The iPhone 14 is the Apple phone that may represent an opportunity for fans who were already thinking of trading in their iPhone XR for a newer generation. It gains support for 5G internet and high processing power. With that, we prepared a comparison for iPhone XR users to evaluate if this is the time to upgrade. The new model has a launched price starting at $799.
The iPhone XR, on the other hand, landed in the market in 2018. The 64GB model has a price of $244.99 on Amazon. Overall, it can be found in red, blue, yellow, black, white, and coral colors. Find out, in the following lines, what were the evolutions between the two generations.
iPhone 14 vs iPhone XR
| iPhone 14 | iPhone XR | |
|---|---|---|
| Launch | September 2022 | November 2018 |
| Price | from $799 | from $244.99 |
| Screen | 6.1 inches | 6.1 inches |
| Screen resolution | Full HD+ (2532 x 1170 pixels) | HD (1792 x 828 pixels) |
| Processor | A15 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| RAM | – | – |
| Storage | 128GB, 256GB or 512GB | 64GB or 128GB |
| Memory card | no support | no support |
| Back camera | Dual Camera: 12 MP and 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Front Camera | 12 MP | 7 MP |
| Battery | 3,279 mAh (GSM Arena estimate) | 2,942 mAh (GSM Arena estimate) |
| Operating system | iOS 16 | iOS 12 |
| Dimensions and weight | 146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm; 172 grams | 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm; 194 grams |
| Colors | blue, purple, midnight (graphite), starlight (white), and red | blue, black, white, yellow, coral, and red |
Screen and design
The screens of the iPhone 14 and the iPhone XR have the same proportions since both contemplate 6.1 inches. However, the similarities stop there. The older generation brings a 1792 x 828 pixels resolution which is lower than Full HD+ and worse than older models like the iPhone 8. Meanwhile, the new model features superior OLED technology, commercially called Super Retina XDR Display, with Full HD+ resolution (2532 X 1170 pixels).
In terms of finish, the new generation has Ceramic Shield as a differential, in which the resistance is higher than any smartphone glass. There are differences regarding splash, water, and dust resistance. The new iPhone is rated IP68 and can withstand a maximum depth of six meters for up to 30 minutes. While the previous generation phone has an IP67 rating, which has a maximum depth resistance of one meter for 30 minutes.
As for the design, the devices bring relevant changes between the generations. On the back, for example, the iPhone 14 features an alignment of the cameras in the photo arrangement and is positioned on a square base at the top left. Whereas the iPhone XR brings a single lens located at the top left in the rear area and without a prominent base.
Cameras
The biggest difference between the two models is established in the camera setup. While the iPhone 14 brings a dual camera arrangement on the back, the iPhone XR features only one camera. In addition, the new generation promises superior performance in night shots, thanks to the possibility of a larger lens aperture.
The iPhone 14’s photo array consists of:
- 12 MP main (f/1.5)
- 12 MP Ultra Wide (f/2.4)
- 12 MP front camera (f/1.9)
The iPhone XR’s cameras, on the other hand, look as follows:
- 12 MP main (f/1.8)
- 7 MP front camera (f/2.2)
Apple has introduced new camera features for the new model. Currently, the sensor has become larger. In practice, this means that the lens presents a 38% improvement in low-light capture in photos and videos, according to the manufacturer. The company has even guaranteed 2x faster capture on the iPhone 14 in low-light conditions, and a 49% improvement in darker environments. Another distinction is the improved TrueDepth technology, which has now gained autofocus.
Both iPhones can also shoot in 4K with the main cameras, but on the front sensor, only the latest model brings this possibility. Optical image stabilization is present in both phones. The iPhone 14’s differential is the Cinema Mode for recording videos with a depth of field, which brings a more sophisticated and professional look to the movies. With 4K HDR resolution at up to 30 fps (frames per second) for the new generation.
Performance and Storage
The new A16 Bionic processor is only available in the most powerful and sophisticated versions of the line, the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. With this, the new mainstream model comes with the same processor as the iPhone 13: the A15 Bionic, with a six-core CPU (two high-performance and four energy-efficient). The chip even features the 16-core Neural Engine – capable of performing 1 trillion operations per second, according to the manufacturer.
Meanwhile, the iPhone XR features in its datasheet the A12 Bionic processor also with six cores (two high-performance and four energy-efficient). However, the change is present in the GPU, which has gained an extra core in the new generation. In addition, the eight-core Neural Engine of the older processor model can handle 5 trillion operations per second. So, quite a significant difference between the two models.
While not confirming the number, speculation suggests the new model with 6 GB of RAM. This represents an addition of 50%, which tends to allow for better performance on multiple tasks. As for storage, the 2018 model has two options, 64 GB and 128 GB. The new version, in turn, already starts with 128 GB and even brings the availability of models with 256 GB and 512 GB. Neither of the two offers support for an external memory card.
Battery
When it comes to battery, the iPhone XR performs well. In the test conducted, the phone managed to stay 16 hours away from the outlet, even with intense use. According to the manufacturer, up to 16 hours of video playback is possible on the device. Meanwhile, the iPhone 14 has more autonomy. It has up to 20 hours of video playback and 80 hours of audio playback, plus 16 hours of video streaming.
According to the GSM Arena portal, which specializes in the technology business, the iPhone XR features a capacity of 2,942 mAh, while the iPhone 14 brings 3,279 mAh. Therefore, there is a considerable difference that gives the newest generation an advantageous position.
Both phones are compatible with 20W fast charging. This means it is possible to take the model’s battery from zero to 50 percent in 30 minutes. Both models bring Qi, which allows wireless recharging. Only the new generation brings MagSafe technology, which allows the devices to connect via magnetism. Neither of them comes with a charger in the box.
iOS System
The iPhone 14 arrived with the new iOS 16. The new version of Apple’s operating system has several new features and promises to improve the user experience as an easier system to turn photos into stickers using Live Text and a lock screen with new functions. The company’s idea was to allow for greater customization.
The factory operating system of the iPhone XR is iOS 12. At the time of launch, this version represented the manufacturer’s most current interface. Apple, however, guarantees to upgrade the 2018 line to the company’s most up-to-date system.
Additional Features
The iPhone 14 brings in its datasheet availability for 5G internet access. The new mobile network is already present in some countries cities and can have connection speeds up to 50 times higher than 4G. The technology change, therefore, brings different perspectives to users. The iPhone XR already has access to the 4G network. Those who choose to migrate to the new generation will be prepared for the connection of the future.
Both models are compatible with Dolby Atmos audio playback. They also feature NFC technology for wireless payments and sending files via AirDrop. Face ID, also present in both, allows facial recognition through the front camera. The new model from Apple has Bluetooth 5.3, which is faster than the Bluetooth 5.0 of the iPhone XR.
Price and Availability
The iPhone XR has six different hue options for users: blue, black, white, yellow, coral, and red. The 64GB phone can be found for $249 on Amazon.
The iPhone 14, on the other hand, was presented in the market with a price of $799 for the 128 GB model. In the colors, it presents options as blue, purple, midnight (graphite), starlight (white), and red.
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