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Meet the 2019 iPhone XR, Apple's dual-camera budget flagship

By Joshua Swingle

Updated: May 08, 2019, 8:44 AM

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iOS Apple

Although the iPhone XS and XS Max represent the best of Apple, the best-selling model at the moment is actually the iPhone XR. This phone, like its premium siblings, will be receiving a substantial upgrade later this year. And today, with four months to go, Steve Hemmerstoffer has partnered up with Pricebaba to showcase what the 2019 iPhone XR might look like.

The 2019 iPhone XR gains an extra camera on the rear

Like the iPhone XI and iPhone XI Max that leaked a few weeks ago, the 2019 iPhone XR (iPhone XR 2? iPhone XT?) looks set to adopt a large square-shaped camera module over on the rear. This marks a pretty big change in direction for the line – last year’s iPhone XR includes just one small camera in the top-left corner – but it does better align the smartphone’s look with those of Apple’s upcoming premium offerings.

Occupying the extra space, as previous rumored, is an extra camera. According to reports, Apple’s 2019 budget flagship will borrow its sensors from the more expensive models. This means the primary camera should boasts a 12-megapixel resolution once again, while the second camera is rumored to introduce a 2x telephoto zoom lens into the mix.

Meet the 2019 iPhone XR, Apple's dual-camera budget flagship

Completing the entire camera setup should be a quad-LED flash towards the right side of the sensors and a small microphone. Unfortunately, the super-wide-angle camera expected on the iPhone XI series isn’t present. On some final notes, it’s worth pointing out that the thickness of the 2019 iPhone XR’s camera bump is claimed to be minimal. Additionally, on all versions the glass inside the camera area will apparently match the color of the rear.

Zero changes have been made to the front or sides

Turning the phone over and taking a look at the front, there’s no need to be alarmed if you can’t notice any differences. That’s because the 2019 iPhone XR reportedly adopts the same 6.1-inch LCD display found on the current-gen model. From the look of these renders, no efforts have been made to slim down the bezels. Moreover, the notch on this particular iPhone design hasn’t been modified either.

Once again, the notch is expected to house Apple’s Face ID sensors, an in-ear speaker, and the usual selfie camera. This time around, though, the latter is rumored to be receiving an upgrade to a 12-megapixel sensor, as is expected on the iPhone XI and XI Max. Also, a special black coating on top of the notch is apparently included in an attempt to create a sleeker look.

Moving away from the front and over to the sides, the 2019 iPhone XR maintains the aluminum frame found on last year's model. Presumably, this choice is a combination of cost-cutting measures on Apple's part and the need to differentiate the model from premium offerings – the iPhone XI lineup features a stainless steel frame. Another noticeable difference versus the premium alternatives is the mute switch, which in this case hasn't been redesigned and looks just like the one found on Apple's current models.

Rounding out Apple's 2019 iPhone XR design is a Lightning connector along the bottom rather than a USB-C port, an elongated power button which doubles as a Siri button on the right, and the volume keys on the left.

2019 iPhone XR release date and availability

The 2019 iPhone XR, like most other iPhones that precede it, should made its official debut at Apple's annual hardware event in early September. Sales of the smartphone are expected to kick off during the third week of the month and the device will most likely be available to purchase at all major carriers.

Aside from the features mentioned above, the upcoming model is expected to ship with Apple's A13 chip on the inside along with a larger battery and fast charger. The iPhone is also expected to arrive with iOS 13 on board, the upcoming version of Apple's mobile operating system which leaked just a few days ago.