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:

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

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.

What’s Going On?

On July 24, 2025, reports emerged that Xiaomi has decided not to launch its Xiaomi 15 Civi model in India this year. This move reportedly stems from the underwhelming performance of the Xiaomi 14 Civi when launched last year, despite heavy promotion around its Leica-branded camera and premium styling. Xiaomi has yet to make an official announcement, but the strategy appears confirmed by multiple industry sources.

Which Models Are Affected?

• Xiaomi 15 Civi: Slated to be a mid‑segment device priced between ₹35,000–₹45,000, this model has reportedly been canceled for the Indian market.
• Xiaomi 14 Civi: The predecessor launched in mid‑2024 did not meet sales targets and is currently available only at heavy discounts.

The cancellation reflects Xiaomi’s retreat from the premium-mid range tier in India amid weak consumer response.

Why the Change?

• Disappointing sales of 14 Civi: Despite strong branding and specs, Xiaomi 14 Civi failed to resonate with buyers, prompting Xiaomi to reconsider follow‑up models.
• Strategic ‘premiumization’ pivot: Xiaomi is doubling down on the ₹20,000+ segment and higher-priced flagships, moving away from its traditional high-volume budget focus.
• Inventory and internal overstock: Industry reports cite bloated inventory and slower sales for Redmi Note models, leading to reduced appetite for similar mid‑segment phones.

Market Context: Xiaomi’s Decline in India

• Slipping market share: According to Counterpoint Research, Xiaomi’s share dropped to 17% in 2024, and further slid to just 13% in Q1 2025.
• Falling out of top 5: IDC data reports that in Q1 2025 Xiaomi fell to sixth position in India, after shipments dropped 42% year‑on‑year.
• Strategic missteps cited by analysts: Experts poin

User experiences echo this sentiment: Redmi Note series became e‑waste… note 11/12 overpriced… people aren’t buying.

What It Means for Users

• Consumers seeking phones in the ₹30K–45K bracket may have fewer Xiaomi options—especially at the upper mid‑range.
• Discount opportunities: The lingering stock of Xiaomi 14 Civi might be available at significantly reduced prices.
• Shift in brand focus: Xiaomi is repositioning itself toward higher-end models, targeting segments dominated by Samsung and OnePlus.
• Poor retail support: Offline retailers reportedly feel sidelined by Xiaomi’s shifting priorities, which could affect availability.

FAQs

Which Xiaomi model is being stopped in India?

The Xiaomi 15 Civi is reportedly not launching in India following lackluster reception of its predecessor, the 14 Civi.

Why did Xiaomi pull the plug?

The 14 Civi underperfromed, leading Xiaomi to abandon its mid‑tier phone strategy for a leaner, premium-focused portfolio.

Is this part of a larger trend?

Yes, Xiaomi is pivoting toward higher-value models and consolidating its lineup after seeing sharp sales declines and suffered retail relations.

Bottom Line

Xiaomi’s decision to halt the 15 Civi launch signals a broader rethink of its India strategy: retreating from the mid‑segment toward refining its brand identity around higher-margin flagships and fewer, more focused models. With market share shrinking and competitors gaining ground, Xiaomi appears to be betting on quality over quantity in 2025.

India, July 2025 — TCL has officially launched its highly anticipated QD Mini‑LED TV series in India, offering top-tier display performance across multiple screen sizes—all beginning below ₹85,000. The brand’s new QD Mini‑LED models deliver a near‑premium viewing experience with features like 4K resolution, immersive sound, high refresh rates, and smart platform support.

Models & Pricing at a Glance

TCL C72K QD Mini‑LED TV Series features 55″, 65″, 75″, 85″, and 98″ variants:

• 55″ model starts at ₹84,990, coming in under the ₹85K mark.
• 65″ and 75″ listed around ₹99,990 and ₹1,59,990 respectively, with full pricing for the larger models still pending.

Additional QD Mini‑LED models like the C6K and C6KS start around ₹51,990–₹53,990 (for 55″ sizes), giving consumers premium options across budgets.

Display & Visual Features

These TVs are built on Quantum Dot + Mini‑LED technology:

• Peak brightness reaches 2,600 nits.
• Full‑array local dimming with up to 2,048 zones—enabling deep blacks and vibrant highlights.
• CrystGlow HVA panel with wide viewing angles and ultra‑clear color reproduction.
• Supports HDR formats including Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and HLG.

TCL’s Halo Control Tech and AiPQ Pro processor power smart scene detection and precise dimming for cinema-grade visuals.

Gaming and Performance Highlights

All QD Mini‑LED models support gaming-ready features:

• Native 144 Hz refresh rate with VRR support.
• Game Master Mode and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro eliminate lag and screen tearing.
• Ultra‑low latency with ALLM ensures smoother responsiveness.

Audio & Smart Features

• Integrated ONKYO 2.1-channel Hi-Fi system with up to 60W output.
• Supports Dolby Atmos, DTS‑Virtual:X, and Media‑ready speakers for room‑filling sound.
• Runs on Google TV OS with voice assistant, Chromecast built-in, and Art Gallery mode.
• Hardware: 3 GB RAM, 64 GB storage, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.x, HDMI 2.1 (eARC), USB ports, Ethernet, optical audio.

Why This Series Stands Out

• Premium display under ₹85K for the flagship 55″ model.
• Wide screen size options: 55″ → 98″.
• Superb brightness and local dimming—ideal for bright Indian homes.
• Top-tier audio and gaming specs at competitive pricing.
• Available across retailers: Amazon, Flipkart, Croma, Reliance Digital, and offline stores.

Real User Feedback: Pros & Caveats

Pros from Reddit users and tech enthusiasts:

• Excellent contrast, minimal blooming, and well‑balanced HDR performance.
• Great value—for similar large-screen OLED, prices are often double.

Caveats:

• Some users find the Google TV interface sluggish, especially on budget models.
• Reports of minor blooming or dimming inconsistencies in local dimming zones.
• Software updates are essential; higher-end models (C755 or C72K) offer better chipset support.

Final Takeaway

With the TCL C72K QD Mini‑LED 55″ priced under ₹85,000 and featuring display, audio, and gaming specs usually reserved for premium TVs, TCL offers unmatched value in the Indian market. Whether you’re a movie buff, gamer, or design-conscious user, these TVs serve as a compelling pick across sizes and price points.

TCL’s broader lineup—from entry-level C6K series to flagship C6KS/C72K—cater to diverse user needs while integrating future-ready features like Dolby Atmos, VRR, Game Master, and IMAX Enhanced.