Why the iPhone XR WON’T Be the Next iPhone 5c

Last week, Apple announced its new fleet of iPhones including the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. While the XS and XS Max models were improvements on last year’s X, the XR was something totally new  — which was, in typical Apple fashion, the event’s “one more thing.”

Because the iPhone XR is the more affordable version of the XS, it surfaces memories of Apple’s attempt at making a more affordable iPhone with the 5c model.

Clad in colorful plastic, the iPhone 5c was Apple’s way of delivering an iPhone that was slightly downgraded than their more expensive models, yet it still offered the unique iPhone experience.

Many called it a flop, and believed that Apple wouldn’t test this experiment out again.

But now that the iPhone XR has been revealed, it begs the question: Is the iPhone XR the new iPhone 5c? For me, it’s not — because the iPhone XR is so much more.

Introduced at Apple’s event on September 12th, the iPhone XR is a new iPhone model that features:

• 6.1″ Liquid Retina LCD edge-to-edge display.
• Storage options of 64/128/256 GB.
• IP67 rated (for drops, falls, dust, and water-resistance).
• A12 Bionic chip.
• 12MP wide-angle camera.
• Face ID.
• And more.

This iPhone is priced significantly lower than the XS and XS Max models at $749 (the 64GB XS is $999, and the XS Max is $1,099) because it has some standout differences from the pricier, feature-rich models.

For instance, the XR features a Liquid-Retina LED display, whereas the XS and XS Max models have an OLED display. Additionally, the XR features a single 12MP wide-angle camera, whereas the XS and XS Max models possess a 12MP wide-angle and telephoto dual-camera system. The XR also doesn’t have 3D Touch or HDR, either.

What Makes the iPhone XR Better Now Than the iPhone 5C Then?

In my opinion, the iPhone XR is a big step up in Apple’s releases, and completely trumps their previous efforts (ahem, iPhone 5c) at making more affordable iPhone models.

For one, the iPhone XR casing is much more durable and much less “cutesy” than the previous iPhone 5c models. The XR casing is created with aerospace-grade aluminum (in six finishes) and is supported by a glass back. This is a huge upgrade from the hard-coated polycarbonate shell of the 5c.

Second, the chip included with the iPhone XR is the brand-new A12 chip. Comparatively, the iPhone 5c included the A6 chip, which was available on the older iPhone 5. However, users who invest in the XR model will receive Apple’s latest chip technology, not the A11 chip on last year’s iPhone X model.

And third, despite being the lesser priced of the latest iPhone models, the iPhone XR is still a huge competitor in the smartphone world. When the iPhone 5c was released, many users overlooked this handset for two reasons:

1. The iPhone 5s was only $100 more for better quality and features.
2. And the iPhone 5c was still pricey when compared to other handsets with similar features made by other manufacturers in the mobile market.

When Can I Get the iPhone XR?

Unfortunately, the iPhone XR models are available for preorder on October 19, while the XS and XS Max models can be preordered now. So why the difference in pre-order dates?

This is due to the new display on the iPhone XR, as reported by The Verge. Apparently, the new Liquid-Retina display has caused some setbacks for Apple, both on the supply side and the software side. Also as noted on Apple’s website, “iPhone XR has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission. iPhone XR is not, and may not be, offered for sale or lease, or sold or leased, until authorization is obtained.”

Either way, the iPhone XR is expected to make up half of all new iPhone sales when it’s finally released this year. A major feat considering the fate of its more-affordable predecessor.