What are all the differences between the iPhone XR models? How many versions are there?

Please note that the iPhone XR models have been discontinued. This Q&A has been updated with the latest iOS support details and more and can be quite useful to anyone buying one of these devices on the used market.

If you thought the iPhone XR options differ only by color and capacity, you might be surprised to learn that there actually are four unique iPhone XR models available in different locations around the world. Each of these models originally were offered in six colors and three capacities (and two capacities from September 10, 2019 to September 14, 2021).

To make differentiation more straightforward, EveryiPhone.com more specifically refers to the four different iPhone XR models as the iPhone XR (US/Canada), iPhone XR (Global), iPhone XR (Japan), and iPhone XR (China/Hong Kong).

Initially, it should be uncommon to encounter more than one of these in the same locale, but as they find their way around the world on the used market, it will be important to understand the differences in network support and SIM compatibility, which are significant. Understanding the similarities among the four models is worthwhile, too.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone XR Lineup)

External Similarities & Differences

All four iPhone XR models use the same external case design made from "aerospace grade" 7000 series aluminum with a glass front and back. They are splash, water, and dust-resistant to the IP67 standard, but not fully waterproof.

The iPhone XR also has "wireless" -- or more precisely inductive -- charging capability, as well as stereo speakers, a Lightning port, and a side-mounted Nano SIM access panel on the right side. All models support dual SIMs, but the A2108 China/Hong Kong model is the only one with dual physical Nano SIMs with others supporting one physical and one eSIM.

The iPhone XR models all have two cameras. On the front -- tucked in the "notch" at the top -- is a 7 megapixel "TrueDepth" camera that supports "Advanced Face ID" authentication, augmented reality (AR), still photos, and 1080p video. It also has software support for Portrait mode, Portrait lighting, and more. The rear camera is a 12 megapixel wide angle camera (f/1.8 aperture) that supports optical image stabilization and takes still photos as well as 4K photos and video.

Additionally, the iPhone XR has a haptic-touch capable 6.1" LCD "Liquid Retina HD" display (1792x828, 326 ppi, 1400:1 contrast ratio). This is not an OLED and it does not support 3D Touch, either.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (iPhone XR Color Options)

All models have a black front with a modest rounded "lip" around the display edge and a back available in six color options -- white, black, (royal) blue, yellow, coral (salmon), and (PRODUCT) RED.

Identification Differences

It can be difficult to differentiate between the iPhone XR and earlier and later models. It is not possible to identify specific iPhone XR models this way, either.

One relatively easy way to uniquely identify the iPhone XR models is by the Model Number listed on the cardboard shipping box and within the iOS "Settings" app.

For the purpose of this Q&A, it is sufficient to note that the following model numbers refer to these devices:

iPhone Model	Model No
iPhone XR (US/Canada)	A1984
iPhone XR (Global)	A2105
iPhone XR (Japan)	A2106
iPhone XR (China/Hong Kong)	A2108

EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iLookup feature also can precisely identify these iPhone models by Order Number (referred to as "Model" within the iOS "Settings" app under General > About), and their Serial Numbers, as well.

Wireless Connectivity & Data Differences

All four iPhone XR models support FDD-LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, and 66; TD-LTE bands 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, and 46; as well as UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1700/2100, 1900, 2100 MHz); GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz); 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.0.

Other connectivity differs accordingly:

iPhone Model	Identifier	Differing Connectivity
iPhone XR (US/Canada)	A1984	FDD-LTE 32, 71 CDMA EV-DO Rev. A
iPhone XR (Global)	A2105	FDD-LTE 28
iPhone XR (Japan)	A2106	FDD-LTE 11, 21, 28, 66 TD-LTE 42 CDMA EV-DO Rev. A
iPhone XR (China/Hong Kong)	A2108	FDD-LTE 32, 71 CDMA EV-DO Rev. A TD-SCDMA 1900 (F), 2000 (A)

To reiterate, all of these models support dual SIMs, but only the China/Hong Kong-specific model -- the A2108 -- has dual hardware Nano SIMs. The other three models have one hardware Nano SIM and one eSIM in software.

Internal & Battery Life Similarities

All four iPhone XR models use a 2.49 GHz six core "A12 Bionic chip" with a 64-bit architecture and a "next generation Neural Engine," have 3 GB of RAM, and the choice of either 64 GB, 128 GB, or 256 GB of flash storage. They each have an NFC (Near Field Communication) chip with reader mode to allow digital payments in conjunction with "Apple Pay" software, too.

The Japan-specific iPhone XR -- the A2108 -- is advertised to support Sony's FeliCa, as well.

All iPhone XR models pop out as much as 65 hours of audio playback, 25 hours of talk time, 15 hours of Internet use, and 16 hours of wireless video playback.

iOS Support Similarities

All iPhone XR models originally shipped with iOS 12. They are fully compatible with iOS 13, iOS 14, and iOS 15, as well.

The iPhone XR models also support iOS 16, but they do not support the Accessibility Detection, Live Captions, improved Depth of Field, and Visual Look Up features nor do they support Apple Music Sing (Karaoke); iOS 17, with the exception of the minor React with Your Hands; More Accurate Autocorrect in English, French, and Spanish; Inline Predictions (English); and Point and Speak features; and iOS 18 -- the current version of the iOS -- with the exception of the Apple Intelligence (AI), Messages via Satellite, Live audio transcriptions, Enhance Dialogue, Hands-free Unlock, Eye Tracking, and Music Haptics features.

iPhone XR Comparison Chart

These differences -- identifiers, network support, SIM compatibility, and target countries -- along with pricing details are summarized below:

	US/Canada	Global	Japan	China
Model No:	A1984	A2105	A2106	A2108
FDD-LTE:	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 32, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 66	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 66, 71
TD-LTE:	34, 38, 39, 40, 41	34, 38, 39, 40, 41	34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42	34, 38, 39, 40, 41
TD-SCDMA:	No	No	No	Yes
EV-DO:	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
FeliCa:	No	No	Yes	No
SIM 1:	Nano	Nano	Nano	Nano
SIM 2:	eSIM	eSIM	eSIM	Nano
Region:	US/Canada	Global†	Japan	China
Orig. Price§:	US$749 US$799 US$899	£749 £799 £899	¥84,800 ¥90,800 ¥101,800	RMB 6,499 RMB 6,999 RMB 7,899
Final Price§:	US$599 US$649	£629 £679	¥64,800 ¥69,800	RMB 4,799 RMB 5,299

† This model is sold just about everywhere in the world except for the United States, Canada, Japan, China, and Hong Kong.

§ These prices are all unlocked and contract free. On September 10, 2019, Apple discontinued the 256 GB option and dropped the price of the remaining 64 GB and 128 GB options. The iPhone XR was discontinued entirely on September 14, 2021. A variety of carrier subsidized plans, trade-in deductions, and lease options also were available.

iPhone Purchase & Sale Options

There are many places to buy a used iPhone XR. However, buying your iPhone from an excellent business with a quality reputation -- and solid after sales support -- will provide the ideal experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurbished iPhone XR models with free shipping. On the other hand, if you need to sell an iPhone, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPhone with an instant quote and prompt payment.

Site sponsor OWC also sells high quality NuGuard KX cases for the iPhone XR. Because these models largely are glass, a protective case is a particularly good idea.

Please also see EveryiPhone.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPhone model to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad.