The iPhone XS and XR differ in size, with the XR being larger and thicker despite similar screen sizes.
Understanding the Dimensions: iPhone XS vs. iPhone XR
The question “Is An iPhone XS And XR The Same Size?” often pops up among Apple enthusiasts and prospective buyers. At first glance, both phones appear similar due to their shared design language and edge-to-edge displays. However, a closer look reveals subtle but important differences in their physical dimensions.
The iPhone XS measures 143.6 mm in height, 70.9 mm in width, and 7.7 mm in thickness. It sports a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display with a resolution of 2436 x 1125 pixels, providing crisp visuals and vibrant colors.
On the other hand, the iPhone XR is notably larger at 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm thick. Its display is a 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen with a resolution of 1792 x 828 pixels. Despite the bigger screen size, the XR uses LCD technology rather than OLED, which affects contrast and color depth.
This size difference translates into how each phone feels in hand: the XS offers a more compact experience suited for one-handed use, while the XR leans toward a larger display ideal for media consumption but less pocket-friendly.
Comparing Weight and Build Materials
Beyond raw dimensions, weight also contributes to perceived size differences. The iPhone XS weighs approximately 177 grams, while the iPhone XR tips the scale at around 194 grams—making it noticeably heavier.
Both phones use premium materials but differ slightly: the XS features surgical-grade stainless steel edges paired with glass front and back panels, lending a luxurious feel and increased durability against scratches. The XR opts for aerospace-grade aluminum edges combined with glass panels as well but sacrifices some of that stainless steel’s heft and shine for lighter weight.
These material choices affect not only weight but also grip comfort and overall sturdiness.
Screen Size vs. Body Size: Why They Don’t Match
At first blush, one might assume that similar screen sizes mean similar phone sizes—yet this isn’t the case here.
The iPhone XS’s smaller body houses a nearly edge-to-edge OLED display with minimal bezels around it. This efficient use of space allows Apple to pack more pixels into less physical area.
Conversely, although the iPhone XR boasts a larger screen (6.1 inches compared to XS’s 5.8 inches), its LCD technology requires slightly thicker bezels around the display edges to maintain structural integrity and house sensors like TrueDepth Face ID components.
This results in an overall bigger footprint for the XR despite only a modest increase in screen size over the XS.
Impact on User Experience
Screen size influences usability significantly:
- Portability: The XS fits comfortably into pockets or smaller bags due to its compact dimensions.
- Media Viewing: The XR’s bigger display enhances video watching or gaming experiences.
- One-Handed Use: The smaller width of the XS makes it easier to operate with one hand.
- Battery Life: The larger body of the XR houses a bigger battery capacity (2942 mAh vs. XS’s 2658 mAh), contributing to longer usage times despite its bigger screen consuming more power.
Hence, each phone caters to slightly different user preferences based on how they balance size against functionality.
Detailed Dimension Comparison Table
| Specification | iPhone XS | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Height (mm) | 143.6 | 150.9 |
| Width (mm) | 70.9 | 75.7 |
| Thickness (mm) | 7.7 | 8.3 |
| Weight (grams) | 177 | 194 |
| Screen Size (inches) | 5.8 OLED Retina | 6.1 LCD Liquid Retina |
| Resolution (pixels) | 2436 x 1125 (458 ppi) | 1792 x 828 (326 ppi) |
| Battery Capacity (mAh) | 2658 | 2942 |
| Casing Material | Surgical Stainless Steel + Glass | Aerospace Aluminum + Glass |
The Design Philosophy Behind Their Sizes
Apple designed these two models with distinct target audiences in mind while maintaining an overall cohesive look.
The iPhone XS represents Apple’s premium flagship line with attention to compactness without sacrificing power or display quality. Its smaller form factor appeals to users who prefer sleek devices that don’t overwhelm their hands or pockets but still deliver top-tier performance.
Meanwhile, the iPhone XR was introduced as a more affordable option that still offers many flagship features but compromises slightly on materials and display tech to hit a lower price point—including opting for an LCD panel instead of OLED.
