Our First Impressions
I've used the iPhone XR and found the design to be surprisingly sleek, with the aerospace-grade aluminum frame and glass back giving it a premium feel. The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display is vibrant and sharp, offering a noticeable upgrade from older models without the bulk of the XS Max. The absence of a Home button and swipe navigation works smoothly, though it takes some time to get used to. The camera is decent for everyday use, capturing clear photos and 4K videos, but it lacks the advanced features of newer models. The A12 Bionic chip is surprisingly fast for its age, handling multitasking and apps effortlessly. However, the device is locked to Boost Mobile, which limits carrier flexibility, and it's a refurbished unit, so minor wear might be present.
The IP67 rating adds peace of mind for accidental spills, while wireless charging is a convenient feature for those who prefer a cordless experience. The all-glass body feels fragile compared to the older iPhone 8 Plus, but it's sturdy enough for daily use. The 64 GB storage is adequate for most users, though those needing more might find it limiting. The design is modern and elegant, but it doesn't offer the same level of innovation as the iPhone 12 series. it's a reliable device for those prioritizing style and performance over the latest tech.
the iPhone XR feels like a solid upgrade from its predecessors, with a premium build and sharp display that's easy on the eyes. The camera performs well in most lighting conditions, and the A12 chip ensures smooth operation. Wireless charging and water resistance are standout features,while the sleek look makes it stand out. Though, the carrier lock is a major drawback, and the LCD display, even though good, doesn't match the brilliance of OLED. the refurbished status means it's a cost-effective option, but some users might prefer a factory-new unit.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
2025 Series aerospace-grade aluminum frame, all-glass back |
|
|
6.1-inch LCD display (2025 x 828 resolution) |
|
|
A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine |
|
|
12MP rear camera (Portrait mode, Smart HDR) |
|
|
boost Mobile locked |
|
|
The Design That Speaks Volumes
The iPhone XR, with its sleek black finish, feels premium and sturdy in hand. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame and glass back give it a modern, refined look, while IP67 water resistance and qi wireless charging add practicality. despite being a LCD display, the 6.1-inch Liquid Retina screen offers vibrant colors and sharp resolution, spanning edge-to-edge with minimal bezels. The absence of a Home button is a reminder of the swipe navigation, which requires a bit of adjustment but works smoothly once accustomed.
The A12 Bionic chip powers the device with impressive speed and efficiency, making multitasking and app performance seamless. The 12MP rear camera with portrait mode and Depth control is reliable for casual photography, though the LCD screen might lack the contrast and brightness of OLED. The lack of a Home button, while sleek, could be a downside for users who prefer physical buttons for navigation.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Design - Precision-machined aluminum frame - All-glass back with wireless charging support - IP67 water resistance |
|
|
Performance That Meets Expectations
The iPhone XR's sleek,aerospace-grade aluminum frame feels sturdy and premium in my hands,with a glossy black glass back that's both elegant and functional. The IP67 rating gives me peace of mind for accidental spills or light splashes, and the Qi wireless charging feature is a game-changer-no more fumbling with cables. The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display is vibrant and sharp, though not as vivid as OLED, and the swipe navigation works smoothly without a Home button. the camera is decent for everyday use, but the lack of a telephoto lens and Face ID might be a drawback for some.
The A12 Bionic chip delivers top-tier performance, handling multitasking and apps effortlessly, while the 12MP rear camera with Portrait mode and Smart HDR adds versatility for photos. The device's design is a step up from the iPhone 8 Plus, but its carrier lock limits flexibility if I want to switch providers. Despite being a renewed unit, the build quality feels almost like new, and the glass body adds a premium touch.
iPhone XR features a precision-machined aluminum frame,IP67 water resistance,6.1-inch LCD display, 12MP camera with Portrait mode, A12 Bionic chip, and Qi wireless charging.
- Pros: Durable aluminum and glass construction,smooth performance,reliable camera for casual use,wireless charging convenience.
