Why More Indians Are Choosing Older iPhones Over New Android Phones
Apple’s older iPhones are beating Android flagships in sales. Learn the top reasons why consumers prefer them despite newer specs and features.
image for illustrative purpose
Despite aggressive launches of feature-packed Android smartphones, sales figures indicate that Indian buyers are increasingly opting for older iPhone models over the latest Android devices in similar price ranges.
Market research firm IDC reports that the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 were the most shipped smartphones in India during the first half of 2025, together accounting for 4 per cent of all shipments. Even earlier models such as the iPhone 14 and iPhone 13 remain widely available both online and offline, helping Apple register a 21.5 per cent year-on-year growth in iPhone shipments, reaching 5.9 million units.
One key factor is long-term performance. Apple’s in-house Bionic chipsets maintain speed and stability for years, ensuring that a two or three-year-old iPhone can still handle everyday tasks as smoothly as newer devices. While premium Android phones often boast higher core counts and faster charging, iPhones deliver consistent performance due to tight integration of hardware and software.
Software longevity is another advantage. iPhones typically receive major iOS updates for over five years, with updates rolling out simultaneously to all eligible models. Buyers of older iPhones know they will get several more years of security patches and new features — a promise that remains inconsistent among mid-range Android devices.
Apple’s ecosystem integration also plays a role. Seamless pairing with AirPods, instant file sharing via AirDrop, Apple Watch connectivity, and Face ID security create an interconnected user experience. For many first-time iPhone buyers in India, purchasing an older model during festive sales becomes a gateway to gradually building this ecosystem.
Older iPhones retain camera performance that appeals to casual photographers. While Android competitors may offer multiple lenses and higher megapixel counts, iPhones deliver stable colours, reliable HDR, and smooth video — qualities valued for social media use.
Battery health in iPhones generally holds up well over time, and resale value remains high. This means that buyers can expect a better exchange price when upgrading, reducing the total cost of ownership compared to similarly priced Android models.
Apple has steadily reduced the prices of older models after each new launch. Combined with bank cashback offers, no-cost EMI plans, exchange bonuses, and student discounts, older iPhones frequently fall into the same price bracket as mid-premium Android phones. For example, within three months of launch, the iPhone 16 was selling at Rs 8,000–10,000 less than its launch price on some online platforms.
While new Android smartphones continue to push boundaries with specifications and design innovations, Indian consumers are showing a preference for value, longevity, and a reliable user experience. The sustained demand for older iPhones suggests that for many buyers, consistent performance and ecosystem benefits outweigh the lure of the latest specs.
