iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 12
Starting at
£170.00£649.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 12 and iPhone XR?
iPhone 12 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £39.70 less than the iPhone 12. The iPhone 12 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, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 12 and iPhone XR share the same screen size and storage options, making both suitable for users wanting a familiar display size and flexible storage. The iPhone 12 suits those who want a sharper screen, a more advanced processor, more RAM for multitasking, and 5G connectivity for faster mobile networks. The XR, with a slightly larger battery and a lighter weight, fits users who prefer a simpler camera setup and good performance for everyday tasks.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Battery life and software updates are key for daily reliability. Battery capacities differ slightly, which can affect how long each phone lasts between charges.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone XR has a 2942 mAh battery, offering a bit more capacity than the iPhone 12's 2815 mAh. This means the XR might last slightly longer on a charge, which suits users who prioritise extended battery life during the day. The iPhone 12's battery still provides solid endurance for everyday use.
Latest iOS Compatibility
This ensures ongoing access to up-to-date features, security patches, and app compatibility, making either a reliable choice for long-term use.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage. Both offer multiple storage options to fit different needs. The iPhone 12 features newer technology which can handle more intensive apps and multitasking, while the XR offers solid performance for general use.
Processor Power
The iPhone 12 uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip built on a 5 nm process, which is more recent than the iPhone XR's Apple A12 Bionic on 7 nm. The A14 chip suits users who run demanding apps or want smoother performance over time. The XR's A12 chip remains capable for everyday tasks and casual use.
Memory Capacity
With 4 GB of RAM, the iPhone 12 can keep more apps open and maintain smoother multitasking compared to the iPhone XR's 3 GB. This benefits users who frequently switch between apps or use memory-intensive tasks.
Storage Options
Both models are available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB storage. This provides flexibility whether you need storage for everyday use or more space for photos, apps, and media.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects your viewing experience for videos, photos and reading. Both phones have the same 6.1 inch size, but the iPhone 12 offers higher resolution and OLED technology, which changes how content looks.
Screen Resolution
The iPhone 12 has a resolution of 1170 x 2532, sharper than the iPhone XR's 828 x 1792. This means the iPhone 12 shows more detail and crisper text, which is ideal if you watch high-quality videos or want a clearer display for reading.
Screen Type
The iPhone 12 features a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, which offers stronger contrast and deeper blacks. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD, providing bright and accurate colours but with less contrast. OLED suits users who prefer vibrant visuals, while the XR's screen is still very good for everyday viewing.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality and front camera resolution are important for photography and video calls. Both phones have 12 megapixel main cameras but differ in camera setup and front camera detail.
Rear Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 has a double camera system, which adds versatility for photos such as wide-angle shots. The iPhone XR has a single rear camera, suited for straightforward photography. If you enjoy experimenting with different photo styles, the iPhone 12 may be preferable.
Front Camera Detail
The iPhone 12's front camera has 12 megapixels, higher than the iPhone XR's 7 megapixels. This means selfies and video calls can appear sharper and more detailed on the iPhone 12, which suits users who prioritise front-facing camera quality.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR size and design
Other features like network support, size, weight and SIM options affect daily convenience. Both phones offer unlocked versions and dual SIM support, but differ in network generation, dimensions, and weight.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 12 supports 5G networks, offering faster data speeds where available. The iPhone XR supports 4G, which remains widely used and reliable. If you want access to newer network technology, the iPhone 12 suits you.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 12 is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 146.7 mm by 71.5 mm and weighing 164 g. The iPhone XR is larger at 150.9 mm by 75.7 mm and heavier at 194 g. The iPhone 12 suits users who prefer a lighter phone that fits comfortably in one hand or pocket.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing flexible use of two numbers or plans. This is useful if you travel or separate personal and work numbers.
Connector Type
Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone XR use a Lightning connector for charging and accessories, so existing Lightning cables will work with either phone.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 12 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 12 if
- you want more RAM (4 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, £39.70 less than the iPhone 12
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 2815 mAh)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 12 appreciate its performance and condition. They note the phone looks like new with no scratches or marks, and some selected new batteries for added reliability. The A14 chip and 4 GB RAM deliver smooth multitasking and fast app opening. Users value the crisp, clean screen and the phone's overall speed for everyday social media and photo editing. Several mention the phone feels like a premium device at a fair price and highlight extras like included cases and screen protectors.
Reviews for the iPhone XR show satisfaction with its condition and ease of use. Customers say it looks like new with no marks and performs well for general use. The battery can sometimes show warnings about non-original replacements but overall the phone runs smoothly without glitches. The XR's screen size is appreciated, especially by those who find it just right for their needs. Many find it good value and praise the straightforward setup and reliability.
The iPhone 12 suits those who want higher performance, a sharper screen and 5G connectivity, while the iPhone XR is well suited to users seeking a solid daily phone with a comfortable screen size and longer battery capacity.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 12 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) on the iPhone 12, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 12 has more RAM: 4 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £170 for the iPhone 12.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 2815 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 12 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 adds more RAM (4 GB vs 3 GB), an OLED screen and a higher-resolution front camera (12 megapixels vs 7 megapixels). Refurbished, it costs £39.70 more (from £170 vs £130.30).
Both come in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB refurbished.
