iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR
The shared Apple logo is where the obvious similarity ends. The iPhone 12 and the iPhone XR come from different lines, and each line has its own idea of what matters. Here the verdict on paper is fairly clear. The iPhone 12 takes 4 of 5 areas against the iPhone XR, starting with display.
At a glance
- Display iPhone 12 wins
- Performance iPhone 12 wins
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Camera iPhone 12 wins
- Battery & Charging iPhone 12 wins
- Price iPhone XR wins
- Display2.1
- Memory & Storage0.4
- Camera1.1
- Battery & Charging1.2
- Display0.0
- Memory & Storage0.4
- Camera0.0
- Battery & Charging0.7
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The iPhone 12 has a 1.06 oz lighter build
The iPhone XR gives up a lot on weight: 6.84 oz, compared with 5.78 oz on the iPhone 12. Weight shows up every time you hold the phone above your face in bed or type one-handed for a long stretch.
-
The iPhone 12 has 92% higher peak brightness
Few buyers will miss this one. The iPhone 12 brings 1,200 nits to the table; the iPhone XR brings 625 nits. If you use your phone outdoors a lot, the iPhone 12’s brighter panel is the one that holds up better at midday.
-
The iPhone 12 has an extra rear camera
When it comes to rear cameras, the iPhone 12 wins comfortably with 2 against 1. More cameras help most when each covers a different view, so check the table to see what the iPhone 12’s extra lens adds.
-
The iPhone 12 has 1 h more rated video playback
The gap on rated video playback is slim (17 h against 16 h), yet it tips toward the iPhone 12. Rated video playback is the manufacturer’s own endurance figure, so it reflects efficiency as well as battery size.
-
The iPhone 12 has a 0.04 in slimmer body
It’s a lopsided result (0.29 in for the iPhone 12, 0.33 in for the iPhone XR) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Thickness sometimes buys battery or camera hardware, so the iPhone XR’s extra depth isn’t necessarily wasted.
Design & Size
- iPhone 12 5.78 in × 2.81 in × 0.29 in
- iPhone XR 5.94 in × 2.98 in × 0.33 in
Going by the official dimensions, the iPhone XR is the larger of the two. The iPhone XR carries an extra 1.06 oz. In profile, the iPhone 12 is the slimmer of the two by 0.04 in.
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.94 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.98 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in (winner) | 0.33 in |
| Weight | 5.78 oz (winner) | 6.84 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 (winner) | IP67 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Display
iPhone 12 leads
The iPhone 12 wins the display section decisively. The iPhone 12 steps ahead thanks to 92% higher peak brightness. Peak figures are usually reached only in short bursts or small areas of the screen, but a higher ceiling still helps outdoor visibility. If display is your priority, the iPhone 12 is the phone to pick.
Peak brightness
iPhone 12: 1,200 nits iPhone XR: 625 nits Peak brightness decides how readable the screen stays in direct sunlight and how punchy HDR content looks.
Pixel density
iPhone 12: 460 ppi iPhone XR: 326 ppi Higher pixel density keeps text and fine detail crisper, although the benefit shrinks once both panels are already sharp at normal viewing distance.
Performance
iPhone 12 leads
On balance, the iPhone 12 leads the performance section, just not by much. The iPhone 12 wins here with a newer 5 nm chip process. The iPhone 12’s chip is built on a more advanced process. That usually points to efficiency gains, though chip design matters just as much. Anyone shopping mainly on performance should start with the iPhone 12.
Process node
iPhone 12: 5 nm iPhone XR: 7 nm Process numbers are partly marketing labels these days, so read this as a hint about efficiency rather than a verdict.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
Call the memory & storage round a draw. For memory & storage, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Camera
iPhone 12 leads
The iPhone 12 dominates the camera section, and the gaps are large enough to matter in daily use. The iPhone 12 gives you an extra rear camera. An extra rear camera usually means another focal length (ultra-wide, telephoto or macro) and more freedom in framing. Net result: the iPhone 12 leads this part of the comparison.
Rear cameras
iPhone 12: 2 iPhone XR: 1 The count alone doesn’t guarantee quality, but the iPhone 12 gives you more lenses to choose from.
Front camera
iPhone 12: 12 MP iPhone XR: 7 MP A sharper selfie camera helps with video calls, vlogs and group selfies.
