Even though iPhone sales in India is nothing to talk about, Bharti and Vodafone are gearing up to bring the newly launched iPhone 3G S to India by August 2009.
iPhone 3G S offers faster data speeds, video recording, compass and is cheaply priced as well (India price is still not know),
Apple had issued a guidance, saying the iPhone 3G S would make its debut in India in August, but refused to specify the date and the pricing for the country. The guidance also added that the handset would be launched in 31 other countries in August. Additionally, as per information made public by Apple, the iPhone 3G S will go on sale in 10 countries, including the US on June 19, and another 32 countries in the month of July. – ET
Also see: 3G in India – Gloomy subscription numbers from BSNL and MTNL
I wonder what Bharati/vodaphone see value in brining Iphone 3GS(or any iphone for that matter) to India without a 3G service yet
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I hope vodafone/bharati will launch new iPhone 2GS phones @ resonable price. They must have taken lesson from iPhone failure in India.
Its not really cheaply priced. It is priced at the same $199/$299 that the original iPhone 3G was priced at. Its the 3G model that is now priced at $99.
Going by that, I doubt 3GS pricing would be lowered in India (might be for 3G though).
However, Apple really needs to slash the prices if they have learned anything from the market response so far.
i asked about the release date of 3gs in istore yesterday, he said ‘it will take 6mons’ should i believe him?
Apple iPhone 3GS is scheduled to release on August 09, 2009 in India. It is expected by myself and many others to retain the prices of the old iPhone 3G which will then be sold approx. 5000-6000 rupees cheaper and only the 8 GB version will be available. While as many know 3GS is offered in 16 GB and 32 GB variants.
Now, it should be cleared that no one can get the new 3GS or 3G at 5000 rupees($99). The only way for people in India to get 3GS is from ebay US among the many sites that offer worldwide shipping. The lowest price there for the 3GS is $800(Rs. 40,000). Also, remember while ordering from abroad you are liable to pay custom duties which is different from shipping costs.
iPhone 3G price in USA, in US Dollars = 99$ (Rs. 5000 approx). What people do not understand or have no idea that iPhones are sold at $99, $199, $299 only because they are contract based, meaning that no matter what they have to pay for 12 or more months about around $65 (Rs. 3250) per month. Do the math and we are talking about over $1000 (Rs. 50,000).
Hence, the misconception related to the price of iPhone shouldn’t arise also considering the fact that it is high-end device.
I hope now the price of iPhone in India is justified. We in India have extremely low call rates in comparison to that in U.S. And our mobile operator companies do not offer contract-based subscription planes like they do in the U.S
Glad that you brought all that up Raj. Most people in India do not realize that iphones are only sold with generally a 2 year contract, so the tag price of the iphone is mothing compared to the contract fee. Additionally, iphone users are forced to buy an internet subscription plan, starting at around $30/month. Now add that to the contract fee (around $60 for a family plan, and you have around $100 per month!!!
So, the best thing for people in India to do is to purchase it from there, and likewise use local internet services. It saves the hassle of internet purchases etc.
Also, like Raj mentioned aboce, the mobile operator companies in the US are ridiculous with their fees (people have to pay for incoming text messages!)
Just keep all this in mind before you hit Amazon or ebay
Raj and Dev, you are absolutely correct. Infact, the price of iPhone in the UK is more than GBP500. It is the cheapest to buy in India.
I am sure that it would have the same price tag if not more in India too (Rs.32,000)
All of what Raj and Dev and Hari have said is factually right. Although it might be worthwhile to note that in India as in the US and many other countries the iPhone 3G was tied to a carrier. that is it was “Locked” to the carrier. Which means if you put another carriers sim card into it, it would not function. *Of course it was possible to unlock it and use on an unsupported carrier, but Apple/Vodafone/Bharti would refuse to touch it as it loses warranty*
In Countries like Singapore and Italy where the iPhone is Officially UNLOCKED. (there might be contract obligations) see this list to know more. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1937
So if there is someone you know or are related to in those select countries, who could use the plans with the iPhone.. you could get one at a lower price.
