Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Decision! iPhone 8 Plus or iPhone XR?

  • iPhone 8 Plus

    Votes: 74 26.6%
  • iPhone XR

    Votes: 204 73.4%

  • Total voters
    278
Exactly: IR. Infrared. Which inherently is safe.
in total, the XR has 61 % more pixels than 720p HD. And 28.4 % less than 1080p Full HD.

I'm going to make this easy for those that can't seem to grasp that this isn't a 720p screen :)

720p = 921,600 pixels
Xr = 1,483,776 pixels
8+ = 2,073,600 pixels

I can't imagine that 1.5 million pixels is going to look bad on a 6.1 inch screen.
 
That number alone gives a wrong impression (828 is just 15 % more than 720), because it ignores the other dimension. While 720p HD and 1080p Full HD imply a 16:9 aspect ratio, that of the iPhone X-ish models is much higher, about 16:7.4, in case of the XR that's 1792 by 828 pixels.

1792 is less than 7 % short of 1920, but 40 % more than 1280. When comparing screen resolutions of different aspect ratio, the only fair way is to multiply both dimensions for the total pixel count.

In total, the XR has 61 % more pixels than 720p HD. And 28.4 % less than 1080p Full HD.

Yes, good point. I just like throwing out the 828p number because it’s a quick and easy way to demonstrate that the 720p estimate is incorrect. People generally seem to understand resolution described in terms of HD signal format (720p vs 1080p). But, of course, that isn’t the full story.
 
I personally feel the 8+ shouldn't even be a consideration. The XR is a better product because you're getting FaceID, smaller bezels, better battery life, a faster processor, much more color choices for a phone, tap to wake, a slightly newer camera system, better selfies, animoji/memoji (gimmicky to me, but not to others), plus longer software support, stereo recording, newer stereo speakers, dual SIM.

The 1080p display, telephoto lens, and 3D Touch shouldn't really matter since 828p is still above the HD standard.
 
Last edited:
I was also torn when deciding what to upgrade to from the 6S Plus. I went with the X. I didn't want a sub-1080p screen in 2018 and 326PPI is a noticeable downgrade from 401PPI to me. I also didn't want to upgrade to another classic design. Luckily i found a new X for around the price of the Xr.

The Xr just seems like poor value to me. The display is inferior, the processor is marginally better than last generation, and for all the hoopla about the new cameras, Google is still kicking Apple's derriere when it comes to still images...despite using less hardware.

Apart from the colours, to me the Xr is probably the least appealing iPhone Apple has ever released after the iPhone 3G.
 
I was also torn when deciding what to upgrade to from the 6S Plus. I went with the X. I didn't want a sub-1080p screen in 2018 and 326PPI is a noticeable downgrade from 401PPI to me. I also didn't want to upgrade to another classic design. Luckily i found a new X for around the price of the Xr.

The Xr just seems like poor value to me. The display is inferior, the processor is marginally better than last generation, and for all the hoopla about the new cameras, Google is still kicking Apple's derriere when it comes to still images...despite using less hardware.

Apart from the colours, to me the Xr is probably the least appealing iPhone Apple has ever released.

Even if Google has a better camera, Apple didn't put in a rubbish camera system in its 2018 phones. The camera system is good enough for the price. It still got some acclaim, especially from reviewers and DxOMark too.
 
Even if Google has a better camera, Apple didn't put in a rubbish camera system in its 2018 phones. The camera system is good enough for the price. It still got some acclaim, especially from reviewers and DxOMark too.

I didn't say it was a bad camera. But people make it sound like you should get the phone just because of the camera...even though its not the best camera.
 
the only thing i did not like about the X was the face id. I have to say that the Xs max has changed my mind on it. The face id is way better than it was on the x. Touch id was the only reason i liked the 8+ over the X and now the Xs max is > than the rest. the Xr is the better bet than the 8+ these days.
 
I didn't say it was a bad camera. But people make it sound like you should get the phone just because of the camera...even though its not the best camera.

Well, I am in the camp that thinks the 2018 cameras are quite nice and one of the main reasons to get an upgrade. The portrait lighting mode, especially with their software algorithms, is quite nice from what I have seen from YouTubers. But if the only difference is a camera and the current phone holder has a good enough camera, then it's a wasted upgrade because of the extra $ needed to be paid.
 
