Reviews
iPhone 15 Now Available for Under ₹45,000 in India: Is Raksha Bandhan the Perfect Moment to Buy?
Raksha Bandhan is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of sibling bonds, memories, and thoughtful surprises. For 2025, tech gifting has a new champion: Apple’s iPhone 15—now available for as low as ₹44,900, making it one of the most attractively priced iPhones since launch.
Whether you’re buying for a sibling or yourself, these limited-time deals make the iPhone 15 a serious contender in the under-₹50K segment.
Understanding the ₹45,000 Price Tag: How Is It Possible?
Apple launched the iPhone 15 (128GB) at ₹79,900 in September 2023. As of mid-2025, pricing has dropped significantly on major platforms, especially when combined with exchange offers and bank card discounts.
Deal Breakdown:
| Offer Type | Platform | Final Price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Price Drop | Amazon India | ₹59,300 | No conditions |
| Exchange + SBI Credit Card | Amazon | ₹44,900 | With iPhone 12 or newer exchange |
| iStore Rakhi Offer | India iStore | ₹44,900 | ₹5,000 store + ₹4,000 cashback + exchange |
| Best Possible Deal | Amazon or Apple Reseller | ₹38,200 | iPhone 12/13 in mint condition |
If you’re trading in an iPhone 12 or 13, your effective upgrade cost drops by ₹30,000+.
Why This Matters: Value vs. Timing
Historically, Apple doesn’t slash prices dramatically. What makes this deal exceptional?
- Pre-iPhone 16 Window: As iPhone 16 nears launch, retailers clear out iPhone 15 stock.
- Raksha Bandhan Demand Spike: Gift season brings aggressive pricing to drive sales.
- Exchange Ecosystem Maturity: India now has trade-in pipelines that offer real value for older iPhones.
- Bank-Backed Campaigns: Cashback and EMI options sweeten the pot—especially on SBI, HDFC, and ICICI platforms.
iPhone 15 Specs Recap (Still Flagship-Worthy)
- 6.1” Super Retina XDR display
- A16 Bionic chip — Same as iPhone 14 Pro
- 48MP Main Camera — Major leap over iPhone 14’s 12MP
- Dynamic Island — A Pro-only feature now in base models
- USB-C Port — Future-ready charging
- iOS 17 (Upgradable to iOS 19+)
You’re not buying a “budget iPhone.” You’re getting Apple’s 2023 flagship minus the Pro features, at nearly half the launch price.
Real Buyer Scenarios: Case Studies
Gifting a Younger Sibling (Mumbai)
Rohan traded in his sister’s iPhone 11 for ₹17,000, got ₹4,000 HDFC cashback, and bought the iPhone 15 at ₹44,900. Total spend: ₹23,900.
Upgrading from iPhone XR (Delhi)
Simran’s XR fetched ₹13,200 in exchange. Using SBI card discount and cashback, her final cost came to ₹30,500.
First-Time iPhone Buyer (Bengaluru)
Ashish, a Flipkart Plus user, got a no-exchange deal at ₹55,000 during a limited flash drop. He used Amazon Pay cashback credits to lower the price further.
Buyer Psychology: Why It Feels Worth It
iPhone is not just a device—it’s an aspirational brand in India. With many users holding off due to price, these Raksha Bandhan offers eliminate the price barrier while adding emotional appeal.
- Gift factor: Unlike generic phones, iPhones carry social status and brand weight.
- Longevity: You get at least 4 years of OS updates, future-proofing your gift.
- User Delight: FaceTime, iMessage, AirDrop — all exclusive iOS perks become instantly accessible.
Shopping Platforms Comparison
| Platform | Exchange Available? | Bank Offers | Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon | ✅ Yes (Up to ₹29,000) | SBI, HDFC, ICICI | 2-day |
| Flipkart | ✅ Limited trade-in | HDFC, Flipkart Axis | 3-day |
| Apple India Store | ✅ With iPhone only | HDFC cashback | 3–5 days |
| India iStore | ✅ Best trade-in value | HDFC ₹4K cashback | In-store pickup |
Pro Tips for Buyers
- Backup your old iPhone before trade-in to avoid delays.
- Check screen damage — cracked screens reduce trade-in value by 50–80%.
- Clear Apple ID from old phones to unlock full value.
- Buy before August 10, as Rakhi campaigns usually expire early.
- Compare your exchange value on Apple India vs Amazon for best ROI.