these advantages come with significant trade-offs beyond the older processor. The iPhone X’s battery life is notably shorter, and its potential for hardware issues, such as display or battery degradation, is inherently higher given its age. Furthermore, while both models lack official water resistance ratings for deep submersion, the XR’s IP67 rating offers better-documented durability against dust and water than the X’s IP67 rating, which may have degraded over time in used units.

From a practical and financial perspective, the market context is critical. Both phones are obsolete in the current Apple lineup, meaning purchases are confined to the refurbished or used markets. Here, condition and battery health become paramount. A pristine iPhone X with a recently replaced battery might be tempting if found at a significant discount compared to a comparable XR, but such a scenario is less common. Typically, the price differential has narrowed, making the XR’s newer internals, better battery performance, and longer expected software support a more compelling value. The XR’s single-lens camera system, powered by the A12’s advanced computational photography like Smart HDR, often produces more consistent and dynamic photos than the iPhone X’s dual-camera setup, offsetting the lack of a dedicated telephoto lens for many users.

Therefore, unless one can secure an iPhone X in exceptional condition at a substantially lower price and values the OLED display and design above all else, the iPhone XR is the superior investment. Its modern chipset ensures smoother operation with contemporary apps and a longer viable lifespan before software obsolescence, while its battery life consistently outperforms the older model. The choice ultimately reflects a trade-off between enduring core performance and a specific set of premium materials that have aged in key technical aspects. For a device to be relied upon today, the XR’s foundation of newer technology provides a more secure and functional experience over time.