Is iPhone XR too old now?

Select Language:

Remember when the iPhone XR first hit the scene back in 2018? That snazzy all-screen design, the brilliant LCD, and a camera that was a huge step up from earlier models – it felt like the total package for its $749 price tag.

Well, fast forward nearly 5 years later, and Apple’s mid-range marvel is still kicking around in plenty of pockets out there. But in the world of smartphones, half a decade is prehistoric. So should you finally bite the bullet and upgrade that tried-and-true XR? Here’s what you need to consider.

The Software Support Situation

Let’s start with the hard truth: the iPhone XR is running on borrowed time in terms of getting Apple’s annual software updates. The company has an impressive track record of keeping older models updated for around 5-6 years after release. But full software support for the XR likely ends after the next major iOS update drops later this year.

What does that mean? Any fancy new features or performance boosts in future iOS versions won’t hit your XR. More crucially, those all-important security patches designed to fend off the latest digital threats and bugs won’t make it to your phone either. Yikes.

But hey, maybe you’re the type who’s perfectly content-freezing your phone on its current, soon-to-be outdated software for a few years. If so, carry on! Just don’t be shocked when new apps start to lag or flat out and refuse to work properly.

Hardware Getting Long in the Tooth

Even if you’re Team Still Rocking iOS 16, the XR’s internal hardware is starting to show its age. That A12 Bionic chip was a beast in its prime but is now firmly mid-tier performance compared to Apple’s latest processors.

Apps, games, and websites that push the limits are only going to become more demanding too. So prepare for some sluggishness and freezes unless you’re a pretty casual user. The 3GB of RAM doesn’t help matters either.

As for the battery, don’t be surprised if your XR’s backup power is fading faster than normal after this much time. Depending on your usage, you may only get 5-6 hours out of that aging lithium-ion pack before needing to top up.

Camera Falling Behind the Pack

When it launched, the XR’s single 12MP rear camera held its own for the price. But standout camera performance is table stakes in 2025’s smartphone scene. Multi-lens setups, night mode shooting, advanced computational photography – the ongoing camera arms race has left the XR’s simplistic snapper in the dust.

So if you’re an avid mobile photographer or just need top-notch point-and-shoot image quality, temper your expectations accordingly. The XR’s camera will feel pretty bare bones compared to even mid-range Android competition nowadays.

The Bottom Line

Look, if your iPhone XR still runs well enough to meet your basic needs, there’s zero shame in stretching that budget warrior for another year or so before upgrading. But for most folks, the combination of dated hardware, waning software support, and the lackluster camera is simply pushing it at this point.

Did you get nearly 5 years out of your trusty XR though? If so, you more than got your money’s worth from Apple’s former mid-tier MVP. As they say, everything good must come to an end eventually – even for a phone as iconic as the iPhone XR.

The iPhone XR can still be used in 2025 despite not being as advanced as newer models. It has decent features, but newer iPhones offer better displays, cameras, performance, and 5G connectivity. If you are content with your iPhone XR and don’t require the latest features, you can continue using it until it becomes outdated or too slow.