$100 iPhone XR in 2025 Can It Still Compete?

In a world where flagship smartphones easily cross the $1,000 mark, what if I told you that a $100 iPhone can still hold its ground? It sounds almost too good to be true. As an Android user, I decided to put this budget-friendly iPhone to the ultimate test. For two weeks, I ditched my high-end Android and committed to using this old iPhone as my daily driver. The results? A rollercoaster ride of surprises, frustrations, and unexpected moments of brilliance. Let’s break it all down.

iPhone XR in 2025

First Impressions: Can an Older iPhone Still Feel Modern?

Unboxing the device, I had my doubts. The design felt a bit outdated compared to the sleek edge-to-edge Android flagships I’m used to. The bezels were noticeably thicker, and the LCD display lacked the deep blacks of an OLED screen. But then came the first big surprise—this $100 iPhone was still eligible for the latest iOS 18 update. Apple’s commitment to software support is truly unparalleled. Meanwhile, many Android devices, even those costing five times as much, lose major updates after just a couple of years.

The setup process was smooth, and iOS 18 ran surprisingly well. It wasn’t lightning fast, but it wasn’t unbearably slow either. It was clear that while the hardware might be aging, Apple’s software optimization kept this device relevant.

What Works Amazingly Well?

1. Voice Input: The Future of Typing?

Typing is overrated—at least, that’s what I realized after using Apple’s voice input feature. With near-instant transcription and impressive accuracy, I found myself dictating texts, emails, and even blog drafts with ease. Unlike many Android voice assistants that cut you off mid-thought, Apple’s dictation patiently waits, letting me pause, think, and continue speaking naturally. This small feature alone boosted my productivity more than I expected.

2. Camera Quality: Still a Contender in 2025?

Here’s where I was blown away. A six-year-old iPhone camera should be outdated, right? Wrong. Straight out of the camera, the images looked crisp, vibrant, and well-balanced. Apple’s computational photography still works wonders, ensuring that dynamic range and skin tones look natural. When compared side by side, some Android flagships with bigger sensors still struggled with color accuracy and consistency.

For video, it was even more shocking. This old iPhone still recorded better-stabilized, color-accurate footage than some brand-new Android phones in its price range. Apple’s lead in smartphone video recording remains untouched.

3. Microphone Placement: Surprisingly Good for Content Creators

As a filmmaker, audio is crucial for me. Many budget smartphones fail miserably in this department, but this iPhone held up well. The microphone placement is directly under the main camera, meaning that audio pickup is well-balanced when recording videos. In most cases, I didn’t even need an external microphone—an impressive feat for such an old device.

4. Shutter Lag? Non-Existent!

One of the things I hate about some Android cameras is the slight delay when pressing the shutter button. You tap to capture a moment, but what you get is a photo taken a fraction of a second later. With this iPhone, that wasn’t an issue. Every shot was captured instantaneously, making it feel incredibly responsive.

The Downsides: Where This iPhone Falls Short

1. The Blackmagic Camera App: A Filmmaker’s Nightmare

As someone who shoots a lot of video content, I was eager to try the Blackmagic Camera app. It promised full manual control, better codecs, and more professional video settings. Unfortunately, iOS security restrictions caused frequent crashes and recording interruptions. Whether it was an iOS 18 bug or an app compatibility issue, it made filming frustrating. I hope future updates fix this.

2. Slow Scrolling & Odd UI Quirks

One unexpected annoyance was how slow scrolling felt compared to my high-refresh-rate Android phone. While smooth, it lacked that ultra-fluid feel I had gotten used to. Also, iOS’s automatic app organization meant that sometimes apps moved around, making it harder to rely on muscle memory.

3. Siri’s Inconsistencies: AI, But Not That Smart

I’ve always been skeptical of Siri, and this experience didn’t change my mind. While Apple’s voice input was stellar, Siri as a virtual assistant was hit-or-miss. Sometimes, it provided detailed responses. Other times, it gave me vague or even hilariously incorrect answers. Compared to Google Assistant, Siri still has a long way to go.

Final Verdict: Is a $100 iPhone Worth It in 2025?

Absolutely—if you set your expectations right. This budget-friendly iPhone isn’t going to outperform a flagship device, but it still delivers a shockingly solid experience. Its camera, microphone, voice input, and software support make it one of the best options in its price range.

Would I switch permanently? Probably not. But if you’re looking for a reliable backup phone, a starter smartphone for kids, or just a budget-friendly device that works, this might just be the best $100 you’ll ever spend.

iPhone XR in 2025