iPhone XR pre-order THIS WEEK - Five things every Apple fan should know

APPLE’s new iPhone XR will be available to pre-order later this week and here’s what you need to know about this new smartphone.

By David Snelling, Technology Editor

Apple iPhone XR release

Apple iPhone XR release (Image: APPLE)

has had a busy few months.

The US technology firm released its flagship iPhone Xs last month and now its cheaper XR is about to hit stores.

This smartphone packs a fully edge-to-edge display, fast processor and upgraded camera at a price that’s over £200 less than its Xs sibling.

So, if you think this is the phone for you, here are five things to know before it goes on sale later this week.

What are the best features on the iPhone XR?

The iPhone XR offers an all-screen design that looks very similar to the flagship XS.

However, to keep costs down Apple has ditched the OLED panel found on the more expensive XS for an LCD screen.

But don't think that means a poor viewing experience.

Apple says its 6.1-inch Liquid Retina display is the most colour accurate in the industry, with wide colour support and True Tone for a more natural viewing experience.

Along with this big display, Apple has tucked the new A12 Bionic processor under the glass and metal body.

This is the fastest processor the US technology firm has ever created and is also much more efficient meaning an extended battery life.

Speaking of batteries, the XR can be charged wirelessly via a standard Qi dock.

With the screen covering the entire front of the phone there's no Touch ID home button with users now unlocking the XR with their face.

Face ID is faster and more secure with the front-facing TrueDepth camera system using precision depth-sensing technology to unlock iPhone.

Apple iPhone XR

The Apple iPhone XR is water resistant (Image: APPLE)

No dual-lens camera but don't panic about your photos.

Unlike the more expensive Xs and Xs Max there's no dual-lens snapper on the XR.

Instead, this device features a single 12-megapixel f/1.8 aperture wide-angle lens with an all-new sensor which Apple says delivers faster auto-focus, while larger and deeper pixels improve image fidelity and low-light performance on photos and videos.

Without that double camera, you may think this phone won't be able to produce stunning images with depth of field.

However, there's some clever software and algorithms on the XR which enable portrait photos with that all-important bokeh effect.

Smart HDR also brings better highlight and shadow detail across pictures taken on the device.

Plus the new Depth Control allows users to adjust the depth of field both in real-time preview and even after the image has been taken.

Selfies also get enhanced Portrait mode on the front-facing TrueDepth camera and there's Portrait Lighting for dramatic studio lighting effects.

Apple iPhone XR

Apple iPhone XR comes in six colours (Image: APPLE)

So when can you get this new iPhone?

Apple says the iPhone XR will be available to pre-order from this Friday, October 19.

Once your order has been placed the XR will be available to collect in store the following Friday, October 26.

How much does it cost?

There’s three options to choose from with a 64GB, 128GB and 256GB of storage all available at launch.

Prices start from £749 for the 64GB model and rise to £899 for the fully-loaded 256GB version.

There's no word on contract pricing yet but expect all the major mobile operators to announce news on deals in the coming days.

Apple unveils the brand new iPhone XS and iPhone XR

What colours can you buy?

iPhone XR comes in six new finishes: white, black, blue, yellow, coral and (PRODUCT)RED.

Apple says a seven-layer colour process gives the glass back beautiful nuanced hues, and the aluminium band and camera trim are colour matched to give a sophisticated finish.

It's worth noting that the phone is made of glass so a case may be recommended to keep it looking box fresh.

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