Is the iPhone X(R)eally what you’re looking for?
Yes, I said it. Apple themselves are selling an iPhone in the year 2020 that you should NOT buy. No, it isn’t the iPhone SE. It isn’t the iPhone 11, 11 Pro or 11 Pro Max. The model we’re left with is the iPhone XR. That’s right. I’m talking about the best-selling phone of 2019. More or less, the most popular phone Apple sells. Apple also started selling refurbished models of the iPhone XR on their site today, starting at $499. I know what you’re thinking. $499, that’s not too shabby for a nearly brand new iPhone XR. True, $499 for an almost brand new iPhone XR isn’t a bad deal at all on the face of it. But, if you dig a little deeper, it becomes clear this isn’t the move to make for picking up an iPhone.
iPhone XR you kidding me?
The iPhone XR is an excellent phone. With its 6.1inch display, Face ID, fantastic single-lens camera and gesture controls, and near 2 day battery life, what’s not to like? For $499, you’re certainly getting a lot to work with, for half of the price of an 11 Pro. Why in the world would I suggest you shouldn’t purchase an iPhone XR if you’re looking to upgrade? I would suggest this because the iPhone 11 and iPhone SE currently, ya know, exist.
It’s Gonna Be… June
As you might have seen digital (or physical calendar) users, we are about to enter the month of June, in the year 2020. By this point, the iPhone XR has been released for about 20 months. It’s still kicking and will still receive at least another 2 if not 3 more years of iOS releases and support. This is great. Unfortunately for the iPhone XR, we are only around 3–4 months away from Apple almost certainly discontinuing this model. This will likely leave the much improved iPhone 11 in the XRs place.
iPhone 11 vs iPhone SE — Have We Met?
And when I say much improved, I mean it. iPhone 11 comes in at $699 vs the $749 original price of the iPhone XR. It has better battery life (which sometimes is worth it alone) a vastly better camera, Night Mode and wide angle lens included. It isn’t just a vastly improved camera, in some circles it’s even considered to be the best camera on a smartphone.
Not to be forgotten, the iPhone SE came into our lives at the perfect time. With a beloved (?) design, excellent camera, the best chip in a smartphone with the A13 and a starting price of $399, what’s not to love? Oh, that pesky home button? So what if you have to click the Touch ID equipped home button again like an animal, it’s only $399!
So What’s It Going To Be
In the end, $499 for a refurbished iPhone XR isn’t a bad deal. But, it seems there are better deals to be had from Apple. If price is your ultimate end goal, the iPhone SE is brand new for $399, coming in at $100 less than a refurbished iPhone XR from Apple. If price + features is your end game, the iPhone 11 can be had for only $200 more and you reap the benefits of better battery life and a much better camera. Look inside yourself for the answer. Or, buy whatever you want. It’s your money, you do you. I’m going to go back to my blue bubbles and iPad while you sort this out.
