iPhone 16 drops to Rs 39,990 in Croma Black Friday sale — but is it worth it?
Nov, 27 2025
The Croma Black Friday sale has sent shockwaves through India’s smartphone market, slashing the iPhone 16 (128GB) from its original Rs 79,900 launch price to an effective Rs 39,990 — a staggering 50% drop. The deal, active from November 22 to November 30, 2025, isn’t just a simple price cut. It’s a layered discount puzzle: a base price of Rs 66,490, plus up to Rs 1,500 in coupons, Rs 3,000–4,000 in bank offers, and an exchange bonus that can hit Rs 16,000 depending on your old phone’s condition. For context, that’s like buying a new car and getting the trade-in value of a used motorcycle on top. But here’s the twist: the newer iPhone 17 is sitting at just Rs 45,990 on the same platform. Six thousand rupees more. For the latest chip, camera upgrades, and software support that’ll last years longer. So the real question isn’t whether the iPhone 16 is cheap — it’s whether you’re being clever, or just lured by a headline.
How the Discount Actually Works
The math behind the Rs 39,990 price isn’t magic — it’s retail strategy. Croma lists the iPhone 16 at Rs 66,490, a direct Rs 13,410 reduction from the original. Then come the extras: a Rs 1,500 coupon code, Rs 3,000 in bank offers (as reported by India Today), and up to Rs 16,000 in exchange value. Business Standard confirms SBI and ICICI cardholders can unlock Rs 4,000 in instant discounts, while Amazon matches the base price at Rs 66,900 with similar EMI perks. Flipkart, though not detailing exact figures, is confirmed by Economic Times to be in the same discount league. The exchange bonus is the real game-changer. If you’re trading in an iPhone 12 or even a mid-range Android like the Samsung Galaxy S23, you’re likely clearing Rs 10,000–14,000 off the final bill. That’s not a discount — it’s a refund.iPhone 16 vs iPhone 17: The Real Choice
This is where things get uncomfortable. The iPhone 17 isn’t a distant future model — it’s here, now, and priced at Rs 45,990 on Croma. That’s Rs 6,000 more than the iPhone 16’s final price. But here’s what you’re getting: a faster A18 chip, improved thermal management for sustained performance, a 48MP main camera with better low-light processing, and iOS 19 support guaranteed until 2030. The iPhone 16, by contrast, will likely stop receiving major updates after 2028. For many, that’s not just a technicality — it’s a security risk. Apps will keep evolving. Banking apps, health trackers, even WhatsApp features will demand newer OS capabilities. Paying Rs 6,000 extra today could save you Rs 15,000 in replacement costs two years from now.Why Retailers Are Doing This
Croma, Amazon, Flipkart — they’re not running a charity. This is inventory clearance on steroids. Apple typically launches new iPhones in September. By November, the previous year’s model is already being phased out of Apple’s own stores. Retailers are stuck with unsold stock. The Black Friday sale, which gained momentum in India after 2018, has become the annual reset button for electronics inventory. The deeper the discount, the faster the turnover. And with the iPhone 17 already in stores, the pressure is on. No official timeline for the iPhone 18 exists, but industry whispers suggest a September 2026 launch. That means retailers have maybe 10 months to clear the iPhone 16. This sale? It’s the last big push.Who Should Buy the iPhone 16 Now?
If you’re upgrading from a phone older than the iPhone 11 — say, an iPhone 8 or a 2020 Android — then yes, the iPhone 16 at Rs 39,990 is a steal. You’ll get a solid, reliable device with Apple’s ecosystem, long-term software support (for now), and a camera that still outperforms most Android flagships. If you’re a student, a first-time iPhone user, or someone who doesn’t care about cutting-edge features, this is a smart buy. But if you’re replacing a 2022 or 2023 iPhone? Think again. You’re trading a barely-used device for one that’s already a generation behind. The gap in performance and longevity isn’t negligible. Apple’s resale values are brutal — the iPhone 16 will depreciate faster than the iPhone 17 because it’s already being replaced. You’ll lose more money selling it in two years.
What’s Next?
The sale ends November 30, 2025. After that, the iPhone 16 will likely revert to Rs 66,490 or higher. But don’t expect a return to Rs 79,900. Apple’s pricing strategy has shifted — they now let retailers eat the margin on older models to keep the new ones moving. Expect similar discounts on the iPhone 17 next year. Meanwhile, analysts say Apple may launch a budget iPhone 16e in early 2026, priced around Rs 45,000 — which would make the current iPhone 16 deal even less compelling. For now, the window is narrow. Three days. That’s all you have to decide whether you’re getting a bargain… or a trap.Background: Black Friday in India
What started as a U.S.-only post-Thanksgiving frenzy has become a retail phenomenon in India. Croma, headquartered in Mumbai, was among the first local chains to adopt it in 2018. Since then, it’s grown into a national shopping event, with e-commerce giants and brick-and-mortar stores competing for attention. The iPhone has always been the crown jewel of these sales. In 2023, the iPhone 15 dropped to Rs 54,000 during Black Friday — a 30% discount. This year’s 50% plunge is unprecedented. It signals a shift: Apple’s premium pricing power is weakening in India, where local brands like Xiaomi and Samsung are pushing aggressively with better value propositions. Retailers are betting that even loyal Apple customers will blink at a Rs 6,000 difference — and that’s exactly what they’re counting on.Frequently Asked Questions
Is the iPhone 16 still worth buying in 2025?
Yes — but only if you’re upgrading from a phone older than 2022. At Rs 39,990, the iPhone 16 delivers flagship performance, reliable software updates until 2028, and Apple’s ecosystem. But if you already own a 2023 model, the six-thousand-rupee jump to the iPhone 17 is worth it for the extra two years of support and better camera tech.
How does the exchange bonus actually work?
Croma’s exchange bonus depends on your old phone’s model, condition, and storage. An iPhone 12 in good shape nets you Rs 12,000–14,000; an iPhone 11 or Samsung S21 gets Rs 8,000–10,000. You must trade in at the time of purchase, and the device must power on and have no major damage. The full Rs 16,000 is rare — it typically applies to iPhone 13 or 14 Pro models in excellent condition.
Why is the iPhone 17 so close in price to the discounted iPhone 16?
Retailers are using the iPhone 17 as a psychological anchor. By pricing it just Rs 6,000 above the heavily discounted iPhone 16, they make the older model seem like a bargain — even though the newer one offers significantly better long-term value. This tactic, called price anchoring, is common in tech sales and works because consumers focus on the immediate price difference, not future depreciation.
Will the iPhone 16 get iOS 19 and iOS 20 updates?
Apple typically supports iPhones for five to six years. The iPhone 16, launched in 2024, will likely get iOS 19 (2025) and iOS 20 (2026), but iOS 21 (2027) is uncertain. The iPhone 17, with its newer A18 chip, is guaranteed support until at least 2030. If you plan to keep your phone beyond 2027, the iPhone 17 is the safer bet.
Are these Black Friday prices available in physical Croma stores too?
Yes — but stock is extremely limited. Most of the Rs 39,990 deals are online-first, with only a few units reserved for select Croma outlets in Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. If you want the full discount, book online and pick up in-store. Walk-ins are unlikely to find the lowest price, especially in the final days of the sale.
Should I wait for the iPhone 18 instead?
If you can wait until September 2026, yes. The iPhone 18 is expected to launch with major AI upgrades and a redesigned chassis. The iPhone 17 will likely drop to Rs 39,000–41,000 by then, making the iPhone 16 look even less appealing. But if you need a phone now, the iPhone 17 at Rs 45,990 is the smartest mid-term choice.