Smartphones18.09.2018

Apple’s “affordable” iPhone is still more expensive than all these awesome Android flagships

iPhone Xr 1

Apple recently launched its new iPhone Xs and iPhone Xs Max flagship devices, along with a cheaper smartphone named the iPhone Xr.

With its lower-resolution LCD display and single primary camera, the iPhone Xr is Apple’s new “budget” device aimed at users who can’t fork out the cash for its new high-end iPhones.

The iPhone Xr does retain some features of iPhone Xs, however, including the front camera array and A12 Bionic chipset.

Apple’s iPhone Xr will be available in South Africa from 26 October 2018, and will include dual-SIM support via eSIM technology.

The specifications of Apple’s “more affordable” iPhone are listed below.


iPhone Xr – $749

iPhone Xr

Apple iPhone Xr
OS iOS 12
Display 6.1-inch Liquid Retina (1,792 x 828)
Processor A12 Bionic
Storage 64GB/128GB/256GB
Rear Camera 12MP f/1.8
Front Camera 7MP f/2.2
Ports Lightning
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Cellular LTE
Durability IP67
Biometrics FaceID
Dimensions 150.9 x 75.7 x 8.3 mm / 194g

Despite being priced as a more affordable option, the iPhone Xr is still quite expensive.

The device will be available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB versions, and is priced as follows in the US:

  • iPhone Xr 64GB – $749
  • iPhone Xr 128GB – $799
  • iPhone Xr 256GB – $899

In fact, with a price tag of $749, the iPhone Xr is more expensive than Samsung’s Galaxy S9 was at launch.

This means that for the price of Apple’s “affordable” iPhone, you can get a latest-generation Android flagship smartphone with an OLED display.

We have listed a number of new Android flagships which are priced lower than the iPhone Xr in the US. We converted local pricing to dollars when international pricing was not available.


Samsung Galaxy S9 – $720

Samsung Galaxy S9

Samsung Galaxy S9
OS Android 8.0
Display 5.8-inch (1,440 x 2,160) AMOLED
Processor Samsung Exynos 9810
Storage 64GB/128GB/256GB, microSD up to 512GB
RAM 4GB
Rear Camera 12MP f/1.5-2.4
Front Camera 8MP f/1.7
Ports USB Type-C, 3.5mm audio jack
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Cellular LTE
Durability IP68
Biometrics Iris scanner, fingerprint sensor, face scanning
Dimensions 147.7 x 68.7 x 8.5mm (163g)

Huawei P20 – $734

Huawei P20

Huawei P20
OS Android 8.1
Display 5.8-inch (1,080 x 2,160) IPS LCD
Processor HiSilicon Kirin 970
Storage 128GB
RAM 4GB
Rear Camera 12MP f/1.8 + 20MP f/1.6
Front Camera 24MP f/2.0
Ports USB Type-C
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC
Cellular LTE
Durability IP52
Biometrics Fingerprint
Dimensions 149.1 x 70.8 x 7.7mm / 165g

Google Pixel 2 – $649

Google Pixel 2

Google Pixel 2
OS Android 9.0
Display 5.0-inch (1,080 x 1,920) AMOLED
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Storage 64GB/128GB
RAM 4GB
Rear Camera 12.2MP f/1.8
Front Camera 8MP f/2.4
Ports USB Type-C
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Cellular LTE
Durability IP67
Biometrics Fingerprint
Dimensions 145.7 x 69.7 x 7.8mm / 143g

Essential PH-1 – $499

Essential Header

Essential PH-1
OS Android 9.0
Display 5.71-inch (1,312 x 2,560) IPS LCD
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Storage 128GB
RAM 4GB
Rear Camera 13MP f/1.9
Front Camera 8MP f/2.2
Ports USB Type-C
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Cellular LTE
Durability IP54
Biometrics Fingerprint
Dimensions 141.5 x 71.1 x 7.8mm / 185g

Nokia 8 Sirocco – $575

Nokia 8 Sirocco

Nokia 8 Sirocco
OS Android 8.0
Display 5.5-inch (1,440 x 2,560) OLED
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
Storage 128GB
RAM 6GB
Rear Camera 12MP f/1.8 + 13MP f/2.6
Front Camera 5MP f/2.0
Ports USB Type-C
Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC
Cellular LTE
Durability IP67
Biometrics Fingerprint
Dimensions 140.9 x 73 x 7.5mm / 177g

Now read: Huge demand for 512GB Samsung Galaxy Note 9

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