Should You Buy an iPhone XR in 2026? Full Review

The iPhone XR launched in October 2018 as Apple’s lower-cost option alongside the premium iPhone XS. It brought a 6.1-inch display, the A12 Bionic chip, and Face ID to a wider audience at a noticeably lower starting price.

Years on, it remains a common sight in the refurbished and used smartphone market. Here is a full breakdown of what it offers, what it lacks, and whether it still makes sense to buy.

Key Specs at a Glance

Display

The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD is bright and accurate for everyday use. At 326 ppi it is not the sharpest screen Apple has produced; the XS OLED panel is noticeably richer. Outside of a direct side-by-side comparison most users will not find it lacking.

One omission worth noting: no 3D Touch. Apple replaced it with Haptic Touch, which handles most of the same actions but without pressure sensitivity.

Performance

The A12 Bionic was Apple’s flagship chip in 2018 and still handles daily tasks without hesitation. Browsing, streaming, social apps, and most games run smoothly. The XR supports iOS 18, which keeps it compatible with current apps and provides access to features introduced through that release.

Intensive tasks like heavy video editing or demanding 3D games will push it. For standard daily use it holds up well.

Camera

The XR has a single 12MP rear camera with optical image stabilisation and an f/1.8 aperture. Results in good light are solid. There is no telephoto lens, so optical zoom is not available.

Portrait mode works for people only. Unlike the XS, which uses a second telephoto lens for depth, the XR’s A12 Bionic neural engine computes depth from a single rear lens using machine learning and focus pixels. It produces natural results in reasonable lighting.

Video tops out at 4K at 60fps. Slow-motion shoots at 1080p/240fps.

Battery Life

Battery was a genuine strength at launch. The XR outlasted both the iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone XS in Apple’s own figures, and in practice it covers a full day of mixed use without difficulty.

The phone supports Qi wireless charging and fast charging, though Apple did not include a fast charger in the original box.

Design and Build

The XR uses aluminium and glass, front and back. It sits at 8.3mm thick and 194g, slightly heavier than the XS, but the large all-screen front with Face ID makes it look current.

Six colour options gave it more personality than the typical smartphone lineup of the era: Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Coral, and (PRODUCT)RED.

IP67 water resistance handles submersion up to one metre for 30 minutes. No headphone jack; Lightning connector only.

Price: Then and Now

At launch the iPhone XR started at $749 for the 64GB model, $799 for 128GB, and $899 for 256GB. Apple discontinued it from new production, but refurbished and second-hand units are widely available through carriers, authorised retailers, and third-party resellers.

Current refurbished pricing varies considerably by condition, storage tier, and seller. It typically sits well below its launch price, making it one of the more accessible ways into Face ID and a large iPhone display.

For a wider look at where the XR sits against current options, our guide to the best smartphones to buy covers the current market. If you want a buying decision framework before committing, the buying a smartphone guide walks through the key questions to ask.

Should You Buy the iPhone XR?

Buy it if:

• You want an iPhone with Face ID and a large screen on a modest budget
• You are shopping refurbished and want a well-supported model
• You do not need 5G or a telephoto camera

Skip it if:

• 5G connectivity matters to you; the XR is 4G LTE only
• You want the best camera Apple offers at this screen size
• You need iOS 26 or later; the XR’s major software support ends with iOS 18

For dealers and small business owners who sell smartphones or advise customers on mobile choices, the XR shows up in refurbished supply in volume. It is a device worth knowing thoroughly. If you are considering adding mobile device sales to your revenue mix, the guide to becoming a successful cell phone reseller is a practical place to start.

iPhone XR FAQ

Does the iPhone XR support 5G?

No. The XR is a 4G LTE device. Apple did not introduce 5G until the iPhone 12 lineup in 2020.

What is the latest iOS version the iPhone XR supports?

iOS 18. It does not support iOS 26, Apple’s 2025/26 major release, so it will not receive the AI and system features introduced from that version onwards. Security patches under iOS 18 may continue for a period but the device has reached the end of major software support.

Does the iPhone XR have Face ID?

Yes. Face ID replaced Touch ID on the XR, using the TrueDepth camera system for unlocking, Apple Pay, and app authentication.

Is the iPhone XR waterproof?

It carries an IP67 rating, meaning it can handle submersion up to one metre for up to 30 minutes. Apple does not cover water damage under the standard warranty regardless of that rating.

Does the iPhone XR have a headphone jack?

No. Like all iPhones from the iPhone 7 onwards, it uses Lightning only. A Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter or Bluetooth headphones are your options.

What storage options does the iPhone XR come in?

64GB, 128GB, and 256GB. There is no storage expansion slot, so the capacity you buy is fixed.

Can the iPhone XR use two SIM cards?

In the US, yes. The XR supports one physical nano-SIM and one eSIM. Some international variants shipped with a physical dual-SIM tray instead.

Is the iPhone XR still worth buying?

For everyday use such as calls, messages, social media, and streaming it remains capable, particularly at refurbished prices. If 5G, a more advanced camera system, or the latest iOS software are priorities, a newer model is the better choice.