Is the iPhone XR the triumphant return of the iPhone 5c?

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Given that it is an 'S' year in iPhone releases with the expected bump in features and functionality plus the availability of a larger size, this week's iPhone event really did give us a lot to consider.

iPhone buyers now have a plethora of choices (none of which feature a headphone jack) in terms of new iPhones. The iPhone XS improves on the design and performance of iPhone X and the iPhone XS Max supersizes this new notched and edge-to-edge design.

These are both flagship devices and the most expensive iPhones ever shipped, even if they are also the most capacious, with storage going up to a whopping 512GB on some models.

The iPhone XR, however, is the release that is likely going to draw the most attention. Following the Pro and Consumer strategy used by Apple to differentiate their MacBooks as well as their iPads, the iPhone XR fits in nicely as a more practical and somewhat affordable option.

The iPhone XR shares the general look of the iPhone X but it sports an LCD display which is larger (the largest LCD display on any iPhone at 6.1-inches. Available in an assortment of colours, including a striking product (red) variant, iPhone Xr looks energetic, playful, and fun even if it is just as performant as the iPhone Xs since they share the same Apple A12 Bionic processor

The iPhone XR feels like the successor to the iPhone 5c, Apple's more affordable device that shipped alongside iPhone 5s. The iPhone 5c only stuck around for one generation, but it was a key product for adopters coming off BlackBerry or Android devices. It was priced lower, had enough of the new features to entice users, and was a more attractive option for younger users.

I was a big fan of the iPhone 5c, I particularly liked the look of the white variant which I used until the battery petered out.

The iPhone Xr is similarly important to Apple for the same reasons. It is a viable option to customers coming off contract who would have otherwise bought a iPhone 8 or iPhone 7.

The larger screen, which may not be for everyone, makes it a more viable handheld computer. This is key in countries where smartphones are the primary means of computing.

Despite its use of more affordable materials (an LCD display instead of OLED, aluminum instead of stainless steel, no 3D touch). I have not doubt that the iPhone XR will look and feel like any premium iPhone.

The iPhone Xr is also the newest looking iPhone we've seen in a while with bright colours and the larger size making it an easy choice for anyone wanting an attractive and capable mobile device.

Are you excited for the new iPhone XR? Which colour do you think will be more popular when the devices ship next week?