Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone XR
Compare Apple iPhone 12 vs Apple iPhone XR side by side: Apple A14 Bionic vs Apple A12 Bionic, 12MP vs 12MP camera, 2815mAh vs 2942mAh battery, $699 vs $329…
Apple
iPhone 12
$699
13categories won
Apple
iPhone XR
$329
3categories won
4 categories tied · 20 scored in total · add a third phone
Which one wins?
Apple iPhone 12 takes the overall win
The Apple iPhone 12 claims the overall win over the Apple iPhone XR, delivering a stronger technical package across gaming and photography. For battery longevity and charging speed, the iPhone XR takes the lead, while the iPhone 12 is the clear choice for demanding 3D gaming and heavy multitasking. Choose the iPhone 12 if you want the highest performance ceiling, or opt for the iPhone XR if its lower retail price better fit your budget.
iPhone XR takes battery honors offering 2,942 mAh alongside 15W charging.
iPhone 12 leads gaming and raw performance powered by the Apple A14 Bionic and 4GB RAM.
iPhone 12 wins photography with 12MP main imaging.
iPhone XR wins on budget and value at $329 compared to $699.
Category verdicts are computed algorithmically from verified technical specifications and hardware benchmarks. Rows where neither figure is objectively better — screen size preference, operating system choice, aesthetic build materials — are displayed for direct reference without scoring bias.
iPhone 12 vs iPhone XR: specifications compared
Display
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 6.1" | 6.1" |
| Resolution | 1170 x 2532Winner | 828 x 1792 |
| Pixel density | 457 ppiWinner | 324 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness | 1200 nitsWinner | 625 nits |
Performance
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic | Apple A12 Bionic |
| Process node | 5 nmWinner | 7 nm |
| AnTuTu score | 3,200,000Winner | 650,000 |
| Geekbench multi | 10800Winner | 3280 |
| Maximum RAM | 4 GBWinner | 3 GB |
| Maximum storage | 256GB | 256GB |
Camera
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Main sensor | 12 MP | 12 MP |
| Rear cameras | 2Winner | 1 |
| Ultrawide | 12 MP | — |
| Selfie camera | 12 MPWinner | 7 MP |
| Max video | 4K at 60fps Dolby Vision | 4K at 60fps stereo recording |
Battery and charging
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 2,815 mAh | 2,942 mAhWinner |
| Wired charging | 20 WWinner | 15 W |
| Wireless charging | 15 WWinner | 7.5 W |
Design
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 164 gWinner | 194 g |
| Thickness | 7.4 mmWinner | 8.3 mm |
| Water resistance | IP68 | IP67 |
| Build | Ceramic Shield front, glass back and aluminum design | 7000-series aerospace aluminum frame, glass back and front |
Software and support
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | iOS 14.1, upgradable to iOS 18 | iOS 12 |
| OS updates | 6 years | 6 years |
| Security updates | 6 years | 7 yearsWinner |
Connectivity and value
| Specification | iPhone 12 | iPhone XR |
|---|---|---|
| 5G | Yes | No |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be, tri-band 2.4/5/6GHz, 320MHz bandwidth) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| Storage expansion | None | None |
| 3.5mm jack | No | No |
| Launch price | $699 | $329Winner |
Apple iPhone 12
The Apple iPhone 12 upgraded the best-selling base model formula with a stunning Super Retina XDR OLED panel, Ceramic Shield glass, 5G capabilities, and featherlight 164g ergonomics.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A14 Bionic
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,815mAh
Apple iPhone XR
As one of the highest-selling smartphones in mobile history, the iPhone XR brought all-screen Face ID navigation, vibrant colorways, and remarkable battery longevity to a mainstream price bracket.
- Display
- 6.1"
- Chipset
- Apple A12 Bionic
- Main camera
- 12MP
- Battery
- 2,942mAh