Monday, November 23, 2020
Hoped for a Cheaper iPhone? What Apple Offers Now
Updated September 2026: in late 2020, while using my wife's Android phone, I hoped the rumoured cheaper iPhone would be an affordable new model, but it turned out to be the iPhone 12 mini, smaller rather than cheaper. I have rewritten it into advice on finding an affordable iPhone, with how Apple's range has changed.
I was frustrated with Android's app permissions and waiting for a new iPhone. Rumours spoke of a cheaper model. It turned out to be the iPhone 12 mini: a smaller phone, priced below the 12 but not the budget model I had hoped for. I still wished Apple would sell a lower-priced current iPhone for more people, even with a few features cut.
What happened to the mini?
The iPhone 12 mini and 13 mini sold less than Apple hoped, and the line ended after the 13 mini. Apple replaced it with larger Plus models. People wanting a small iPhone now look at older minis or the iPhone SE's successors.
Did Apple release a cheaper current iPhone?
Yes, in a sense. The iPhone SE continued as the budget option until 2025, when Apple introduced the iPhone 16e as a lower-priced model with a newer design and chip. Check its current price in India, as it varies with sales and offers.
What are the ways to get an iPhone for less?
- Buy the lower-priced "e" or SE model.
- Buy the previous flagship after a new launch, when it is discounted.
- Use festive sales, bank offers and exchange discounts.
- Consider certified refurbished with a warranty.
Is a smaller iPhone still worth seeking?
If you strongly prefer a small phone, a used 13 mini in good condition can work, but check battery health and remaining software support. For most people, a current standard-size model will be supported for longer.
What do cheaper iPhones usually leave out?
Typically the extra cameras, the highest refresh-rate display and some premium materials. The core experience, software updates and app support are the same, which is why lower-priced models are good value for most people.
Was the Android experience that bad?
Switching platforms after years is always awkward. Android's permissions are different rather than worse, and they can be managed once you know where the settings are. The frustration was mostly unfamiliarity.