iPhone XS, XS Max and XR: which is right for you?

Learn the features that are important for YOU and choose!

Apple finally released this year’s iPhones into the wild and all are ready to be purchased. Still in the gray area of which one to choose? We’re here to help you out!

Let’s get an overview of the specs again:

Check the table below or view Apple’s comparative matrix on their website HERE.

	iPhone XS	iPhone XS Max	iPhone XR
Display	5.8-in OLED Super Retina Display 2436-by-1125-pixel resolution at 458 ppi	6.5-in Super Retina Display 2688-by-1242-pixel resolution at 458 ppi	6.1-in Liquid Retina Display 1792-by-828-pixel resolution at 326 ppi
Capacity	64GB 258 GB 512 GB		64GB 128GB 256 GB
Chip	A12 Bionic Chip
Headphones	Earpods… with lightning connector
Colors	Gold, Space Gray, Silver		Yellow, White, Coral, Black, Blue, Product Red
Price	Starts at $999	Starts at $1,099	Starts at $749

Now how on Earth will you choose?… how about some recommendations from the experts?

The Verge’s Chris Welch suggests to mainly focus on features you need or want the most: display/screen preference, battery or camera, maybe? If you prefer the biggest screen possible with a dual camera, go for the iPhone XS Max. But if you want to have a dual camera that you can easily hold with one hand (especially for the quick photo shots) the iPhone XS is your best bet. However, if you’re mostly in favor of a good balance of specs (with Apple’s newest tech), camera and battery power (with a great display too), then the iPhone XR is the way to go for you.
Macworld’s Michael Simon goes for the size of the phones plus the storage options in differentiating them. All of them display the now signature notches, so it mostly comes down to the physical size. The good news is these batch of iPhones are not as large as the iPhone 8 even with the larger screens thanks to the edge-to-edge designs. In regard to storage, all three have the same starting storage capacity but the second and third options are where they all differ with the XR having smaller options.
Forbes’ Gordon Kelly discusses the different finishes or materials these devices have for hardware. The XS and XS Max have a stainless steel chassis similar to the iPhone X. The iPhone XR has an aluminum finish similar to the iPhones that came before the iPhone X. The range of colors is a sure win for the iPhone XR with a whopping 6 colors to choose from unlike the XS and XS Max that are only limited to 3.
As for Tom’s Guide Henry Casey if you’re looking for a design that’s as Goldilocks would call “juuust right,” the iPhone XR is your best bet with a middle-ground size and an array of features from both Xs models. Plus, the price is right if budget is a consideration (hey, baseline $999 is a lot to cough up and we totally get it).
Digital Trends’ Andy Boxall gives the win to the iPhone XS and XS Max when it comes to another feature which may be important for some: 3D Touch. Unfortunately, the iPhone XR does not have this due to the LCD screen composition. Plus, the former devices have 5 options in Portrait Lighting unlike the 3 from the iPhone XR.

Phew! A lot of info to take in… but hopefully quite helpful 😉

Have you finally found “the one?” Or maybe need some deeper thought? We totally understand maybe a few more minutes of contemplating might help. Either way you look at it… prices are no joke (starting at $749…starting). Once you’ve decided, the next immediate step is getting all the protection needed for your new iPhone… the last thing anyone would want to see is a horrifying crack that might become a bigger problem on the inside!

Not to worry as Tech Armor has your back!

Check out our different screen protectors for all 3 devices on our website! Other than the screen, let’s go 360 degrees on what you need by adding a power bank, an ultra tough MFi-Certified Lightning Cable, Chargers and Car Mount. Browse the website and arm your new device today!

We always take our slogan “You Play, We Protect” seriously!

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