A newer phone release isn't always better than its predecessors, a lesson long-time smartphone users know well. That tension sits at the heart of the iPhone X vs. iPhone XR debate. Both phones defined an era for Apple, yet they made very different trade-offs. In this guide, we compare the two across design, display, camera, battery, and price to tell you which one is the smarter refurbished buy today.
Table of contents
- Reasons to buy the iPhone X
- Reasons to buy the iPhone XR
- iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: Specs comparison table
- iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: Review and differences
- The winner
- Frequently asked questions
Reasons to buy the iPhone X
- OLED screen technology for deeper blacks and richer colors
- Thinner and sleeker stainless steel design
- Better dual-camera system with true 2x optical zoom
- More natural portrait mode depth sensing
- Easier to use with one hand
Reasons to buy the iPhone XR
- Bigger 6.1-inch display
- Faster A12 Bionic chip (up to 15% faster CPU, 50% faster GPU)
- Significantly better battery life
- More storage options (64GB, 128GB, 256GB)
- A great entry point to the Apple ecosystem
- Compatible with iOS 18
- Lower price when buying refurbished
iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: Specs comparison table
iPhone X vs. iPhone XR: Review and differences
Here is a closer look at how the iPhone X and the iPhone XR differ across the categories that matter most to everyday buyers.
Design
When Apple launched the iPhone X in 2017, the disappearance of the Home button and the arrival of Face ID felt like a genuine paradigm shift. The iPhone XR carried that vision forward a year later, adding a larger footprint but trading the X's premium stainless steel frame for aluminum, a cost-saving compromise that made the XR noticeably lighter on the wallet while slightly heavier in the hand.
Both devices feature glass on the front and back with IP67 dust and water resistance. The iPhone X stands out with its stainless steel frame, which gives it a more premium feel, while the XR's aluminum chassis is more prone to scratches but just as durable in day-to-day use. The XR is also bigger and heavier (194g vs. 174g), making single-handed operation less comfortable.
Both carry the same notch design, a detail that felt futuristic in 2017 and simply functional by 2019.
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iPhone X front and back Image credit: Apple
Display
The display gap between these two phones is the clearest argument for the older model. The iPhone X features a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED panel with true blacks, high contrast, and HDR support. The iPhone XR counters with a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD, a genuinely good screen, but one that cannot replicate the depth and color accuracy of OLED technology.
The resolution numbers tell the same story. The iPhone X resolves at 2,436 x 1,125 pixels and 458ppi, while the iPhone XR sits at 1,792 x 828 pixels and 326ppi. For anyone who watches video, edits photos, or simply cares about the clarity of their screen, the X's display is the standout feature that justifies its slight price premium on the refurbished market.
Performance
On paper, the iPhone XR has the clear performance edge. Its A12 Bionic chip is up to 15% faster in CPU tasks and up to 50% faster in GPU workloads than the A11 Bionic inside the iPhone X. The A12 also introduced Apple's Neural Engine, which powers the XR's more advanced computational photography features. In real-world use, both phones handle everyday tasks without hesitation, but the XR's architectural headroom means it stays smoother for longer, particularly under heavy multitasking or graphics-intensive apps.
Battery life tells a similarly clear story: the XR's larger 2,942mAh cell combined with the efficiency of the A12 chip gives it a meaningful advantage over the X's 2,716mAh battery, often translating to an hour or more of additional screen time per charge.
Both phones run iOS 18, and both have 3GB of RAM.
Blue iPhone XR front and back Image credit: Apple
Camera
The iPhone X holds the camera crown thanks to its dual-lens rear system:
- Wide-angle lens: 12MP, f/1.8
- Telephoto lens: 12MP, f/2.4
That second lens gives the X genuine 2x optical zoom and hardware-driven portrait mode depth sensing, a real advantage for anyone who shoots portraits or needs to get closer to a subject without losing quality.
The iPhone XR makes do with a single 12MP f/1.8 wide-angle camera. Apple partially compensated with software: the A12's Neural Engine powers Smart HDR, Depth Control (letting you adjust background blur after the shot), and enhanced Portrait mode for selfies via the TrueDepth front camera. The XR's single lens also captures slightly better low-light detail than the X thanks to its larger 1.4µm pixels.
Both cameras record 4K video at up to 60fps and 1080p slow-motion at 240fps, and both include Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). For natural, optical portrait performance, the X wins. For software-enhanced versatility on a single lens, the XR holds its own.
The winner
The choice between the iPhone X and the iPhone XR depends on what you value most. The iPhone X wins on display quality and camera depth; its OLED panel and telephoto lens remain genuine advantages. The iPhone XR wins on battery life, raw performance, color variety, and refurbished price. Both now run iOS 18, so software longevity is no longer a differentiating factor.
- If you prioritize a superior OLED display and optical zoom for portraits, choose the iPhone X.
- If you want better battery endurance, faster performance, and a lower price, choose the iPhone XR.
You can only buy either model as a refurbished device today. The iPhone X is still worth buying in 2025 if the display and camera are what draw you in. Whichever you choose, RefurbMe compares prices in real time from multiple trusted merchants, all with a warranty and ready to use.
👉 Learn more: 6 best places to buy refurbished iPhones
Also, if you're weighing an upgrade to a more recent model, these comparisons may help:
Frequently asked questions
Is the iPhone X better than the iPhone XR?
It depends on what matters to you. The iPhone X has a superior OLED display with sharper resolution (458ppi vs. 326ppi) and a dual-camera system with true 2x optical zoom. The iPhone XR beats it on battery life, CPU and GPU performance, and typically costs less on the refurbished market. For display and camera quality, the X wins. For everyday speed and longevity, the XR has the edge.
What iOS version does the iPhone X support?
The iPhone X supports up to iOS 18, the same as the iPhone XR. Both phones received the iOS 18 update, so neither has a software advantage over the other at this point.
Is it still worth buying a refurbished iPhone X or XR in 2025?
Both are still functional daily drivers for light to moderate use, available at very low prices refurbished. The iPhone XR in particular offers strong value given its battery life and A12 chip. That said, if your budget allows, a newer model like the iPhone 11 or later will provide meaningfully better performance and a longer software support window.
What is the main camera difference between the iPhone X and XR?
The iPhone X has a dual 12MP rear camera with a telephoto lens for 2x optical zoom and hardware Portrait Mode. The iPhone XR has a single 12MP wide-angle rear camera. The XR compensates with software features like Smart HDR and Depth Control powered by the A12's Neural Engine, but cannot replicate the X's optical zoom capability.
Do refurbished iPhone X and XR phones come with a warranty?
Yes. Refurbished iPhones sold through reputable merchants, such as those listed on RefurbMe, come with a warranty, typically ranging from 90 days to one year depending on the seller and condition grade. Always check what accessories are included and verify the seller's return policy before purchasing.
Last updated: Apr 23, 2026 · First published: Jul 21, 2023