iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 15
Starting at
£416.19£699.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 15 and iPhone XR?
iPhone 15 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £285.89 less than the iPhone 15. The iPhone 15 is the newer model, released in 2023.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 15 offers a more powerful chipset, double the RAM, a higher resolution OLED screen, and a main camera with four times the megapixels. It supports 5G and uses a USB-C connector. The iPhone XR suits buyers looking for a device with fewer features and lower storage options. The iPhone 15 is better for users wanting enhanced speed, clearer visuals, and advanced photography, while the iPhone XR fits everyday use with reliable performance and a familiar experience.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Battery capacity and software support contribute to how long a phone stays useful and convenient.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 15 has a 3349 mAh battery, which holds more charge compared to the iPhone XR's 2942 mAh. This means the iPhone 15 can provide longer usage between charges, which benefits users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.
Software Updates
This makes both suitable for users who want to keep their phone software up to date.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR performance
Processor power, memory, and storage options influence how smoothly a phone runs apps and handles multitasking. The iPhone 15 and iPhone XR differ clearly in these areas.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone 15 uses the Apple A16 Bionic chipset with 6 GB of RAM, which supports smoother multitasking and faster processing. The iPhone XR has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 3 GB RAM, suitable for everyday tasks but with fewer resources for heavy apps or multitasking.
Storage Options
The iPhone 15 comes with 128GB, 256GB, or 512GB storage options, offering more space for apps, photos, and files. The iPhone XR is available with 64GB, 128GB, or 256GB, covering a range of needs but with a lower starting capacity.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how content looks for watching videos, browsing, and reading. Both phones have the same screen size but differ in resolution and display technology.
Resolution
The iPhone 15 offers a higher resolution of 1179 x 2556 pixels, resulting in sharper and clearer images. The iPhone XR's resolution is 828 x 1792 pixels, which suits users who prefer less pixel-dense displays.
Screen Type
With a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, the iPhone 15 delivers deeper blacks and more vibrant colours. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD screen, providing consistent colour and good brightness suitable for general use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality determines how detailed and clear photos and videos are. The front and main cameras differ significantly between the two phones.
Front Camera
The iPhone 15 has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail and may provide better selfies and video calls. The iPhone XR's 7 megapixel front camera suits users with basic front-facing photo needs.
Main Camera
The iPhone 15 features a 48 megapixel main camera, capable of capturing images with more detail and clarity. The iPhone XR's 12 megapixel main camera performs well for everyday photography but with less fine detail.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR size and design
Other differences affect how you connect the phone and how it fits in your hand or pocket. Network speed and physical dimensions are also part of this comparison.
Network and Connector
The iPhone 15 supports 5G networks, offering faster mobile internet speeds for compatible services. It uses a USB-C connector, which is common on many devices. The iPhone XR supports 4G and uses a Lightning connector.
Size and Weight
The iPhone 15 is slightly slimmer at 7.8 mm depth versus the iPhone XR's 8.3 mm. It also weighs less at 171 g compared to 194 g, making it a bit lighter to hold or carry.
SIM and Carrier Compatibility
Both devices are unlocked and support a physical SIM plus eSIM, giving flexibility in how you connect to mobile networks.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 15 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 15 if
- you want more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £285.89 less than the iPhone 15
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 15 describe it as looking almost brand new even in fair condition, with many noting excellent battery life and no problems after weeks of use. They highlight the sharp screen and clear camera performance, along with easy setup and reliable operation. Several mention the phone feels very responsive and looks like a new device, with battery health often reported above 90%. Some buyers appreciate the good condition despite choosing fair quality and recommend the device for its balance of features and condition.
Buyers of the iPhone XR praise its appearance as nearly new and report smooth performance for everyday use. Many comment on the ease of setup and the screen size being just right, especially for those who prefer a straightforward phone. Battery health is generally good, though some mention replacement batteries are not original Apple parts, which may show a warning. The XR is popular for its value and suitability for less demanding needs, with customers happy with the unlocked status and overall condition.
The iPhone 15 suits users who want strong performance, a detailed screen, and advanced cameras. The iPhone XR fits buyers seeking a phone with reliable features and a comfortable size for everyday use.
iPhone 15 vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 15 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A16 Bionic on the iPhone 15, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 15 has more RAM: 6 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £416.19 for the iPhone 15.
The iPhone 15 has a bigger battery: 3349 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
The iPhone 15 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 15 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 15 adds more RAM (6 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3349 mAh vs 2942 mAh) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £285.89 more (from £416.19 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 15 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