Hi All, Raj, Dev and Nikhil have provided with valid comment.
But i have one query, i would want to know if we purchase IPhone 3GS from US, can we unlock it in India? Because the Iphone 3GS of 16GB costs only $199, with the activation and contract of $60. Total comes up to $260 which is quite cheaper compared to the same purchased in India…..
If you can get the iphone from US, you can certainly unlock in India. However, I believe the contract breaking fee is higher than the $60 you are talking about. And you need US SSN to buy the phone.
iPhone 3G in UK is for GBP 343 (for 8 GB model)
iPhone 3GS in UK is for GBP 441 (for 16 GB model)
iPhone 3GS in UK is for GBP 539 (for 32 GB model)
all the phones are locked with O2 pre-paid, so you don’t have to pay anything at all apart from the price mentioned above.
And you can easily get it jail breaked with the inexpensive softwares available on internet and also after getting it jail breaked you can install many iphone softwares on your phone for FREE !!!
Hi
Vinodh, the contract is a 2 year deal, whereby the customer has to pay for a phone line, as well as an internet data plan on a monthly basis for 2 years. The data plan is priced at $30 per month, and the phone line ranges from $40 upwards…so it is a costly affair, and since it is contract bound, it is quite likely as mentioned above, that they require proof of residency for example the social security number. And I don’t see how one can or should pay for the contract in the US, while it has to be used in a different country. The situation is different if somehow you can manage to purchase an unlocked iphone (from some of the places mentioned above, or an online dealer)
Cheers
Dev
If Bought in US ; For 1 yr it will cost:-
1. Iphone 3GS =$199 (Rs. 9,950)
2. contract =$780 (Rs. 39,000 )for 12 months …based on $65 (Rs. 3250)p/m
3. internet subscription =$360 (Rs. 18,000)……based on $30 p/m (Rs.1,500)
4. contract breaking fee = $175.00 (Rs. 8,750)
———————————————————-
************************************************************
*Grand Total :———=$199+$780+$360 = $1,339 (Rs 66,950 )*
*************************************************************
if you plan to break the contrack add $175 = $1,339 + $175= $1514 (Rs. 75,700 )
considering ..US $1= Rs50 INR
Do you still plan to get it from US guys..It is smart to buy from India for Rs 32,000 + Rs 1,000 (unlocking)to user with any service provider …I mean literally ANY. period.
if you get it from countries where it is officially unlocked ..think twice thy are smarter than us, they are APPLE..their is geographical limitations.
What do you think about this ????
any remarks???
dude, if we buy iphone 3gs from us and try to unlock in india will it able to work with mumbai’s local networks…………………..
and one more thing as you mentioned above the contract, is it in necessary to take contract. one of my uncle in uk said there is other option to buy i.e. without contract in uk which will be costing us around rs.15,000. i really don’t know that is it possible to unlock
iphone 3gs in india (mumbai). iphone 3gs is still not launchad in india and its 10th march,2010. what to do really have no idea????? but really wanna buy one……..
I saw a seller selling on ebay (ebay.co.in) for 32k. it can be used with any gsm provider
How cost effective would it be to buy it in India, and take it abroad, to say, the UK???
@ shailendra
Ok…the numbers do wonders….
But when is the phone being launched ?
I called up my friend in Airtel and he said its gonna take another 3 more months ! because the recently launched the BlackBerry and they still have huge stock of iphone 3G stuck !
Hi All,
Any idea when will IPhone 3GS be launched in India???
I have checked with all the website and blogs. No one has any idea about the release…. Airtel and Vodafone customer care dont have a clue about IPhone 3GS. Please do reply if any one has an update regarding the release date
dude thats apple there they never release dates or any info about the release.so keep on waiting its comin on the 24 august.
