If every generation of smartphones carries the imprint of its era, then the iPhone XR, released in 2018, is undoubtedly Apple’s most “down-to-earth” flagship of that time. It is not as expensive as the iPhone XS, nor as heavy as the MAX series, yet it has become a favorite for many due to its “timeless” LCD screen, well-balanced design, and still capable performance, making it a breath of fresh air.
Now, six years after its release, the XR has long retreated to the second-hand market, but every time I pull out my old device, I can still feel that lightness and purity from back then. Today, let me share my thoughts on this phone from the perspective of a digital collector, reminiscing about the beautiful memories it has left us.
1. Simple Appearance, Gentle Feel
The design of the iPhone XR is still relevant today. The 6.1-inch front features an LCD full-screen display with a resolution of 1792×828. While not top-tier, it achieves “retina level” quality, and normal usage does not reveal any noticeable pixelation.
During those years, Apple’s expertise in screen calibration was still outstanding, with natural colors and sufficient brightness. More importantly, unlike OLED screens, it does not suffer from flickering issues, making it comfortable for long periods of use. For someone like me, who often writes, reads, and browses articles, the gentle viewing experience of this screen is far more touching than cold data.
The front and back of the device are made of glass, while the frame is aluminum alloy. Weighing in at 194 grams, it feels just right—not as heavy as the Pro series, yet not too light either. I still remember that solid feeling of holding it in my hand.
2. The A12 Chip from Six Years Ago Still Holds Its Ground
The XR is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which at the time represented Apple’s top mobile processing capability. Six years later, while it cannot compete with the latest flagships, it still runs most commonly used software smoothly. Apps like WeChat, Weibo, short video platforms, and even games like “Honor of Kings,” “PUBG,” and “Gold Shovel” can all be experienced without issues.
However, I must remind you of one experience: do not blindly upgrade the system. My XR was once upgraded to iOS 18 out of curiosity, and the daily experience noticeably lagged, with severe heating issues. After reverting to iOS 14, I immediately regained that smooth performance.
So, if you plan to buy an XR in the second-hand market, it’s best to choose a version running iOS 13-15, as that is its most stable and smooth state.
3. Face ID and Imaging Capabilities
The XR supports Face ID, a feature that was highly futuristic at the time. Although it has become commonplace now, back in 2018, the experience of unlocking the phone with just a glance felt like life was gradually moving towards the future.
In terms of imaging, it is equipped with a 12-megapixel single camera that supports 4K@60fps video recording, along with a 7-megapixel front TrueDepth camera, making it perfectly adequate for daily photography and social media. While it may not match later multi-camera flagships, its imaging style was natural and clear, producing quality shots with ease.
I remember during a college reunion, I used my XR to take a group photo. No filters, just natural smiles. Looking back at that photo, the quality is no longer important; what matters is that it captured a moment of youth.
4. Battery Life and Dual SIM Details
The XR has a battery capacity of 2942mAh, which was considered average at the time. In practical use, a daily charge is generally sufficient. However, if you play games for extended periods, it may struggle a bit.
One detail to note is that the Chinese version of the XR supports dual physical SIM cards, while the overseas version, although also called dual SIM, has one eSIM. At that time, domestic carriers had limited support for eSIM, so if you need dual SIM functionality, you must confirm which version you are buying. This is something I often remind others when purchasing second-hand devices.
5. The Depth of the Second-Hand Market
Speaking of the second-hand market for the XR, we must discuss the “depth” of this issue.
The 64GB version has now dropped to around 400-500 yuan, but this price often comes with risks: screen replacements, Face ID failures, cracked screens, hidden IDs, and even overseas locked devices or black market devices… If these issues are not confirmed, you may find that the device fails shortly after purchase.
My personal advice is to buy a Chinese version XR in decent condition with complete functionality for around 500 yuan, as it is the best deal. Always confirm with the seller beforehand, preferably in writing rather than verbally, so that you have proof to protect your rights in case of issues.
As a collector, I value the “original flavor” of the device more. An original battery, an untouched motherboard, and an unaltered screen are more important than the price. Once significant repairs are made, its collectible value diminishes greatly.
6. Final Thoughts
Six years later, the iPhone XR is no longer Apple’s flagship model. However, it still has many nostalgic features: the gentle LCD screen, lightweight design, the still-capable A12 chip, and the novelty of Face ID that was unique to that era.
It is not a perfect phone, but it is real. It shows us a balance: not the most expensive, nor the strongest, yet good enough in many aspects.
I often wonder why we are so nostalgic about these older models. Perhaps it is because they are not just tools, but coordinates in time. The XR witnessed our transition from students to professionals, capturing moments in life and embodying the technological imagination of that era.
Now, every time I pull out that XR, I think of myself just after graduation, using it to browse resumes on the bus, video calling friends on the streets at night, and capturing sunsets on the playground on weekends. That simple joy is what it has given me.
Smartphones continue to evolve, but memories do not. For me, the iPhone XR remains a “breath of fresh air” from six years ago, still shining with a gentle light.