Best iPhone to Buy in Big Billion Days and Great Indian Festival 2026
Which is the best iPhone to buy in sale after Apple's 2026 price hike? Our target prices for iPhone 17, 17 Pro and 16, plus which iPhones to skip.
Apple raised iPhone prices in India right after launching the iPhone 18 Pro series on 9 September 2026. Even last year's iPhone 17 went up by ₹17,000. So the old rule of "just buy the latest base iPhone" no longer works. If you plan to buy during Flipkart Big Billion Days or the Amazon Great Indian Festival, you need a target price for each model. This guide shows the best iPhone to buy in sale this year, and the ones to skip.
iPhone Prices Now vs at Launch
| Model | Launch price | Price after Sept 2026 hike |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 (256GB) | ₹82,900 | ₹99,900 |
| iPhone 17 (512GB) | — | ₹1,24,900 |
| iPhone 16 (128GB) | ₹79,900 | ₹89,900 |
| iPhone 17e (256GB) | ₹64,900 | ₹79,900 |
| iPhone Air (256GB) | ₹1,19,900 | ₹1,49,900 |
| iPhone 17 Pro / Pro Max | — | Discontinued; old stock only |
Apple India list prices. Flipkart, Amazon and offline stores often sell below these, especially in sales.
Best iPhone to Buy in Sale: Our Target Prices
- iPhone 17: a good deal under ₹80,000, and a great one near ₹70,000 after bank offer and exchange.
- iPhone 17 Pro (old stock): worth it around ₹1 lakh. Some sellers may go to about ₹90,000–₹95,000 with all offers.
- iPhone 16: sensible at ₹60,000–₹65,000. We do not expect it much lower this year.
- iPhone 16 Plus: consider it near ₹70,000 if you want a bigger battery.
1. iPhone 17: The Best iPhone to Buy in Sale for Most People
The iPhone 17 is the best iPhone to buy in sale this year, and the base model finally feels complete. It has a 6.3-inch 120Hz ProMotion screen with always-on display, the A19 chip, Apple Intelligence, a 48MP dual camera with Camera Control and 256GB storage as standard. Flipkart has teased an effective Big Billion Days price under ₹80,000 with offers. At that price, it is the best iPhone deal of the season. Our [iPhone 17 Big Billion Days price](/blogs/iphone-17-price-big-billion-days-2026) post tracks it closely.
- 120Hz screen, finally
- 256GB base storage
- Long software support
- List price is now high
- Battery is only average
2. iPhone 17 Pro: Last Chance for a Good Pro Deal
The 17 Pro is gone from Apple's store, but retailers still have units. Its telephoto camera, brighter screen and bigger battery make it much more capable than the base model. Meanwhile, the iPhone 18 Pro costs far more and has a long waiting period. So this festive season may be the last time you get a Pro iPhone near ₹1 lakh. Check the seller and warranty carefully.
- Telephoto and pro video
- Better battery than the 17
- Limited stock
- Buy only from trusted sellers
On AmazonApple iPhone 17 Pro 512 GB: 15.93 cm₹1,54,900 · price as of 20 Oct, 11:08 amAmazon price →Flipkart price →
3. iPhone 16: The Budget iPhone, at the Right Price
The iPhone 16 has Apple Intelligence, Dynamic Island, USB-C and a good 48MP camera. It is a fine phone, but it has a 60Hz screen and only 128GB storage. So it is only a smart buy when the sale price lands near ₹60,000–₹65,000. Above that, stretch for the iPhone 17.
- Cheapest good iPhone
- Apple Intelligence support
- 60Hz screen
- 128GB only
On AmazonApple iPhone 16 128 GB: 5G Mobile Phone with Camera Control₹76,999 · price as of 20 Oct, 11:08 amAmazon price →Flipkart price →
4. iPhone 16 Plus: For Battery Life
If you want the longest battery in a non-Pro iPhone, the 16 Plus is worth a look near ₹70,000. Its bigger screen also suits people who watch a lot of videos.
Amazon price →Flipkart price →
iPhones to Skip This Sale
- iPhone Air: now ₹1,49,900 with a single rear camera. At ₹1.1 lakh or more, an iPhone 17 Pro is the better buy.
- iPhone 17e: now ₹79,900. At that price, the iPhone 17 at a sale price gives far more.
- iPhone 16e: poor value next to a discounted iPhone 16.
- iPhone 15: launched in 2023. Buy it only if your budget is strictly ₹50,000–₹55,000.
How to Buy the Best iPhone in Sale at the Lowest Price
- Use the right bank card. iPhones often get an extra instant discount with partner banks. Our bank offers guide lists them.
- Check your exchange value. An old iPhone can get a strong exchange bonus. Compare it with what a buyer would pay you.
- Buy from Apple-authorised sellers. On Amazon and Flipkart, check the seller name and look for an Indian warranty.
- Do not chase "lowest ever" claims. Read how to spot fake discounts during sales.
- Open-box delivery helps. Check the phone in front of the delivery agent if the option is available.
Best Time to Buy an iPhone in Sale: Now or Diwali?
Usually, the deepest iPhone offers appear in the first days of Big Billion Days (9–18 October, early access on 8 October) and the Great Indian Festival. After that, offers repeat in smaller waves until Diwali. With Apple raising prices this year, waiting longer is unlikely to bring a better deal. See our buy now or wait for the Diwali sale guide. For official specs and prices, visit Apple India.
Final Word
The iPhone 17 is the best iPhone to buy in sale this year, as long as you pay under ₹80,000. If you love photography and can find one around ₹1 lakh, the iPhone 17 Pro is the last good Pro deal. On a tighter budget, buy the iPhone 16 only near ₹60,000–₹65,000. Above all, set your target price before the sale starts, so you buy with a clear head.
Prices are Apple India list prices and store offers as of early October 2026 and can change. We may earn a small commission when you buy through our Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best iPhone to buy in sale 2026?
The iPhone 17 (256GB), if you can buy it under ₹80,000 with bank offers and exchange during Big Billion Days or the Great Indian Festival.
What is the iPhone 17 price after the 2026 hike?
The iPhone 17 now lists at ₹99,900 for 256GB on Apple India, up from ₹82,900 at launch.
Is the iPhone 16 worth buying in 2026?
Only at a sale price near ₹60,000–₹65,000. Above that, the iPhone 17 gives a 120Hz screen and double the storage.
Should I buy the iPhone Air or iPhone 17e?
We would skip both this sale. The Air now costs ₹1,49,900 with one rear camera, and the 17e costs ₹79,900, which is too close to a discounted iPhone 17.
iPhone sale mein kab lena chahiye?
Pehle din hi lena accha hai. Big Billion Days 9 October se aur early access 8 October se shuru hai, aur iPhone ke sabse bade offers aksar shuru ke dino mein aate hain.