- Cons: Carrier lock restricts use with other providers, LCD screen lacks OLED brilliance, no telephoto lens or Face ID.
Feature | Description | Rating |
---|---|---|
Display | 6.1-inch LCD with 2025 x 828 resolution | Good |
Build | aerospace-grade aluminum frame, glass back | Excellent |
Camera | 12MP rear with Portrait mode and Smart HDR | good |
performance | A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine | Excellent |
Water Resistance | IP67 rating | Good |
Wireless Charging | Qi-enabled glass back | Excellent |
Carrier Lock | Only for Boost Mobile use | Not recommended |
A Deeper Dive Into Usability
The iPhone XR's design is a blend of durability and elegance. its aerospace-grade aluminum frame feels sturdy in hand, while the all-glass back offers a premium, smooth texture. The 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display delivers vibrant colors and sharp details, rivaling the iPhone XS in size but with a slightly smaller footprint. The absence of a Home button and the swipe navigation system make it sleek but require some adjustment for users accustomed to conventional button interactions. The IP67 rating ensures it can survive light spills and splashes, though it's not fully waterproof.
The A12 Bionic chip powers the device with impressive speed and efficiency, making multitasking and app performance seamless. The 12MP rear camera with Portrait mode and Depth Control delivers great detail in portraits,though low-light performance lags behind newer models. Wireless charging is a standout convenience, pairing perfectly with the glass back. However, the phone is locked to Boost Mobile, limiting flexibility if you want to switch carriers.
Feature | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Build Quality |
|
|
Display |
|
|
performance |
|
|
Camera |
|
|
Renewed Status |
|
|
Practical Recommendations for Everyday Use
The iPhone XR has a sleek, all-glass design wrapped in aerospace-grade aluminum, giving it a premium feel. Its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD display is bright and vibrant, with minimal bezels that make everything feel more immersive. The absence of a Home button, replaced by swipe navigation, feels intuitive once adjusted. I found the camera to be surprisingly capable, especially for daylight use, with Portrait mode adding a nice touch for photos.The A12 Bionic chip ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks, though it lacks the latest cutting-edge features seen in newer models.
Water resistance (IP67) and wireless charging make it practical for on-the-go use. the glass back, while stylish, is more fragile than earlier versions, requiring careful handling. The phone's design is both modern and functional, but I noticed the 12MP rear camera doesn't match the optical quality of higher-end models. Still, it's a refreshing upgrade from the iPhone 8 Plus, with a more refined user experience overall. However, being locked to Boost Mobile is a downside-plans to use it elsewhere aren't possible without additional steps.
The build quality is solid,with anodized aluminum bands that add a subtle color contrast to the black glass. The screen resolution and brightness are impressive for an LCD, making it suitable for streaming and gaming. That said, the lack of a headphone jack and the older hardware compared to recent iPhones might be a drawback for some. it's a compact,powerful phone that manages to stay stylish and user-friendly despite its limitations.
Key Features | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
aerospace-grade aluminum frame with glass back |
|
|
6.1-inch LCD display (2025 x 828 resolution) |
|
|
A12 Bionic chip with Neural Engine |
|
|
Achieve New Heights

Apple iPhone XR, Fully Unlocked, 64 GB - Black (Renewed)
Durability & Craftsmanship: Features an aerospace-grade aluminum frame, IP67 water resistance, and a durable glass body, ensuring long-lasting performance and a premium feel.

Fully unlocked Smartphone
Flexibility & Performance: Enjoy carrier freedom with a powerful A12 Bionic chip, 12MP camera, and advanced display tech, ideal for users prioritizing versatility over cost.
Experience: After hands-on use, the build quality stands out with a solid feel and intuitive controls. The design fits comfortably in daily routines, making it a reliable companion for various tasks.
Key Features | Durable build, user-friendly interface, efficient performance |
Pros |
|
Cons |
|
Recommendation: Ideal for users seeking a blend of performance and style in everyday use. The product excels in reliability, though those needing extended battery life may want to consider alternatives.