November 25, 2011

Apple's iPhone 4S is now in India to burn a hole in your pocket

Apple Inc's iPhone 4S hit store shelves in India on Friday, but with a price tag of Rs 44,500 for the 16 GB model, the iconic smartphone may find it hard to repeat the success of previous devices.

At about four times the US retail price where customers buy mandatory data-service plans, the phone may still find buyers among affluent young professionals in India who are snapping up iconic brands and luxury items.

Mobile operators are selling the 16 GB model for Rs 44,500, with the 32 GB version priced at Rs 50,900 and the 64 GB model available for Rs 57,500.

Media reports last week said Indian fans were unhappy that the smartphone will be more expensive in India than anywhere else in the world.

Both Airtel and Aircel, which started selling the iPhone 4S, are offering discounted plans which help customers recover part of the phone’s cost.

The final gadget unveiled during Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' lifetime is more expensive that the iPad 2 in India, with the base model of the tablet selling for Rs 27,900. Even its top-end model, with 64 GB of memory and WiFi & 3G, costs Rs 46,900.

The new iPhone comes with a faster processor, a better light-sensitive camera, and voice-activated software "Siri".

On Friday, the Aircel website showed that the 64 GB version, both black and white, was sold out.

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