The world of smartphones is ever-evolving, with every year bringing newer models, sleek designs, and cutting-edge features. Yet, in this constant rush towards the next big thing, it’s easy to overlook the hidden gems from previous generations. The iPhone XR is one of those gems. Released in 2018, this smartphone may not have the latest features, but it continues to offer a fantastic blend of performance, design, and affordability that still resonates with many Australian users in 2025.

In this blog, we’ll explore why the iPhone XR is still worth your attention, especially for those seeking a premium Apple experience without breaking the bank. We will compare it with other iPhone models, highlighting its unique features, and demonstrate why purchasing through trusted platforms like Wise Market Australia gives you added peace of mind.

Why the iPhone XR is Still a Smart Buy in 2025

Before diving into comparisons with other models, let’s first take a step back and understand why the iPhone XR is still a relevant device. With its balanced combination of price, performance, and design, the iPhone XR holds a unique position in the market. For Australian buyers, it represents an excellent option for those looking for flagship-like performance without the premium price tag that comes with the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, or newer models.

Apple’s commitment to long-term software support ensures that the iPhone XR still receives regular iOS updates, making it a reliable option for years to come. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone who wants a dependable smartphone, the iPhone XR provides an unmatched value proposition.

Design and Display: A Premium Look Without the Premium Price

The iPhone XR features a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display, which, at the time of its release, was one of the most vibrant LCD displays ever created by Apple. While newer models like the iPhone 11, iPhone 12, and iPhone 13 have OLED displays, the Liquid Retina display on the XR still offers excellent colour accuracy, brightness, and clarity. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games, the screen delivers a crisp and vibrant experience.

For Australians who appreciate colour and design, the iPhone XR offers an appealing range of finishes, from coral to blue, black, white, yellow, and red. The design is modern, with curved edges and a glass back that still holds up against newer models, making it feel like a premium product despite its more affordable price.

iPhone XR vs iPhone XS: What’s the Real Difference?

When comparing the iPhone XR with the iPhone XS, there are some important distinctions, though both models share similar design aesthetics and performance. The most obvious difference is the display. While the iPhone XS uses an OLED Super Retina display, the iPhone XR sticks with the Liquid Retina LCD display. OLED offers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours, but the Liquid Retina on the XR still delivers exceptional image quality.

Another key difference is the camera. The iPhone XS features dual 12MP rear cameras, offering a telephoto lens and enhanced optical zoom. The iPhone XR, on the other hand, sticks with a single lens, but thanks to Apple’s software optimisations, it still produces impressive results. The iPhone XS also has more RAM and slightly faster performance due to its A12 Bionic chip being paired with additional memory, but for most users, the XR is more than sufficient.

If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind the smaller array of features, the iPhone XR provides an excellent alternative to the XS.

iPhone XR vs iPhone 11: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

The iPhone 11, launched after the XR, brought some noteworthy upgrades to the table, especially in the camera department. The iPhone 11 introduced an ultra-wide lens, Night Mode for better low-light photos, and a dual-camera system. While the iPhone XR is limited to a single 12MP lens, the iPhone 11 gives you a lot more flexibility with its second lens and improved software features. Additionally, the iPhone 11 comes with the newer A13 Bionic chip, offering better performance and efficiency.

However, the iPhone XR still holds its ground in terms of overall value. The display is just as good, the battery life is similar, and the performance of the A12 Bionic chip remains impressive. For Australians who don’t need the extra camera functionality and are looking for a more affordable device, the iPhone XR still delivers an exceptional experience.

iPhone XR vs iPhone 12: The Future-Proof Option

When comparing the iPhone XR to the iPhone 12, the biggest difference is the shift to OLED displays and the addition of 5G support on the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 also features the more powerful A14 Bionic chip, offering better performance and future-proofing. However, the iPhone XR still holds up well in terms of its processing speed and battery life.

While 5G connectivity is becoming more widespread in Australia, the iPhone XR’s 4G LTE speeds are still sufficient for most users. The iPhone 12 may have the edge in terms of camera quality, design, and future-ready features, but for those who don’t need the absolute latest tech, the iPhone XR provides great value for money.

Performance and Speed: Power That Still Holds Its Ground

Under the hood, the iPhone XR is powered by the A12 Bionic chip, which was one of the most powerful processors available at the time of its release. The A12 Bionic has proven to be incredibly efficient, offering smooth performance for everything from daily tasks to gaming and multitasking. Despite being an older chip, it continues to deliver reliable performance, especially for most average users in Australia.

Even in 2025, the iPhone XR performs smoothly with apps, web browsing, video streaming, and multitasking. Its 3GB of RAM, while slightly behind newer models, doesn’t hinder the device’s usability. Most consumers—whether they’re checking emails, using social media, or attending video calls—will find the iPhone XR’s performance more than sufficient. It’s a testament to Apple’s ability to build a device that continues to be relevant long after its release.

Camera: Great Shots, Every Time

While the iPhone XR might only have a single 12MP rear camera, don’t let that fool you—it takes excellent photos. Apple’s software optimisations, including Smart HDR and Portrait Mode, allow the iPhone XR to produce vibrant, detailed shots with excellent colour accuracy. Whether you’re taking photos of your favourite Australian beaches, capturing a family gathering, or snapping pictures in natural light, the iPhone XR delivers quality results.

While newer iPhones have added more cameras and upgraded sensors, the iPhone XR’s camera still competes well in 2025. For casual photographers or content creators, it offers plenty of flexibility and impressive photo quality.

Moreover, the front-facing camera also performs well for selfies and video calls, making it perfect for Zoom meetings, FaceTime with friends, or capturing your best Instagram moments.

Battery Life That Keeps Up With Your Day

The iPhone XR comes with a 2942mAh battery, which, combined with the energy-efficient A12 Bionic chip, ensures a full day of use. For most Australian users, this means the phone will last throughout the day with moderate to heavy use. Whether you’re streaming music while commuting, using apps for work, or browsing social media, the iPhone XR holds up well against the demands of modern-day usage.

The addition of fast charging and wireless charging makes it even more convenient to top up the battery when needed. You can get up to 50% charge in just 30 minutes with a compatible charger, ensuring you’re never left without power for long.

Why Buying the iPhone XR Through Wise Market Australia is the Smartest Choice

When you choose to buy the iPhone XR through Wise Market Australia, you’re not just getting a great deal on a quality product—you’re also getting peace of mind. Wise Market is known for offering certified refurbished devices, meaning that each iPhone XR undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets the highest standards of performance.

In addition, every purchase comes with a warranty, so you can trust that your device will continue to perform like new for years to come. With nationwide delivery and excellent customer service, Wise Market Australia is the perfect platform to make your next iPhone purchase.

Conclusion: The iPhone XR Still Delivers Exceptional Value

In 2025, the iPhone XR remains a hidden gem in the smartphone market. It offers great performance, an impressive camera, and reliable battery life—all at an affordable price point. Whether you’re a student, a business professional, or just someone who wants a quality iPhone without the premium price tag, the iPhone XR is a perfect choice.

By purchasing through Wise Market Australia, you’re not only getting a certified refurbished device but also the confidence of knowing that your purchase supports sustainability while still offering the premium Apple experience.