iPhone 16 Plus available at a discount of almost Rs 15,000 on JioMart: should you buy?

The iPhone 16 Plus is available for as low as Rs 63,990 on JioMart, including a flat discount plus a coupon. The phone was launched last year at Rs 89,900, sitting in between the Pros and the vanilla iPhone, and received a price cut of Rs 10,000 this year after the launch of the iPhone 17 series. It’s still selling at Rs 79,900 on the Apple website, but most third-party resellers have priced the phone under Rs 70,000. JioMart seems to have given the largest discount and here’s what we think of the deal.

First, a recap of the specifications — the iPhone 16 Plus features a large 6.7-inch Super Retina XDR OLED display with a resolution of 2796 x 1290 pixels. It runs on Apple’s A18 chipset paired with 8GB RAM and comes in different storage options starting at 128GB (the one with the hefty discount). The phone has a dual-camera setup with a 48MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens while supporting 4K video recording at 60fps. It also offers up to 27 hours of video playback and supports 5G connectivity. The device has a sleek aluminum build with a Ceramic Shield front and comes in multiple colour options.

If someone is looking to buy one of the newer mainstream iPhones at a good deal, it goes without saying this is a good option to consider, especially considering that the regular iPhone 16 is available in the same range, and the cheaper ones are at least two generations older. While the price cut is compelling for an iPhone, there are notable caveats to consider. The display, while vibrant and sharp, operates at a 60Hz refresh rate. This is a disappointment because at this price point, with most phones, especially from the Android camp, we get 120Hz LTPO screens which result in smoother scrolling, a better gaming experience, and more responsive touch interactions. For a flagship priced near Rs 65,000, a 60Hz refresh rate is outdated and lacking, especially when competitors offer superior specifications in this regard. Even Apple upgraded to 120Hz ProMotion screens for the vanilla iPhone 17 this year, which was long overdue.

Speaking of Android, competitors launching around the same price arrive with some other upgraded specs besides refresh rate. These usually include larger RAM options, faster charging solutions, and more versatile camera setups. Brands like OnePlus, Xiaomi, and OPPO are set to launch their flagships in India in the coming weeks in mostly a similar price range with advanced specifications, so if an iPhone is not your sole consideration but better hardware is, it may be worth waiting. In addition, Android phones have more customisation options, which the iPhone lacks. Even Apple’s longterm software support is now being almost matched with Android competition offering as much as five years of software support at this price point.

What should buyers care about, then? If you’re deeply invested in the Apple ecosystem — have MacBooks and iPads or enjoy the seamless integration and privacy controls with iOS — the iPhone 16 Plus is a good buy. At this price, it offers one of Apple’s latest chipsets, long battery life, and flagship build quality. However, if display smoothness, faster charging, or more versatile hardware tops your list, it may be prudent to look elsewhere in the Android flagship space for better value. Buyers would need to look at their priority —whether it’s iOS experience or hardware superiority — before making a purchase decision. This discount is indeed a good opportunity but surely not the best choice for everyone.

Apple moved from providing a ‘Plus’ model to introducing a new ultra-slim iPhone Air this year, which sells at a higher price. The iPhone Air leads the trend of other slim phones from rivals, with advanced features such as a 120Hz refresh rate and the latest Apple A19 Pro chip. Since it has a slender build and is light, it could emerge as a premium product in the market, though more prone to running out of battery when compared to the older Plus models. How this will pay off remains to be seen as people choose between slimness, performance, and battery longevity.