iPhone XR vs iPhone 13

The iPhone XR is still very popular, for good reason. It offers Apple’s signature sleek design and plenty of features at a very competitive price point. But how does it stack up against the newer iPhone 13? Read on to find out which is a better value, the iPhone XR or iPhone 13.

Size and display

These iPhones are very similar in size. The iPhone XR measures 5.94 inches (150.9 mm) H x 2.98 inches (75.7 mm) W x 0.33 inch (8.3 mm) D. The iPhone 13 is just barely smaller; it measures 5.78 inches (146.7 mm) H x 2.82 inches (71.5 mm) W x 0.30 inch (7.65 mm) D.

The iPhone XR is also slightly heavier than the iPhone 13. The iPhone XR weighs 6.84 ounces (194 grams), compared to 6.14 ounces (174 grams) for the iPhone 13. The differences in size and weight are so small that you most likely won’t notice any real difference when holding, carrying, or using these two phones.

Even though their dimensions are slightly different, the iPhone XR and iPhone 13 have the same screen size. Both phones offer a 6.1-inch screen that’s big enough to comfortably watch videos or make video calls, while still being small enough to easily carry and handle. 

There are some additional differences in the displays of these two phones. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina HD display and all-screen LCD with IPS technology. The iPhone 13 has an updated Super Retina XDR display and all-screen OLED. The iPhone 13 also has a brighter display, offering 800 nits of typical max brightness compared to 625 nits for the iPhone XR. The upgraded iPhone 13 screen is easier to see in bright daylight or outside.

Storage Capacity

Another big difference between these two iPhones is the storage capacity options. The iPhone XR comes in 64 or 128GB versions. The iPhone 13 starts at a higher storage capacity; it’s available with 128, 256, or 512GB. The iPhone 13 also comes with 4GB of RAM, compared to just 3GB of RAM in the iPhone XR. Depending on how much data you tend to store on your phone, this can be an important factor to consider.

Performance and battery life

Released more recently, the iPhone 13 offers faster processing with Apple’s A15 Bionic chip. The iPhone XR runs on an older A12 chip, but still delivers a smooth user experience for everyday tasks. 

When it comes to battery life, the iPhone 13 also outperforms the iPhone XR. The iPhone 13 battery lasts up to 19 hours of video playback compared to 16 hours for the iPhone XR.

The iPhone 13 also has an edge over the XR for connectivity. Of these two smartphones, only the iPhone 13 offers 5G support.

Camera

You know what they say about iPhone cameras: the newest, most expensive iPhone has the best camera. Ok, we made that saying up—but you get the point. 

The iPhone 13 has a 12MP TrueDepth camera, while the XR’s front camera is 7MP. The rear camera system on the iPhone XR consists of a single 12MP Main camera, while the iPhone 13 features a dual 12MP rear camera system with a Main and Ultra Wide lens. The iPhone 13 also has a few additional photography enhancements, such as Night Mode for better photos in low light conditions and Photographic Styles for more personalization.

Should you get an iPhone 13 or iPhone XR?

If you’re on a tighter budget, the iPhone XR may be appealing since it’s much less expensive than more recent models like the 13. While Apple does support its phones with software and security updates for a long time, you’ll still need to move from the XR to a newer model sooner than if you buy a more recent iPhone to begin with.

The iPhone 13 is a better choice if you want more longevity from your device, since it will be compatible with Apple’s iOS releases for longer than the XR. It’s also a solid choice for users who want more advanced camera features and a long battery life from their phone. 

When it comes to price, the iPhone 13 is more expensive than the XR. It’s hard to beat the XR’s price/performance ratio, and it still works great for lighter users. The good news is that buying a used and refurbished iPhone can save you lots of money on any model you like, and it’s better for the environment.