Our First Impressions of the Apple iPhone XR
The iPhone XR's sleek, premium design is immediately noticeable-its aerospace-grade aluminum frame and all-glass back give it a modern, durable look. The IP67 water resistance and wireless charging capability make it practical for everyday use, while the compact size balances the larger display of previous models. The edge-to-edge "Liquid Retina" LCD screen feels vibrant and immersive, though it lacks the true tone of OLED. The absence of a Home button and swipe navigation streamline interactions, and the 12MP rear camera with Portrait mode delivers decent photo quality for casual shooters.
The device's A12 Bionic chip powers smooth performance and advanced features like Smart HDR, making it snappy for multitasking and gaming. The 6.1-inch display is a welcome upgrade from older models, offering more screen real estate without sacrificing portability. However, the lack of a Home button can take some time to get used to, and the LCD screen, while luminous, doesn't match the color depth of newer iPhones. the phone is also locked to Boost Mobile,which could limit carrier flexibility for users.
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Dimensions & Build |
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Display |
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Camera |
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Design and Build That Commands Attention
The iPhone XR feels premium in hand, with its sleek aerospace-grade aluminum frame and glossy glass back offering a sturdy, modern aesthetic. The 6.1-inch LCD display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, though it lacks the OLED depth of the iPhone XS max. The IP67 rating and glass body make it surprisingly resilient to accidental spills and easy to charge wirelessly-both features I found convenient during daily use. The lack of a Home button is a small adjustment, but the swipe navigation works smoothly once accustomed. The A12 Bionic chip ensures snappy performance, even when multitasking or running demanding apps, while the 12MP camera with portrait mode and Smart HDR keeps photos looking professional, though low-light performance isn't as stellar as some competitors.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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7000 Series aluminum frame, glass back, IP67 water resistance |
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6.1-inch LCD, Liquid Retina, 1792 x 828 resolution |
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A12 Bionic chip, 12MP camera with Portrait mode and Smart HDR |
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Performance and Handling That Delivers Reliability
The iPhone XR's sleek design combines a precision-machined aluminum frame with a durable glass back, offering a premium feel and IP67 water resistance. its 6.1-inch LCD screen, part of apple's "Liquid Retina" lineup, delivers vibrant colors and sharp clarity while maintaining a compact size.the edge-to-edge display is complemented by a swipe-based navigation system, eliminating the home button but making interactions smooth and intuitive. The glass body also supports Qi wireless charging, adding convenience to daily use.
The device's performance is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, a standout in smartphone processors with a next-gen Neural Engine for advanced features like Smart HDR and portrait lighting.The 12MP rear camera, paired with a wide-angle lens and Depth Control, captures detailed photos and videos with extraordinary low-light capabilities. Though, the absence of a physical Home button might take some time to adjust for users accustomed to traditional navigation.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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Aerospace-grade aluminum frame IP67 water resistance 6.1-inch LCD display No Home button wireless charging |
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The Unlocked Experience and renewed Value
The iPhone XR feels premium in hand with its aerospace-grade aluminum frame and sleek glass back, offering a balance of durability and elegance. The 6.1-inch "Liquid Retina" LCD display is vibrant and sharp, with minimal bezels that make every app and photo feel immersive.Swipe navigation works smoothly without the Home button, and wireless charging is a welcome convenience, though the lack of a physical charging port might be a minor hassle for some. The IP67 rating gives peace of mind against accidental splashes, while the A12 Bionic chip ensures buttery-speedy performance and seamless multitasking. The 12MP camera delivers excellent clarity, and Portrait mode with Depth Control adds a nice touch for casual photography.
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Selecting the Right Device for Our Needs
The iPhone XR's sleek design combines a durable aerospace-grade aluminum frame with a glossy all-glass back, offering a premium feel. Its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, fitting between the iPhone XS and XS Max in size.The absence of a Home button and swipe-based navigation make it modern and intuitive, while the IP67 water resistance and Qi wireless charging add convenience. The camera, with 12MP resolution and Portrait mode, captures great photos, though the LCD display lacks the true blacks of OLED.
The device is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, making it snappier and more efficient than older models.Its compact yet substantial build feels robust, and the glass back allows for seamless wireless charging. However, the phone is locked to Boost Mobile, limiting flexibility if you want to switch carriers. The 64 GB storage is sufficient for most users, but it doesn't offer expandability. The renewed condition ensures a reliable device,free from scratches,though it may still have minor wear from previous use.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
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Design: Aerospace-grade aluminum frame, all-glass back, IP67 water resistance, Qi wireless charging |
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Display: 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, 1792 x 828 resolution, minimal bezels |
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Reveal the Extraordinary
Creative and Neutral
The Apple iPhone XR and its Renewed variant both showcase impressive durability, but their differences in unlockability and condition make them distinct choices. The original XR offers a fully unlocked experience, making it versatile for any carrier, while the Renewed version, despite its refurbished status, maintains the same high-quality build and advanced features. Weather you prioritize flexibility or cost-effective performance, both models deliver a reliable blend of design and functionality, proving that even second-hand can shine.

Apple iPhone XR, Fully Unlocked, 64 GB - Black
Durable aerospace-grade aluminum frame and IP67 water resistance, paired with a vibrant 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display.

Apple iPhone XR, Fully Unlocked, 64 GB - Black (Renewed)
Carrier-locked design but retains the same robust build and A12 Bionic processor for performance and versatility.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
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Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.