Technically looking at 32k iPhone in India is not that expensive compared to US ($199) with its 2 year Contract.
e.g.:
India:
iPhone – 32,000 (1time payment)
Monthly Bill – 800 (with Data) = 800 x 24 = 19,200
Monthly Bill – 200 (without Data) = 200 x 24 = 4,800
So, min. cost in 2 years = 32,000+4,800 = 36,800
And avg cost in 2 years = 32,000+19,200 = 51,200
Now Lets see how much an iPhone user in US pays in 2 years:
iPhone – $199 = Rs.10,000 (aprox)
MonthlyBill (min) = $70 = Rs. 3,500 -> 3,500×24 = Rs. 84,000
MonthlyBill (avg) = $130 = Rs. 6,500 -> 6,500×24 = Rs. 1,56,000
So, min. cost in 2 years = 10,000+84,000 = Rs. 94,000
And avg cost in 2 years = 10,000+1,56,000 = Rs.1,66,000
So, by looking at the above figures I don’t think iPhone is costly in India. Rather its cheaper in India in long run. Also, any new high tech smart phone in market by Nokia and Palm cost no less than 30-35k so, i feel the pricing is just for iPhone. Its just that Vodafone and Airtel need to come up with some good data plan.
Hi, to all the iPhone 3GS Lovers.
My name is Maninder Kohli (9811394331) and providing you best news of so far on the availability of the iPhone 3GS phone in India.
The iPhone 3GS Black Colour 16GB (Unlocked) in Box pack is available at a wholesale mobile store in New Delhi. The Price for this phone is 41,000/- (INR) (zero discount)
Yesterday, I had visited the wholesaler shop and I would like to confirm you to all that this phone has been seen by me. One of the awesome phone that I have ever seen in my life. I also asked for the 32 GB Model, but the wholesaler denied that only the 16GB 3GS is only currently available with him.
If anybody want to purchase this phone, please visit the wholesaler’s shop. I have also visiting card for this shop with me. For your convenience, I am providing you the contact numbers and address for the shop:
Vaishno Electronics PVT. Ltd.
131, Municipal Market (MCD Market),
Karol Bagh, Gaffar Market, New Delhi – 110005
Contact Person: Manoj Kansal 9810956020
Sachin Mittal 9811259563
Shop: 011-25801768
I would like to assure you all that this phone is really available with the Vaishno Electronics PVT. Ltd.
The iphone 3GS has some really cool features which hav not been seen in any other phone…apple should provide 3GS in India asap….to know more about iPhone 3GS check this out…….
http://www.techgodown.com/latest-iphone-3gs-to-be-launched-in-india/
In Malaysia they charge 3000Ringgit [equal to roughly 13.5Rs]for no contract option, for a 32GB 3GS. Means 40500/-. But as of today i.e. 13 Jan 2010, there doesnt seem to be any news of Airtel launching any contract options in India, like what they do else where in the world.
So any updates about Airtel or vodafone plans yet
hey guys i have Iphone 3Gs – 16GB and 32GB both are Unlocked and jailbreak
price is : 16gb- 31000, 32GB – 37000
if any 1 is interested they can mail it to me on my id
cooldude_ayush02@hotmail.com
HI,I HAVE A BRAND NEW WHITE 32GIG 3GS I PHONE UNLOCKED AND JAIL BROKEN , WORKS FOR ALL NETWORKS , I AM SELLING IT FOR 32,000 IF ANY ONE INTERESTED CALL ME UP ON MY NO- 09985949471 OR MAIL ME ON MY EMAIL ;- DEEPAK030286@GMAIL.COM
THANKS & REGARDS
DEEPAK
I sawin ebay india site (ebay.co.in). buy it from there
I have iPhone 2G for sell in Delhi. Phone is in good condition, not a single scratch mark on the phone. Phone also have screen protection guard on it.
If interested call me on 08800439941. Hurry!
And you can easily get it jail breaked and also after getting it jail breaked you can install many iphone softwares on your phone for FREE !!!