If you were planning to buy an older iPhone for cheap this year, Apple just pulled the rug out from under you. With no base iPhone 18 and price bumps across the existing lineup, finding a real value-for-money iPhone in India will feel like a minefield. But don't write off your upgrade plans yet, as I have found the best iPhones that are bang for your buck, and you can still pick them up today.
Best iPhone You Can Buy in India Right Now
Right after the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max and the iPhone Duo, Apple raised the price of last year's iPhone 17, iPhone Air and even the iPhone 16 from 2024. That is why I have curated a list of the best iPhones in India right now, ranked by how much value they offer for the price.
Related Articles
iPhone 17: Best Overall Value for Money iPhone
The iPhone 17 received a price hike of Rs 17,000, bringing its current price in India to Rs 99,990 for the base model. I know it stings, but even heading into 2027, this is the iPhone I would recommend to anyone because it's reached a point where the base iPhone no longer feels like the base model.
I am talking about the 6.3-inch OLED screen with a 120 Hz ProMotion display. And once you try that smooth experience, going back to 60 Hz will feel like something is wrong with the phone, even if it isn't.
The performance is flagship-grade with the A19 processor, tackling everything from AAA games to everyday apps. Besides that, it has a solid 48 MP dual-camera arrangement on the back, an 18 MP Centre Stage camera on the front, Ceramic Shield 2 protection, and starts with 256 GB of base storage.
The value proposition is so strong that even hardcore Android users have crossed over to Apple to get the iPhone 17. My only problem is that, for a base iPhone, the price is really pushing it. Anyone coming from Android will compare it to a OnePlus 15 or a Samsung Galaxy S26. But if you don't mind the new prices, then the iPhone 17 still delivers one of the most complete experiences in 2026.
Pros
- 120Hz ProMotion display with 3,000 nits peak brightness
- Anti-reflective coating that actually helps in harsh sunlight
- 256GB base storage
- Strong 48 MP dual camera setup with 2x optical-quality zoom
- Up to 30 hours of video playback
Cons
- No dedicated telephoto lens
Related Articles
iPhone 16: Affordable Modern-Looking iPhone
I didn't expect to be adding the iPhone 16 to the list of the best iPhones in 2026. No one could have seen it coming that Apple would bump the price of the iPhone 16 by Rs 20,000, bringing it to Rs 89,990 in India. That is a lot of money to ask for a phone launched in 2024. But I still have a reason to recommend it today.
The iPhone 16 is one of the cheapest iPhones, which still looks like a modern iPhone. It has a Dynamic Island at the top, a proper OLED screen, Action and Camera Control buttons and supports all new Apple Intelligence features too. The camera setup includes a 48 MP main and a 12 MP ultra-wide, which is a step down from the dual 48 MP cameras on the iPhone 17 but still pretty capable.
But after, its 60 Hz display feels dated and clunky by 2026 standards, especially once you have used the 120 Hz refresh rate on an iPhone. And even if you learn to live with that, the base storage is 128 GB, which is half of what you get on the iPhone 17. Especially when the iPhone 17 is just Rs 10,000 more.
But hear me out: if you get good trade-in offers or massive discounts this festive season, and the iPhone 17 is out of your range, the iPhone 16 is the next best option.
Pros
- Cheapest iPhone with the Dynamic Island design
- Full Apple Intelligence support on iOS 27
- Dual rear cameras with a 48 MP main sensor
- Compact 6.1-inch size OLED display
Cons
- 60Hz display in 2026
- 128GB base storage
- Slower 30W charging
Related Articles
iPhone 17e: Cheapest iPhone in India
The iPhone 17e is another victim of Apple's price hikes, with the base variant now starting at Rs 79,990. Even at that price, it is the cheapest iPhone in India right now. So let's discuss the positives first.
It's a really compact iPhone, so I could easily use it one-handed without any issues. Plus, performance was never a concern since it runs the same A19 chip found in the iPhone 17, and it supports all the Apple Intelligence features too. That is how I was able to try out the new Siri AI after updating to iOS 27.
I also don't have to worry about running out of space quickly since it starts with 256 GB of storage. That's double of what the iPhone 16 offers. The main 48 MP camera is really good for day and night photos, and the battery life can get you through the day with ease.
But the negatives aren't easy to overlook. First of all, it has a notch-style display, which looks seriously dated in 2026. Plus, the display is locked at 60 Hz, and there is no secondary camera on the back. So you're basically paying a premium price for a bare-minimum experience.
But I know some buyers generally don't care about the notch, the cameras or the refresh rate. They want a cheap iPhone that gets them through the day with basic stuff like social media, calling and texting. If that someone is you, the iPhone 17e is your ideal option.
