Wonderlust. The theme for Apple’s annual iPhone refresh captures what many Apple fangirls and fanboys experience before each big iPhone launch. There were no real surprises this year. Yes, those ‘leaks’ and rumours are getting better each year. We saw four new iPhones in a move that didn’t deviate much from last year’s iPhone 14 line-up.
India is one of the few countries in the world where the iPhone15 hit retail shelves on September 22. This should come as no surprise, given India’s stature as one of the key global markets for the Cupertino-based brand. And this year again, most Indian consumers will ask the same question at a time when buying peaks (thanks to the festive season) – should I buy one of the new 2023 iPhones? And the inevitable follow-up question – which iPhone should I buy? The answer might well depend on which phone or iPhone you currently own:
iPhone updates
Radical overhaul? The build-up to each iPhone launch always prompts that big question – will the year see a major overhaul of the iPhone or an iterative upgrade; 2023 might go down as a year where the iPhone line-up saw a significant upgrade. This was no radical overhaul like the iPhone X back in 2017 and yet there are some noticeable differences that will have a significant impact on user experiences:
Four new iPhones: it’s clear that the iPhone 15 is now the only option for those seeking a small smartphone. This is the second successive year where Apple has not launched a ‘mini’ version; 6.1-inches might well be the new minimum threshold for a small smartphone as big screen smartphones are here to stay. The iPhone 15 Plus is Apple’s battery champ. The iPhone 14 Plus TV commercial of a man in a farm truck with Two Miles an Hour by Ludacris was a fun yet clear reinforcement of the Plus version’s battery creds. The iPhone 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max come with key design, camera and hardware upgrades including the new A17 Pro Chip.
Dynamic Island all the way: the iPhone 15 inherits two key features from last year’s Pro twins – both iPhone 15 models are powered by the A16 bionic chip and also feature Dynamic Island, Apple’s pill-shaped cut-out that creates new interaction capabilities for the iPhone.
Hello, USB-C charging: this was widely expected. Apple finally made the switch from the Lightning connector that we first saw in 2012 (on the iPhone 5) to the more universal USB Type-C cable. This is particularly convenient if you’re already using a newer iPad or MacBook.
Titanium push: The 15 Pro and Pro Max get a major design update and we’re not talking about the cool new Action button (that can be used as a hot key to fire up your chosen app) that we first saw on the Apple Watch Ultra last year. These premium iPhones are finished in a titanium alloy case with an aluminium substructure that makes these the lightest Pro models in a while.
Camera upgrades: both the entry level iPhone 15 and the Pro versions get improved rear shooters. The iPhone 15 main camera is now 48 megapixels and gets a low-light performance boost, thanks to pixel binning. Both Pro variants feature a 48MP primary lens with a larger sensor and coated lenses for fewer reflections. The Pro Max version offers 5X zoom with a unique ‘tetraprism’ design.
Should you upgrade?
Android user?
The iPhone 15 Plus might be your best bet. You get the large screen experience which you might be accustomed to on an Android phone and also better battery life than the smaller iPhone 15. Apple is also offering trade-ins on Android phones (on the Apple India website)
Own an iPhone 14 or an iPhone 14 Pro?
You can sit this one out unless you like to upgrade your phones every year. You will get to switch to USB-C charging and also experience the Dynamic Island if you’re moving from an iPhone 14 to iPhone 15. As for iPhone 14 Pro owners, you will notice a significant difference in the heft of the device thanks to the titanium build (the 10 percent reduction in weight feels even more significant when you hold the device in your hand). The other big change you will notice is in the zoom photography experience.
Own an iPhone 13 or 13 Pro?
This is a tougher decision and could depend on the trade-in you get for your existing phone. You can hold on to your iPhone 13 or 13 Pro if you’re not a serious photography buff and don’t mind waiting another year to check out features like the Dynamic Island and USB-C charging.
Own an iPhone 12 or older iPhone?
It’s certainly worth the upgrade. You will notice a significant difference in most aspects of the user experience.
Launch offers
Instant discounts on credit card purchases: range from Rs 4,000 to 7,500, depending on the variant and the online platform. HDFC offers a 5,000 discount on the iPhone models (on Croma and Amazon) and Rs 4,000 on the Pro variants. HSBC Bank is offering a Rs 7,500 discount on Vijay Sales. The Apple India store is offering Rs 6,000 instant savings on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max when you use eligible HDFC cards.
Apple Trade-in: Apple is offering trade-ins or exchange value ranging from Rs 2,000 to Rs 67,800 (for both Android smartphones and iPhones). All you need to do is enter your IMEI number on the Apple online store page.
Freebies and sales offers: Apple Premium Resellers like Imagine are offering gift vouchers, accessories and a free tempered glass, depending on your purchase plans.
No cost EMIs: available on most online platforms including the Apple store. Most of these platforms and retail stores also offer GST invoicing for business customers.
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