Acquiring the iPhone 15 Pro Max in India at 50K Cheaper – The Hong Kong Route
The yearly ritual of iPhone releases always brings with it the excitement of new features and innovations. However, for Indian consumers, it also brings the inevitable sticker shock when they compare local prices to those in other countries. The iPhone 15 Pro Max, the latest flagship from Apple, is no exception. It’s so pricey in India that buying it from overseas destinations like Dubai or Hong Kong may offer significant savings.
Price comparisons across countries are a common practice, although they are often theoretical. Yet, they can be illuminating. As Apple unveils the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro in India, let’s examine the case of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The price differential is so substantial that it might be more cost-effective for Indian consumers to embark on a short trip abroad to acquire this coveted device.
To illustrate this point, let’s break down the numbers for purchasing an iPhone 15 Pro Max and a quick trip to Hong Kong.
Firstly, let’s compare the prices. In India, the base variant of the iPhone 15 Pro Max with 256GB storage retails for Rs 1,59,900. In contrast, the same model in Hong Kong is priced at HK $10199, which converts to approximately Rs 1,08,058. In essence, buying the iPhone 15 Pro Max in Hong Kong could save you around Rs 50,000.
With this significant saving in mind, let’s move on to the logistics of the trip. We checked flight prices from Delhi to Hong Kong for a date in September, which amounted to Rs 28,138 for a round-trip Air India flight – the most convenient and economical non-stop option.
Accommodation in Hong Kong is readily available at 3-star hotels for rates ranging from Rs 3000 to Rs 5000 per night. A two-night stay at a cost of Rs 8000 to Rs 10000 still leaves you with Rs 10,000 to Rs 12,000 for dining and entertainment during your stay. You can savor delectable dim sum and Chinese street food in Hong Kong without breaking the bank.
Alternatively, you can consider a similar strategy in Dubai. While the starting price for the iPhone 15 Pro Max is slightly higher in Dubai (around Rs 1.15 lakh), flight costs are lower by approximately Rs 8000 to Rs 10000. In essence, the overall expenditure may turn out to be roughly the same. A trip to Dubai could involve a two-night stay, enjoying kebabs and shawarma, purchasing the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and still saving a few thousand rupees compared to the local price.
It’s important to note that Apple’s warranty for the iPhone is global, ensuring that your device will be covered regardless of where you make the purchase.
However, it’s essential to approach this idea with caution. While it might seem like a novel way to save money, the total cost may end up being slightly higher when considering visa or entry fees and miscellaneous expenses associated with travel.
Ultimately, this comparison serves to highlight that the iPhone 15 Pro Max, particularly in its Max variant, is undeniably costly in India. Is it worth the price? Yes, we would argue it is. Nevertheless, it’s expensive in comparison to what consumers pay in Dubai, Hong Kong, or the US. There are, of course, other countries where the iPhone’s cost is exorbitant, such as Brazil.
The underlying message here is that for Indian Apple enthusiasts, the most cost-effective way to obtain an iPhone remains the foreign route. Consider asking friends or relatives traveling abroad to bring one back for you. With the support for eSIM functionality by major Indian telcos like Airtel, Jio, and Vi, the inconvenience of limited functionality on these devices is no longer a significant concern.
