An iPhone under 40000 (₹40,000) in India as of late 2026 realistically means the iPhone 14 (new or lightly discounted) or the iPhone 13 (new-old-stock or certified refurbished) — the iPhone 15 occasionally reaches this range during major sales, but isn’t guaranteed at any given time. This tier sits between the more constrained ₹30,000 budget and the more flexible ₹50,000 tier, with real new-phone options rather than only refurbished ones.
iPhone under 40000: what fits this budget
| Model | Approx. price range | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 14 (128GB) | ₹32,000–₹39,000 | Reliable, current-enough chip; good default choice at this budget |
| iPhone 13 (128GB, new-old-stock) | ₹28,000–₹35,000 | Increasingly hard to find new; check remaining software update support before buying |
| iPhone 15 (128GB, during major sales) | ₹38,000–₹42,000 | Not guaranteed at this price outside sale events; check live pricing |
| Certified refurbished iPhone 15/15 Pro | ₹35,000–₹40,000 | A step up in camera/chip if available from an authorized refurbisher |
Should you buy the iPhone 13, 14, or wait for a discounted 15?
The iPhone 14 is the most consistently available and reliable option at this exact budget without requiring a specific sale event, and it remains a genuinely capable phone for typical daily use. The iPhone 13 is worth considering primarily if it’s meaningfully cheaper and you’re comfortable with a shorter remaining runway of iOS updates, since Apple’s oldest supported models eventually stop receiving new feature updates first. If you’re not in a rush, waiting for a sale event that brings the iPhone 15 into this range gets you a noticeably better camera and chip for the same money.
How to check remaining software support before buying an older model
- Check Apple’s current list of iOS-supported devices before buying any older iPhone, since a model close to the end of its update lifecycle will stop receiving major iOS feature updates (though security patches typically continue somewhat longer).
- A phone with 3+ years of remaining support is a safer buy for anyone planning to keep the phone for a while, compared to one already near the end of its supported lifecycle.
- Check the battery health disclosure on any refurbished or used unit specifically, since battery degradation is the most common real-world complaint on older iPhone models bought secondhand.
New vs refurbished at this budget
A new iPhone 14 gives you a full one-year warranty and a guaranteed unused battery, while a certified refurbished iPhone 15 gives you newer hardware for similar money but depends entirely on the refurbisher’s grading honesty and warranty terms. For most buyers prioritizing peace of mind over squeezing out the newest possible hardware at this budget, a new iPhone 14 is the lower-risk choice.
Where this budget sits relative to other tiers
If ₹40,000 feels tight for what you want, our guide on an iPhone under ₹50,000 covers the next tier up, which opens access to the iPhone 16 base model during sale events. If you need to go lower, our honest breakdown of an iPhone under ₹30,000 explains why that tier depends much more heavily on refurbished units.
What you’re trading away at this budget
Every model in this range gives up something compared to Apple’s current flagship: the newest camera system, the fastest chip, and in the case of the iPhone 13, an aging (though still functional) design and a shorter remaining runway of major iOS feature updates. For most buyers using a phone mainly for calls, messaging, and everyday photography, none of these trade-offs are dealbreakers, but it’s worth being clear-eyed about them rather than assuming a budget iPhone matches a current flagship in every respect.
Insurance and protection plans worth considering
Since a phone at this budget likely represents a meaningful purchase, a screen protector and a sturdy case are inexpensive insurance against the most common (and most expensive) type of accidental damage. Third-party device insurance or an extended protection plan is worth comparing against Apple’s own AppleCare+ pricing specifically for an older model, since the value proposition of AppleCare+ changes as a phone ages and its resale value declines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best iPhone I can get under ₹40,000?
The iPhone 14 is the most reliably available option at this budget, with the iPhone 13 as a cheaper new-old-stock alternative and the iPhone 15 reachable mainly during major sale events.
Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying under ₹40,000?
It can be if priced meaningfully lower than the iPhone 14, but check Apple’s current supported-device list first, since older models eventually lose new feature updates before newer ones.
Can I get an iPhone 15 for under ₹40,000?
Occasionally, during major festival sale events, though it isn’t guaranteed at any given time — check the live price on the retailer’s page rather than assuming this price year-round.
Should I buy new or refurbished at this budget?
A new iPhone 14 offers full warranty and a guaranteed unused battery, while a certified refurbished iPhone 15 can offer newer hardware for similar money if the refurbisher is reputable and battery health is disclosed.
How do I check how much software support an older iPhone has left?
Check Apple’s current list of iOS-supported devices before buying — a model with 3+ years of remaining support is a safer long-term buy than one nearing the end of its update lifecycle.
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