Review update: iPhone XS and XR in 2022 (you really don’t want those anymore)

The iPhone XR and iPhone XR were great devices, but can they keep up with the violence of the new phones in 2022? That tells iPhoned you!

Review update: iPhone XR or iPhone XS in 2022

The iPhone XR and iPhone XS are (refurbished) still for sale, but is it smart to still look at these older smartphones in 2022? Maybe, but it really isn’t smart. Today there are better choices.

iPhone XR and iPhone XS: successors to the iPhone X

The iPhone XR was the entry-level model of 2018. The device was released together with the iPhone XS and the iPhone XS Max as successors to the iPhone X. Some concessions were made on the iPhone XR, such as a single camera on the back and no OLED display. This was done to keep the suggested retail price as low as possible. Both devices have the same processor: the A12 chip.

In addition, there is a difference between water and dust tightness. The iPhone XS can be submerged under water for up to 30 minutes with the IP68 rating. The iPhone XR lasts at 1 meter for 30 minutes.

Another difference is the way 3D Touch works. The iPhone XS has the same pressure-sensitive screen as the previous iPhones, while the iPhone XR uses haptic feedback.

Also read: iPhone XS vs iPhone XR: Apple’s latest iPhones compared

Prices iPhone XR and iPhone XS in 2022

A refurbished iPhone XR costs 319 euros and a refurbished iPhone XS costs 359 euros. New models are not sold much anymore, but every now and then you can find one in the shops.

The price of a refurbished iPhone SE 2020 is 299 euros. And with that you immediately have a faster iPhone, which lacks a few features but is a bit cheaper. It’s just a shame that you have an older design. In that case, you can also take a look at the iPhone 11 or the iPhone 12. But then you pay (a lot) more.

However, this is not the end of it. If you’re looking for an iPhone with a good price, it’s smarter not to go for the iPhone XR, iPhone XS or iPhone SE 2020. It is wiser to wait a little longer for the iPhone SE 2022.

It will probably get an A15 Bionic and 5G support. The (older) design will probably not change and that is a shame. The iPhone SE 2022 retains its home button and 4.7-inch screen. Even though the iPhone SE 2022 will receive a chip from the previous generation (the A14), that still makes the device a lot faster than the iPhone XR, the iPhone XS and the iPhone 11. This also means that the iPhone SE 2022 will last longer. get support from Apple. The price will be around 490 euros.

Also read: Review update: is the iPhone 11 in 2022 still interesting?

Conclusion

The iPhone XR was a good entry-level Apple phone last year. But in 2022 it is really time to look at one of its newer brothers. The biggest downside is the camera: the iPhone XR has only one lens on the back.

The iPhone XS is in slightly better shape than the iPhone XR, but it also uses the same A12 chip. You can still go ahead with that, but there are also better choices for the iPhone XS. An exception is when you can pick up a cheap second-hand one.

Do you really want a cheap iPhone? Then wait for the iPhone SE 2022, which is more powerful, but looks a bit more dated. Would you rather have an iPhone with modern looks? Then go for the iPhone 11 or the iPhone 12, which you can enjoy for much longer. Keep in mind that the prices for these devices are a lot higher.