iPhone Xr Specs Letdown? Ask MKBHD V32!
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Promos
2018 iPhone Xr: Only 3GB of RAM and a 720p display? Allow me to rant for a second... MKBHD Merch: shop.mkbhd.com Video Gear I use: kit.com Tech I'm using right now: amazon.com Intro Track: Million Dreams by Alltta ~ twitter.com snapchat.com google.com @MKBHD @MKBHD
In this Ask MKBHD Q&A episode, Marques Brownlee discusses a range of tech topics centered on the then-new iPhone XR and broader smartphone trends during the hardware season. He addresses common questions about iPhone XR specifications, notably why Apple sticks with 3GB of RAM and a sub-1080p display, arguing that Apple’s integration and optimization reduce the need for higher RAM and more aggressive specs. He emphasizes that performance should be judged by real-world use rather than raw numbers, noting that after hands-on time the XR can feel responsive despite what the spec sheet suggests. The discussion then shifts to camera performance benchmarks like DxOMark, the role of zoom lenses in evaluation, and the inevitability of multiple lenses in newer phones, while warning against equating synthetic scores with real-world photography quality. Throughout the episode, Marques invites viewer interaction, hints at future Autofocus car videos, and shares opinions on branding and product recalls, always tying back to how consumers actually experience devices in daily use.
Topics · technology · smartphones · reviews · video-essays
Questions answered
- Why does the iPhone XR use 3GB of RAM despite other flagship phones having more?
- Apple’s devices rely on tight integration and optimization within their controlled ecosystem, so higher RAM is not strictly necessary for smooth performance.
- Will the Pixel 3 achieve the highest DxOMark score without a zoom lens?
- DxOMark now places a higher value on optical zoom; without an extra lens for zoom, a phone is less likely to score the top rank regardless of other camera specs.
- What is the rationale behind using a 720p-ish display on the iPhone XR?
- The XR’s display choice is part of a broader strategy to differentiate models and manage costs, but hands-on experience is needed to assess its perceived quality beyond the numbers.