Tech The iPhone XR just killed the Pixel 3 and every other 2018 Android flagship

[BigGameDamian]

https://bgr.com/2018/09/13/iphone-xr-vs-pixel-3-xl-apple-nightmare-google-android/

When the iPhone X arrived last year with its all-screen design, sophisticated Face ID authentication, and a mobile processor faster than anything the competition could produce, it must have sent Apple’s rivals into panic mode. The only relief was that $999 price tag, which would ensure the phone wouldn’t be accessible to people who weren’t looking to spend quite that much on a new smartphone. Even still, people lined up to buy the phone around the world last November, and Apple struggled to meet demand until Christmas.

Fast-forward to a year later and we have now the cheaper version of the iPhone X we’ve been waiting for. This time around, the iPhone XR is going to be a real nightmare for all Android phones. That’s because it’s got the same all-screen design as the iPhone X, an even faster Face ID camera, and a mobile processor that seems out of this world. And it all starts at $749.

Let that sink in for a moment. The iPhone XR isn’t some dumbed down “Lite” version of a flagship phone, which is what Android phone makers do on a regular basis. The iPhone XR is an iPhone XS when it comes to most of its hardware. It’s got a bigger screen than the XS even though it trades OLED for LCD. The main camera is identical to one of the cameras from the XS’s dual-lens setup. The Pixel 3 phones, which are not even official, are also expected to offer single-lens cameras on the back. Finally, the iPhone XR also has an aluminum frame instead of stainless steel, which isn’t necessarily a trade-off. And battery life is superior to the iPhone 8 Plus by some 90 minutes.

Image Source: Apple

One other difference concerns RAM and flash storage. Apple never talks about RAM, but rumors said the cheaper phone would sport 3GB instead of 4GB of RAM like the other two versions. As for storage, we’re looking at 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, which is on par with what’s available from top Android handsets out there.

All of that starts at just $749. It’s still expensive, yes, but it’s on par with or cheaper than comparable devices from Android phone makers. Not to mention that the notch design isn’t a barrier anymore, if it ever was one. Android phone companies, Google included, turned the iPhone X notch into a must-have feature. It’s something expected from Android phones, flagships included.

But the iPhone XR will deliver performance far beyond what most Android rivals can offer, whether they’re iPhone X clones or not, for a price that will beat Android for a change.

Let’s not forget that phones including the Galaxy Note 9 and the upcoming Pixel 3 XL will cost more than the iPhone XR. These devices are iPhone X rivals at best, relying on 2018 hardware. All of a sudden, a “cheap” iPhone will be a much better deal than an Android flagship.

Image Source: Apple

Add to that the fact that Apple will actually support the iPhone XR for a few years when it comes to (fast) software updates, and you’ve got one more significant advantage over most Android phones. Even the fact that the iPhone XR is available in a plethora of exciting colors at launch is a plus when comparing the handset to its biggest rivals, Pixel 3 included.

The closest iPhone XS/XR rival running Android will be the Huawei Mate 20 Pro that’s coming next month. And it’ll be interesting to see whether Huawei can beat the iPhone XR when it comes to price.

A while ago, I said that the iPhone X’s notch sets the perfect trap for Android, forcing most companies to copy the notch without faithfully replicating the all-screen design or investing in 3D face authentication. All the while, I said Apple would continue to refine the design of the iPhone X and improve its features, to ultimately remove the notch. Android phone makers will have a harder time keeping the pace with Apple’s innovations.

At the time, I hadn’t even considered the fact that Apple’s own iPhone X phones would get cheaper this year, just as the competition starts raising prices for flagship handsets. That’s precisely what’s happening now. And the iPhone XR will put even more pressure on Android vendors than its predecessors.

