iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR
Shop iPhone
iPhone 7
Starting at
£66.24£179.00 new
iPhone XR
Starting at
£130.30£399.00 newWhat's the difference between the iPhone 7 and iPhone XR?
iPhone 7 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Refurbished, the iPhone 7 starts at £66.24, £64.06 less than the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR is the newer model, released in 2018.
Refurbished from
Chipset
RAM
Battery
Screen size
Screen type
- Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR.
- The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
- The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR specs
The iPhone 7 and iPhone XR differ in several key areas that suit different users. The iPhone 7 offers a smaller screen and simpler features, ideal for everyday use or those who prefer a compact phone with a physical SIM. The iPhone XR provides a larger screen, more RAM, and a bigger battery, which benefits users who want longer battery life and smoother performance. Storage options on the XR are broader, accommodating more apps and media. Overall, the iPhone 7 suits those needing a straightforward phone, while the iPhone XR suits users who want a more spacious display and features that support current software and multitasking.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR price
Colour
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR battery life and software updates
Durability covers battery capacity, software updates, and physical resilience. These factors affect how long the device runs on a charge, the software you can use, and how the phones withstand daily use.
Battery Capacity
The iPhone 7 has a 1960 mAh battery, which fits well for everyday basic use. The iPhone XR has a larger 2942 mAh battery, suitable for users who want longer time between charges. This larger capacity is helpful if you use your phone heavily throughout the day or prefer fewer charging breaks.
Battery
Foldable
Ip rating
Software updates
Wireless charging
Year of release
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR performance
Performance depends on the chipset, RAM, and storage options. These affect how fast the phone runs apps, multitasks, and stores your data.
Chipset and RAM
The iPhone XR runs on the Apple A12 Bionic chipset with 3 GB RAM, which offers smoother multitasking and better handling of apps. The iPhone 7 uses the Apple A10 Fusion chipset with 2 GB RAM, which performs well for everyday tasks and simpler apps. The XR is suited to users who run more demanding apps or keep many apps open at once.
Storage Options
The iPhone 7 comes in 32GB and 128GB storage options, enough for standard app use and media. The iPhone XR offers 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB choices, giving more space for users with larger app libraries, photos, or videos. Larger storage suits those who keep more content on their phone.
Chipset
RAM
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR screen
Screen quality influences how you view content and interact with your device. Size, resolution, and screen type shape your daily experience with videos, reading, and browsing.
Screen Size and Resolution
The iPhone 7 has a 4.7 inch screen with a resolution of 750 x 1334, making it compact and easy to hold. The iPhone XR has a larger 6.1 inch screen with a resolution of 828 x 1792, offering more room for video, web browsing, and multitasking. The XR suits users who prefer a bigger display.
Screen Type
The iPhone 7 uses a Retina IPS LCD screen, while the iPhone XR uses a Liquid Retina IPS LCD. Both offer clear and sharp images, but the Liquid Retina screen on the XR supports a larger display with consistent colour and brightness across the screen.
Refresh rate
Resolution
Screen size
Screen type
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR camera
Audiovisual features cover the cameras you use for photos and video calls. Both phones have similar camera specs, so the choice depends on other factors.
Camera Resolutions
Both the iPhone 7 and iPhone XR have a 12 megapixel main camera and a 7 megapixel front camera. This means both phones capture similar levels of detail in photos and selfies, suitable for everyday photography and video calls.
Camera type
Front camera
Main camera
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR size and design
Miscellaneous details include physical size, SIM options, network compatibility, and connectors. These can affect how you use the phone day to day and fit it into your lifestyle.
SIM Card Options
The iPhone 7 uses a physical SIM card only, which is straightforward for users who prefer a traditional SIM setup. The iPhone XR supports both a physical SIM and an eSIM, allowing for dual SIM use. This flexibility suits users who want to manage two phone numbers or plans on one device.
Physical Dimensions and Weight
The iPhone 7 measures 138.3 mm tall, 67.1 mm wide, and 7.1 mm deep, weighing 138 g. It is compact and light, which suits users who want a smaller phone that is easy to carry. The iPhone XR is larger at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 0.83 cm deep, weighing 194 g. This size matches its larger screen and battery, fitting users who prefer a bigger device.
Connector and Network
Both phones use a Lightning connector and support 4G networks. This means charging accessories and mobile network speeds are similar across both devices.
Carrier compatibility
Connector
Depth
Height
Mobile network
SD card slot
SIM card
Weight
Width
iPhone 7 or iPhone XR: which should you buy?
Buy the iPhone 7 if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £66.24, £64.06 less than the iPhone XR
- you want a lighter build (138 g vs 194 g)
Buy the iPhone XR if
- you want more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 1960 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the iPhone 7 often appreciate its condition and performance for everyday tasks. Many say the battery life is good for their needs and the phone feels quick enough. Some highlight its simple setup and the convenience of the physical SIM card. The compact size suits users preferring a smaller phone. Reviews mention the phone looking like new, with some noting minor scratches but overall satisfaction with the screen and speed.
The iPhone XR receives praise for its near-new condition and larger screen size. Customers mention the battery health is strong and the phone runs smoothly. The dual SIM options receive positive remarks, along with the ease of setup. Several users find the bigger screen just right for watching videos or reading. Some note the replacement battery is not an official Apple part, but still find the phone fast and reliable. The spacious storage options and the phone's speed are appreciated for more demanding use.
Overall, the iPhone 7 suits those who want a smaller, straightforward phone for everyday use. The iPhone XR fits users who prefer a larger display, more storage choices, and the latest software compatibility.
iPhone 7 vs iPhone XR FAQs
iPhone 7 vs XR comes down to the chipset, RAM and battery. Chipset: Apple A10 Fusion (16 nm) on the iPhone 7, Apple A12 Bionic (7 nm) on the iPhone XR. The iPhone XR has more RAM: 3 GB vs 2 GB.
The iPhone 7 is cheaper refurbished, from £66.24 compared with £130.30 for the iPhone XR.
The iPhone XR has a bigger battery: 2942 mAh vs 1960 mAh.
Both have the same main camera: 12 megapixels.
Updates for the iPhone 7 ended in Mar 2025. Its last version is iOS 15. Updates for the iPhone XR ended in Apr 2026. Its last version is iOS 18.
The iPhone XR adds more RAM (3 GB vs 2 GB), a bigger battery (2942 mAh vs 1960 mAh) and a bigger screen (6.1 inch vs 4.7 inch). Refurbished, it costs £64.06 more (from £130.30 vs £66.24).
Refurbished, the iPhone 7 comes in 32GB and 128GB, and the iPhone XR in 64GB, 128GB and 256GB.
