iPhone XR Slow Motion: Specs & How to Use

The iPhone XR records slow-motion video at 1080p HD at 120 frames per second (fps) or 240 fps. You can switch between these two rates in the Camera app, and the resulting clips play back at a dramatically reduced speed, perfect for capturing fast action.

What the iPhone XR Camera Can Do

The iPhone XR has a single 12-megapixel wide camera with an f/1.8 aperture. For slow motion, it offers two specific recording modes:

• 1080p HD at 120 fps – This is the default setting and gives you a 4x slow-down effect when played back at the standard 30 fps.
• 1080p HD at 240 fps – This doubles the frame rate, giving you an 8x slow-down effect. It requires more light, so it works best outdoors or in bright indoor settings.

Unlike the iPhone XS and XS Max, the XR does not support 4K slow motion. The maximum resolution is 1080p, which is still sharp for social media and most personal projects.

How to Turn On Slow Motion on iPhone XR

Using the Slo-Mo mode is straightforward, but the frame rate setting is hidden in the system settings, not in the camera app. Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Tap Record Slo-mo.
4. Choose either 1080p HD at 120 fps or 1080p HD at 240 fps.
5. Open the Camera app, swipe to Slo-Mo mode (next to Video), and press the red record button.

You can also tap the frame-rate indicator on the screen while in Slo-Mo mode to switch between 120 and 240 fps on the fly, but this only works if you have both options enabled in Settings.

How Slow Motion Actually Works

Slow motion is achieved by recording video at a high frame rate and then playing it back at a standard rate. The iPhone XR captures 120 or 240 individual frames per second. When you play that footage back at 30 fps (the standard playback speed), each second of real time stretches into 4 or 8 seconds of video. The iPhone automatically handles this conversion when you record in Slo-Mo mode. You can also edit the start and end points of the slow-motion effect in the Photos app, so only the most dramatic part of the clip is slowed down.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Users often report a few issues with slow motion on the iPhone XR. Here are the most common ones and what to do:

• Video looks choppy or stutters: This usually happens when recording in 240 fps in low light. The camera needs more light to maintain the high frame rate. Move to a brighter area or switch to 120 fps.
• Slow motion is not available: If the Slo-Mo option is greyed out, your iPhone storage might be full. Check your available space in Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
• Video plays back at normal speed: Make sure you are actually in Slo-Mo mode when recording. If you record in Video mode, it will not be slow motion. Also, check that the frame rate is set to 120 or 240 fps in Settings.
• File size is too large: 240 fps video takes up significantly more storage than 120 fps. A 30-second clip at 240 fps can be around 200-300 MB. Transfer clips to a computer or cloud storage to free up space.

iPhone XR vs. Other iPhones for Slow Motion

The iPhone XR is often compared to the iPhone XS and the later iPhone 11. Here is a quick comparison of slow-motion capabilities:

• iPhone XR: 1080p at 120 or 240 fps.
• iPhone XS / XS Max: Same 1080p at 120 or 240 fps. No advantage in this specific area.
• iPhone 11: Adds 4K at 60 fps for regular video, but slow motion remains 1080p at 120 or 240 fps.
• iPhone 12 and newer: Introduced 4K at 120 or 240 fps for slow motion, which is a significant upgrade in resolution.

So, for slow motion specifically, the XR is on par with the XS generation, but falls behind newer Pro models that offer 4K slow motion.

Tips for Better Slow Motion Footage

To get the best results from the iPhone XR’s slow-motion camera, keep these practical tips in mind:

• Use plenty of light: The higher the frame rate, the more light is needed. Shoot outdoors on a sunny day or in a well-lit room.
• Keep the camera steady: Even slight shakes are more noticeable in slow motion. Use both hands or a tripod if possible.
• Focus on the action: Tap on the subject to lock focus and exposure before recording. This prevents the camera from hunting for focus during the shot.
• Record in 120 fps for everyday use: It uses less storage and works better in moderate light. Save 240 fps for very fast action like a water balloon popping or a golf swing.
• Edit in the Photos app: After recording, open the video, tap Edit, and drag the white bars to choose which part of the clip is slow motion. You can also adjust the start and end frames.

Storage and File Size Considerations

Slow-motion video files are large because they contain many more frames per second than regular video. Here is a rough guide to what you can expect:

• A 1-minute clip at 1080p and 120 fps uses approximately 350-400 MB.
• A 1-minute clip at 1080p and 240 fps uses approximately 700-800 MB.

If you plan to record a lot of slow motion, make sure you have enough free storage. The iPhone XR was sold with 64, 128, or 256 GB of storage. If you have a 64 GB model, you will run out of space quickly. Consider offloading clips to iCloud, Google Photos, or a computer after filming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the iPhone XR record 4K slow motion?

No. The iPhone XR is limited to 1080p HD for slow motion. 4K slow motion was introduced with the iPhone 12 Pro models. If 4K slow motion is essential, you would need a newer iPhone.

Why does my slow motion video look dark?

This is almost always a lighting issue. When the camera records at 240 fps, the shutter speed is very fast, which lets in less light. To compensate, the image can become darker. Move to a brighter location or reduce the frame rate to 120 fps.

How do I change the slow motion speed after recording?

Open the video in the Photos app, tap Edit, and you will see a timeline at the bottom with vertical white lines. Drag these lines to set the start and end of the slow-motion section. The video outside those lines will play at normal speed.

Does the iPhone XR have a telephoto lens for slow motion?

No. The iPhone XR has a single wide-angle lens. The telephoto lens is only on the iPhone XS, XS Max, and later Pro models. All slow-motion recording on the XR uses the wide camera.

Can I use slow motion in low light without a flash?

You can, but the quality will be poor. The iPhone XR does not have a flash for video recording. In low light, the camera will increase the ISO, which introduces noise and reduces sharpness. It is best to avoid low-light slow motion or use an external light source.

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