The dream of owning an iPhone in India under ₹40,000 is no longer just a dream — it’s very much a reality in 2026. With older flagship models dropping significantly in price and becoming more accessible, you can now get a genuine Apple experience with OLED displays, powerful A-series chips, and reliable cameras without crossing the ₹40,000 mark. The hard part? Choosing the right one from a surprisingly solid lineup. Here’s everything you need — broken down model by model.
Table of Contents
iPhones Between ₹30,000–₹40,000 : Comparison
| Model | Price | Processor | Display | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPhone 13 | ₹30,166 | A15 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Best overall pick in budget |
| Apple iPhone 13 Mini | ₹31,118 | A15 Bionic | 5.4″ OLED | Most compact iPhone under ₹40K |
| Apple iPhone 12 Pro | ₹33,640 | A14 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Triple camera, 5G support |
| Apple iPhone 14 | ₹34,822 | A15 Bionic | 6.1″ OLED | Newer model, better battery |
| Apple iPhone 14 Plus | ₹38,975 | A15 Bionic | 6.7″ OLED | Largest screen, biggest battery |
| Apple iPhone SE (2020) | ₹39,900 | A13 Bionic | 4.7″ LCD | Most compact with TouchID |
| Apple iPhone 7S Plus | ₹37,900 | A10 Fusion | 5.5″ LCD | Budget large-screen option |
| Apple iPhone 6S Plus | ₹34,900 | A9 | 5.5″ LCD | Basic daily use |
| Apple iPhone 6S | ₹29,900 | A9 | 4.7″ LCD | Most affordable |
| Apple iPhone 5C | ₹37,500 | A6 | 4.0″ LCD | Nostalgia buy only |

1. Apple iPhone 13 — ₹30,166
If there’s one iPhone in this entire list that earns a clear recommendation without hesitation, it’s the iPhone 13. Priced at just ₹30,166, it offers an OLED display, the powerhouse A15 Bionic chip, and a dual-camera system that still holds its own in 2026. It’s also still receiving iOS updates — a huge long-term advantage.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 128GB |
| Cameras | 12MP + 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Battery | 3,227 mAh |
| Weight | 174g |
| Price | ₹30,166 |
The A15 Bionic chip is the same chip powering the iPhone 14 series — so you’re essentially getting flagship-tier performance at a significant discount. Highly recommended.

2. Apple iPhone 13 Mini — ₹31,118 🏆 Best Compact iPhone
Love the iPhone experience but hate lugging around a large phone? The iPhone 13 Mini is your answer. It packs the same A15 Bionic processor and OLED display as the regular iPhone 13 into a 5.4-inch form factor that weighs just 140g — the lightest iPhone in this list by a wide margin.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 5.4-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 128GB |
| Cameras | 12MP + 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Battery | 2,406 mAh |
| Weight | 140g |
| Price | ₹31,118 |
The tradeoff is battery life — the 2,406 mAh cell is the smallest in this lineup, so heavy users may need a top-up by evening. For light-to-moderate users who value portability, it’s a gem.

3. Apple iPhone 12 Pro — ₹33,640 📸 Best Camera Setup
The iPhone 12 Pro is the only model in this price range to feature a triple rear camera system — wide, ultrawide, and telephoto — making it a strong pick for photography enthusiasts. Add 5G support and Apple’s A14 Bionic chip, and you have a genuinely pro-grade phone under ₹35,000.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A14 Bionic |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 128GB |
| Cameras | 12MP + 12MP + 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Battery | 2,815 mAh |
| Weight | 189g |
| Price | ₹33,640 |
The only consideration is that the A14 is one chip generation behind the A15 found in the iPhone 13 series. But in real-world usage, most users won’t notice the difference.

