When Apple launched the iPhone XR in 2018, it became one of the company’s most successful models, combining a modern design with a lower price point than the iPhone XS lineup. With its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, Face ID, and the reliable A12 Bionic chip, the XR quickly became a favorite among consumers who wanted the iPhone X experience without the premium cost.
Fast forward to 2026, the iPhone XR still looks sleek, with its edge-to-edge screen and wide range of color options. But when deciding whether to buy today, software support, hardware performance, and long-term usability are the real factors.
According to UpTrade’s Price Tracker, Certified Used and Refurbished iPhone XR models now start at around $150+, making it one of the more affordable “modern” iPhones on the market. It's at the same price level as last year. This is the bottom price, and we don't expect it to get any lower.
Key features of the iPhone XR include:
Even in 2026, the XR still feels premium in hand and delivers a user experience that looks similar to newer iPhones. However, when you look under the hood, its limitations become clear.
Despite its appealing design and affordable price, the iPhone XR is not recommended for most buyers in 2026 due to several major drawbacks:
In short, while the iPhone XR may still work fine for casual use, it lacks the future-proofing that buyers should expect from an iPhone in 2026.
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2019 |
| Display | 6.1-inch LCD (Liquid Retina) | 6.1-inch LCD (Liquid Retina) |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A13 Bionic |
| iOS Support | iOS 18 (Ending in 2025) | iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera | Single 12MP Wide | Dual 12MP (Wide, Ultra-Wide) |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 12MP TrueDepth |
| Face ID / Touch ID | Face ID | Face ID |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hrs video playback | Up to 17 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support | No | No |
| Size & Weight | 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in, 6.84 oz | 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in, 6.84 oz |
| Price in 2026 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $150+ | $150+ |
Performance Upgrade: The iPhone 11 runs on the A13 Bionic chip, which delivers a noticeable speed and efficiency boost over the XR’s A12. Apps launch faster, multitasking is smoother, and the overall experience feels more modern.
Improved Camera System: Unlike the XR’s single-lens camera, the iPhone 11 introduces a dual-lens setup with Ultra-Wide. This allows for more versatile shots, better low-light performance, and overall higher-quality photography.
Longer Software Support: The iPhone 11 supports iOS 26 and will continue receiving updates for years, while the XR is stuck on iOS 18. This gives the 11 a much longer lifespan and stronger app compatibility.
Better Value: Surprisingly, the iPhone 11 is available at the same price as the iPhone XR — making it the better overall deal for anyone upgrading in 2026.
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Year | 2018 | 2022 |
| Display | 6.1-inch LCD (Liquid Retina) | 4.7-inch LCD (Retina HD) |
| Processor | A12 Bionic | A15 Bionic |
| iOS Support | iOS 18 (Ending in 2025) | iOS 26 (Fully Supported) |
| Rear Camera | Single 12MP Wide | Single 12MP Wide |
| Front Camera | 7MP | 7MP |
| Face ID / Touch ID | Face ID | Touch ID (Home Button) |
| Battery Life | Up to 16 hrs video playback | Up to 15 hrs video playback |
| 5G Support | No | Yes |
| Size & Weight | 5.94 x 2.98 x 0.33 in, 6.84 oz | 5.45 x 2.65 x 0.29 in, 5.09 oz |
| Price in 2026 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $150+ | $130+ |
Faster Performance: The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is powered by the newer A15 Bionic chip — the same chip used in the iPhone 13 series. This makes it significantly faster and more efficient than the XR’s A12, ensuring smooth performance even in demanding apps.
5G Connectivity: Unlike the XR, the SE 3rd Gen supports 5G, making it far more future-proof for modern networks and faster data speeds.
Software Longevity: With iOS 26 support, the SE 3rd Gen will continue to receive updates for several more years, giving it a longer usable life than the XR.
Compact Design: The SE has a smaller 4.7-inch display and classic Touch ID button. While this may feel outdated to some, it’s a big advantage for buyers who prefer compact, pocket-friendly phones.
The iPhone XR was one of Apple’s most popular models, but by 2026, it’s no longer a smart purchase. At $150+, it costs as much as or more than newer models and offers less value. With support ending at iOS 18, buyers face shrinking app compatibility, security risks, and performance slowdowns.
Instead, the iPhone 11 ($150+) and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) ($130+) are the clear winners. Both are priced the same or lower than the XR and include support for iOS 26. The iPhone 11 is the best all-around choice thanks to its bigger display, dual cameras, and strong battery life, while the iPhone SE 3rd Gen is the best option for those who prefer a compact design with blazing-fast performance.
If you’re shopping for a budget-friendly iPhone in 2026, skip the XR and go with the iPhone 11 or iPhone SE 3rd Gen — you’ll spend less and get a phone that will last years longer.
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XR models start at around $150+ in 2026.
Not the latest iOS 26. The iPhone XR is capped at iOS 18. It can't support iOS 26 or new features, but it will still receive security updates.
The XR is outdated due to its limited software support, weaker performance compared to newer iPhones, and potential battery degradation. It also costs the same or more than newer models like the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
Yes. The SE 3rd Gen has the much faster A15 Bionic chip, supports iOS 26, and includes 5G, making it more powerful and future-proof than the XR.
Yes. The iPhone 11 adds a dual-camera system, faster A13 chip, and iOS 26 support. It also costs the same as the XR in 2026, making it the better overall deal.
Since it stops at iOS 18, the iPhone XR will only remain usable for another year or two (2027 or 2028) before app compatibility and security become major issues.
Yes. Apple has excluded iPhone XR from its latest iOS 26. In other words, iPhone XR is reaching End of Life. Although it still receives critical security updates, it won't support new iOS or new features.
iPhone 11, launched in 2019, is the oldest iPhone still supported by Apple's newest iOS 26.
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Apple.
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