Author: Abhishek

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro Max in India in September 2023 at Rs 1,59,900, with storage now starting at 256 GB. Beyond the titanium frame, A17 Pro and Action button it shares with the 15 Pro, it adds the first periscope-style tetraprism telephoto on an iPhone, offering 5x optical zoom.

    The 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED is bright and smooth, and slimmer bezels make it feel slightly smaller than the 14 Pro Max. Titanium cut weight to 221 g, a noticeable improvement in daily handling. The A17 Pro handled games and heavy video editing well, and USB 3 transfers through USB-C made it practical for creators recording ProRes Log video to external drives.

    The camera system combines a 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 5x telephoto. The 5x lens is excellent for portraits and distant subjects, though the Galaxy S23 Ultra still reached further. Battery life is among the best of any iPhone at the time, often well into a second day. Its high price made it a premium choice even in the flagship segment.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 159,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A17 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 5x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4422 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight221 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

    What we like

    • 5x tetraprism telephoto
    • Excellent battery life
    • Lighter titanium frame
    • Pro video features with USB 3

    What could be better

    • Very expensive
    • Slow charging
    • Still large and heavy

    Who should buy it

    Creators and heavy users who want Apple's best camera, zoom and battery in 2023.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 15 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Pro in India in September 2023 at Rs 1,34,900 for 128 GB. It replaced stainless steel with a titanium frame, cutting weight to 187 g, and swapped the long-standing mute switch for a customisable Action button. It was also the first phone with a 3 nm chip, the A17 Pro.

    The 6.1-inch ProMotion OLED with always-on support and Dynamic Island is unchanged from the 14 Pro but bezels are slimmer. The A17 Pro brought hardware-accelerated ray tracing and ran console games such as Resident Evil Village, though early units ran warm until software fixes arrived. USB-C supports USB 3 speeds with the right cable, useful for ProRes video transfers.

    Cameras are a 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto, with new 24 mm, 28 mm and 35 mm focal length options and spatial video support added later. Battery life is a full day. The 15 Pro was also among the first iPhones to support Apple Intelligence once it rolled out, thanks to its 8 GB RAM. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8 Pro in the compact flagship space.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 134,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A17 Pro
    RAM8 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3274 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight187 g
    ColoursBlack Titanium, White Titanium, Blue Titanium, Natural Titanium

    What we like

    • Lighter titanium design
    • A17 Pro and 8 GB RAM
    • Customisable Action button
    • USB 3 speeds over USB-C

    What could be better

    • Early heating issues
    • Expensive in India
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact, powerful iPhone with pro cameras and Apple Intelligence support.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 15 Plus

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 Plus in India in September 2023 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB. It gives buyers the large 6.7-inch screen of the Pro Max at a much lower price, now with the Dynamic Island, USB-C and the A16 Bionic chip inherited from the iPhone 14 Pro series.

    The Super Retina XDR OLED is very bright for outdoor use but remains at 60Hz, which is more noticeable on a large screen. The frosted glass back with colour-infused finish and contoured aluminium edges give it a premium feel, and at 201 g it is far lighter than the 15 Pro Max. Performance is smooth for social apps, streaming and games.

    The 48 MP main camera and 12 MP ultrawide match the iPhone 15, with sharp 24 MP default shots and a usable 2x mode. Battery life is excellent, often lasting a day and a half, and the USB-C port can even charge an Apple Watch or AirPods. It faced competition from the Galaxy S23+ era Androids that offered higher refresh rates and faster charging at similar prices.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4383 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight201 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Excellent battery life
    • Large bright screen with Dynamic Island
    • USB-C port
    • Lighter than the Pro Max

    What could be better

    • 60Hz on a big screen
    • No telephoto
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    iPhone users who want a big screen and long battery life without Pro pricing.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 15

    Apple launched the iPhone 15 in India in September 2023 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, and for the first time some units sold on launch day were assembled in India. Its biggest changes came from the previous year's Pro models: the Dynamic Island replaced the notch and the A16 Bionic chip took over from the A15.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED gets much higher peak brightness but still runs at 60Hz. A colour-infused frosted glass back and contoured aluminium edges make it more comfortable than the iPhone 14. Apple switched from Lightning to USB-C, which pleased Indian buyers who already used USB-C for Android phones and laptops, though transfer speed stays at USB 2.

