‘Newphoria’ — Apple’s new catchphrase to promote the iPhone 15 might have captured the mood of Apple die-hards who go through the temptation to upgrade their phone after each annual iPhone refresh. Apple unveiled four new iPhones as part of its big September event that also saw the debut of two new Apple Watches and an Apple AirPods Pro update. It’s not just Apple users who keep track of this annual event but also Android users who might have been on the fence. After each new September event, Apple rejigs its iPhone portfolio with price corrections on older models. We take you through the entire iPhone line-up.
As the iPhone 15 series prepares to launch in India on September 22, My Kolkata has compiled a guide for you to pick your next upgrade. This might be a great place to start if you’re likely to be swept by ‘newphoria’.
Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max
This one sits at the very top of the iPhone line-up. This year Apple differentiates the Pro and Pro Max models with two key differences other than size. The Pro Max version offers 5X zoom with a unique ‘tetraprism’ design and starts at 256GB (the Pro’s base variant offers 128GB of internal storage)
Who’s it for: Serious camera enthusiasts, power users (battery life is better than the smaller Pro) and gamers, and if you want to be spotted with the most expensive smartphone out there.
Price: Rs 1,59,000 onwards
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
This year’s Pro twins are finished in a titanium alloy case with an aluminium substructure. It doesn’t just add to the premium vibe but also makes them the lightest Pro models we’ve seen in a while. Apple has added a handy new ‘action’ button, a hot key that can be customised for any shortcut. Hardware upgrades include the all-new A17 Pro chip and an improved rear camera driven by a 48MP primary lens that comes with a larger sensor and coated lenses for fewer reflections
Who’s it for: Those who want the best iPhone in a more compact size with a stellar camera experience and who don’t need the heavy-duty battery.
Price: Rs 1,34,900 onwards
Apple iPhone 15 Plus
Apple’s ‘Plus size’ phones are battery champs. We’d recommend this if you’re moving from an Android device with a large screen and use your phone as your primary video screen. Both the iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Plus get a camera upgrade — the primary lens is now 48MP and gets a low light performance boost thanks to pixel binning.
Who’s it for: Heavy screen and multi-media users who need a dependable battery.
Price: Rs 89,900 onwards
Apple iPhone 15
The most affordable iPhone in the 2023 line-up comes with key updates over it’s predecessor. Apple has packed this phone with the zippy A16 Bionic chip from last year’s Pro twins and also added Dynamic Island — the unique pill-shaped cut-out that creates a slew of interaction capabilities. The other key update is USB-C charging, which features across the entire iPhone 15 line-up.
Who’s it for: Those who want a future-proof iPhone with the latest features like USB-C Charging and Dynamic Island, in a compact size.
Price: Rs 79,900 onwards
Apple iPhone 14 Plus and iPhone 14
Last year’s iPhone twins have seen a price correction and offer the same durability that we’ve come to expect from iPhones. The A15 bionic chip is 2023-proof and can deliver on your need for speed even if you’re a serious gamer.
Who’s it for: Those who are okay to skip the Dynamic Island and the USB charger. This device offers almost all the same features and also delivers a stellar performance in lowlight, with video capture and portrait images.
Price: Rs 69,900 onwards (iPhone 14) and Rs 79,900 onwards (iPhone 14 Plus)
Apple iPhone 13
identical to the 2022 iPhone 14 except for a slightly bigger and better camera sensor on the main camera (on the iPhone 14). It’s also powered by the A15 bionic chip and is likely to receive iOS upgrades till 2028.
Who’s it for: if you’re not fussed about the new iPhone 15 features and are looking at savings without compromises.
Price: Rs 59,900 onwards
Apple iPhone SE
A throwback to the iPhone of old when smartphones didn’t weigh a tonne. This one’s under 150 gm and offers the joy of one-handed navigation. The trade-off is a dated form factor. The 4.7-inch display might not work for binge watching but if you’re looking at a device to do primarily ‘smartphone things’, the SE might be all the iPhone you need. You get the same privacy settings that set the iPhone apart as well as the buttery smooth iOS experience.
Who’s it for: Those seeking an ultra-light smartphone (the iPhone 13 mini does not feature on the Apple India online store).
Price: Rs 49,900 onwards
Pro tip
This line-up of iPhones is based on the revised portfolio on Apple’s India store. You might still find other models on other online platforms or retail stores. Look for instant discounts and cashbacks that range all the way to Rs 7,500 (depending on the model, credit card and platform). Apple is also offering trade-ins on old iPhones and Android devices.