Gadgets

Apple launches iPhone 16e: A budget-friendly contender with a game-changing feature

Apple has introduced the iPhone 16e, an entry-level model featuring the A18 chip and Apple’s first in-house 5G modem. Priced at Rs59,900, it aims to attract cost-conscious buyers in India and beyond.

Published

12 months ago

February 20, 2025

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Apple iPhone 16e with Apple-designed modem launched

Apple has launched the iPhone 16e, a new entry-level model in its iPhone 16 series, aimed at price-conscious consumers in markets like India and China. The phone, priced at Rs59,900, is nearly as powerful as the standard iPhone 16 but comes with a few trade-offs to keep costs down. Pre-orders begin this Friday, with sales commencing on February 28.

Performance and features: More power at a lower cost

The iPhone 16e is powered by the A18 chip, the same processor used in Apple’s flagship iPhone 16 lineup. It features a 6.1-inch OLED display, Face ID housed in a display notch, a customizable Action Button, and a USB-C port—first introduced with the iPhone 15. However, the biggest highlight of the iPhone 16e is Apple’s first-ever in-house cellular modem, marking a strategic shift away from reliance on Qualcomm’s 5G modems. Apple claims this new modem, paired with the A18 chip and iOS 18, delivers superior battery life.

The device comes with a 48MP single-lens camera instead of the dual-camera setup found on the standard iPhone 16. Additionally, it supports Apple Intelligence, making it the most affordable iPhone with AI capabilities.

Shifting strategies: Why Apple dropped the “SE” branding

Unlike previous budget-friendly models, Apple has moved away from branding the iPhone 16e as an “SE” model. The iPhone SE series has historically struggled to match the sales of mainstream iPhones, despite offering lower prices. By rebranding the device as part of the iPhone 16 series, Apple aims to make the 16e more appealing to consumers who may have previously overlooked the SE lineup.

Market data reveals that the third-generation iPhone SE underperformed compared to its predecessor, selling only 35.2 million units, significantly lower than the iPhone 13’s 137.4 million units. Apple appears to be shifting its approach to cater to consumers upgrading from older models like the iPhone XR and iPhone 11, rather than competing with mid-range Android devices.

Can the iPhone 16e succeed in India and Europe?

Apple has recently made significant inroads in India, becoming one of the top five smartphone brands in the country with a 9% market share in the last quarter of 2024. However, competition is fierce, with budget-conscious buyers often opting for premium second-hand models or flagship Android devices.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Apple needed a mid-range offering to replace older models like the iPhone 13, iPhone 14, and third-generation iPhone SE, which were phased out to comply with the EU’s USB-C mandate. With upcoming eco-design regulations set to take effect in June 2025, Apple appears to be aligning its strategy with evolving market demands.

Will the iPhone 16e find its audience?

While the iPhone 16e provides an affordable entry point into Apple’s ecosystem, its price remains higher than previous SE models, leading some analysts to question whether it can attract enough buyers. The growing trend of consumers opting for premium models through financing options may pose a challenge to the iPhone 16e’s success.

Nonetheless, with its competitive specs, Apple’s first-ever in-house modem, and a strategic repositioning away from the SE branding, the iPhone 16e has the potential to carve out its niche in the mid-range smartphone market.

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Gadgets

OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026 brings discounts on 15, 15R, 13, Nord 5 and tablets

OnePlus Freedom Sale 2026 begins Jan 16 with discounts on phones, tablets, and audio products across online and offline stores.

Published

3 weeks ago

January 13, 2026

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OnePlus has announced its Freedom Sale, offering discounts on smartphones, tablets, and audio products across online and offline platforms. The deals include the recently launched OnePlus 15 series, Nord lineup, Buds audio devices, and other gadgets.

When and where to shop

The OnePlus Freedom Sale starts on Jan. 16 and will run both online and offline. Shoppers can purchase smartphones through OnePlus.in, OnePlus Experience Stores, Amazon, as well as offline retailers including Croma, Reliance Digital, Vijay Sales, and others. Tablets are available on Flipkart during the sale period.

Discounts on OnePlus smartphones

OnePlus 15: Launched at Rs 72,999, buyers can get an instant Rs 4,000 discount, lowering the effective price to Rs 68,999. Additional benefits include six months of no-cost EMI and a bundled OnePlus Nord Buds 3.
OnePlus 13: Originally priced at Rs 69,999, the phone receives an Rs 8,000 price drop, plus a bank discount of Rs 4,000, bringing the price down to Rs 57,999.
OnePlus 15R: Listed at Rs 47,999, buyers can avail Rs 3,000 off until Jan 26. After the date, the effective price is Rs 45,999.
OnePlus 13R: Launched at Rs 42,999, this device gets up to Rs 6,000 price cut and an additional Rs 1,000 bank discount.

