iPhone XS vs XR: Which Is Better To Buy Used?

What's the difference between iPhone XR and XS?

MGK or Eminem? NYC or LA? Some people think these are the biggest rivalries in the United States, but here at Back Market, we argue about other topics—like whether the iPhone XS is a better phone than the iPhone XR.

Choosing an iPhone model can be a tough decision. You'll want to consider several factors, such as the camera, battery life, display, and of course price. Depending on your needs and budget, it usually comes down to which phone is a better fit for you. However, there are a few key differences between the iPhone XS and XR models that you should know before you buy.

Read on to find out how these two stack up when it comes to key features and which phone wins our iPhone XS vs XR comparison. The best part is that no matter which model you choose, you can save a ton of money by buying a refurbished iPhone. No need to wait for Black Friday sales, because we have great deals all year long on every iPhone model.

Looking to compare iPhones side-by-side? Get a full breakdown of the details, including storage capacity, audio, and more iPhone XR vs XS specs here.

iPhone XS camera vs XR

When it comes to which iPhone has the best camera, it's no secret that a more expensive iPhone will probably have better photo and video features. This holds true when comparing the iPhone XR vs XS models. The camera on the XS has more features, including multiple lenses to change focal lengths.

Both the XR and XS were released in 2018. However, the XS was significantly more expensive, at $999 for the base version versus $749 for the XR. Even though $999 is a lot of money for a phone, the XS offered industry-leading photography back in 2018. Despite the incredible camera performance, it was out of budget for many people with its $1000-plus price tag.

Today, thanks to refurbished used iphones from marketplaces like Back Market, you can score a much cheaper iPhone XS. As a matter of fact, the price gap between a used iPhone XR vs XS has significantly decreased. At the time of writing this, you can buy an iPhone XR starting around $190 or an iPhone XS starting around $225 on Back Market. Because the two models are now so close in terms of price, it's probably worth getting the better iPhone XS camera.

iPhone XR battery life vs XS

One big difference between these two models is that the iPhone XR battery life is longer than the iPhone XS. The iPhone XR size is bigger than the iPhone XS, so it's able to house a slightly larger battery. Despite its cheaper price point, you will get a few more hours of use from the iPhone XR.

The iPhone XR battery lasts about 15.5 to 16.5 hours on a single charge, while the XS lasts about 12.5 to 13.5 hours. Depending on your lifestyle and phone usage, you may want to consider how long your phone battery will last between charges. If you spend a lot of time on your phone or need a phone that can last longer without recharging, a refurbished iPhone XR might be a better fit for you than the XS. 

Both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS have the same Apple A12 Bionic chip inside, so you can expect the same performance and speed from both models.

iPhone XS screen size vs XR

The iPhone XS has a better screen than the XR because it uses newer OLED technology in its display. Colors will look slightly more vibrant on the XS. The iPhone XS screen also has a higher resolution of 1125 x 2436 px compared to the iPhone XR's 828 x 1792 px.

There's also a size difference between the iPhone XS vs XR. The iPhone XS size is smaller than the XR. Along with smaller overall dimensions, the iPhone XS screen size is 5.8 inches, which makes it slightly smaller than the XR screen. The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1-inch screen. If you watch a lot of videos or read a lot of content on your phone, you might prefer the bigger screen size of the iPhone XR.

Interestingly, many iPhone users prefer the smaller size of the XS model and think it simply feels better in the hand. Apple may have gotten the dimensions just right with the iPhone XS, with many users claiming it's perfect size for a smartphone. The iPhone XS size means it fits nicely in your pocket. A smaller phone is also easier to use with one hand and easier to grip, which helps prevent drops.

Which is better: iPhone XS or XR?

For most users, the iPhone XS is a better choice. While it depends on your individual preferences, the iPhone XS feels like a more premium device compared to the XR, thanks to its build and additional features.

A refurbished used iPhone XS offers an upgraded camera and display compared to the XR. With deals starting around $225, the XS is a great value and doesn't cost too much more than what you would spend on a cheaper iPhone XR.

While the XS is the winner of our iPhone XS vs XR comparison, the XR offers longer battery life and a bigger screen. Depending on your needs, the XR may be a better choice for some iPhone users.