Its larger size aligns well with users who want bigger screens for multimedia consumption yet don’t want to splurge on pricier models like the XS Max or newer Pro lines.
The Role of Thickness in Perceived Size Differences
While height and width differences between these two phones are noticeable but manageable for most users, thickness plays an underrated role in how bulky a device feels day-to-day.
At 8.3 mm thick compared to the XS’s slimmer 7.7 mm profile, the XR feels chunkier when held alongside its sibling model—even if just by less than a millimeter numerically.
This extra thickness accommodates its larger battery and slightly different internal components required by its LCD screen technology as well as ensuring durability standards are met despite using aluminum rather than stainless steel frames.
Casing Colors & Visual Impact on Size Perception
Both phones come in various colors that subtly influence how their sizes appear visually:
- The iPhone XS offers classic shades like Silver, Space Gray, and Gold—colors that emphasize elegance without drawing too much attention.
- The iPhone XR comes in vibrant hues including Blue, Coral, Yellow, White, Black, and Red—these bright colors can make its larger frame feel more playful or bold rather than bulky.
Color psychology plays into perceived size; lighter colors tend to make objects appear bigger while darker tones give slimming effects visually—even if actual dimensions remain unchanged.
User Preferences Based on Size & Weight Considerations
Choosing between these models often boils down to personal preferences related to device handling:
- Those favoring lighter devices that fit snugly into pockets might lean toward the smaller-sized iPhone XS.
- Users prioritizing longer battery life coupled with bigger screens for streaming or gaming may prefer sacrificing some portability for comfort offered by iPhone XR’s larger frame.
Practical considerations like case availability also come into play since bulkier phones sometimes require thicker cases that add further heft or size changes post-purchase.
To sum it all up: No, an iPhone XS and XR are not the same size.
While they share design DNA and some overlapping features, their physical dimensions clearly set them apart—the XR is taller, wider, thicker, and heavier than the more compact XS model.
This difference affects handling comfort, portability, screen viewing experience, battery life potential—and ultimately who each phone suits best based on lifestyle needs rather than just specs alone.
Understanding these nuances helps buyers make informed decisions beyond marketing jargon or superficial similarities between Apple’s smartphone lineup from that era.
Choosing between them means balancing priorities like pocket-friendliness versus immersive display size—and knowing precisely how those millimeters matter makes all the difference when you hold either device in your hand every day!
Key Takeaways: Is An iPhone XS And XR The Same Size?
➤ iPhone XS is smaller and lighter than the iPhone XR.
➤ iPhone XR has a larger screen but a thicker body.
➤ Both phones have similar height but differ in width and depth.
➤ The XR offers longer battery life due to its bigger size.
➤ Size differences affect hand feel and pocket fit noticeably.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is An iPhone XS And XR The Same Size Physically?
No, the iPhone XS and XR are not the same size. The iPhone XR is larger and thicker, measuring 150.9 mm tall, 75.7 mm wide, and 8.3 mm thick compared to the XS’s 143.6 mm height, 70.9 mm width, and 7.7 mm thickness.
How Do Screen Sizes Compare Between An iPhone XS And XR?
The iPhone XS has a 5.8-inch Super Retina OLED display, while the XR features a larger 6.1-inch Liquid Retina LCD screen. Despite the XR’s bigger screen, the overall phone size difference is more noticeable due to bezel thickness and body dimensions.
Does The Size Difference Affect How An iPhone XS And XR Feel In Hand?
Yes, the smaller and lighter iPhone XS offers a more compact feel ideal for one-handed use. The larger and heavier iPhone XR feels bulkier but provides a bigger display better suited for media consumption.
Are There Weight Differences Between An iPhone XS And XR Due To Size?
The iPhone XS weighs about 177 grams, while the XR is heavier at approximately 194 grams. This weight difference corresponds with the XR’s larger size and use of different materials in its construction.
Why Does An iPhone XR Have A Larger Body Despite Similar Screen Sizes To An XS?
The iPhone XR uses LCD technology requiring thicker bezels around its 6.1-inch screen, unlike the XS’s OLED display with minimal bezels. This results in a larger overall phone size even though their screen sizes are relatively close.