What’s clear is that aside from the Mate 20 Pro, which is a 2019 Android flagship launching early, the iPhone XR will have no real rival. You can forget all about the Galaxy S9, Note 9, Pixel 3 phones, OnePlus 6T, and any other hot Android phone of 2018. As for Google specifically, by the time the Pixel 4 catches up with the iPhone XS/XR when it comes to performance next year, Apple will already have a new generation of devices in stores. When that happens, this first-gen iPhone XR phone will get $100 cheaper.

 

[H.C.]

I could never imagine spending that much on a phone.
When I was a teen I spent 230 on one, but never again will I be that stupid.

 

[BigGameDamian]

I could never imagine spending that much on a phone.
When I was a teen I spent 230 on one, but never again will I be that stupid.

All of a sudden, a “cheap” iPhone will be a much better deal than an Android flagship.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

A Galaxy S9 is like 100 bucks cheaper than the cheap iphone with the LCD screen.

 

[tlongII]

Mags is making out like a bandit!

 

[andalusian]

I have no interest in getting one. Having lived with the Google assistant for a couple of years now - I can never go back to Siri. They make beautiful hardware however - but that's not enough for me.

 

[Lanny]

https://bgr.com/2018/09/13/iphone-xr-vs-pixel-3-xl-apple-nightmare-google-android/

When the iPhone X arrived last year with its all-screen design, sophisticated Face ID authentication, and a mobile processor faster than anything the competition could produce, it must have sent Apple’s rivals into panic mode. The only relief was that $999 price tag, which would ensure the phone wouldn’t be accessible to people who weren’t looking to spend quite that much on a new smartphone. Even still, people lined up to buy the phone around the world last November, and Apple struggled to meet demand until Christmas.

Fast-forward to a year later and we have now the cheaper version of the iPhone X we’ve been waiting for. This time around, the iPhone XR is going to be a real nightmare for all Android phones. That’s because it’s got the same all-screen design as the iPhone X, an even faster Face ID camera, and a mobile processor that seems out of this world. And it all starts at $749.

Let that sink in for a moment. The iPhone XR isn’t some dumbed down “Lite” version of a flagship phone, which is what Android phone makers do on a regular basis. The iPhone XR is an iPhone XS when it comes to most of its hardware. It’s got a bigger screen than the XS even though it trades OLED for LCD. The main camera is identical to one of the cameras from the XS’s dual-lens setup. The Pixel 3 phones, which are not even official, are also expected to offer single-lens cameras on the back. Finally, the iPhone XR also has an aluminum frame instead of stainless steel, which isn’t necessarily a trade-off. And battery life is superior to the iPhone 8 Plus by some 90 minutes.

Image Source: Apple

One other difference concerns RAM and flash storage. Apple never talks about RAM, but rumors said the cheaper phone would sport 3GB instead of 4GB of RAM like the other two versions. As for storage, we’re looking at 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, which is on par with what’s available from top Android handsets out there.

All of that starts at just $749. It’s still expensive, yes, but it’s on par with or cheaper than comparable devices from Android phone makers. Not to mention that the notch design isn’t a barrier anymore, if it ever was one. Android phone companies, Google included, turned the iPhone X notch into a must-have feature. It’s something expected from Android phones, flagships included.

But the iPhone XR will deliver performance far beyond what most Android rivals can offer, whether they’re iPhone X clones or not, for a price that will beat Android for a change.

Let’s not forget that phones including the Galaxy Note 9 and the upcoming Pixel 3 XL will cost more than the iPhone XR. These devices are iPhone X rivals at best, relying on 2018 hardware. All of a sudden, a “cheap” iPhone will be a much better deal than an Android flagship.

Image Source: Apple

Add to that the fact that Apple will actually support the iPhone XR for a few years when it comes to (fast) software updates, and you’ve got one more significant advantage over most Android phones. Even the fact that the iPhone XR is available in a plethora of exciting colors at launch is a plus when comparing the handset to its biggest rivals, Pixel 3 included.

The closest iPhone XS/XR rival running Android will be the Huawei Mate 20 Pro that’s coming next month. And it’ll be interesting to see whether Huawei can beat the iPhone XR when it comes to price.

