Is the iPhone XR Still Worth It in 2025? A Comprehensive Review

As technology evolves at a rapid pace, consumers are constantly looking for the best value for their money, especially when it comes to purchasing high-end gadgets like smartphones. The iPhone XR, launched in 2018, remains one of Apple’s most popular devices, even years after its release. With the iPhone XR still available for purchase through various retailers, including Wise Market Australia, many potential buyers are asking: Is the iPhone XR still worth it in 2025?

We will also compare it to newer iPhone models and alternative smartphones in the market to help you make an informed decision, especially for Australian consumers who are looking for the best deal.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable upgrade or considering purchasing your first iPhone, this guide will provide the essential insights to help you decide whether the iPhone XR still holds up in 2025. We will dive into the technical specifications, user experience, and real-world performance to give you a detailed understanding of whether this device is still relevant today.

Why the iPhone XR Still Stands Out in 2025

As we enter 2025, smartphones have come a long way, with new features, more powerful processors, and improved camera capabilities. However, the iPhone XR continues to be a strong contender for those who want great performance at a more affordable price point. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why the iPhone XR might still be the right choice for you in 2025.

1. Affordable Price Point Without Compromising on Performance

In 2025, the iPhone XR’s price has significantly dropped since its release, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. When compared to newer iPhone models, such as the iPhone 14 or iPhone 15, the iPhone XR offers great value for money without sacrificing essential features. If you’re someone who doesn’t need the latest cutting-edge features but still wants a reliable, high-performing iPhone, the XR could be an ideal choice.

Wise Market Australia provides competitive pricing for the iPhone XR, which means that you can own an Apple device without breaking the bank. With discounts, offers, and promotions, Wise Market Australia ensures that you get a good deal on your iPhone XR purchase, making it an affordable option for Australians looking for a dependable iPhone.

2. A13 Bionic Chip – Still Powerful in 2025

The iPhone XR is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip, which, while no longer the latest chip available, remains a highly capable processor in 2025. The A13 Bionic chip is built for high performance and is still more than capable of handling demanding applications, multitasking, gaming, and more.

For comparison, the newer iPhones like the iPhone 14 feature the A15 Bionic chip. While the A15 offers faster performance and improved energy efficiency, the difference in day-to-day use isn’t as noticeable unless you’re using very resource-intensive apps or games. The A13 Bionic chip on the iPhone XR still runs iOS smoothly and handles most modern apps without issue. In fact, many users find the iPhone XR’s performance to be more than sufficient for everyday tasks such as browsing, social media, streaming videos, and even light gaming.

3. iOS Updates and Longevity

Apple has a reputation for supporting older devices with software updates for a longer period compared to other smartphone manufacturers. The iPhone XR is no exception and is expected to receive iOS updates for several more years, keeping the device secure and up-to-date with the latest features.

For example, the iPhone XR will continue to receive important security patches and new features from iOS 15 and beyond. This extended software support makes the iPhone XR a more attractive option for buyers who want to future-proof their device without paying the premium price of newer models. In comparison, many Android phones from the same era may no longer receive software updates, making the iPhone XR a better choice for long-term use.

4. Excellent Display and Design

Although the iPhone XR features a Liquid Retina HD display (rather than the OLED displays found in the newer iPhone models), it still delivers vibrant colors, sharp text, and a pleasant viewing experience. At 6.1 inches, it strikes a good balance between screen size and portability, providing ample space for watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games.

The design of the iPhone XR is sleek, modern, and still looks fresh in 2025. It comes in a range of vibrant colors, including blue, yellow, red, and white, which appeal to users who want something more visually interesting than the typical black or gray smartphone.

In comparison to newer models like the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15, the iPhone XR’s display isn’t as sharp or vibrant as OLED technology, but it’s still very good for most everyday uses.

5. Great Battery Life

One of the standout features of the iPhone XR is its battery life. Thanks to the energy-efficient A13 Bionic chip and optimization in iOS, the iPhone XR can easily last through a full day of usage, even with moderate to heavy use. You can expect up to 16 hours of video playback, which is a great benefit for users who use their phones for streaming or gaming.

