iPhone XS vs. XS Max vs. XR: 2018 iPhone buying guide

The iPhone X is gone. Which iPhone should you buy now? Let us help you decide.

James Martin/CNET

So you'd like to buy either an iPhone XS, XS Max or iPhone XR and you're not sure which one to get. Totally fair! This year's iPhone line is arguably the most confusing ever, because the three new models are so closely matched. The 5.8-inch iPhone XS and 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max have almost identical hardware (the Max has a larger battery), but the 6.1-inch iPhone XR is just different enough to throw a monkey wrench into your buying plans.

The iPhone XR has a single rear camera instead of two (no 2x optical zoom here), a comparatively lower resolution LCD screen instead of OLED, and it lacks the 512GB storage option of the XS models. But before you cross it off the list, note its many comparative advantages: Its 6.1-inch screen is biggerthan that of the standard iPhone XS (and last year's iPhone X), and Apple says it has the longest lasting battery life of the three.

It's got the same speedy processor, and that single rear camera has a new software version of portrait mode, that fancy SLR-style camera effect that blurs the backgrounds of headshots. The XR also comes in some fun, exclusive color choices.

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The iPhone XS in gold is sleek, shiny and smooth

Best of all, the iPhone XR starts $250 less than the iPhone XS, making it the most affordable new iPhone of 2018. But here's the rub: While the XS models are available now, the iPhone XR won't arrive until Oct. 26. That's why we strongly advise iPhone shoppers wait until we've reviewed that model before making a final decision-- we want to make sure it's as great a value in real world tests as it sounds like it is on paper.

Read: iPhone XS review

Read: iPhone XS Max review

Read: Why you should wait for the iPhone XR

That said, we know many of you JUST CAN'T WAIT, so we've answered some of the "which should I buy" questions below.

Watch this: iPhone XS: Why it's harder than ever to pick the best...

4:51 

If you want...

The absolute biggest screen: iPhone XS Max

2x optical zoom and no-compromise camera: iPhone XS or XS Max

Most affordable new iPhone: iPhone XR

iPhone with home button and Touch ID : iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 phones are still around, with price cuts

If you feel tempted to save money on the now-discounted iPhone 8 Plus...

...and having a home button on your iPhone isn't important to you, resist! Spend $50 more for iPhone XR, at the very least. You'll get a much faster processor, better photography, longer battery life and fast Face ID.

Watch this: iPhone XS Max: Should you go bigger?

3:46 

If you have a really old iPhone and want the best budget iPhone option

A factory refurbished iPhone 7 will save you hundreds. Its software is just as secure and up-to-date as the iPhone XS, and this 2016 flagship is still an above-average phone. (Pro tip: Spend up for the 128GB version. You'll thank us later.)

You could also get an iPhone SE, which is downright dainty compared to the iPhone XS and XS Max. Keep in mind that you'll have to buy it through carriers and other retailers. Apple has pulled it -- and the iPhone X -- from the Apple store. It's also got a comparatively restrained price, selling for $350, £249 and AU$699.

The iPhone XR brings a welcome splash of color to iPhone's lineup.James Martin/CNET

If you're not sold on the iPhone and want alternatives

The best Android phones right now include the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus and Galaxy Note 9. There's also the terrifically-priced OnePlus 6. If you live outside the US, Huawei's P20 and P20 Pro are excellent phones on par with Samsung's finest.

For the budget-minded, the Motorola G6 and Moto E5 families deliver outstanding value for price. And if you want a small phone, the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact is really the only diminutive way you can go.

Read also: How to buy a new phone in 2018

Still Android-curious? You're in luck

We have no fewer than four major global phone launches in October alone. These are all premium handsets with the latest and greatest specs, likely in the camera department. The Pixel 3 especially has the opportunity to make some striking gains over last year's impressive Pixel 2. It's worth waiting to see if Google's able to repeat its photo magic, especially compared to Apple's iPhone XS camera gains.

LG V40 ThinQ: Oct. 3

Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL (expected): Oct. 9

OnePlus 6T: October

Huawei Mate 20: Oct. 16

IPHONE XR, XS, XS MAX SPECS

	iPhone XR	iPhone XS	iPhone XS Max
Display size, resolution	6.1-inch LCD Retina Display; 1,792x828 pixels	5.8-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,436x1,125 pixels	6.5-inch Super Retina OLED; 2,688x1,242 pixels
Pixel density	326 ppi	458 ppi	458 ppi
Dimensions (Inches)	5.9x3.0x0.33 in	5.7x2.8x0.3 in	6.2x3.0x.3 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)	150.9x75.7x8.3 mm	143.6x70.9x7.7 mm	157.5x77.4x7.7 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	6.8oz; 194g	6.24 oz; 177g	7.3oz; 208g
Mobile software	iOS 12	iOS 12	iOS 12
Camera	Single 12-megapixel	Dual 12-megapixel	Dual 12-megapixel
Front-facing camera	7-megapixel with Face ID	7-megapixel with Face ID	7-megapixel with Face ID
Video capture	4K	4K	4K
Processor	Apple A12 Bionic	Apple A12 Bionic	Apple A12 Bionic
Storage	64GB, 128GB, 256GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB	64GB, 256GB, 512GB
RAM	N/A	N/A	N/A
Expandable storage	None	None	None
Battery	N/A, but Apple claims it will last 90 min. longer than iPhone 8 Plus	N/A, but Apple claims it will last 30 min. longer than iPhone X	N/A, but Apple claims it will last 90 min. longer than iPhone X
Fingerprint sensor	None (Face ID)	None (Face ID)	None (Face ID)
Connector	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning
Headphone jack	No	No	No
Special features	Water-resistant: IP67, dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging; Face ID, Animoji	Water-resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging; Face ID, Animoji	Water-resistant (IP68); dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM); wireless charging; Face ID, Animoji
Price off-contract (USD)	$749 (64GB), $799 (128GB), $899 (256GB)	$999 (64GB), $1,149 (256GB), $1,349 (512GB)	$1,099 (64GB), $1,249 (256GB), $1,449 (512GB)
Price (GBP)	£749 (64GB), £799 (128GB), £899 (256GB)	£999 (64GB), £1,149 (256GB), £1,349 (512GB)	$1,099 (64GB), $1,249 (256GB), $1,449 (512GB)
Price (AUD)	AU$1,229 (64GB), AU$1,299 (128GB), AU$1,479 (256GB)	AU$1,629 (64GB), AU$1,879 (256GB), AU$2,199 (512GB)	AU$1,799 (64GB), AU$2,049 (256GB), AU$2,369 (512GB)