India is considered to be one of the most price-conscious markets when it comes to smartphones. We always debate whether a device is worth buying based on its value for money (VFM) proposition. However, according to Counterpoint Research, it was Apple’s iPhone 16, a device launched at Rs 79,900, that was the best-selling smartphone of 2025 in India.

According to the report, Apple sold around 6.5 million units of iPhone 16 between January and November 2025. This makes it the best-selling smartphone in the country, followed by Vivo’s Y29 with 4.7 million units. However, the price of Vivo device is quite low i.e. Rs 14,000.

So how did this happen? How did Apple’s flagship device reach the top of the charts in a market that has historically been more associated with bang for the buck on midrange phones rather than spending money on high-end models?

Here are 5 reasons why the iPhone 16 was the best-selling phone in India

1. Apple’s brand value and promotion of India

Let’s be honest here, many people who buy an iPhone buy it because it’s an iPhone. In India, Apple products are associated with a certain status that other brands cannot compete with. Rapid growth is being seen in the premium segment in the Indian market. Buyers are willing to pay more to buy their new smartphone, and that bodes well for Apple.

For the most part, if an average user is willing to spend more than Rs 50,000 on a smartphone, they would be inclined towards going for an iPhone over a similarly priced Android flagship.

Now, there’s no denying that there is a dedicated group of Android enthusiasts who want to buy an Android flagship, but the average Indian consumer usually goes for that iPhone experience.

Although this image is not limited to the iPhone 16, people are also buying older iPhones. The iPhone 15, launched two years ago now, made it to the top 5 best-selling phones in the report, while still being priced above Rs 50,000.

This does not mean that everyone who buys an iPhone in India buys it just for the brand value. The iPhone 16 is a feature-packed device with impressive performance, but more on that later.

Moreover, Apple seems to be doubling down on the Indian market. The company has opened three new Apple Stores this year alone, taking the total number in the country to five. And the hype for each new store was real, with crowds flocking to them during opening day. This is part of the Cupertino giant’s strategic effort in India as it increases iPhone production in the country.

2. Online Sales, Offers and EMIs

E-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Amazon, as well as retail platforms like Vijay Sales and Croma, announce new sale offers from time to time, especially during the festive season. Although these offers apply to many electronics, including smartphones, iPhones typically garner the most attention.

These sale periods make purchasing an iPhone more accessible. iPhone 16, whose official price was currently Rs 69,900, can be purchased at a much lower price during any sale. Bank offers alone can bring the price down by around Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000, depending on what the platform offers.

Additionally, buyers also have the option of no-cost EMI. Making a purchase of more than Rs 60,000 may seem like a lot, but when you get 24 months of EMI, it equates to just a few thousand rupees per month. However you pay extra for the convenience and processing fees. Add exchange offers into the mix, and you may realize that the iPhone 16 has become relatively affordable.

3. iPhone 16 performs impressively

The iPhone 16 is powered by Apple’s A18 chipset. This device gives impressive performance. We have used the iPhone 16 extensively here at India Today Tech. During usage, we found that the device can handle heavy multitasking with ease. You can also play games like BGMI or COD Mobile for long periods on the device without facing any major throttling issues.

Compared to Android rivals under Rs 60,000, the iPhone 16 remains in a league of its own when it comes to performance.

4. Good cameras and video recording

You get a dual rear camera setup on the iPhone 16 – a 48-megapixel main sensor and a 12-megapixel ultrawide. Both cameras give you continuous shots. For most people, the iPhone 16 cameras allow them to get social media-ready photos instantly. However, you miss out on the telephoto lens, which most Android rivals pack at this price.

On the video front, Apple is still ahead of the competition. For anyone looking to create content or shoot videos, the iPhone 16 proves to be a better option than other devices in this category.

5. Solid battery life

Gone are the times when iPhones were associated with poor battery life. iPhone 16 offers good battery life. When we reviewed the device, it would last a whole day on a single charge, even if we pushed it with a few gaming sessions.

While you don’t get a charger in the box, and will have to pay extra to buy one, the iPhone 16 comes with USB-C support, which saves you the hassle of carrying an extra cable to charge the device, as was the case in the days of Lightning cables.

Overall, there is no single reason for the success of the iPhone 16 in India. In the grand scheme of things, the Indian market is moving towards the premium segment, and Apple’s brand value in particular entices consumers to buy iPhones. The higher price is offset by bank offers, festive sales and no-cost EMIs, making the iPhone 16 seem relatively affordable. And, the iPhone 16 itself offers a solid all-around package that’s worth the money.