The short answer is yes, the iPhone XR is a bit outdated in 2024 compared to Apple‘s newer iPhone models. However, it can still be a good option on a budget for simple tasks. Read on for a detailed analysis.
Released in 2018, the iPhone XR is now over 4 years old. In the fast-paced tech world, that qualifies it as outdated. But thanks to Apple‘s long software support, the XR can still handle basic functions pretty well. Let‘s take a closer look at where it stands in 2024.
Software Updates
One of the iPhone‘s biggest strengths is software support. iPhones typically get about 5-6 years of iOS updates after launch. Since the XR came out in 2018, it should continue receiving updates until around 2024 based on Apple‘s history. So you can expect at least 1-2 more years of major iOS versions.
| iPhone Model | Release Year | Expected End of Software Support |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone XR | 2018 | 2024 |
Having the latest iOS unlocks key new features and security patches. Outdated software is a common reason people upgrade phones, so the XR‘s continued support is a real asset.
Speed and Performance
The iPhone XR runs Apple‘s A12 Bionic processor, which was cutting-edge for its time. It still delivers decent speed for everyday tasks like email, web browsing, and social media. But there are some signs of its age.
Benchmark tests show the A12 Bionic lags significantly behind Apple‘s newest A16 chip in the iPhone 14 Pro. The XR scores around 753 in single-core Geekbench tests versus over 1870 for the A16. That‘s over 2.5x higher.
Real-world use reflects those benchmarks. Games and apps launch noticeably faster on recent iPhones. The XR can stutter and slow down when pushed hard. Still, it should handle light use just fine. The 3GB RAM helps with multitasking.
Battery Life
The iPhone XR packs a 2,942 mAh battery, which was very large when new. Over time, all lithium-ion batteries degrade. But many XR owners still get through a full day on a charge with light use.
Apple claims the battery should retain up to 80% capacity at 500 complete charge cycles. Replacing an aging battery can help extend lifespan. Compared to newer iPhones, the XR has great battery life, especially considering its lower specs.
Camera Capabilities
The XR has a single 12MP wide rear camera – no telephoto or ultra-wide lenses like on newer models. In optimal lighting, it takes decent shots. But low light performance is just average due to its older sensor technology.
The 7MP selfie camera gets the job done for video calls and social posts, but won‘t wow you with image quality or features. And the lack of Night Mode puts the XR at a disadvantage vs. newer iPhones in low light scenes.
Display Quality
The iPhone XR actually has one of the largest displays ever in an iPhone at 6.1 inches. But it uses an LCD panel rather than pricier OLED tech.
The 1792×828 resolution with 326 ppi density looks perfectly sharp for most uses. Colors and brightness are also solid. However, LCD blacks appear gray next to the true blacks of OLED iPhone displays.
The XR‘s bigger bezels also look dated next to the sleek, edge-to-edge designs of newer iPhones. But for everyday use, the screen still gets the job done.
Should You Buy an iPhone XR in 2024?
Good for:
- Kids or seniors who just need basic functions
- Backup/secondary phone
- Users on a tight budget
Not ideal for:
- Photography enthusiasts
- Mobile gamers
- Media streaming fans
Despite being outdated in some areas, the iPhone XR represents a good value buy for people who just need core smartphone features like messaging, email, and web browsing. It‘s a great choice for kids or older users who don‘t need top-end performance. As a secondary device or spare phone, the XR makes sense too.
However, users who care about having a great camera, crisp display, and fast performance should probably look at newer iPhone models instead. The XR‘s camera in particular feels dated. And the LCD display doesn‘t provide the gorgeous visuals of an OLED screen.
But if your needs are basic, don‘t require flawless speed or imaging, and value matters, the iPhone XR can absolutely still get the job done in 2024. Just set proper expectations around its dated components compared to the latest iPhones.
At used or refurbished prices, it becomes an even more compelling budget-friendly option. With 1-2 years of software updates remaining, the XR strikes a great balance of functionality and affordability in 2024 for many users.