Pros
- Same A19 chip as the iPhone 17
- 256GB base storage
- Full Apple Intelligence support
- Strong battery life for the price
Cons
- Notch display in 2026
- Single rear camera with no ultra-wide lens
- Low peak brightness
- 60Hz refresh rate
Related Articles
iPhone 16 Plus: Best Big-Screen iPhone on a Budget
Apple doesn't sell the iPhone 16 Plus anymore. But it is still available in stock at several online and offline outlets for around Rs 79,990. But it could be different for you. Still, what makes it the best iPhone to hunt for in 2026 is that it is the last of its kind.
Yes, Apple discontinued the "Plus" series after the iPhone 16 Plus, so it is like a rare Pokémon card now. It brings the big-screen iPhone experience at an affordable price, which is currently reserved for the iPhone 18 Pro Max or iPhone 17 Pro Max.
It is a big phone with the same specifications as the base iPhone 16. Which means it comes with the Dynamic Island, the 48 MP and 12 MP dual camera pair, full Apple Intelligence support, iOS 27 features, and the same Apple A18 chip. With the benefit of a larger screen and a bigger battery. And that is why I see the iPhone 16 Plus as a perfect fit for anyone who loves watching content on their device.
But the compromises are the same as the 16. So, if you can get your hands on an iPhone 16 Plus for a reasonable price, then it is the cheapest and best big iPhone experience you can get. The only reason it is ranked in 4th place is that it is not officially available from Apple.
Pros
- Large 6.7-inch display
- Bigger battery than the standard iPhone 16
- Dynamic Island and full Apple Intelligence support
- Usually discounted below current models
Cons
- Discontinued by Apple, so stocks are limited
- 60 Hz display with thicker bezels
- 128 GB base storage
Related Articles
iPhone Air: Most Unique iPhone You Can Buy
Apple's official iPhone Air price in India is now Rs 1,49,900 for the 256 GB variant. This means it received Rs 47,000 increase, and at that price, it's clearly not the best value iPhone in India right now, but it's definitely the most aesthetic-looking model. It deserves a spot in this list because at the time of writing, the iPhone Air is available at its original price of Rs 1 lakh in select offline and online outlets.
The iPhone Air has been my daily driver because of its unique aesthetics. It is the slimmest iPhone out there, and the in-hand feel is unlike any other iPhone right now. Plus, it strikes the perfect balance of size, neither too big like the 17 Pro Max nor too small. Its 6.5-inch display is exclusive to this model.
On top of that, it comes with the A19 Pro chipset with 12 GB RAM, so performance is no joke. And don't be fooled by its thin design, as it has a titanium frame, which is more durable than the aluminium used in the iPhone 17 Pro, and the hottest reason to get it is that it is Apple's thinnest iPhone out there.
But the thin stature comes at the cost of an ultrawide camera and shorter battery life. I mean, small to the extent that I started carrying a power bank with me at all times since I reviewed the iPhone Air. So, it goes without saying that it is not a cheap iPhone but worth picking if you want a stylish one.
Pros
- A19 Pro chip and 12 GB RAM, more than the iPhone 17
- 6.5-inch 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on
- Titanium build and a design
- Slim and sleek design language
Cons
- Single rear camera with no ultra-wide
- Smallest battery on this list
- eSIM only
iPhone 17 Pro: Best Value 'Pro' iPhone
The iPhone 17 Pro is the only device that escaped Apple's price hikes because the company discontinued it. But it is still available at almost all online and offline outlets at its old price, which is why I included it in this list. Because if you want a value-for-money Pro iPhone, this might be your last shot at it.
Even though it is a pricey option, you are getting the best of what Apple has to offer. With a powerful Apple A19 Pro chip, the triple 48 MP camera system, longer battery life, quicker charging, and all of the iOS 27 and Apple Intelligence features run without any of the RAM restrictions.
The reason it ranks last on this list is that I wouldn't call it the best value-for-money iPhone. And the gap between the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 in daily experience is smaller than their price difference. But if you don't want to settle for anything less than the Pro or get a good discount on it, then you shouldn't hesitate to pick up the iPhone 17 Pro.
Pros
- Triple 48 MP camera system, the best on this list
- A19 Pro chip with no RAM-gated feature limits
- Longer battery life and faster charging than the iPhone 17
Cons
- The most expensive option here
- Discontinued, so stock will run out
- Aluminium frame instead of the iPhone 16 Pro's titanium
Best iPhone for You in 2026
If there is one pick I have to make for the title of the best iPhone in 2026, then it would be the iPhone 17. Even after the Rs 17,000 increase in India, the iPhone 17 is proof that you don't need the 'Pro' to get everything that matters. Still offering an unbeatable value, even a year after its launch.
The iPhone 17e is the one to look at if you want a cheap iPhone in 2026 and the notch is not a dealbreaker. Lastly, the iPhone 17 Pro is the one to go after if you can pay the big bucks. But for most people walking into a store this festive season, the iPhone 17 is the answer.
