📱 Buying an iPhone in Dubai vs India: Pros and Cons You Must Know Before You Decide

For Indian Apple fans, purchasing a new iPhone often comes with one burning question: Should I buy it in India or get it from Dubai? While social media is full of price comparison charts after every iPhone launch, there’s a lot more to consider beyond just the sticker price.

Let’s break down the true cost, benefits, and drawbacks of buying an iPhone from Dubai vs India.

iPhone 16 series price in India vs price in Dubai

iPhone model	Price in India	Price in Dubai
iPhone 16	Rs 79,900 onwards	AED 3399 (Rs 81,000 approximately)
iPhone 16 Plus	Rs 89,900 onwards	AED 3799 (Rs 91,000 approximately)
iPhone 16 Pro	Rs 1, 19,900 onwards	AED 4,299 (Rs 1,03,00 approximately)
iPhone 16 Pro Max	Rs 1, 44,900 onwards	AED 5099 (Rs 1,21,000 approximately)

✅ Pros of Buying an iPhone in Dubai

1. 💸 Significant Savings on Pro Models

• The Pro and Pro Max models are substantially cheaper in Dubai.

• You can save up to ₹30,000 depending on the variant.

• This makes Dubai a great option for premium buyers.

2. 🛍️ No GST (India) Included

• The price in Dubai does not include India’s 18% GST, making it seem more economical upfront.

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❌ Cons of Buying an iPhone in Dubai

1. 🚫 No Savings on Non-Pro Models

• iPhone 16 and 16 Plus may cost the same or more in Dubai compared to India.

• Indian retailers often offer festive discounts, exchange deals, and bank offers—especially on base models.

2. 💳 No Bank Offers or EMI Discounts

• Indian retailers give cashback and card discounts—these aren’t available in Dubai.

• You’ll miss out on easy EMI options, trade-in programs, and student deals.

3. 🧾 Warranty & Service Limitations

• Apple offers global warranty, but service terms vary by country.

• For hardware issues, you may be required to send the device to UAE—or pay for cross-border shipping and service delays.

• Some parts or replacements may not be readily available in India for international models.

4. 📵 FaceTime Issues on UAE Models

• iPhones sold in UAE may have FaceTime disabled or restricted due to local telecom regulations.

• Even if activated, some features might not work properly in India.

5. 💼 Risk of Import Duties at Indian Airports

• Bringing a sealed iPhone from Dubai can attract customs duty, especially if:

  • It's over ₹50,000.

  • You're carrying other electronics.

• One workaround is removing packaging, but that voids resale value and may raise issues if you need warranty service.