iPhone XR

Pros

• Durable hardware that can survive rough handling
• Camera quality remains acceptable for basic photography
• Smooth performance for light tasks and general navigation
• Excellent value when found refurbished or used (around £100)
• Strong speaker and call quality

Cons

• Severe battery degradation in older units, often requiring mid-day charging
• Frequent overheating, sometimes triggered by simple tasks like phone calls
• 64GB base storage is easily maxed out by modern apps and media
• Noticeable lag on demanding sites like YouTube or heavy web browsing
• Dated display specs, including a 720p resolution and IPS panel

Caveats

• Opinions on software longevity are mixed; while some note it still receives updates, others warn about a lack of future security support.
• Battery health is the most cited failure point; DIY or professional battery swaps are common among long-term users.
• The screen is reported by some to crack easily despite the overall durability of the chassis.

Best for

• Budget-conscious buyers looking for the cheapest functional iPhone
• Users who need a secondary or 'backup' device
• Light users who primarily use their phone for calls and basic messaging

Avoid if

• You require all-day battery life without carrying a charger
• You need significant storage for high-resolution photos and large apps
• You are sensitive to lower screen resolutions and older display technology