The iPhone XR, launched in 2018, was one of Apple’s best-selling iPhones, thanks to its balance of performance, battery life, and affordability. Even in 2025, it remains a popular choice in the refurbished and used phone market.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, the certified used and refurbished iPhone XR is now available for just $130+. This makes it one of the most affordable iPhones still receiving iOS updates. However, we also found that the iPhone XS has dropped to the same price, and for just $20 more, you can get an iPhone SE 3rd Gen with a much more powerful processor.
So, is the iPhone XR still a good buy in 2025, or should you consider the iPhone XS or iPhone SE 3rd Gen instead? Let’s explore its performance, software support, and hardware longevity to help you decide.
One of the biggest concerns when buying an older iPhone is whether it still gets software updates. As of 2025, the iPhone XR supports the latest iOS version, ensuring:
While the iPhone XR still receives updates, its A12 Bionic chip is aging, meaning it may not get software support for much longer compared to newer iPhones like the SE 3rd Gen.
The A12 Bionic processor, once a flagship chip, is still capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and social media. However, compared to newer iPhones:
For basic tasks, the iPhone XR is still functional, but if you need faster performance for gaming, video editing, or long-term updates, you may want to consider the iPhone SE 3rd Gen instead.
The iPhone XR was known for its excellent battery life compared to other iPhones in its time. In 2025:
If battery life is a top priority, the iPhone XR still outperforms the iPhone SE 3rd Gen, which has a smaller battery due to its compact size.
The iPhone XR’s 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display is still:
In terms of build, the aluminum frame and glass back hold up well, but it lacks stainless steel durability like the iPhone XS.
Now that both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS are available for $130+ in 2025, it's important to compare them side by side. While they were released together in 2018, the iPhone XS was the premium model, offering a few key upgrades over the iPhone XR.
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone XS |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2018 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828) | 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED (2436 x 1125) |
| Chipset | A12 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Camera System | 12MP (Wide) | 12MP (Wide + Telephoto) |
| Optical Zoom | No | 2x optical zoom |
| Night Mode | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hours video playback | Up to 14 hours video playback |
| Face ID | Yes | Yes |
| 5G Support | No | No |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 256GB, 512GB |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Stainless Steel |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP68 (2m for 30 min) |
| Weight | 194g | 177g |
| MagSafe | No | No |
| Starting Price (Certified Used/Refurbished, 2025) | $130+ | $130+ |
The biggest difference between the two models is the display technology:
The iPhone XS has a sharper and more vibrant display with deeper blacks, higher contrast, and HDR support, making it the better choice for users who prioritize screen quality. However, the iPhone XR has a larger screen, which may appeal to those who prefer bigger displays.
The iPhone XS has an advantage in photography due to its second telephoto lens, allowing for 2x optical zoom and better portrait mode effects. While both phones support Smart HDR and Portrait Mode, the XS delivers better versatility and sharper zoomed-in shots.
Both the iPhone XR and iPhone XS are powered by the A12 Bionic chip, meaning performance is identical for general tasks, gaming, and multitasking. However, the XS has 4GB of RAM compared to 3GB on the XR, which may provide slightly better performance in multitasking.
The stainless steel frame of the iPhone XS gives it a more premium and durable feel, similar to newer Pro models. In contrast, the aluminum build of the iPhone XR is lighter but slightly less durable.
Battery life is where the iPhone XR wins:
Since the iPhone XR has a larger battery and lower power consumption due to its LCD display, it lasts longer on a single charge than the iPhone XS.
The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is available for $150+, just $20 more than the iPhone XR, making it a strong alternative. However, it differs significantly in size, performance, and longevity.
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2022 |
| Display | 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD (1792 x 828) | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD (1334 x 750) |
| Chipset | A12 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| RAM | 3GB | 4GB |
| Camera System | 12MP (Wide) | 12MP (Wide) |
| Optical Zoom | No | No |
| Night Mode | No | No |
| Cinematic Mode | No | No |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hours video playback | Up to 15 hours video playback |
| Face ID | Yes | No (Touch ID) |
| Touch ID | No | Yes |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Water Resistance | IP67 (1m for 30 min) | IP67 (1m for 30 min) |
| Weight | 194g | 144g |
| MagSafe | No | No |
| Starting Price (Certified Used/Refurbished, 2025) | $130+ | $150+ |
The A15 Bionic chip in the SE 3rd Gen is significantly faster, making it the better choice for gaming, video editing, and long-term performance. It will also receive iOS updates for years longer than the iPhone XR.
Both the iPhone XR and iPhone SE 3rd Gen have a single 12MP rear camera, but the SE benefits from better computational photography thanks to the A15 chip.
The biggest trade-off is screen size—the iPhone XR has a much larger display, making it better for media consumption. The SE 3rd Gen, however, is more compact and ideal for one-handed use.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery, meaning it lasts slightly longer than the iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
At $130+, the iPhone XR remains a solid budget-friendly iPhone that still supports iOS updates, offers a large display, and has great battery life. However, with the iPhone XS available for the same price and the iPhone SE 3rd Gen costing just $20 more, there are better options depending on your needs.
You should consider buying the iPhone XR if:
You should skip the iPhone XR and choose another model if:
Yes, the iPhone XR still supports the latest iOS version as of 2025. However, it may stop receiving major iOS updates within the next 1-2 years, so if long-term software support is important, you may want to consider the iPhone SE 3rd Gen instead.
A certified refurbished iPhone XR with a replaced battery should last a full day on a single charge. If the battery health is below 80%, you may experience shorter battery life and performance slowdowns. Fortunately, battery replacements are affordable and can extend the phone’s usability.
The A12 Bionic chip in the iPhone XR is still powerful enough for casual gaming. However, newer games with high graphics demand may experience slower load times and frame rate drops. If gaming is a priority, the iPhone SE 3rd Gen ($150+) with the A15 chip will offer significantly better performance.
The iPhone XR's single 12MP camera takes good photos in daylight but struggles in low-light conditions. It does not have a telephoto lens like the iPhone XS or Deep Fusion and Night Mode like newer models. If you want a better camera for the same price, the iPhone XS is the better choice.
The iPhone XR has an IP67 rating, meaning it is water resistant up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. However, please be reminded that water resistance can decrease over time, especially in used or refurbished models.
You can use UpTrade’s Price Tracker to compare the best deals from trusted sellers like Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and more. Regularly checking will help you find the lowest price on a certified refurbished iPhone XR or a better alternative like the iPhone XS or iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
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