Discounts on OnePlus tablets

OnePlus Pad 2: Rs 2,000 instant bank discount reduces the price to Rs 34,999.
OnePlus Pad 3: Eligible for a Rs 3,000 instant discount, making the price Rs 44,999. Purchases until Jan 26 include a free Stylo 2 stylus.
OnePlus Pad Go 2: Rs 1,000 price drop plus Rs 2,000 bank discount, now Rs 23,999.
OnePlus Pad Go: Price reduced to Rs 13,999 after Rs 3,000 cut and Rs 1,000 bank discount.
OnePlus Pad Lite: Available for Rs 11,999 after a Rs 2,000 price drop and Rs 2,000 bank discount.

Audio devices on offer

OnePlus Buds 4: Rs 700 price cut with Rs 300 bank discount, bringing the effective price to Rs 4,999.
OnePlus Buds Pro 3: Now Rs 9,999 after Rs 1,000 price drop and Rs 1,000 bank discount. No-cost EMI options are available for both Buds 4 and Buds Pro 3.

Additional discounts are also applicable to the Nord Buds series — including Nord Buds 3, Nord Buds 3 Pro, and Nord Buds 3R — and neckband devices such as Bullets Wireless Z2 ANC and Bullets Wireless Z3.

Gadgets

Oppo Reno 15 likely to launch in India soon with upgraded camera and performance features

Oppo is preparing to launch the Reno 15 series in India, focusing on camera improvements, performance stability and a refined design. Here’s what to expect from its pricing and features.

Published

2 months ago

December 8, 2025

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Oppo is gearing up to introduce its Reno 15 lineup in India, with the series expected to focus heavily on enhanced imaging, performance stability and creator-friendly tools. The smartphone, which has already been launched in China, is anticipated to reach the Indian market in the coming weeks although the company has not yet shared an official date.

Expected price range in India

Industry estimates suggest the standard Oppo Reno 15 will fall in the upper-mid price bracket. While the Reno 15 Pro was launched in China at CNY 3,699 (roughly Rs 46,000), the Reno 15 base model is expected to be more affordable, likely between Rs 32,000 and Rs 38,000, depending on RAM and storage configurations.

Expected features and specifications

The Reno 15 series is expected to highlight Oppo’s improvements in sustained performance, camera capabilities and thermal management. Globally, the models run on ColorOS 16 and feature advanced cooling, particularly aimed at gaming and continuous live-streaming use.

For India, the upcoming Oppo Reno 15 is likely to offer:

A high-refresh-rate AMOLED display
Triple-camera setup with a primary sensor optimized for better low-light clarity
Secondary wide-angle and portrait cameras
Front camera with autofocus and AI-led enhancements for live streaming
Around 5,000mAh battery with fast wired charging support
AI-driven system optimization for smoother long-term performance

Design-wise, it is expected to follow the Reno 15 Pro’s flat-frame style, offering a slim profile, improved durability and brighter display output. With growing demand for creator-focused smartphones in the country, the Reno 15 is being positioned for users interested in mobile photography, vlogging and gaming.

Gadgets

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE India price leak suggests launch similar to S24 FE

Samsung Galaxy S25 FE India price has surfaced online, hinting at a similar launch price as the S24 FE. The phone brings a 6.7-inch AMOLED display, Exynos 2400 chip, triple rear cameras, and a 4,900mAh battery.

Published

5 months ago

September 11, 2025

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Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, which was unveiled globally on September 4, is yet to receive official pricing for the Indian market. However, a fresh leak indicates that the handset could debut in India at the same price point as its predecessor, the Galaxy S24 FE.

Expected price and availability in India

According to tipster Yogesh Brar, the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE may be priced at ₹59,999 for the base 8GB RAM + 128GB storage variant in India. This matches the launch price of last year’s Galaxy S24 FE, which started at ₹59,999 for the same configuration. The higher 8GB RAM + 256GB model of the S24 FE was earlier priced at ₹65,999.

Globally, the Galaxy S25 FE has been introduced at $650 (around ₹58,000) for the base variant and $710 (around ₹63,000) for the 8GB + 256GB version. In India, the smartphone is expected to go on sale in October, similar to last year’s rollout schedule for the S24 FE.

The phone is offered in Icyblue, Jetblack, Navy, and White colour options.

Key specifications

Display: 6.7-inch full-HD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz refresh rate, 1,900 nits peak brightness, Vision Booster, Gorilla Glass Victus+ protection.
Processor: Exynos 2400 SoC.
RAM & Storage: 8GB RAM standard, up to 512GB UFS 4.0 storage.
Rear Cameras: 50MP wide-angle + 8MP telephoto + 12MP ultrawide; 8K video recording at 30fps.
Front Camera: 12MP selfie shooter.
Battery: 4,900mAh with 45W wired and 15W wireless charging.
Build: 7.4mm thick, 190g weight, IP68-rated water and dust resistance.
Cooling: 10% larger vapour chamber compared to the Galaxy S24 FE.