The SAD truth about iPhone XR in 2023..

iPHone XR gang, wya!?

I got an iPhone XR when it came out. 256GB storage with intense use. Battery is at 81% capacity. It used to be a 10 hour phone, but now needs a new battery. Aside from that, I have no issues. None. I don’t game. No multi-tasking issues. I don’t do much photography so it meets my needs there. I have no need to upgrade beyond needing a new battery. I love my XR. Previous phones were iPhone 7 and 5.

Meanwhile watching this on my XR

I never knew that a battery replacement from Apple is only $89-$99. That seems like something that a lot of people could do instead of buying a new phone!

Got an XR in 2018 and has been my daily driver. Just got a new battery installed and I will probably stick with it till the end of support or at least two more years so I've graduated. Then I'll snag one of those cool yellow 14s refurbished as my new one. I think the limited ram has been its biggest issue but even then its not bad at all. Really happy with my purchase.

I’ve been using the XR for around 3 years and I barely noticed the battery getting drained faster these past few weeks. I must admit I never really took the best care of it (playing video games while charging on a hot summer day 🤦‍♂️) as I didn’t know better, so that’s probably why my battery health plummeted to 80%. However, unless you care about the battery lasting all day, I’d say it’s still a viable phone to have as your main device. Unless you’re coming from a newer model, you don’t really notice the difference between opening apps on a newer one and the XR. The constant background app closing is a bit annoying but I can look past it since opening apps doesn’t take long anyway. I’m hesitant to upgrade because I’m not sure if it’s all that necessary just yet. I might take Brandon’s advice and wait until the next phone is announced 🤷‍♂️

I use the iPhone 14 pro but I used the XR back in 2018 and 2019 and it is by far my favorite iPhone from a legacy standpoint. Even back in 2018 I preferred it over the XS because of the 6.1 in display and the 25hr on and off battery life. The Liquid Retina displays colors also looked more natural as colors in apples earlier OLEDs tended to look over saturated at least for me as well as having the PWM issue but apple has quietly tweaked those issues over generations. The iPhone XR despite having aluminum actually even held up better than the XS back in 2018 as the XS had an issue where if you dropped it on the corner it would take a chunk out of the display because the stainless steel was too ridged. The XR also took better night shots it had to do with not having a telephoto lense that on the XS gave more noise to night shots so this was before night mode.

As long as the software updates keep coming a couple more years. I wouldn’t consider this phone sad or ready to upgrade in 2023 maybe when it’s no longer supported by Apple with updates.

I can’t believe how popular the iPhone XR is, when it first came out, the sales were disappointing. Apple was so desperate to sell it, fast forward to now, it’s one of the best selling iPhone models ever. this phone was the blueprint for the regular iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13.

I have had my XR for 5 years now from new Brandon and still love it. Like you I just love its simple unclutted almost lens free design. You can lay is on a desk withour it wobbling too. Can't do that with any phones today. If Apple introduced a similar single camera design with an LED screen I would jump on it. I am pretty sure more than 90% of average people that own say an iphone 14 etc barely use the majority of the features, so why pay more. My 10R does everyting I need and I like my tech. Better screen and new chip and it would be perfect.

Love the on-location footage ☺️ also going to buy a charger because I’m using the iPad pro more and more. Have you done any video on the newest iPad? The battery life is not so good and the light bleed in the oled panel is pretty distracting during nighttime bed viewing. I mostly use my Apple TV but sometimes I like a closer screen for some content

After I got a 13 Pro Max for Christmas (which I LOVE) I passed my XR to my mom. She had my old 6 Plus so she’s very happy with the upgrade! She doesn’t use her phone as much as I do but she does need one for emergencies, etc. So needless to say, the XR is still an awesome phone.

Got the XR when it came out and still loving it today. Only issue is that it has been starting to get warm and run hot lately even when just web browsing or doing other minimal tasks. Will probably upgrade to a 15 this year.

Hey Brandon, I enjoyed the outdoor B-roll you included. Nice!

Watching on my XR 😊 (256GB black - bought it January 2019) Yeah battery.. 88%.. need to charge more than before.. but I’m no “power user”, and it works just fine for me.. a while longer. 😊 Since I have never touched any newer phones, I have still a good feeling with it 🥰

I had two XRs, and the first one overheated with almost every case I had on it. I ended up using my sister’s XR, and thankfully it didn’t overheat as much as mine did.

Honestly, I didn't expect to still be using my XR until this day. It still does good with social media and the camera is still very usable. I'll definitely try to use it for another year before upgrading, while also waiting for a new SE with updated specs and design or the long awaited usb c iPhone.

I got the Xr back in 2020 and for all intents and purposes it's been a champ. I'm also one of the crazy ones who double fist with Pixel (had 3XL before I traded it in for the Pixel 7). I've looked at the new phones but for what I did with it (light games, social, text and such). I didn't feel the need to upgrade. Now though that the 15 is coming I may just do that. Still costs and such will dictate more if I do. If anything i'd say we have at least iOS 17 to look forward to. After that who knows.

I still have my XR from when it came out in 2018, it’s at 82% battery capacity, not bad for how poorly I’ve treated it over the years. Haven’t had a screen protector on it for almost 3 years now, a few chips, but pretty pristine. Though, there is a small dot on the bottom of the screen from who knows what drop/ fall. I do plan to but the 14 pro max soon, don’t feel like I need to wait for the 15 or whatever they announce, and just want a new phone. My family basically all have newer phones than me and they’re amazing, I can’t wait tbh.

Hey Brandon, I just wanted to tell you that I noticed the difference in the style of the video , so that you recorded in different locations. What I liked a lot. Keep up the good work