The iPhone 17 Pro Max has launched in India with a shocking price tag of ₹2,29,900 for the 2TB model.
This means the smartphone costs nearly ₹2.3 lakh, making it lighter, faster, and smarter, but it still lacks folding or flipping features like Samsung’s models.
While Apple enthusiasts are celebrating the design and advanced features, many cost-conscious Indians are questioning what else could be purchased for the same price.
What you can buy for the same price of iPhone 17 Pro Max in India?
Here are a few alternatives to buying the iPhone 17 Pro Max:
1. Smartphones That Cost Less but Offer Plenty
Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra: A true Android powerhouse, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, a massive 200MP camera, 100x zoom, and an S-Pen stylus – all at a lower price than the iPhone.
OnePlus 13: Known for speed and value, the OnePlus 13 offers a large OLED display, excellent performance, and a 50MP triple camera system at a fraction of the iPhone’s cost.
Google Pixel 9 Pro: If cameras and software are your top priority, the Pixel 9 Pro delivers world-class photography and guaranteed long-term Android updates.
2. A High-End Gaming Ecosystem
Instead of a phone, you could set up a 4K 240fps gaming rig with an RTX 4090 GPU, liquid cooling, a large curved monitor, mechanical keyboard, gaming chair, and professional-grade headphones. That’s not just a device – it’s an entire entertainment ecosystem.
3. Vehicles That Take You Places
Royal Enfield Classic 350: For roughly the same price as the iPhone, you could ride home on a Royal Enfield Classic 350 – retro looks, thumping engine, and unmatched road presence.
Used Cars: A solid pre-owned car is easily within this budget, giving you comfort and mobility far beyond a 6.9-inch screen.
Entry-Level EVs: The money could also go toward the down payment for an electric vehicle. Compact EVs like the Leapmotor T03 or the upcoming Maruti WagonR Electric are priced close to this range.
4. Luxury and Lifestyle Upgrades
Luxury Watches: The iPhone’s price tag matches what you’d pay for timepieces from brands like TAG Heuer, Rado, or Longines – items that last decades, not just a few years.
International Holiday: A carefully planned 4–5 day holiday to Dubai, including flights, hotels, food, and sightseeing, can be comfortably covered within ₹2.3 lakh.
Premium Fitness Memberships: A one-year elite membership at high-end fitness clubs, with personal trainers, nutrition plans, and wellness programs, is another option.
5. Property and Practical Investments
Security Deposit for a 1BHK Apartment: In many Tier-2 Indian cities, ₹2.3 lakh is the amount needed for a deposit on a 1BHK apartment. That’s housing security instead of a yearly phone upgrade.
