iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 16
Starting at
£577.65£699.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 16 and iPhone XR?
iPhone 16 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone XR starts at £130.30, £447.35 less than the iPhone 16. The iPhone 16 is the newer model, released in 2024.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen type
Main camera
- Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
- The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 16 suits users who want a sharper OLED screen, more RAM, a more powerful chipset, and 5G support. It also offers higher storage options and a USB-C connector. The iPhone XR is a good choice for those who prefer a simpler setup with an LCD screen, lower RAM, and 4G connectivity, with storage options that cover everyday needs. Both phones are unlocked and support dual SIM setups, appealing to a wide range of users depending on their priorities.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery size, software support, and physical dimensions. These influence how long the device lasts daily and how it fits in your hand or pocket.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 16 has a larger 3561 mAh battery compared to the iPhone XR's 2942 mAh. This means the iPhone 16 can offer longer use between charges, which suits users who rely on their phone for extended periods without access to charging.
Physical Size and Weight
The iPhone 16 is slightly smaller and lighter, measuring 147.6 mm high, 71.6 mm wide, and weighing 170 g. The iPhone XR is taller, wider, and heavier at 150.9 mm high, 75.7 mm wide, and 194 g. If you prefer a lighter phone that fits more easily in smaller pockets, the iPhone 16 may be better suited.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
OS at launch
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR performance
Performance affects how smoothly your phone runs apps and handles multitasking. Storage options also influence how much data and media you can keep on your device.
Processor and RAM
The iPhone 16 features the Apple A18 chipset with 8 GB of RAM, while the iPhone XR has the Apple A12 Bionic chipset paired with 3 GB of RAM. More RAM and a newer chipset in the iPhone 16 keep everyday apps running smoothly and help with multitasking, which suits users who use demanding apps or multiple apps at once.
Storage Options
The iPhone 16 is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities, offering plenty of space for apps, photos, and videos. The iPhone XR stocks 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB, which covers everyday use well but with fewer high-capacity options for large media collections.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR screen
Both phones have the same screen size, but the screen technology and resolution affect how clear and vivid images appear.
Screen Technology and Resolution
The iPhone 16 uses a Super Retina XDR OLED screen with a resolution of 1179 by 2556 pixels, which delivers sharper and more vibrant images with deeper blacks. The iPhone XR has a Liquid Retina IPS LCD with 828 by 1792 pixels, providing good colour and clarity but with less detail. If you watch videos or view photos often, the iPhone 16's screen offers a more vivid experience.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR camera
Camera quality and setup matter if you use your phone for photography or video calls. Front and main camera specifications indicate image detail and versatility.
Camera Setup and Resolution
The iPhone 16 has a dual camera system with a 48-megapixel main camera and a 12-megapixel front camera. The iPhone XR features a single 12-megapixel main camera and a 7-megapixel front camera. The iPhone 16 is suited to users who want more detailed photos and a wider range of photography options, while the iPhone XR works well for everyday snapshots and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR size and design
Other features include network support, connectors, and physical design elements that influence connectivity and handling.
Network and Carrier Compatibility
Both the iPhone 16 and iPhone XR are unlocked and support physical SIM plus eSIM. The iPhone 16 supports 5G networks, which suits users looking for faster data speeds and future-proofing. The iPhone XR supports 4G, suitable for reliable everyday connectivity.
Connector Type
The iPhone XR has a Lightning connector, common for many Apple accessories. Depending on your existing cables and chargers, this could influence your choice.
Device Dimensions
The iPhone 16 is slimmer with a depth of 7.8 mm compared to the iPhone XR's 8.3 mm. The reduced weight and slimmer profile of the iPhone 16 can make it more comfortable to hold and carry.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
Release date
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 16 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 16 if
- you want more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2942 mAh)
- you want an OLED screen
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £130.30, £447.35 less than the iPhone 16
What our customers say
Customers who bought the iPhone 16 praise its condition, often noting it looks like new with 100% battery health. Many appreciate the smooth performance and excellent battery life, with some reporting the battery lasting well into the evening. Reviewers mention that the phone feels like a big upgrade with no defects or marks, and the screen and overall condition meet high expectations. Several buyers highlight the environmental benefit of choosing refurbished and the ease of setup.
For the iPhone XR, customers describe it as looking almost new with very good condition and reliable performance. Battery health is often around 97%, and the screen size suits users who prefer a manageable display. Some note the battery is a replacement rather than an official Apple part, but the phone runs well without glitches. Buyers appreciate the value and ease of use with this model, and some mention it being suitable for gifting or as a dependable everyday phone.
The iPhone 16 is best for those wanting more power, a sharper screen, and longer battery life, while the iPhone XR suits people seeking a simpler, fully capable phone with a comfortable screen size and solid performance for everyday tasks.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 16 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A18 (3 nm) on the iPhone 16, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone 16 has more RAM: 8 GB vs 3 GB.
The iPhone XR is cheaper refurbished, from £130.30 compared with £577.65 for the iPhone 16.
The iPhone 16 has a bigger battery: 3561 mAh vs 2942 mAh.
The iPhone 16 has a higher-resolution main camera: 48 megapixels vs 12 megapixels.
The iPhone 16 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 adds more RAM (8 GB vs 3 GB), a bigger battery (3561 mAh vs 2942 mAh) and an OLED screen. Refurbished, it costs £447.35 more (from £577.65 vs £130.30).
Refurbished, the iPhone 16 comes in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
