Apple recently unveiled its highly anticipated iPhone 16 series at the “It’s Glowtime” event, consisting of four models: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The latest series boasts competitive pricing, especially with some price reductions in the Pro models, attracting attention worldwide. However, the prices of iPhones can vary significantly depending on the country of purchase. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of iPhone 16 series prices in India versus the US, Dubai, Vietnam, and other major regions.
Starting with the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, in India, the base model starts at Rs 79,900, while the Plus variant is priced at Rs 89,900. Despite the slight increase in prices compared to the previous generation, these new models still offer attractive options for consumers. Notably, certain banks offer a flat Rs 5,000 discount, bringing the effective price of the 128GB iPhone 16 down to Rs 74,900 in the Indian market.
On the other hand, the same iPhone 16 is notably cheaper in the US, where it starts at $799 (approximately Rs 67,000 before taxes). The pricing in Canada is also under Rs 70,000, making it a more affordable option. In Dubai, the iPhone 16 is priced at AED 3,399 (around Rs 78,000), while in Vietnam, it costs VND 22,999,000 (approximately Rs 78,000). The US emerges as the most cost-effective option for buyers seeking savings on the base model.
Moving on to the iPhone 16 Pro, which starts at Rs 1,19,900 in India, lower than its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro. However, for those looking to secure the best price, purchasing from abroad might be a more economical choice. In the US, the iPhone 16 Pro is priced at $999 (about Rs 83,891 before taxes), offering a substantial saving of almost Rs 36,000 compared to the Indian price point.
Similarly, Dubai sells the iPhone 16 Pro at AED 4,299 (around Rs 97,000), making it significantly cheaper than in India. China and Canada also provide the iPhone 16 Pro at prices well below Rs 1,00,000, with China offering a particularly attractive price of around Rs 94,351. Opting to buy the iPhone 16 Pro from international markets can result in considerable savings for consumers.
For the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple’s premium flagship model, the 256GB variant is priced at Rs 1,44,900 in India. While this may seem competitive, the same model is available in the US for $1,199 (approximately Rs 1,00,686), offering a substantial saving of roughly Rs 40,000. In Dubai, the iPhone 16 Pro Max is priced at AED 5,099 (around Rs 1,32,000), presenting a saving of about Rs 12,000. Vietnam and China also offer competitive prices for the Pro Max, with the latter starting at around Rs 1,17,942 for the same model.
It’s essential to note that while purchasing an iPhone from abroad may seem like a great deal, there are crucial factors to consider. For instance, iPhones from the US only support eSIMs and lack physical SIM card slots, unlike Indian variants that offer both options. Additionally, network-locked iPhones bought in certain markets may not be compatible with Indian carriers, necessitating the purchase of an unlocked variant to avoid complications back home.
In conclusion, buyers eyeing the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max could benefit from substantial savings by purchasing from countries like the US, Dubai, or China, compared to the prices in India. Even the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are more affordable in the US and Canada. However, consumers must be mindful of compatibility issues with Indian carriers and the eSIM-only limitation in certain regions before making an international purchase. By weighing these factors carefully, consumers can make an informed decision on whether to buy an iPhone 16 in India or abroad.