When compared to newer iPhones, the iPhone XR's battery life may not be as long, as newer models have seen improvements in efficiency. However, for most users, the iPhone XR still provides solid, all-day battery life, making it a reliable choice for those who need a device that can keep up with their daily activities.

Comparing the iPhone XR to Newer iPhones

While the iPhone XR offers a solid value in 2025, it’s important to compare it to newer iPhone models to see how it stacks up against the competition. Here’s a comparison of the iPhone XR with the iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 to help you understand what’s changed over the years.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone 14

• Performance: The iPhone 14 features the A15 Bionic chip, which is faster and more efficient than the A13 Bionic chip in the iPhone XR. While the difference in everyday performance may not be massive, the iPhone 14 is better suited for handling more demanding apps and future software updates.

• Display: The iPhone 14 has a Super Retina XDR OLED display, offering better color accuracy, contrast, and brightness than the iPhone XR’s Liquid Retina HD display. The iPhone 14 is a better option if you prioritize superior display quality for media consumption.

• Camera: The iPhone 14 has a dual-camera system with improved low-light performance and additional features like Night Mode and Deep Fusion. The iPhone XR only has a single 12MP camera, which is still excellent for everyday photography but lacks the advanced features of newer models.

• Battery Life: The iPhone 14 features a larger battery and improved power efficiency, offering slightly better battery life than the iPhone XR.

iPhone XR vs. iPhone 15

• Performance: The iPhone 15 features the A16 Bionic chip, which is even more powerful than the A15 and A13 Bionic chips. While the iPhone 15 is the most powerful phone in Apple’s lineup, the iPhone XR’s A13 chip still offers great performance for most tasks.

• Display: The iPhone 15 comes with an OLED display, offering superior visuals compared to the iPhone XR’s LCD screen.

• Camera: The iPhone 15 has a triple-camera system, including ultra-wide and telephoto lenses, along with advanced features like ProRAW and ProRes video recording. The iPhone XR’s single-camera system is sufficient for basic photography, but the iPhone 15 offers far more versatility.

• Battery Life: The iPhone 15 boasts improved battery life thanks to a more efficient processor and larger battery. However, the iPhone XR’s battery still performs well for most users, lasting a full day with moderate use.

Why Choose the iPhone XR in 2025?

Given the new features and improvements of newer iPhone models, you might be wondering why you should still consider the iPhone XR. Here are a few reasons why it could still be the right choice for you in 2025:

1. Budget-Friendly

The iPhone XR offers fantastic value for money, especially when compared to the latest iPhone models. If you're on a budget but still want a reliable and high-performing device, the iPhone XR offers great features without the hefty price tag.

2. Solid Performance

While newer iPhones may have faster chips and improved cameras, the iPhone XR’s A13 Bionic chip is still more than capable of handling most tasks. If you’re not looking for the latest features and are satisfied with a phone that runs smoothly, the iPhone XR is a solid choice.

3. Extended Software Support

As mentioned, Apple provides years of software updates, and the iPhone XR will continue to receive iOS updates, ensuring you stay secure and up-to-date with the latest features for a long time.

4. Availability Through Wise Market Australia

If you’re in Australia, Wise Market Australia is an excellent option to purchase the iPhone XR at an affordable price. Wise Market offers excellent customer service, reliable shipping, and promotional offers that make it even more appealing for Australian buyers looking for a quality device.

Conclusion: Is the iPhone XR Still Worth It in 2025?

In conclusion, the iPhone XR still holds up well in 2025. It offers strong performance, a decent display, great battery life, and an affordable price, making it a solid choice for those who don’t need the latest and greatest features. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of newer iPhones, the iPhone XR provides excellent value for money and will serve most users well for years to come.

If you're in Australia and looking for an affordable yet powerful iPhone, the iPhone XR is definitely worth considering. Visit Wise Market Australia for competitive prices and excellent customer service to purchase your iPhone XR today.