It’s that familiar time of year when Apple unveils its latest iPhone, sparking the age-old tradition of Indians gawking at the hefty price tags. Comparing iPhone prices in India to those in other countries has become almost as much a ritual as the phone’s annual launch itself. This year, the spotlight is on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a device so extravagantly priced in India that it might just be more cost-effective to jet off to destinations like Dubai or Hong Kong to make the purchase.
Just as kidney-related jokes are synonymous with every iPhone launch, so are the price comparisons showing how much more Indians shell out for their iPhones. While these comparisons are hypothetical fun, they do shed light on the price disparities. So, as Apple introduces the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in India, let’s dive into one of these fun exercises again. Our focus: the iPhone 15 Pro Max, a phone whose Indian price tag might prompt you to pack your bags and head to a neighboring city.
Let’s break down the numbers for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, factoring in a trip to Hong Kong for the purchase.
In India, as per the Apple website, the base variant of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 256GB storage is priced at Rs 1,59,900. In contrast, the same phone in Hong Kong is listed at HK $10199, which translates to approximately Rs 1,08,058. In other words, the iPhone 15 Pro Max costs around Rs 50,000 less in Hong Kong.
Now that we have a savings of roughly Rs 50,000, let’s consider the travel expenses. A recent search for a round-trip flight from Delhi to Hong Kong on September 29 showed a fare of Rs 28,138 for an Air India flight. Opting for Air India is a practical choice because it offers a non-stop, affordable direct flight. While other options like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are available, there’s nothing wrong with choosing the convenience of Air India.
Once your flight is booked, you’ll need to plan your stay in Hong Kong. You might want to explore the vibrant city and capture beautiful memories with your new iPhone 15 Pro Max. A quick search on travel websites revealed that it’s easy to find 3-star accommodations in Hong Kong for rates ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per night. If you allocate Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000 for a two-night stay, you’ll still have approximately Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for dining and experiencing local delicacies over those two days.
Dubai offers a similar deal. Although the starting price for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly higher in Dubai (around Rs 1.15 lakh), flights to Dubai are cheaper by approximately Rs 8,000 to Rs 10,000. In essence, the overall savings may still be substantial: Fly to Dubai, enjoy a 2-night stay, savor kebabs and shawarma, purchase an iPhone 15 Pro Max, and return home. You could still end up saving a thousand or so rupees compared to the cost in India.
It’s important to note that Apple’s warranty for the iPhone is global, meaning it will be honored regardless of where you purchase the phone. So, technically, you could buy the phone anywhere in the world, and your warranty will remain valid.
However, before you hastily book that flight, there are some considerations. Travel expenses, such as visa fees and miscellaneous costs, should be factored into the equation. In the grand scheme of things, the iPhone might end up costing slightly more if you embark on this foreign purchasing adventure.
The underlying message here is that the iPhone 15 Pro, especially its Max variant, is undeniably pricey in India when compared to the rates offered in countries like Dubai, Hong Kong, or the United States. It’s worth the cost, but it’s still expensive in comparison. Of course, there are other countries where it’s exorbitantly priced, such as Brazil.
Another key takeaway is that for Indian Apple enthusiasts and users, the most cost-effective way to acquire an iPhone remains the foreign route. This involves reaching out to friends, relatives, or acquaintances who are traveling abroad and having them bring back an iPhone for you. This can result in substantial savings, even though some of these iPhones may only support eSIM functionality. Fortunately, all three major Indian telecom providers—Airtel, Jio, and Vi—now support eSIM functionality, making this an even more viable option.
