The iPhone XR remains one of Apple’s most celebrated smartphones. When it was first released in 2018, it instantly became a favorite due to its balance of performance, design, and value for money. While newer iPhone models such as the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and the iPhone 13 have entered the market since, the iPhone XR still holds a unique position as one of Apple’s most iconic and well-loved devices.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore why the iPhone XR continues to captivate users, especially in Australia, even years after its release. We will discuss its design, performance, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. Additionally, we will compare the iPhone XR with other models like the iPhone 11, iPhone SE, and iPhone 12 to help you understand why it remains a smart choice for anyone looking for a reliable and cost-effective Apple smartphone.
Whether you’re upgrading your current device or considering your first iPhone, this review will provide you with all the information you need to decide if the iPhone XR is the right phone for you. Plus, for those in Australia, we’ll highlight why purchasing the iPhone XR from Wise Market Australia offers incredible value, convenience, and customer satisfaction.
Why the iPhone XR Remains a Design Masterpiece
Apple is renowned for its sleek, modern, and minimalist designs, and the iPhone XR is a prime example of this philosophy. At first glance, the iPhone XR might seem similar to its predecessors, but a deeper look reveals that it was designed to offer something unique, making it stand out in the crowded smartphone market.
Premium Build Quality and Materials
The iPhone XR features a glass front and back, sandwiched between an aluminum frame that gives it a premium feel without the hefty price tag of its more expensive counterparts like the iPhone XS or iPhone 11 Pro. Available in a range of bold and vibrant colors such as coral, blue, yellow, and white, the iPhone XR allows users to express their personality through their device.
The phone is also water and dust resistant, with an IP67 rating, which means it can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes—ideal for daily wear and tear, and even accidental spills.
Display: The Liquid Retina Advantage
One of the standout features of the iPhone XR is its display. The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina HD display offers bright and vibrant colors, deep blacks, and sharp resolution. While it doesn’t quite match the Super Retina XDR display found on the iPhone XS or newer iPhone models, it still provides an immersive and pleasant viewing experience.
The True Tone feature adjusts the white balance of the screen to match the surrounding light, providing a more natural viewing experience. Additionally, the Wide Color support ensures that images, videos, and apps are rendered with stunning color accuracy.
For users in Australia who want a larger, premium display at a more affordable price point, the iPhone XR remains an excellent choice.
Performance That Holds Up: The Power of the A12 Bionic Chip
Even years after its release, the iPhone XR is no slouch when it comes to performance. Powered by the A12 Bionic chip, the phone delivers exceptional speed and efficiency. The A12 Bionic was Apple’s most advanced processor when the Apple XR launched, and it continues to handle demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease.
Optimized for Speed and Efficiency
Thanks to the A12 Bionic chip and its Neural Engine, the iPhone XR offers a smooth experience whether you’re scrolling through social media, streaming content, or using resource-intensive apps. The Neural Engine also enables faster Face ID recognition and better performance for machine learning tasks like photo editing and augmented reality (AR).
Even though the iPhone XR has since been succeeded by newer models with the A13 Bionic and A14 Bionic chips, the A12 Bionic remains capable of handling the latest apps and software updates without noticeable lag or slowdown. This makes this iPhone a solid investment for users who want a phone that still performs well in 2025.
Camera Quality: A Snapshot of Excellence
While the iPhone XR might only have a single 12MP rear camera, it can still produce stunning photos that hold up against even more expensive phones. Apple has always focused on providing users with the best possible camera experience, and this iPhone continues that tradition.
Single-Camera System with Smart Features
The 12MP wide-angle camera on the iPhone XR is equipped with a f/1.8 aperture, which allows for better low-light performance. With Smart HDR, the phone captures vibrant and detailed images, even in tricky lighting conditions.
The iPhone XR also includes Portrait Mode, which creates a depth-of-field effect that mimics the look of professional photography. With Depth Control, users can adjust the level of blur in the background, providing more creative control over the final shot. The TrueDepth camera on the front enables Portrait Mode for selfies, making it easy to capture beautiful self-portraits.
For users who appreciate a high-quality camera but don’t want to break the bank for the iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone 13 Pro Max, the iPhone XR still offers excellent photo and video capabilities.
