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iPhone XR: Here's nine things you need to know about Apple's 'affordable' iPhone

Apple is getting ready to open up pre-orders for its new "affordable" iPhone. Here's what you need to know.
By Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Contributing Writer
#1: In many ways, the iPhone XR is like the iPhone XS
1 of 9 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

#1: In many ways, the iPhone XR is like the iPhone XS

In many ways the iPhone XR is like the iPhone XS.

Both share a similar all-screen design, both have Face ID (which means that neither have the physical Touch ID button), both are powered by Apple's new A12 Bionics chip, both have wireless charging, and both have a 12-megapixel rear camera and 7-megapixel TrueDepth front-facing camera

But there are a few key differences.

#2: But there are key differences
2 of 9 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

#2: But there are key differences

One of the biggest fundamental differences is that while the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are equipped with OLED displays, the iPhone XR is kitted out with a cheaper LED display.

But don't let that make you think that you ware getting an inferior product. In fact, Apple claims that its 6.1-inch "Liquid Retina" display is the most colour accurate on offer in a smartphone, with wide colour support and True Tone for a more natural viewing experience.

The display sizes are also different. While the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max have 5.8-inch and 6.5-inch displays respectively, the iPhone XR is in the middle, sporting a 6.1-inch display.

#3: Single-lens rear camera
3 of 9 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

#3: Single-lens rear camera

Unlike the higher-priced iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max, the iPhone XR is equipped with a single 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture wide-angle lens rear-facing camera, which is a cheaper option than the dual wide-angle and telephoto cameras found on the iPhone XS models.

However, just because the iPhone XR has a single rear camera, don't think that you can't get access to the Portrait Mode feature - by combining cutting-edge image signal processing, the built-in Neural Engine, and advanced algorithms, Apple has brought this feature, as well as adjustable depth-of-field and Smart HDR, to the iPhone XR.

#4: Storage
4 of 9 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

#4: Storage

Another key difference is storage space. While the iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max are offered in 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB options, the iPhone XR is a little more modest, with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options.

In all honesty, unless you want to carry around with you a load of video and photos, 256GB of storage is likely enough for most users.

#8: The price
8 of 9 Adrian Kingsley-Hughes/ZDNET

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