I personally feel the 8+ shouldn't even be a consideration. The XR is a better product because you're getting FaceID, smaller bezels, better battery life, a faster processor, much more color choices for a phone, tap to wake, a slightly newer camera system, better selfies, animoji/memoji (gimmicky to me, but not to others), plus longer software support, stereo recording, newer stereo speakers, gigabit LTE, dual SIM.

The 1080p display, telephoto lens, and 3D Touch shouldn't really matter.

The 1080p screen matters much, much more to me than face id, smaller bezels, colours, selfies and animoji's.
Camera is a tie; xr slightly better primary, but misses secundary, batterylife is for the xr but plus is great too.
Processor isn't noticable for my use, stereo doesn't matter to me, gigabit LTE is not on the Xr just Xs and is troublesome on those. Dual sim isn't supported here nor needed.
Longer support, maybe one cycle, but the phone will probably be gone before that. And all that time I have to look at that low res screen. For me screen will be the decisive factor if I choose between the 8+ and Xr. I will decide when I've personally seen the Xr screen. How much of a compromise that screen is.
Haven't ruled out a Xs max, but I really, really don't like the idea of spending that crazy amount of cash on a bloody phone.
 
The 1080p screen matters much, much more to me than face id, smaller bezels, colours, selfies and animoji's.
Camera is a tie; xr slightly better primary, but misses secundary, batterylife is for the xr but plus is great too.
Processor isn't noticable for my use, stereo doesn't matter to me, gigabit LTE is not on the Xr just Xs and is troublesome on those. Dual sim isn't supported here nor needed.
Longer support, maybe one cycle, but the phone will probably be gone before that. And all that time I have to look at that low res screen. For me screen will be the decisive factor if I choose between the 8+ and Xr. I will decide when I've personally seen the Xr screen. How much of a compromise that screen is.
Haven't ruled out a Xs max, but I really, really don't like the idea of spending that crazy amount of cash on a bloody phone.

I edited my post to reflect for LTE-Advanced and to mention the 828p display to avoid any lack of detail on the post since I was missing info on that.

828p vs 1080p isn't going to be as noticeably different though. But if the screen is a compromise, then definitely stick with the 8+ because the display is the most used feature on a phone. But like I said before, it was a personal opinion.
 
I edited my post to reflect for LTE-Advanced and to mention the 828p display to avoid any lack of detail on the post since I was missing info on that.

828p vs 1080p isn't going to be as noticeably different though. But if the screen is a compromise, then definitely stick with the 8+ because the display is the most used feature on a phone. But like I said before, it was a personal opinion.

Everybody weighs their personal pros and cons and in the end you just do what feels best to you. It's a feel good decision basically.
 
Your best option is to wait until next week and go into your local store and try them both out side by side.
 
The Xr just seems like poor value to me. The display is inferior, the processor is marginally better than last generation

Except, the iPhone XR display is almost vastly similar with 828 P to the iPhone 8, I wouldn’t really say that’s ‘inferior’ for being an LCD panel. (Unless you’re comparing OLED, which would not be an appropriate example). Also, just to say that the processor is ‘marginally’ better than last generation, what do you expect? Every year the processors upgraded marginally, it’s typically not exceedingly overwhelming Over the previous chip set, the A12 is still in incredibly fast and powerful, over any other small phone for that matter.
 
^^
326PPI is inferior to 401 PPI which is what its technically meant to be replacing. I don't even mind that its LCD. Apple ship some of the best IPS panels.

You're right. Usually the processor jump is minimal. But the jump in processing power from the 6 to the 6s was not marginal by any strech and it forced me to upgrade then. This years A12 not so much...certainly not enough to overlook 326 PPI sub-1080p priced at 749.
 
Last edited:
The Xr just seems like poor value to me. The display is inferior, the processor is marginally better than last generation, and for all the hoopla about the new cameras, Google is still kicking Apple's derriere when it comes to still images...despite using less hardware.

There are a lot of camera comparisons that have come up in recent days.. Apple has clearly closed the gap with Google on the camera. In terms of Google, they aren't really kicking any ones ass they will sell a minuscule amount of phones compared to Apple. What you view as an inferior display many will view as fantastic. In terms of processor it's simply the fastest one to date. Doesn't mean the one the year before is inferior, it just means Apple continues to make strides in squeezing as much as they can from these processors. Name me a company currently that squeezes more out of processor year over year than Apple on a phone?

Value is in the eye of the beholder and while it may not have value to you there will be many that will find the selling price point with the current specs to be the best iPhone they have ever used. Not everyone is hung up on specs, clearly that is what drives you as indicated by your post.
 
