iPhone XR Impressions: All of the Colors!

Marques Brownlee introduces the iPhone XR by framing it as a fresh take on Apple’s lineup, highlighting that it uses the same A12 Bionic chip, same RAM, same Face ID, and same iOS 12 as the other new iPhones, but with notable differences. The display is LCD instead of OLED, with a resolution of 1792 by 828, yielding around 300+ PPI and a slightly thicker bezel due to the LCD technology. He explains that the XR’s LCD also means a lower peak sharpness and that the device cannot display 1080p video at full resolution, which is a practical consideration for potential buyers. 3D Touch is absent, replaced by long-press gestures to access context menus and faster access in areas like the Control Center, and overall the XR aims to fill the space for people who want an affordable iPhone without OLED or a dual-camera setup. The camera system is a single 12 MP sensor with optical image stabilization and an f/1.8 aperture, still offering the software-enabled Portrait mode and adjustable bokeh, so users aren’t missing much in photography compared to the more premium models, aside from the lack of a telephoto lens. Brownlee then dives into color options, presenting Coral, White, Blue, Black, Yellow, and Product Red, and evaluates each finish on a scale, noting subtle differences in frame color and overall vibe. The coral and white options receive middle scores, the blue and black are stronger picks for their aesthetic, the yellow is judged as less appealing due to pale aluminum accents, and Product Red is highlighted as the standout for its depth and cohesive look. He wraps with practical considerations like the XR starting at $749 for 64 GB, its October release timing relative to the iPhone XS, and hints at a future full review once hands-on access is available, while contrasting the XR’s position as an upgrade for users coming from older iPhones rather than a direct replacement for the top-tier models.

Topics · technology · smartphones · display_technology · mobile_devices