In India, Apple’s iPhone 4S smartphone is now on hand for buy via two of the country’s largest wireless carriers, namely Airtel and Aircel.
Airtel and Aircel announced the release of this handset device with a price tag of Rs 44,500 ($865 / 642 Euros) attached to it for the 16GB model.
The 32GB and 64GB flavors of the iconic smartphone, pricing it at Rs 50,900 ($990 / 735 Euros) and Rs 57,500 ($1,120 / 830 Euros), respectively.
The iPhone 4S, regrettably, does not land on the market in India with features that will make it a lot different when compared to the International version.
Starting with November 18, the iPhone 4S was available for pre-order in the country and will arrive on user’s hands starting today, it seems.
The device features the same hardware and capabilities as the flavor that arrived in other markets around the world, starting with:
* packs a dual-core A5 application processor inside, along with
* an 8-megapixel photo snapper on the back, with support for 1080p HD video recording.
* a front camera for video calling, as well as
* great browsing capabilities and
* enhanced gaming features courtesy of the new iOS 5 platform loaded on it.
* voice-activated personal assistant, Siri, which can be used for getting a lot of information by voice.
Siri can be used for finding the location of a specific restaurant, for example, as well as for making calls, sending messages, or even for scheduling meetings the like.
iPhone 4 and iPhone 3S, go at the moment for Rs 37,900 (8GB) and for Rs 20,900 (8GB), respectively. Apple iPhone 4S has been released on the Indian market Next to the previously available iPhone 4 and iPhone 3S.
Airtel has finally taken the wraps off its iPhone 4 8GB and has priced it at Rs 37,900, which will be available from November 25 along with the new iPhone 4S and the older iPhone 3GS 8GB. Ironically, users can still get hold of the iPhone 4 16GB variant, which will be discontinued from tomorrow), for Rs 35,500! Most stores have ran out of stocks but they can still be found in some places. In all likelihood, Aircel will also offer the iPhone 4 8GB for Rs 37,900. While we won’t get into the blame game of who is responsible for these absurd pricing – Apple or the carriers – there is no way they can justify the pricing of a lower capacity version of the same product on the depreciating Rupee. If you still want to go for an iPhone 4, we suggest you recce the market and get hold of the 16GB variant today. Happy hunting!
While we are waiting for an official announcement, we can confirm that Apple iPhone 4 factory refurbished units are now available in India for Rs 22,500 for the 16GB variant. These units come with proper bill and one-year warranty. Refurbished units should not be confused with usual second-hand units – these are sent back to the assembly factory where they are cleaned, and some components changed. They come with the same support as new phones. We are also hearing there is a shortage of brand-new iPhone 4 16GB, which can be attributed to the upcoming iPhone 4S launch in India on November 25. Apple will introduce the 8GB variant of the iPhone 4 and discontinue both the 16GB and 32GB variants once the iPhone 4S is launched. If you are still looking for an affordable iPhone 4, we think the refurbished units will be your best bet. Apple retails refurbished units in other countries too.
So I spent most of my Sunday figuring out where do you get the cheapest iPhone 4S and prepared a cheatsheet. Yes, Hong Kong offers the cheapest price (Rs 33,500 for 16GB) but it is out of stock with no indication of when it will be available. Also, it helps if you have friends or family in any of these countries who happen to be coming back soon, so you can figure out whether they can carry one for you. And to top things off, they might even be eligible for a VAT/GST refund in case they are non-residents in that country, which could sweeten the deal even more. Read on to find which country you should aim to get your iPhone 4S from.
Spoiler Alert: NOT INDIA!
Some disclaimers: Apple won’t provide any after-sales service or support in India for iPhones bought outside India. In case there is some manufacturing defect/other fault, you won’t be able to get it serviced at any Apple authorized service center. We have rounded off the figures for ease of use and are indicative prices that might vary with the actual cost. All prices mentioned below include local taxes. You can check at the Apple Store whether you are eligible for a tax refund. If eligible, the store will offer a tax refund certificate that can be refunded at the airport while leaving that country. All the prices mentioned below are for iPhone 4S 16GB
Aircel’s iPhone 4S 64GB sold out within hours
Aircel’s iPhone 4S pre-order started much later than Airtel’s yesterday. While both carriers had the same price for the iPhone 4S, it was only Aircel that offered the iPhone 4S 64GB variant for a princely Rs 57,500! However, if Aircel’s pre-order site is to be believed, the highest-end version of the iPhone 4S was sold out within hours of the pre-orders going live. We had readers pinging us within five hours, telling us about it being sold out! We do not know how many units Aircel had of the iPhone 4S 64GB but we know for a fact both carriers have very limited stocks of all the three variants, something the carriers were not really happy about. We are also yet to come across anyone who pre-ordered the 64GB variant
Apple reportedly plans to launch a slightly thicker (0.7mm) iPad in March with a dual-backlit display and a new high-resolution screen. It may be shown off in January if it’s ready in time, iLounge reports. In addition, iLounge cites its “most reliable source” in stating that Apple will likely launch the iPhone 5 next summer. In contrast to a number of rumors, the site says that the iPhone 5 does not have a tear-drop design. Instead, it will be 8mm longer than the current model and will sport a metal case as well as a 4-inch display. Lastly, Apple’s MacBook Pro line will be updated in 2012 and the new models will be thinner than the current generation notebooks, the report claims.
Official Prices of iPhone in India
Airtel & Aircel are about to sell iPhone 4S in India starting from November 25th. also they have revised the prices of iPhone 3GS & iPhone 4.
the price of their current 3 model range of iPhones are :
iPhone 3GS (8GB) : Rs 20,900
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iPhone 4 (8GB) : Rs 37,900
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iPhone 4S (16GB) : Rs 44,500
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iPhone 4S (32GB) : Rs 50,900
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iPhone 4S (64GB) : Rs 57,500-
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Refurbished iPhone 4 (16GB) starts from Rs 22,500
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