Why is the iPhone XR Thicker than iPhone 8 - An In-Depth Analysis

It is a common observation that the iPhone XR has a significantly thicker profile compared to its predecessors and other newer models. In fact, the thickness difference between the iPhone XR and the larger iPhone XS Max is just 0.6mm. However, multiple factors contribute to this increase in thickness. Let's delve into the reasons behind it.

Thickening of the iPhone XR: An Overview

The following table provides a quick comparison of the thickness of various iPhone models:

Model Thickness (mm) iPhone X 7.7 iPhone Xs 7.7 iPhone Xs Max 7.7 iPhone XR 8.3 iPhone 8 7.3 iPhone 8 Plus 7.5

Despite not being the most dramatic in terms of thickness, the iPhone XR's increased profile is primarily due to the following three key factors.

Design Decisions and Factors Contributing to Increased Thickness

Single-Layer Motherboard Design

The first key factor contributing to the iPhone XR's thickness is its single-layer motherboard design. Unlike the iPhone X, Xs, and Xs Max, which feature a double-layer motherboard, the iPhone XR opts for a simpler design. While this single-layer design theoretically shouldn't increase thickness, Apple needed to accommodate a dual-SIM card slot, which inherently adds to the profile of the device. Therefore, the thickening of the card slot is not directly attributed to the overall thickening of the iPhone XR, and the single-layer motherboard design actually aids in reducing the thickness of the entire phone.

Battery Capacity and Space Requirements

The second factor is the increase in battery capacity. The iPhone XR boasts a 2,941 mAh battery, which is 30 minutes longer in theoretical battery life compared to the iPhone Xs Max. This increase in battery capacity necessitates a larger internal space, leading to more pressing demands on the stacking of internal components.

LCD Screen Technology

The most critical factor behind the iPhone XR's thickness is the adoption of an LCD screen. Despite Apple removing the 3D Touch module during the design process, the thickness of the screen module in the iPhone XR reached 2.46 mm. LCD screens have a natural disadvantage in thickness compared to AMOLED or OLED screens. The COF packaging process, where the IC chip is integrated on a flexible circuit board (FPC) and bent to the bottom of the screen, further amplifies this thickness. Additionally, to minimize the 'chin' at the bottom of the display, Apple extended the display connection cable from the screen and extended it from the left. This transfer of the touch cable also contributes to the increased space occupied at the bottom of the screen.

The use of a glass back cover, which is far thicker than a metal back cover, and the integration of wireless charging technology are additional factors that significantly increase the overall thickness of the iPhone XR.

In conclusion, the iPhone XR's increased thickness is a result of design decisions aimed at balancing multiple factors such as battery life, screen technology, and user experience. This analysis should help you understand the nuanced reasons behind the thickened profile of this model.