Is iPhone XR Still Worth Buying in 2025
Introduction
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 2025, the iPhone XR still looks sleek, with its edge-to-edge screen and wide range of color options. But when it comes to deciding whether it’s worth buying today, software support, hardware performance, and long-term usability are the real deciding factors.
iPhone XR in 2025 — Price and Features
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.
Key features of the iPhone XR include:
- 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display
- A12 Bionic processor
- Single 12MP rear camera with Smart HDR
- 7MP front camera with Face ID support
- Wireless charging capability
- Wide selection of colors (including Coral, Blue, and Yellow)
Even in 2025, the XR still feels premium in hand and delivers a user experience that looks similar to newer iPhones. However, when looking under the hood, its limitations start to become clear.
Limitations of iPhone XR in 2025
Despite its appealing design and affordable price, the iPhone XR is not recommended for most buyers in 2025 due to several major drawbacks:
- No iOS 26 Support: The iPhone XR is capped at iOS 18, which reaches its end of support in 2025. This means it won’t get the latest Apple features or crucial long-term security updates.
- App Compatibility Risks: As more apps update for iOS 26 and beyond, XR owners will face increasing compatibility issues.
- Performance Gap: With the aging A12 Bionic chip, the XR struggles to keep up with newer devices like the iPhone 11 (A13) and iPhone SE 3rd Gen (A15). Multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps feel noticeably slower.
- Battery Degradation: Most XR units on the refurbished market are already several years old, meaning many will have weaker batteries and require more frequent charging.
- Short Lifespan: Even if usable for light tasks now, the XR is near the end of its practical life. Buying one today means you’ll likely need to upgrade again soon, which diminishes its value.
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 2025.
Better Options with Lower Prices
iPhone 11
Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone 11 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $150+ | $140+ |
Key Differences
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 for around $140+ — cheaper than the iPhone XR — making it the better overall deal for anyone upgrading in 2025.
iPhone SE (3rd Gen)
Specs Comparison
| Feature | iPhone XR | iPhone SE (3rd Gen) |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2025 (Certified Used / Refurbished) | $150+ | $140+ |
Key Differences
Faster Performance: The iPhone SE 3rd Gen is powered by the 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.
Conclusion — Should You Buy the iPhone XR in 2025?
The iPhone XR was one of Apple’s most popular models, but by 2025 it’s no longer a smart purchase. At $150+, it costs more than better alternatives while offering less value. With support ending at iOS 18, buyers face shrinking app compatibility, security risks, and performance slowdowns.
Instead, the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE (3rd Gen) are the clear winners. Both are priced lower than the XR, start at around $140+, 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 2025, 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.
FAQ: Buying the iPhone XR in 2025
1. How much does the iPhone XR cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished iPhone XR models start at around $150+ in 2025.
2. Is the iPhone XR still supported by Apple?
No. The iPhone XR is capped at iOS 18, which ends support in 2025. It will not get iOS 26 or future updates.
3. Why is the iPhone XR not recommended in 2025?
The XR is outdated due to its limited software support, weaker performance compared to newer iPhones, and potential battery degradation. It also costs more than better alternatives like the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE 3rd Gen.
4. Is the iPhone SE 3rd Gen better than the XR?
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.
5. Is the iPhone 11 better than the XR?
Yes. The iPhone 11 adds a dual-camera system, faster A13 chip, and iOS 26 support. It also costs less than the XR in 2025, making it the better overall deal.
6. How long will the iPhone XR last?
Since it stops at iOS 18, the iPhone XR will only remain usable for another year or two before app compatibility and security become major issues.
7. Where can I find the best deals on refurbished iPhones?
The easiest way is through UpTrade, where you can compare real-time prices on Certified Used and Refurbished iPhones from trusted sellers like Amazon, BestBuy, and Apple.
