iPhone 16 now available for sale in India: 4 reasons why iPhone 13 users should upgrade, 1 reason to skip

The iPhone 16 series, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, is now available in India at a starting price of Rs 79,900.

by · India Today

In Short

  • iPhone 16 series now available for sale in India
  • The iPhone 16 is available at a starting price of Rs 79,900
  • The lineup includes iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro

The new iPhone 16 lineup, including the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, is now available for purchase starting today across India. Interested buyers can purchase the new-generation iPhone at the two official Apple stores in India (in Mumbai and Delhi), as well as from third-party retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, and more. The iPhone 16 brings several advancements, including a camera module change in the base model, new A18 chipsets, camera updates, and more.

With the sale now live, users of older models like the iPhone 13 may be wondering if it’s time to upgrade. Here are four reasons why upgrading might be a good choice, and one reason to stick with the iPhone 13 for a little longer.

Reason 1: New design

One of the most noticeable design changes in the iPhone 16 compared to the iPhone 13 is the introduction of features like the Camera Button, Action Button, and the Dynamic Island, which Apple introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro. The Dynamic Island replaces the traditional notch found in the iPhone 13. This feature offers an interactive space, allowing you to view notifications, controls, and more in a seamless and functional way.

Additionally, the iPhone 16 introduces a new customizable Action Button and a dedicated Camera Control button, enhancing the user experience for photography and quick-access tasks. For users seeking aesthetic improvements and convenience, this design overhaul—along with added functionalities—makes a compelling case for upgrading from the iPhone 13.

Reason 2: A18 Bionic Chip for faster performance

The iPhone 16 is powered by the A18 Bionic chip, offering a significant boost in performance over the A15 chip found in the iPhone 13. This new Apple chipset not only provides faster processing speeds and smoother multitasking but also unlocks the full potential of Apple Intelligence, Apple's latest AI-driven features that help optimise day-to-day tasks. Notably, Apple Intelligence will not be available on the iPhone 13 series. For users who rely on their phones for demanding applications, this upgrade can make a noticeable difference in performance, efficiency, and overall experience.

Reason 3: Better camera system

While the iPhone 13 brought solid improvements in photography, the iPhone 16’s camera system takes it a step further with a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel telephoto lens. The jump from the iPhone 13’s dual 12-megapixel sensors results in better detail, improved low-light performance, and enhanced zoom capabilities.

Additionally, the new Camera Control button offers quicker access to photo settings, improving the overall mobile photography experience on the iPhone.

Reason 4: Apple Intelligence and AI features

Apple Intelligence, the new AI system, is exclusive to the iPhone 16 and iPhone 15 Pro and brings features like enhanced notifications, AI-driven image search, and automatic transcription. These AI upgrades make everyday tasks more intuitive and efficient, which won’t be available on the iPhone 13. For those interested in cutting-edge AI technology, the iPhone 16 offers a significant upgrade.

One reason to skip

While the iPhone 16 offers a more refined design, some users may not find the changes compelling enough to upgrade. The iPhone 13 already features a sleek, modern design with Ceramic Shield protection and water resistance. If your iPhone 13 is still performing well, with solid battery life and satisfactory camera performance, and if you don’t feel the need for AI features, waiting for a future model could be a more cost-effective decision. Also, Apple has announced that the Apple Intelligence feature will arrive in India by 2025, so you can wait a few more months or even for the iPhone 17 series to get significant upgrades all at once.

However, if your phone is not functioning well, this might be the right time to upgrade to the new iPhone.