iPhone XR vs iPhone XS Camera Test

The iPhone XR and XS Max share a lot of similarities, but not when it comes to the rear cameras. The iPhone XR has a single camera located on the back of the device instead of the dual lens camera system on the iPhone XS Max. It is the same 12mp wide angle lens that’s on the XS max but without the 12mp telephoto lens.

Fortunately, because of some software magic, the XR has almost the same feature set as the XS Max and the images look pretty similar for the most part.

The iPhone XR’s camera still features Smart HDR, Portrait Mode, and depth control but there are a few differences between the two phones. In this video, we put these camera's to the test. Let us know your thoughts!

[agambhasin]

Since i am mostly a portrait selfie person, i would be happy with the Xr since it offers all portrait lighting modes on the front camera and the camera is just the same as the Xs Max, so for me definitely Xr!!

[kpudv]

I wish to find a comparison of XR shooting 2x (digital zoom) vs the XS shooting optical 2x. Keep finding but hard to see one.

[jodiadragna]

What about for action pictures? Trying to decide between XR and XS for my sons basketball games. Is the XS worth the hundreds of dollars more? Thanks in advance for advice

[Leah_F.]

I’ve had the X for a year. Wanted a bigger screen, but not the ridiculous size of the Max, so I just received my Xr today in the mail. Also the OLED screen on the X has caused headaches & worsening of strained vision. I chose the black. It hides the bezels better, & doesn’t bring attention to the different back camera, like the other colors do. I’ve heard the battery life is phenomenal, too; (We shall see!) No regrets here!

[theusualshenanigans]

XR all the way. Bcoz i can only afford to buy XR 😂 but honestly, it’s still a good deal, the battery is awesome

[sarasaad]

A tip for object pictures with iPhone xr use the front camera although im struggling with thus tip but I’m trying to practice it akso im thinking to buy alternative lenses what I don’t know if it will work the portrait what do you guys think ?

[Jasmine]

Which would be better for filming concerts? I noticed the Xr can zoom less compared to Xs so....

[someguy]

i want an xr but I don't know if the s10e video camera will be better

[idellmsp]

let me say this, the iphone xr camera was so much more beautiful than the xs max and xs. I went to best buy today and was disappointed in the camera of the xs max comparing it the xr. the xr is an amazing phone in real life

[Ekphrasys]

Well i compared XR camera with XS camera and... In "normal" mode the Xr camera takes better pics. Period. The screen resolution isn't an issue since i'm coming from an iPhone 6s+ and i only see advantages with the Xr over mine. Forget 1080p and 4 zilions DPI!!!! For god sake! It's a damn phone . Your eyes will only appreciate better colors/contrast/depth and not the pixels ! Wake up! iPhone xr for less money gives u all the premium features of an xs...but.. the display is bigger, it comes in 6 colors and sorry ... I find it's form factor much fresher and modern than Xs's. Just my two cents .

[nmssmnnmssmn]

really thankful to you for creating such an awesome video comparison. just saved me and my wife a ton of money by not having to buy an XS to photograph our baby.

[distorted-jokf]

I like to use my iPhone7 for taking selfies, and I still think it's better because it takes sharper photos. I don't like how the XR zooms in, and on Snapchat the videos and photos look way to close, and smooths my face out too much, and it looks unnatural.

[aeh]

3:19 3:28 the sky looks better on xr, actually both r great cameras.

[roberttatar]

There are some pretty good free apps that let you make that blur effect in just a couple of taps. So I don’t see the need for the 250$ more imo.

[bdogplayz]

My mom said “Brandon there’s not much difference in size for £400 is there”

I said” yes but I love the max”

[TVsBen]

Can't wait for the people who claim one wide-angle rear camera or the other is better because Dan thinks he saw differences. iFixit has already confirmed that they both use the exact same sensor and lens setup. Preferring one or the other is a placebo, and the differences in images is a result of the differences are in how the phone is held and focused. LOLOLOL

[michaelforeman]

Good video. I can't tell any real significant difference between the R and XS. Having taken c25000 photos on my Iphone 6 during the course of my work, I will be interested to see the difference with the 10R.

[GeniusLounge]

Had the XR since Launch day. Coming from a 7 plus, and I'm quite happy with it.

A little bummed that portrait mode doesn't handle objects, but there are a few 3rd parties that are trying to make that happen with the depth map. Time will tell.

Thanks for the nice comparison, Dan!

[xoxopaloma]

Made a huge upgrade from the 6 to XS & I’m so happy I got the XS the screen is amazing I tested out the xr & honestly XS is the way to go it’s so dam pretty 😍😍

[SerMeat]

What is the low-light performance like for VIDEO on each phone?