^^
And great for them.

I'm not hung up specs. If i was, i'd be an owner of the iPhone Xs Max 512GB model.

I made a decision on what device i felt was the best value for my experience/usage...and the Xr is simply not that device.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NorthSeaBeach
^^
And great for them.

I'm not hung up specs. If i was, i'd be an owner of the iPhone Xs Max 512GB model.

I made a decision on what device i felt was the best value for my experience/usage...and the Xr is simply not that device.

Okay, but you are the one that keeps bringing up the specs and talking about how inferior the XR is, so what you are typing now is incongruent with that you've already posted. We get it this phone is not for you, but the display inferior is based on specs as you've not actually seen one.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Broadus
Okay, but you are the one that keeps bringing up the specs and talking about how inferior the XR is, so what you are typing now is incongruent with that you've already posted. We get it this phone is not for you, but the display inferior is based on specs as you've not actually seen one.

This is starting to get old. So it will be my last reply.

Simply put, as someone coming from plus devices for the last 4yrs, i didn't want to downgrade to basic retina. Other's may not be able to tell the difference but i can, every time. And is why i wont get along with the Xr. Seeing it wont change the laws of physics.

Why this is so hard for people to grasp is beyond me

If you think that's being hung on specs that's fine. I don't see how its logical if i opted to buy a last generation device instead.

But so be it.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: pdxmatts
I personally feel the 8+ shouldn't even be a consideration. The XR is a better product because you're getting FaceID, smaller bezels, better battery life, a faster processor, much more color choices for a phone, tap to wake, a slightly newer camera system, better selfies, animoji/memoji (gimmicky to me, but not to others), plus longer software support, stereo recording, newer stereo speakers, dual SIM.

The 1080p display, telephoto lens, and 3D Touch shouldn't really matter since 828p is still above the HD standard.
The 8+ is not suddenly a rubbish phone btw and for many of us was a consideration when upgrading. I could have waited a month for the XR but once I’d seen the launch I decided the 8+ was a better phone for me. The 8+ is going to be supported as long as the X so just because it has an older style, this does not mean it’s more outdated from a support perspective.
 
  • Like
Reactions: decafjava
8+ would be my choice. Touch ID is still convenient way to access the phone compared to Face ID. Processor doesn't matter much.
 
The 8+ is not suddenly a rubbish phone btw and for many of us was a consideration when upgrading. I could have waited a month for the XR but once I’d seen the launch I decided the 8+ was a better phone for me. The 8+ is going to be supported as long as the X so just because it has an older style, this does not mean it’s more outdated from a support perspective.

But it is outdated in a sense of form factor and a bit in navigation through the UI. You have the home button experience and leas gestures to start. Next, you have huge bezels and a bit of more size. Then the device retains the same design language since the 6.

It’s really an expensive phone for what it is, $699 USD from Apple.

It’s a 4 more update horizon vs 5 more updates for the XR. For a $50 difference, you get so much more support and features. It’s definitely worth the price difference.
 
8+ would be my choice. Touch ID is still convenient way to access the phone compared to Face ID. Processor doesn't matter much.
I have an 8+ and it’s an awesome phone. It will be a great phone 2 years from now. I prefer TID but there are instances where FID works better. Gloves. Wet fingers. I was recently at a rec football game and there was an unexpected downpour. Everything was soaked & my wife was trying to call me from an airport for a decision. I couldn’t answer my phone or access it to call her back. Luckily, I was able to use voice on my Apple Watch to trade texts with her. FID would have helped odds of answering call or sending texts.
 
But it is outdated in a sense of form factor and a bit in navigation through the UI. You have the home button experience and leas gestures to start. Next, you have huge bezels and a bit of more size. Then the device retains the same design language since the 6.

It’s really an expensive phone for what it is, $699 USD from Apple.

It’s a 4 more update horizon vs 5 more updates for the XR. For a $50 difference, you get so much more support and features. It’s definitely worth the price difference.

I disagree entirely but then again if I agreed with you I’d be waiting for an XR right now. For me the 8+ was the better phone and I’m very happy with it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: NorthSeaBeach
I disagree entirely but then again if I agreed with you I’d be waiting for an XR right now. For me the 8+ was the better phone and I’m very happy with it.

That’s all that matters at the end of the day, whether or not you enjoy the product. I know you were hesitant to upgrade from the 6S due to pricing and lack of an enticing upgrade at the price points. But good that you got a phone you can enjoy. It’s all subjective and choice is good.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.