-1757664964913.webp)
- By Supratik Das
- Fri, 12 Sep 2025 01:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
iPhone 17 price comparison: Apple's recently released iPhone 17 series has again raised questions about price differences all over the world. Although the phones were revealed at Apple's "Awe Dropping" event last week, most purchasers are wondering why the iPhones are priced so much higher in India than they are in countries like Dubai, the US, and even Hong Kong.
The standard iPhone 17 is available for Rs 82,900 in India, but the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are priced at Rs 1,34,900 and Rs 1,49,900, respectively. Apple has launched iPhone Air in India for Rs 1,19,900 too. Despite the higher price tags, people are looking closely at international comparisons, and Dubai appears to be a winning destination.
Price Gap Widens Between India And Dubai
Based on official prices, the iPhone 17 Pro Max retails for AED 5,099 in the UAE, which is approximately Rs 1,22,500. The same phone costs Rs 1,49,900 in India. That's an almost Rs 27,400 price difference.
Interestingly, even after adding the cost of a round-trip ticket from New Delhi to Dubai, the phone still works out to be cheaper. A SpiceJet itinerary spotted on Skyscanner showed fares starting at Rs 22,619 for travel around the launch date. This means that buying the iPhone in Dubai and returning to India could still save around Rs 4,800.
Why iPhone 17 Cheaper In Dubai?
The key reasons lie in the various factors. Apple also makes price variations for every region depending on taxes, import charges, and prevailing market conditions. In India, there are steep customs duties and GST that drive the retail cost much higher than in duty-free destinations such as Dubai.
Key Reasons Why iPhone 17 Pro Max is Cheaper in Dubai
• Reduced Import Duties: UAE charges minimal or no duty on electronic devices, as opposed to India where the duties go up to 20 per cent.
• Tax Rebates: Dubai has a tax-free environment with VAT of merely 5%, while India charges 18 per cent GST for smartphones.
• Currency Fluctuation Advantage: The AED/INR rate presently operates in the buyer's favour, so the iPhone is cheaper when converted.
• Retail Strategy: Dubai is an international shopping destination, promoting aggressive pricing and constant promotions, keeping Apple devices affordable.
• No Added Distribution Costs: India's pricing also includes more expensive logistics, warehousing, and compliance costs.
Other Nations With Less Expensive iPhones
It’s not just Dubai. Comparison of prices indicates that the iPhone 17 Pro Max is around Rs 1,05,800 in the US, Rs 1,11,400 in Canada, and around Rs 1,12,800 in Hong Kong. Japan is another such place where the Pro Max is priced at almost Rs 1,16,500. In Hong Kong, for example, the iPhone 17 Pro Max is almost Rs 34,300 cheaper than in India. A flight from Delhi to Hong Kong costs around Rs 28,100, which still makes the purchase there cheaper than buying locally.
ALSO READ: iPhone 17 Series Features Apple Didn't Tell You About! Check Them Out
Though the international warranty applies to iPhones purchased overseas, there are certain exceptions. The US variant of iPhone 17 features no physical SIM slot and is compatible only with eSIM. Purchasers also need to verify that they are acquiring an unlocked model so that it is compatible with Indian carriers.
The global price comparison has once again highlighted how Indian buyers end up paying a premium for Apple’s flagship devices. While it may not be practical to fly abroad solely for buying an iPhone, the price difference is a clear reminder of how regional taxes and policies shape consumer costs. For now, Dubai stands out as the most practical destination for Indians looking to buy the iPhone 17 Pro Max at a significantly lower price.