Battery Life: A Full Day of Use, No Problem
The iPhone XR features a larger battery than its counterparts in the iPhone X family, and it shows. Apple claims the iPhone XR lasts up to 1.5 hours longer than the iPhone 8 Plus, and in real-world use, most users find that the phone comfortably lasts throughout the day with typical usage.
Fast Charging and Wireless Charging
While the iPhone XR does not come with a fast charger in the box, it supports 18W fast charging, allowing you to charge the device up to 50% in just 30 minutes. It also supports Qi wireless charging, so you can easily charge it using wireless charging pads.
For Australians who value battery life and want a device that can last throughout a busy day without constant recharging, the iPhone XR holds up well, even by today’s standards.
Why Choose the iPhone XR in 2025?
The iPhone XR remains a fantastic choice for a variety of users, especially for those who want a balanced iPhone experience at a more affordable price. Here are a few reasons why you should consider the iPhone XR in 2025:
1. Value for Money
Compared to the latest models such as the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12, the iPhone XR offers great value. While you may not get the latest A14 or A15 Bionic chip, the A12 Bionic still delivers outstanding performance for most users. If you’re looking for a device that can handle day-to-day tasks, media consumption, and photography without the steep price tag of newer models, the iPhone XR is an excellent value choice.
2. Great for Everyday Use
The iPhone XR provides everything that most users need in a smartphone: a beautiful display, a powerful chip, excellent camera capabilities, and all-day battery life. Whether you’re using the phone for social media, work, or entertainment, the iPhone XR handles it all.
3. Longevity and Software Support
Apple is known for providing long-term software updates, and the iPhone XR is no exception. As of 2025, the device still receives iOS updates, and it’s likely to continue for several more years, ensuring that your device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features.
4. Perfect for Australian Users
For consumers in Australia, the iPhone XR represents a great balance between performance, features, and affordability. While other newer iPhones may come with advanced features like 5G connectivity, the XR still offers everything you need, and it’s available at a fraction of the price of the latest models. Plus, purchasing through Wise Market Australia guarantees quick shipping and exceptional customer service.
iPhone XR vs Other iPhone Models
iPhone XR vs iPhone 11
- Display: Both phones feature similar 6.1-inch Liquid Retina displays, but the iPhone 11 comes with an ultra-wide camera and improved night mode. The Apple XR, however, still offers vibrant and sharp visuals at a more affordable price.
- Camera: The iPhone 11 includes a dual-camera system with ultra-wide and wide lenses, making it better for landscape shots. The iPhone XR has a single 12MP camera, but it still performs admirably well, especially in daylight and with Portrait Mode.
- Battery: The iPhone 11 offers slightly longer battery life, but both devices provide a full day of use with typical use.
iPhone XR vs iPhone 12
- Performance: The iPhone 12 is powered by the A14 Bionic chip, which is faster than the A12 in the iPhone XR. However, the iPhone XR still holds up well for most tasks and apps.
- Design: The iPhone 12 has a more modern design with flat edges and Ceramic Shield glass for added durability. The iPhone XR maintains a more rounded design with aluminum edges.
- Price: The iPhone 12 is priced higher, making the Apple XR the more affordable option for users who want a solid iPhone experience without paying for cutting-edge features.
Why Buy the iPhone XR from Wise Market Australia?
For Australians looking to purchase the iPhone XR, Wise Market Australia is your trusted destination. Here’s why:
- Competitive Pricing: Wise Market Australia offers XR at prices that are hard to beat, ensuring that you get a fantastic deal.
- Fast Delivery: With reliable shipping across Australia, you’ll receive your new device quickly and efficiently.
- Customer Service: Their team offers excellent customer service, ready to assist with any questions or issues you may have post-purchase.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of the iPhone XR
The iPhone XR may not be the newest device in Apple’s lineup, but it still offers a superb combination of design, performance, and affordability. Its timeless appeal continues to attract users in Australia and worldwide who want a solid iPhone experience without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a reliable, stylish, and powerful mobile phone, the XR remains a top contender. And with Wise Market Australia providing exceptional pricing and customer service, now is the perfect time to make this iPhone your next device.
Ready to experience the legacy of the iPhone XR? Visit Wise Market Australia today to get your hands on this legendary device!
