iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus: Pricing in India and Abroad
In India, the iPhone 16 starts at Rs 79,900, and the iPhone 16 Plus at Rs 89,900. These prices align closely with the previous generation, making them attractive options. A flat Rs 5,000 discount from certain banks brings the effective price of the 128GB iPhone 16 to Rs 74,900, making it relatively affordable within the Indian market.
In comparison, the same iPhone 16 is much cheaper in the US, where it starts at $799 (around Rs 67,000, before taxes). Even in Canada, it’s available for under Rs 70,000. Other regions like Dubai offer the iPhone 16 at AED 3,399 (around Rs 78,000), while in Vietnam, it’s priced at VND 22,999,000 (around Rs 78,000). Clearly, the US offers the best deal for buyers looking to save on the base iPhone 16 model.
iPhone 16 Pro: Substantial Price Difference Across Markets
The iPhone 16 Pro has a starting price of Rs 1,19,900 in India, which is actually lower than its predecessor, the iPhone 15 Pro. However, buyers looking for the best price might want to consider purchasing from abroad. In the US, the iPhone 16 Pro is priced at $999 (approximately Rs 83,891 before taxes), making it nearly Rs 36,000 cheaper than in India.
In Dubai, the iPhone 16 Pro costs AED 4,299 (around Rs 97,000), also making it significantly cheaper than in India. China and Canada also offer the iPhone 16 Pro for well under Rs 1,00,000, with China’s pricing being especially attractive at around Rs 94,351. Clearly, buying the iPhone 16 Pro abroad can offer substantial savings.
iPhone 16 Pro Max: Where to Find the Best Deals
The iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple’s largest and most feature-rich phone, starts at Rs 1,44,900 for the 256GB variant in India. While this may seem competitive, the same model is available in the US for $1,199 (about Rs 1,00,686), making it roughly Rs 40,000 cheaper than in India.For those considering a purchase in Dubai, the iPhone 16 Pro Max costs AED 5,099 (around Rs 1,32,000), offering a savings of around Rs 12,000. Vietnam and China also offer the Pro Max at competitive prices, with the latter starting around Rs 1,17,942 for the same model.
International vs Indian Variants: What You Need to Know
While buying the iPhone 16 or iPhone 16 Pro Max from abroad may seem like a great deal, there are a few important factors to consider. For instance, iPhones from the US no longer have physical SIM card slots, as they now only support eSIMs, while Indian variants come with both a nano-SIM card slot and eSIM support.
Additionally, network-locked iPhones purchased in certain markets may not work with Indian carriers, so it’s essential to ensure that any iPhone bought abroad is unlocked. These factors should be carefully considered before making an international purchase to avoid compatibility issues back home.
Should You Buy an iPhone 16 in India or Abroad?
If you’re eyeing the iPhone 16 Pro or Pro Max, buying from countries like the US, Dubai, or China could save you tens of thousands of rupees compared to Indian prices. Even the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are more affordable in the US and Canada. However, buyers should be aware of the eSIM-only limitation in certain regions and ensure they purchase an unlocked variant to avoid complications with Indian carriers.
