iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16 Plus
Starting at
£588.00£799.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XR?
iPhone 16 Plus vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £457.70 less than the iPhone 16 Plus. The iPhone 16 Plus is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone XR differ mainly in power, screen quality, and camera capabilities. The iPhone 16 Plus suits you if you want a larger, sharper screen for video and photos, plus more memory and a faster chipset for smoother multitasking and newer features. It also offers a bigger battery and 5G connectivity. The iPhone XR fits well if you prefer a smaller screen and a device tailored for everyday use, with good performance and camera quality for typical daily tasks.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and device size. This affects how long your phone runs between charges and how it handles current software.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 4674 mAh battery, which means it can last longer on a single charge compared to the iPhone XR's 2942 mAh. If you spend a lot of time away from charging points, the iPhone 16 Plus is more suited to your needs.
Device Dimensions
The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly larger and thinner, measuring 160.9 mm by 77.8 mm and 7.8 mm thick, compared to the iPhone XR's 150.9 mm by 75.7 mm and 8.3 mm thick. The iPhone XR is also a little lighter at 194 g versus 199 g for the 16 Plus, which may suit if you prefer a smaller, lighter phone.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR performance
Performance is about how fast and smoothly your phone runs apps, multitasks, and handles storage. Differences here affect everyday responsiveness and storage space.
Processor Technology
The iPhone 16 Plus features the Apple A18 chipset built on a 3 nm process, while the iPhone XR uses the Apple A12 Bionic on 7 nm. The newer chipset in the 16 Plus means it is designed to run apps and tasks more efficiently and quickly.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the iPhone 16 Plus keeps more apps open and running smoothly compared to the iPhone XR's 3 GB. This benefits users who switch between apps often or use more demanding apps.
Storage Options
iPhone 16 Plus models come 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, which covers everyday needs but with fewer high-capacity choices.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality affects how you see photos, videos, and text. Differences in size, resolution, and display type influence clarity and viewing comfort.
Screen Size
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 6.7 inch screen, offering a larger viewing area ideal for video watching and gaming. The iPhone XR's 6.1 inch screen suits those who prefer a more compact device that's easier to handle.
Resolution and Display Type
The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher resolution of 1290 by 2796 pixels with a Super Retina XDR OLED screen, providing sharper images and better contrast. The iPhone XR features an 828 by 1792 pixel Liquid Retina IPS LCD, which is clear and bright but less detailed than the 16 Plus, making it suitable for everyday use.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual specs focus on camera quality, which impacts photo and video detail for selfies and main shots.
Front Camera Resolution
The iPhone 16 Plus has a 12 megapixel front camera, which captures more detail in selfies and video calls compared to the iPhone XR's 7 megapixels. This is useful if you value higher quality front-facing photos.
Main Camera Resolution
With a 48 megapixel main camera, the iPhone 16 Plus offers greater photo detail and clarity for landscape or close-up shots than the iPhone XR's 12 megapixel camera. This suits photography enthusiasts or anyone wanting sharper images.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous features include connectivity, physical design, and network compatibility, influencing daily convenience and usability.
Mobile Network
The iPhone 16 Plus supports 5G networks, giving access to faster mobile data where 5G is available. The iPhone XR supports 4G, suitable for users who do not require the fastest network speeds.
Connector Type
The iPhone XR has a Lightning connector, which is standard for many Apple devices but differs from USB-C.
SIM Card Options
Both phones support a physical SIM plus eSIM, allowing flexible carrier options and easier switching between phone numbers.
Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 16 Plus is slightly taller and wider but thinner than the iPhone XR. The 16 Plus weighs 199 g, a bit more than the XR's 194 g, which some users may notice when holding the devices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 Plus or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 Plus if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £457.70 less than the iPhone 16 Plus
- you want a lighter build (194 g vs 199 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 16 Plus often highlight its like-new condition and battery longevity, with many praising the phone's appearance and performance. Several mention the large, high-quality screen and express satisfaction with the smooth experience the device provides. Some note challenges with updates or minor glitches but overall find the phone to be an excellent device that feels fresh and runs well.
For the iPhone XR, customers appreciate the phone's reliable performance and condition, often saying it looks like new. The screen size suits users who prefer a more manageable device, and many value the straightforward setup and smooth daily use. Battery replacements are noted by some, but this does not detract from overall satisfaction with the phone's speed and ease of use.
In summary, the iPhone 16 Plus appeals to those wanting a larger, more powerful device with advanced features and display quality. The iPhone XR suits people looking for a dependable phone with a comfortable size and solid everyday performance.
iPhone 16 Plus vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 16 Plus vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 on the iPhone 16 Plus, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 16 Plus has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £588 for the iPhone 16 Plus.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a bigger battery: 4674 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
The iPhone 16 Plus has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 Plus 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 16 Plus adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (4674 mAh vs 2942 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.7 inch vs 6.1 inch). Refurbished, it costs £457.70 more (from £588 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 Plus comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