    The 48 MP main camera produces 24 MP photos by default and offers a 2x crop that works as a near-optical telephoto, along with a 12 MP ultrawide. Portraits can be captured automatically when a face is detected. Battery life is a full day, and charging remains slow. It competed with the Galaxy S23 and Pixel 8, matching them on video quality but trailing on refresh rate.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2023
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3349 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 17
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight171 g
    ColoursBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink

    What we like

    • Dynamic Island on a non-Pro iPhone
    • USB-C port
    • 48 MP main camera with 2x crop
    • Comfortable frosted design

    What could be better

    • Still 60Hz
    • USB-C limited to USB 2 speeds
    • Slow charging

    Who should buy it

    Buyers upgrading from older iPhones who want the modern design and better camera at the standard price.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2023). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max

    The iPhone 14 Pro Max launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 1,39,900 for 128 GB. It shares every feature of the 14 Pro, including the Dynamic Island, always-on display and A16 Bionic, but stretches the screen to 6.7 inches and adds a much larger battery. It became the most aspirational phone in Apple's 2022 lineup.

    The 6.7-inch ProMotion OLED at 1290 x 2796 is extremely bright outdoors and smooth at up to 120Hz. The stainless steel frame makes it heavy at 240 g, and long one-handed use is tiring. Performance from the A16 Bionic was top of the charts, and it handled demanding games and 4K ProRes video with ease.

    Cameras are identical to the 14 Pro: 48 MP main, 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto, with excellent colour consistency and video stabilisation. The big battery delivers among the best endurance of any phone of its year, often lasting into a second day. Against the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it lacked a 10x lens and stylus but won on video and long-term software support.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 139,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1290 x 2796
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4323 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight240 g
    ColoursSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

    What we like

    • Outstanding battery life
    • Large, very bright ProMotion display
    • Excellent video recording
    • Dynamic Island

    What could be better

    • Very heavy at 240 g
    • Slow charging
    • Expensive

    Who should buy it

    Heavy users who want the biggest screen and longest battery life in a 2022 iPhone.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14 Pro

    Apple launched the iPhone 14 Pro in India in September 2022 at Rs 1,29,900 for 128 GB. It replaced the notch with the Dynamic Island, a pill-shaped cutout that expands into live notifications for timers, music, calls and navigation. It was the first iPhone with an always-on display and the debut of the A16 Bionic chip.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED with ProMotion scales from 1Hz to 120Hz and reaches very high outdoor brightness. The stainless steel frame and textured matte glass feel premium, but the 206 g weight makes it dense for its size. Performance from the A16 Bionic was class-leading, and the phone remained cool in most workloads.

    The main camera moved to a 48 MP quad-pixel sensor with a 2x crop mode, joined by a 12 MP ultrawide and 12 MP 3x telephoto. ProRAW at 48 MP gave photographers more flexibility, and video quality set the standard against the Galaxy S22 Ultra and Pixel 7 Pro. Battery life is good for a full day, while charging remains slower than most Android flagships.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 129,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, LTPO, ProMotion, 120Hz, 1179 x 2556
    ProcessorApple A16 Bionic
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras48 MP main + 12 MP ultrawide + 12 MP 3x telephoto
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3200 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight206 g
    ColoursSpace Black, Silver, Gold, Deep Purple

    What we like

    • Dynamic Island and always-on display
    • 48 MP main camera with ProRAW
    • Class-leading video
    • Fast A16 Bionic

    What could be better

    • Heavy for its size
    • Slow charging
    • Expensive in India
    • Lightning port with USB 2 speeds

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a compact iPhone with the best cameras and display Apple offered in 2022.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14 Plus

    Apple launched the iPhone 14 Plus in India in September 2022 at Rs 89,900 for 128 GB, replacing the mini model in the lineup. It offered the large 6.7-inch display that had previously been exclusive to the Pro Max, at a significantly lower price, though it went on sale a few weeks after the regular iPhone 14.

    The Super Retina XDR OLED is big and bright but limited to 60Hz and still uses the notch rather than the Dynamic Island of the Pro models. At 203 g it is lighter than the 14 Pro Max, making it more comfortable for long reading or video sessions. The A15 Bionic with five GPU cores provides smooth performance across all apps.

    Battery life is its standout feature, regularly exceeding that of the 14 Pro Max in everyday use and lasting well into a second day for moderate users. Cameras match the iPhone 14: 12 MP wide with a larger sensor and 12 MP ultrawide, plus an autofocus selfie camera. Sales were reportedly slow, as buyers either chose the cheaper iPhone 14 or stretched to the Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 89,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.7-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1284 x 2778
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery4325 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight203 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Excellent battery life
    • Large 6.7-inch screen
    • Lighter than the Pro Max
    • Reliable cameras for video

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Notch instead of Dynamic Island
    • Older A15 chip

    Who should buy it

    iPhone users who want a big screen and long battery life without paying Pro Max prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 14

    The iPhone 14 launched in India in September 2022 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB. It looked almost identical to the iPhone 13 and kept the same A15 Bionic chip, albeit with a five-core GPU and 6 GB of RAM. Apple's new features were safety-focused: Crash Detection and, in some countries, Emergency SOS via satellite, which was not available in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is unchanged and still runs at 60Hz, which drew criticism when Android phones at half the price offered 120Hz. Internally Apple redesigned the chassis so the back glass is easier and cheaper to replace. Performance remains excellent for daily use and games, and battery life is slightly better than the iPhone 13.

