iPhone 16 Price Drop in India: How to Get the Base Model Under ₹41,000 and Pro for Under ₹70,000 This December
Think you missed the festive boat? Think again, the year-end “End of Season” sales have just turned the premium smartphone market into a battlefield, and the iPhone 16 is at the center of it.
With the iPhone 17 series now dominating the flagship conversation, Indian retailers like Flipkart, Croma, and Reliance Digital are aggressively clearing stocks of the iPhone 16 series. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to upgrade, the next few days offer the lowest effective pricing we’ve seen since launch.
Croma Cromtastic December Sale: iPhone 16 at an Effective Price of ₹40,990
The “Cromtastic December Sale” (running from December 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026) is currently the headline-maker for the base iPhone 16. While the device carries an MRP of ₹69,900, Croma is offering a “stacked” discount model that brings the effective price down to ₹40,990.
How the deal breaks down:
- Instant Discount: ₹3,910 flat off for all customers.
- Bank Cashback: ₹3,000 instant discount on select credit cards (HSBC and ICICI).
- Exchange Bonus: A massive exchange value of up to ₹16,000 for your old device, plus an additional ₹6,000 exchange bonus for premium trade-ins.
Flipkart End of Season Sale: iPhone 16 Pro Price Drop Under ₹70,000
For those eyeing the professional-grade hardware, the Flipkart End of Season Sale (live until December 21) is focusing heavily on the iPhone 16 Pro. Originally priced at ₹1,09,900, the effective price has now dipped below the ₹70,000 mark for the first time.
By utilizing a Flipkart Axis Bank Credit Card for a ₹4,000 instant discount and trading in a high-value device like the iPhone 15 Pro (offering up to ₹68,050 in exchange value), buyers are walking away with the Titanium flagship for roughly the cost of a standard model.
iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17: Is it Still Worth Buying?
With the iPhone 17 now available, many buyers are questioning the longevity of the 16 series. However, the iPhone 16 remains a powerhouse for 2026 due to several key factors:
- Apple Intelligence: The iPhone 16 is built on the A18 chip, ensuring it supports the full suite of Apple’s AI features, just like the newer models.
- Hardware Parity: While the iPhone 17 introduces a 120Hz ProMotion display, the iPhone 16 still features the Camera Control button and the same 48MP Fusion camera system.
- The Price Gap: At an effective price of approximately ₹41,000, the iPhone 16 is nearly half the price of the base iPhone 17 (₹82,900), making it the undisputed “value king” for 2026.
Reliance Digital and Other Retailers
Not to be outdone, Reliance Digital is offering a flat price of ₹63,900 on the iPhone 16 before bank offers. When adding a ₹3,000 bank discount, the price settles at ₹60,900 without needing an exchange, ideal for those who wish to keep their old phones or pass them on to family members.
Disclaimer: Prices and offer availability mentioned are subject to change based on retailer stocks and platform policies. The “effective price” includes maximum exchange values and specific bank discounts; actual savings may vary based on the condition of your old device and card eligibility. Readers are advised to verify final pricing on the respective retailer’s website before making a purchase.