4. Apple iPhone 14 — ₹34,822 🔋 Best for Battery + Everyday Use
The iPhone 14 offers the newest release in this mid-range iPhone segment — and at ₹34,822, it’s a well-rounded daily driver. It uses the same A15 Bionic chip as the iPhone 13, but brings a slightly improved camera system and a marginally larger 3,279 mAh battery.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 128GB |
| Cameras | 12MP + 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Battery | 3,279 mAh |
| Weight | 172g |
| Price | ₹34,822 |
If you’re choosing between the iPhone 13 (₹30,166) and iPhone 14 (₹34,822), the ₹4,656 difference is mainly for the newer model year and a slightly better battery — the choice depends on whether that matters to you.

5. Apple iPhone 14 Plus — ₹38,975 📺 Best Big-Screen iPhone Under ₹40K
For those who want the largest screen and the longest battery in this lineup, the iPhone 14 Plus delivers both. Its 6.7-inch OLED display is perfect for streaming, gaming, and content creation, and the 4,325 mAh battery is the biggest in this entire roundup by a significant margin.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED |
| Processor | A15 Bionic |
| RAM / Storage | 4GB / 128GB |
| Cameras | 12MP + 12MP rear, 12MP front |
| Battery | 4,325 mAh |
| Weight | 203g |
| Price | ₹38,975 |
At ₹38,975, it’s the priciest OLED option here but justifies the premium with screen size and battery life that comfortably lasts a full day of heavy use.

6. Apple iPhone SE (2020) — ₹39,900
The iPhone SE (2020) is for people who specifically want a small, one-hand-friendly iPhone with a physical Home button and Touch ID. The A13 Bionic chip keeps it snappy, but the LCD screen, 64GB base storage, and 1,821 mAh battery make it harder to justify over the iPhone 13 at a lower price.
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch Retina HD LCD |
| Processor | A13 Bionic |
| RAM / Storage | 3GB / 64GB |
| Cameras | 12MP rear, 7MP front |
| Battery | 1,821 mAh |
| Weight | 148g |
| Price | ₹39,900 |
Best suited for users specifically seeking a compact phone with Touch ID over Face ID.
Which iPhone Should You Buy Under ₹40,000?
It really comes down to what you prioritise. For the best overall value, the iPhone 13 at ₹30,166 is the clear winner — OLED screen, A15 chip, dual cameras, and long iOS support for the lowest price in the modern lineup. For the best big-screen experience, go for the iPhone 14 Plus at ₹38,975. For the best camera versatility, the iPhone 12 Pro at ₹33,640 with its triple-camera setup stands out. And if you love compact phones, the iPhone 13 Mini at ₹31,118 is the one to pick.
Skip the iPhone 6S, 5C, and 7S Plus for daily use in 2026 — they are too old to receive current iOS updates and will struggle with modern apps.
Learn more about how Apple’s iPhone lineup has evolved over the years on the iPhone Wikipedia page.
For a deeper look at the best budget smartphones in India across all brands, check out our best phones under ₹40,000 in India 2026 — complete buying guide on technosports.co.in and our iPhone vs Android — which should you buy in 2026? guide.
❓ FAQs
Q: Which is the best iPhone to buy under ₹40,000 in India in 2026?
A: The Apple iPhone 13 at ₹30,166 is the best overall pick under ₹40,000 in India in 2026 — it offers an OLED display, A15 Bionic chip, dual 12MP cameras, and continued iOS software support, all at the lowest price in the modern iPhone lineup. If you want a bigger screen and longer battery, the iPhone 14 Plus at ₹38,975 is the premium alternative in this budget.
Q: Is it worth buying an iPhone 13 or iPhone 14 under ₹40,000 in 2026?
A: Yes, absolutely. Both the iPhone 13 (₹30,166) and iPhone 14 (₹34,822) are excellent purchases in 2026 — both run on the A15 Bionic chip, feature OLED Super Retina XDR displays, and continue to receive the latest iOS updates, ensuring security and access to new features for several more years. They significantly outperform older models like the iPhone 6S or SE (2020) in the same price range.





