Vietnamese people are still 'obsessed' with older iPhone models.

Affordable prices, while still offering a full range of modern features, have helped older iPhone models consistently rank among the best-selling devices at many mobile phone retailers in Vietnam.

The iPhone is the most popular smartphone in Vietnam, despite not having any significant breakthroughs in design or features over the years. However, this is precisely why older iPhone models attract customers because they are not significantly inferior to newer models, while offering much better value for money.

Among the older iPhone models selling well at domestic mobile phone retailers, the iPhone 13 and 15 are frequently chosen by users. According to a report from market research firm Counterpoint Research, the iPhone 15 is also one of the best-selling smartphones in the world in the first three months of 2025, despite being released in 2023.

Older iPhone models remain attractive to Vietnamese customers thanks to their affordable prices and features that meet their needs.

Photo: Anh Quân

According to an authorized Apple reseller (AAR) in Vietnam, older iPhone models, especially the 15-inch model, are still selling well, accounting for a significant portion of the system's monthly sales. Compared to the iPhone 13, the newer model, released two years later, has many advantages, from camera quality and elegant color options to good specifications, while the design remains largely unchanged, and the price difference is only a few million dong.

Specifically, the standard 128GB iPhone 15 has a suggested retail price of 15.5 million VND, while the iPhone 13 is over 11 million VND and the iPhone 14 is under 13 million VND. "Older iPhones like the 13, 14, and 15 generations are still worthwhile options for customers. These three models account for approximately 35% of our iPhone sales in the second quarter," shared a media representative from another AAR.

Standard iPhone models, some of the last 3-4 years, are still being manufactured and distributed by Apple to various markets, including Vietnam – one of the countries with consistently growing iPhone sales. Conversely, whenever the company launches a new generation, the Pro and Pro Max models from the previous year cease production and are only sold until existing stock runs out.

Compared to the more expensive and increasingly rare Pro-series iPhones, the standard or Plus versions of the iPhone are preferred because their hardware adequately meets current basic needs, they have a more accessible price, and are frequently discounted or offered with promotions from retailers and e-commerce platforms.

Older iPhones compete with the newest models.

The new iPhone uses AI chip architecture designed by Arm.

On official retail shelves, while not directly competing with newly released models like the iPhone 16 series, older generations of iPhones are now directly challenging the iPhone 16e – Apple's newly launched budget phone that hasn't garnered significant user attention. In fact, iPhone 15 sales are even higher than iPhone 16e sales, despite the newer model having some distinct advantages.

Specifically, the cheaper iPhone 16e still supports Apple Intelligence, while the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 do not. However, users still have reasons to overlook this factor, as Apple's artificial intelligence remains just a promise, failing to achieve any significant results, and arguably lagging behind other major brands on the market. Other factors, such as newer hardware and the highly-rated battery life, are not enough to convince users to spend more, even though the iPhone 16e is only a few hundred thousand dong more expensive than the iPhone 15.

To compensate for the lack of Apple Intelligence, the iPhone 15 boasts an ultra-wide-angle camera and MagSafe wireless charging compatibility – features that directly impact the user's daily experience. MagSafe support also makes the iPhone 13, 14, and 15 compatible with a wider range of accessories and peripherals compared to the iPhone 16e.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-viet-van-me-iphone-doi-cu-185250618151216212.htm