The iPhone 5c and 5s are slated to hit India end Oct 2013 and go on sale starting Nov 1st. Airtel and Reliance seem to be the two major companies marketing this set of phones aggressively. The pricing information for the 2013 edition of iPhones has come out and does not look to be in the region that buyers from India will appreciate.
The iPhone 5c is set to go on sale for a price of Rs. 41900 for the 16 GB variant irrespective of color, while the iPhone 5s is expected to go on sale for a price of Rs. 53,500 for the 16 GB variant again irrespective of color. Some rumors earlier had pointed out that the price of the gold color may be hiked, but such is not the case.
If we compare the price to the US, a contract-free and unlocked 16GB version of the iPhone 5C is available for USD 549 (about Rs 34,700) in the US, while an unlocked and contract-free iPhone 5S can be bought for USD 649 (about Rs 41,000). Apple is charging a hefty premium, this is considering the stricter Custom duty laws and the ever fluctuating price of the dollar.
On a different note, the phones are already available in the grey market sometimes cheaper than the slated launch price. So are you waiting for the official “high priced” iPhone 5c / 5s or are you taking the jump with the import units. Either way you still get warranty because the import units are still under warranty at Official Apple Stores across the globe, India has a franchise model so the imported units are not covered under warranty.
