A new 4-inch iPhone to make the 5s cost less than ₹15,000: Analyst

The iPhone 5se or 6c is expected to have all the features and styling of an iPhone 6s (except for 3D Touch), but the iPhone 5s might steal its spotlight by offering the latest version of iOS, decent camera and Apple’s charm at a price under ₹15,000

The iPhone 5se or 6c is expected to have all the features and styling of an iPhone 6s (except for 3D Touch), but the iPhone 5s might steal its spotlight by offering the latest version of iOS, decent camera and Apple’s charm at a price under Rs 15,000 (Google)

The iPhone 5s never really had a true heir. The last phone designed with the tiny 4-inch screen to be equally loved and criticised -- because most Android phones had a the 5-inch screen -- was the iPhone 5c. With the rumours of a March 21 event, the expected launch of the iPhone 5s' true heir -- the Apple iPhone 5se or 6c -- is getting quite a positive anticipation. Maybe because it's an upgrade and not an overpriced downgrade like the iPhone 5c.

What does that mean for the good old iPhone 5s that's managed to hold its ground with a faithful following of the 4-inch screen fans? The obvious: Price cut. The iPhone 5s, already selling for under ₹20,000 for the base model, is expected to receive a price cut to take the cost of the 16 GB base model down to $225 (approximately ₹15,000), according to the reliable KGI Securities' analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo.

The iPhone 5s is still a competent primary phone despite the tiny screen, three-year-old specifications and meagre 16 GB storage. But at the anticipated price, the iPhone 5s' Touch ID, Retina display and a most-lilkely update to iOS 10, the oldest iPhone on the market from Apple could soon become the most appealing one.

With the launch getting closer and prices dropping every day, the iPhone 5se is ready to claim its place as the fair 4-inch screen option from Apple for an expected price of ₹30,000-36,000. While the newer tiny phone is expected to have all the features and styling of an iPhone 6s (except for 3D Touch), for a market like India, the iPhone 5s might steal its spotlight by offering the latest version of iOS, decent camera and Apple's charm for a price under ₹15,000.