A while ago, I said that the iPhone X’s notch sets the perfect trap for Android, forcing most companies to copy the notch without faithfully replicating the all-screen design or investing in 3D face authentication. All the while, I said Apple would continue to refine the design of the iPhone X and improve its features, to ultimately remove the notch. Android phone makers will have a harder time keeping the pace with Apple’s innovations.

At the time, I hadn’t even considered the fact that Apple’s own iPhone X phones would get cheaper this year, just as the competition starts raising prices for flagship handsets. That’s precisely what’s happening now. And the iPhone XR will put even more pressure on Android vendors than its predecessors.

What’s clear is that aside from the Mate 20 Pro, which is a 2019 Android flagship launching early, the iPhone XR will have no real rival. You can forget all about the Galaxy S9, Note 9, Pixel 3 phones, OnePlus 6T, and any other hot Android phone of 2018. As for Google specifically, by the time the Pixel 4 catches up with the iPhone XS/XR when it comes to performance next year, Apple will already have a new generation of devices in stores. When that happens, this first-gen iPhone XR phone will get $100 cheaper.

I haven't kept up with it for a long time but nevertheless, the memory you refer to as 'RAM' used to be known as flash RAM. The other memory was always referred to as just RAM.

 

[yankeesince59]

...the Iphone XR is an entry level version of Apple's newest flagship...it's a nice phone but there are a few sacrifices that were made in return for a reduced price. But I think that the fact that there will be many color choices will ultimately make the XR a winner, especially for people who are not completely tethered to the "must have" Apple mentality.

...having said that, as far as computers/laptops/tabs, I much prefer my Macbook Pro for many reasons and for me, there's no comparison. But as far as phones alone, though I did try the Iphone for awhile, I prefer my Android driven Galaxy for reasons that were just as compelling.

 

[BigGameDamian]

https://www.theverge.com/platform/a...hone-xs-x-pixel-2-galaxy-s9-camera-comparison

The iPhone XS camera beats the iPhone X, but not the Pixel

And given the Pixel’s limited distribution, that’s probably all that Apple needs

 

[stampedehero]

No matter which is chosen,the costs are absurd and the monthly bills are the same. You still have to buy a shock/waterproof case. Quality ones trend towards $100

 

[Natebishop3]

I'm still rocking the 6s. It works fine.

With that said, I'll just wait until the old model goes on sale and pick that up. I never pick up the most recent version because it's over priced.

Although, I haven't bought a new phone since they got rid of the audio jack. I'm not really in a hurry to lose that option.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

No matter which is chosen,the costs are absurd and the monthly bills are the same. You still have to buy a shock/waterproof case. Quality ones trend towards $100

Nah, don't need a shock/waterproof case. those are dumb unless you tend to drop your phone alot (knocks on wood). I use a simple sleeve on my Samsung and a screen protector, cost like 10 bucks total..if I want to take it in a pool I use those plastic sleeves for waterproof. works fine.

 

[donkiez]

Samsung 9+ is still a better phone imo. The camera on it is pretty amazing also. The Pixel has always been overrated, it's been an HTC rebrand for the last few models, the 3 is suppose to be done more in house and promises to be better. iPhones have always been a generation behind with tech, their branding and hype is better than anyone though

 

[donkiez]

Nah, don't need a shock/waterproof case. those are dumb unless you tend to drop your phone alot (knocks on wood). I use a simple sleeve on my Samsung and a screen protector, cost like 10 bucks total..if I want to take it in a pool I use those plastic sleeves for waterproof. works fine.

My $10 bump case works great also. Arnt they suppose to be waterproof? I don't trust mine to be but I thought you could take it in a pool without a sleeve up to a few meters

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

My $10 bump case works great also. Arnt they suppose to be waterproof? I don't trust mine to be but I thought you could take it in a pool without a sleeve up to a few meters

Yeah I don't trust the waterproofness of phones, especially if they aren't really gonna stand behind them. Shit is like a grand, I can put a plastic sleeve over it.