Battery & Charging
iPhone 12 leads
The iPhone 12 is the clear pick if battery & charging is what you care about most. Point to the iPhone 12 for 1 h more rated video playback. Lab ratings rarely match real life exactly, but comparing them between two phones is still a useful endurance hint. Weighing only battery & charging, the iPhone 12 comes out ahead.
Rated video playback
iPhone 12: 17 h iPhone XR: 16 h More rated playback suggests the iPhone 12 lasts longer on a long flight or an evening of streaming.
Wireless charging
iPhone 12: 15 W iPhone XR: 8 W If you rely on a wireless pad at your desk or bedside, the iPhone 12 refills quicker there.
Software & Updates
Nothing to tally in the software & updates section, but plenty to read. The table lists what the iPhone 12 and the iPhone XR each use.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1 in | 6.1 in |
| Panel type | OLED (Super Retina XDR) | LCD (Liquid Retina HD) |
| Resolution | 2532 x 1170 | 1792 x 828 |
| Pixel density | 460 ppi (winner) | 326 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1,200 nits (winner) | 625 nits |
| Always-on display | No | No |
Performance
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | A14 Bionic | A12 Bionic |
| CPU cores | 6 | 6 |
| Process node | 5 nm (winner) | 7 nm |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Base storage | 64 GB | 64 GB |
| Max storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| microSD slot | No | No |
Camera
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Main camera | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Ultra-wide camera | 12 MP | N/A (not specified) |
| Rear cameras | 2 (winner) | 1 |
| Front camera | 12 MP (winner) | 7 MP |
| Max video | 4K60 | 4K60 |
Battery & Charging
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Rated video playbackManufacturer rating | 17 h (winner) | 16 h |
| Wireless charging | 15 W (winner) | 8 W |
| Port | Lightning | Lightning |
Software & Updates
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| OS at launch | iOS 14 | iOS 12 |
Design & Build
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5.78 in | 5.94 in |
| Width | 2.81 in | 2.98 in |
| Thickness | 0.29 in (winner) | 0.33 in |
| Weight | 5.78 oz (winner) | 6.84 oz |
| Water & dust rating | IP68 (winner) | IP67 |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum |
Price
| Spec | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $799 | $749 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price is almost a tie, with the iPhone XR launching $50 below the iPhone 12. What does the iPhone 12’s extra $50 actually get you? Mainly a 1.06 oz lighter build and 92% higher peak brightness.
Based on US launch pricing as of October 2020. Deals and regional pricing can change the picture.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the iPhone 12 if…
- you notice every gram in your pocket (5.78 oz vs 6.84 oz)
- you use your phone outdoors a lot (1,200 nits vs 625 nits peak brightness)
- you like switching between focal lengths (2 vs 1 cameras)
- you want the longer rated endurance (17 h vs 16 h)
- you want the changes the iPhone 12 brings over its predecessor
Choose the iPhone XR if…
- you want more value for your money ($50 less at launch)
- you rarely use the areas where the newer model improves
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a phone
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the iPhone 12 or the iPhone XR?
The iPhone 12 makes more sense overall. Consider the alternative only if your budget can’t stretch another $50.
Is the iPhone 12 worth it over the iPhone XR?
If those changes matter to you, yes: the iPhone 12 adds a 1.06 oz lighter build, 92% higher peak brightness and an extra rear camera compared with the iPhone XR.
Which has better battery life, the iPhone 12 or the iPhone XR?
The iPhone 12 comes out ahead on rated video playback, with 17 h compared with 16 h on the iPhone XR.
Is the iPhone 12 bigger than the iPhone XR?
The iPhone XR takes that one. With dimensions of 5.94 × 2.98 × 0.33 in, it is larger than the iPhone 12 (5.78 × 2.81 × 0.29 in).
Does the iPhone 12 perform better than the iPhone XR?
The iPhone 12 should be the quicker of the two, with a newer 5 nm chip process on its side.
Which has the better camera, the iPhone 12 or the iPhone XR?
The iPhone 12 has the edge for photography, offering an extra rear camera and a sharper 12 MP selfie camera.
Executive Summary
If you’ve settled on this lineup, the iPhone 12 or the iPhone XR is the last call to make. Here’s mine. Honestly, a 1.06 oz lighter build on the iPhone 12 does a lot of the persuading for me. The iPhone 12 also scores with 92% higher peak brightness.
I think of the iPhone 12 as the one for display and the iPhone XR as the one for price.
My pick: the iPhone 12 gets my vote, but the iPhone XR is the right call if paying $50 more feels hard to justify for you.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.