iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12 Pro
Starting at
£274.51£879.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XR?
iPhone 12 Pro vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £144.21 less than the iPhone 12 Pro. The iPhone 12 Pro is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Front camera
- Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone XR share the same screen size and both run iOS with unlocked carriers and Lightning connectors, but they differ in several key areas. The iPhone 12 Pro has a more advanced chipset and double the RAM, making it better for multitasking and demanding apps. Its screen is higher resolution and uses OLED technology, offering sharper and more vibrant visuals. The 12 Pro features a triple rear camera and a higher resolution front camera, suited for more detailed photography. It supports 5G networks, while the XR uses 4G. The iPhone XR offers slightly larger battery capacity and a range of storage options that include 64GB. Choose the 12 Pro if you want a device with enhanced performance, camera versatility, and display quality. The XR suits those looking for a solid iPhone with good battery life and a lower price point.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software updates affect how long a phone lasts day to day and in the long term.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XR has a battery capacity of 2942 mAh, which is slightly larger than the iPhone 12 Pro's 2815 mAh. This difference means the XR may provide a bit more screen-on time between charges, which suits users prioritising longer battery life in everyday use.
Software Updates
This ensures that either device will receive current software features and security patches, keeping them up to date for daily use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. The iPhone 12 Pro offers more power and memory, which benefits those running multiple apps or demanding software.
Chipset Efficiency
The iPhone 12 Pro is equipped with the Apple A14 Bionic chipset built on 5 nm technology, compared to the iPhone XR's Apple A12 Bionic built on 7 nm. This means the 12 Pro can handle processing tasks more efficiently, which suits users who use resource-intensive apps or multitask frequently.
RAM Capacity
With 6 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 Pro supports keeping more apps open at once and smoother multitasking. The iPhone XR has 3 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and simpler app workflows.
Storage Options
The iPhone 12 Pro offers storage options of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB, providing ample room for large apps, media, and files. The iPhone XR is available with 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage, suitable for users with smaller libraries.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how you view photos, videos, and apps. Both phones share the same 6.1 inch screen size but differ in resolution and display technology.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 Pro has a resolution of 1170 x 2532 pixels, which is higher than the iPhone XR's 828 x 1792 pixels. This means the 12 Pro shows sharper images and text, making it better for viewing high-detail content.
Screen Technology
The iPhone 12 Pro uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, offering deeper colours and higher contrast. The iPhone XR uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, which provides accurate colours and good brightness. The 12 Pro's OLED screen suits users who prioritise vivid visuals, while the XR's LCD screen suits those who prefer consistent colour and brightness.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution influence photo and video experiences. Both phones have 12 megapixels on the main camera but differ in other camera features.
Rear Cameras
The iPhone 12 Pro features a triple rear camera setup, giving it more photographic versatility for different shooting situations. The iPhone XR has a single rear camera, which is well suited for straightforward photography.
Front Camera Resolution
With a 12 megapixel front camera, the iPhone 12 Pro captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera. This suits users who take frequent selfies or use video conferencing.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR size and design
Other practical differences include network compatibility, physical dimensions, and weight, which affect everyday handling and connectivity.
Network Support
The iPhone 12 Pro supports 5G mobile networks, which can offer faster data speeds where available. The iPhone XR supports 4G, suitable for users in areas where 5G is not yet widespread or for those who do not require the fastest mobile data.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 12 Pro is slightly smaller in height (146.7 mm) and narrower (71.5 mm) than the iPhone XR, which measures 150.9 mm by 75.7 mm. The 12 Pro is also lighter at 187 g compared to the XR's 194 g. These differences may appeal to users preferring a more compact or lighter device.
SIM and Connectivity
Both phones use a physical SIM plus eSIM and have Lightning connectors. Neither supports an SD card slot. This means they offer similar options for connectivity and accessories.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 Pro or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 Pro if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want an OLED screen
- you want a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £144.21 less than the iPhone 12 Pro
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers buying the iPhone 12 Pro frequently comment on its like-new condition and smooth performance. Many highlight solid battery life and reliable operation right after purchase. The higher RAM and newer chipset are appreciated by users who upgrade from previous iPhones because they allow updated apps and multitasking without issues. Battery health is often rated at or near 100%, supporting confidence in daily use. Several customers mention the phone feels brand new and runs well with no faults. The condition is often described as excellent or good, with no visible scratches or problems.
The iPhone XR receives praise for looking like a new phone with no marks and good battery health, sometimes close to 97%. Buyers appreciate the value for money and ease of setup. The screen size is noted as just right for users who prefer a clear, manageable display. Some mention the battery is not an official Apple one but still performs well, with only a minor warning about battery replacement. Customers find the XR reliable and suitable for everyday use, enjoying its condition and performance. It is recommended as a good option for those wanting a solid iPhone experience.
Overall, the iPhone 12 Pro suits buyers looking for higher performance, multitasking capability, and advanced camera features. The iPhone XR fits those who want a dependable iPhone with good battery life and a simpler setup. Both devices are well received for their condition and value.
iPhone 12 Pro vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 12 Pro vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12 Pro, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 12 Pro has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £274.51 for the iPhone 12 Pro.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 Pro is still supported and can run iOS 27. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone 12 Pro adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), an OLED screen and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £144.21 more (from £274.51 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 12 Pro comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