I use this: Amazon product ASIN B00LBK7OSY
I've left in my pocket in a pool for like 30 minutes or swam in the ocean/snorkeling and it was fine.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

Samsung 9+ is still a better phone imo. The camera on it is pretty amazing also. The Pixel has always been overrated, it's been an HTC rebrand for the last few models, the 3 is suppose to be done more in house and promises to be better. iPhones have always been a generation behind with tech, their branding and hype is better than anyone though

That's what I have. I fucking love it.

I was on a video conference yesterday and the guy on other line said it was the clearest video he's seen from a phone (he works for a company that produces video conferences). I had pretty optimal lighting though.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

I stayed away from Pixel because I believe LG was manufacturing the Pixel 2 XL (and they had a shitload of problems). Stay the fuck away from LG phones. Pixel 2 was by HTC I think.

They bought HTC and doing things in house, but I 'm pretty loyal to Samsung I've been happy with every phone I've had from them.

 

[andalusian]

I have had nothing but good luck with my Pixels. Love them to bits and nothing beats the Pixel 2 camera (until the 3 comes, I suppose).

 

[yankeesince59]

...depending on how active you are, screen protectors and "waterproof cases" are not always necessary. The quality and durability of Gorilla Glass and the IP 67/68 advances have made a huge difference when compared to phones of 2-3 years ago.

...I tried a couple of cases on my Galaxy but it made the phone a littler bulkier and my phone would no longer slide in and out of my pocket as easily as with no case at all...plus, the Galaxy is a good looking phone and I hated covering it up.



...best advice I can give is;

1. don't drop your f'n phone.

2. don't get into a f'n pool with your phone.

 

[PtldPlatypus]

I stayed away from Pixel because I believe LG was manufacturing the Pixel 2 XL (and they had a shitload of problems). Stay the fuck away from LG phones.

I have the LG V20, and it's done pretty well for me. Battery life is the only complaint I've got.

 

[Lanny]

I'm pretty good at keeping my S7 out of swimming pools but I'm not so good at not dropping it on hard floors. I've already dropped it 2 or 3 times but it keeps on ticking.

 

[ripcityboy]

I have never bought a single Apple product in my entire life. Am very proud of that fact.

 

[yankeesince59]

I have never bought a single Apple product in my entire life. Am very proud of that fact.

...just curious, why would you be "proud"?

 

[ripcityboy]

...just curious, why would you be "proud"?

It's a family thing. My mother was a teacher so always had Apple stuff. Since that's what public schools bought. So she's always preferred Apple tablets and phones as well. My dad for some reason always preferred IBM/PC stuff. And preferred Anfroid phones too.

My brother takes after my mom and I take after my dad. So it got to be like a game whenever we get new phones. We talk about the shortcomings of the other brand and how proud we are not to own the other. It's like a family game. That's all. It has nothing to do with the actual phone quality.

 

[yankeesince59]

It's a family thing. My mother was a teacher so always had Apple stuff. Since that's what public schools bought. So she's always preferred Apple tablets and phones as well. My dad for some reason always preferred IBM/PC stuff. And preferred Anfroid phones too.

My brother takes after my mom and I take after my dad. So it got to be like a game whenever we get new phones. We talk about the shortcomings of the other brand and how proud we are not to own the other. It's like a family game. That's all. It has nothing to do with the actual phone quality.

...Ha !...so I assume Thanksgiving dinners with your family have a lot of differing conversations and opinions.

...as far as computers, I went to a Mac about 7 years ago...converted my wife too and we both agree that Macs and the operating system is best for what we use a computer for...I did give the iphone a try a couple of years ago but I hated the keyboard and I had also gotten used to wireless charging which Apple did not offer back then. Other than that, I've been loyal to Samsung for years. I prefer the Galaxy's look and camera and layout and much prefer the Android operating system for cell phones as opposed to iphone's IOS operating system.