    The 12 MP main camera got a larger sensor with faster aperture, improving low-light photos, and the front camera gained autofocus. Action mode made handheld video remarkably stable. Charging is around 20W with MagSafe up to 15W. With the iPhone 13 cheaper and nearly identical, most reviewers advised buyers to choose the older model or step up to the 14 Pro.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2022
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic (5-core GPU)
    RAM6 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP with autofocus
    Battery3279 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 16
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight172 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, Blue, Purple, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Improved low-light main camera
    • Action mode stabilisation
    • Crash Detection
    • Easier back-glass repair

    What could be better

    • Same chip as the iPhone 13
    • Still 60Hz
    • Little reason to upgrade from iPhone 13

    Who should buy it

    First-time iPhone buyers who want a new, long-supported model with safety features.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone SE (3rd generation)

    Apple launched the third-generation iPhone SE in India in March 2022 at Rs 43,900 for 64 GB. It reused the iPhone 8 design, complete with thick bezels, a Home button with Touch ID and a 4.7-inch screen, but inside it carried the same A15 Bionic as the iPhone 13 and added 5G support for the first time on an SE.

    The 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD at 750 x 1334 looks dated next to OLED Android phones at this price, such as the OnePlus 10R or Galaxy A73. The upside is a tiny, 144 g phone that is easy to use with one hand. Performance is excellent, far beyond any Android phone in its price band, and iOS updates were expected to continue for many years.

    There is a single 12 MP rear camera, which benefits from the A15's image processing and handles daylight well, but it lacks Night mode and an ultrawide lens. The small battery is the major weakness and heavy users will struggle to reach the evening. It has IP67 water resistance and wireless charging, making it a practical choice for those who want Touch ID and a compact phone.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 43,900 (base variant)
    India launchMarch 2022
    SegmentUpper mid-range
    Display4.7-inch, Retina HD LCD, 60Hz, 750 x 1334
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage64 GB / 128 GB / 256 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide
    Front camera7 MP
    Battery2018 mAh
    Software at launchiOS 15.4
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP67
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight144 g
    ColoursMidnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • Flagship A15 performance
    • Very compact and light
    • Touch ID Home button
    • Long iOS support

    What could be better

    • Dated design with thick bezels
    • Weak battery life
    • No Night mode or ultrawide
    • 64 GB base storage

    Who should buy it

    People who want the cheapest new iPhone with Touch ID in a small, familiar body.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (March 2022). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.

  • Apple iPhone 13

    Apple launched the iPhone 13 in India in September 2021 at Rs 79,900 for 128 GB, doubling the base storage of the iPhone 12. It kept the flat-edged aluminium design but trimmed the notch by about 20 percent and moved the cameras into a diagonal layout. Over the following years, price cuts and festive sales made it one of the best-selling iPhones in India.

    The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED is bright and colour accurate, though it is limited to 60Hz while Android rivals at this price had 120Hz. The A15 Bionic chip was the fastest phone chip of its time and kept the phone feeling quick long after launch. At 173 g it is comfortable, and IP68 water resistance plus Ceramic Shield glass make it durable.

    Both 12 MP cameras improved, with the wide camera gaining sensor-shift stabilisation and Cinematic mode adding rack-focus video. Battery life was a big step over the iPhone 12, comfortably lasting a day. Charging is slow at around 20W with an adapter bought separately. Against the Galaxy S21 FE and OnePlus 9, it won on video, longevity and resale value.

    Key specifications

    Launch price (India)Rs 79,900 (base variant)
    India launchSeptember 2021
    SegmentFlagship
    Display6.1-inch, Super Retina XDR OLED, 60Hz, 1170 x 2532
    ProcessorApple A15 Bionic
    RAM4 GB
    Storage128 GB / 256 GB / 512 GB
    Expandable storageNo
    Rear cameras12 MP wide + 12 MP ultrawide
    Front camera12 MP
    Battery3227 mAh
    Charging20W wired, wireless
    Software at launchiOS 15
    5GYes
    Water/dust ratingIP68
    Headphone jackNo
    Weight173 g
    ColoursPink, Blue, Midnight, Starlight, (PRODUCT)RED

    What we like

    • A15 Bionic remains fast for years
    • Excellent video recording
    • Much improved battery life
    • Long iOS support and resale value

    What could be better

    • 60Hz display
    • Slow charging, no charger in box
    • No telephoto

    Who should buy it

    Buyers who want a dependable, long-supported iPhone, especially at discounted prices.

    Specifications and price are as at the India launch (September 2021). Prices change after launch – check current prices before buying.