For the first time since its September 2024 launch, the iPhone 16 is within reach of budget-conscious Indian buyers — not through a gradual price cut, but a full-throttle Black Friday blitz. On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Croma, the Tata Group-owned electronics chain headquartered in Mumbai, unveiled a staggering combo deal that slashes the iPhone 16’s effective price to just Rs 39,990. Meanwhile, Amazon India is offering the same 128GB model at Rs 66,900, still a 16% discount from its original Rs 79,900 tag. The sale officially kicks off Friday, November 28, 2025, but early deals are already live — and consumers are scrambling to compare.
How Croma’s Rs 39,990 Deal Actually Works
Don’t be fooled by the Rs 66,490 listed price on Croma’s website. That’s just the starting point. The real magic happens in the fine print. Customers get an immediate Rs 13,410 discount off the launch price. Then comes the bonus: a Rs 1,500 coupon, Rs 3,000 in bank offers, and — here’s the kicker — an exchange bonus of up to Rs 6,000. But here’s what most shoppers miss: Croma’s website explicitly states that the exchange value for older iPhones can go as high as Rs 16,000. That means if you’re trading in a well-maintained iPhone 12 or even an iPhone 11, you could be walking away with the new phone for under Rs 35,000. It’s not a discount. It’s a reset.
Amazon’s Offer: Solid, But Not a Bargain
On Amazon India, the iPhone 16 sits at Rs 79,900 with a marked-down price of Rs 66,900. That’s a clean 16% off. Add the Rs 4,000 instant discount for SBI or ICICI Bank credit card EMI transactions — a deal confirmed on Amazon’s product page — and you’re looking at Rs 62,900. Not bad. But compared to Croma’s final tally? It’s like comparing a taxi ride to a free bus pass. The difference isn’t just in price. It’s in psychology. Croma’s deal feels like a gift. Amazon’s feels like a sale.
What’s Under the Hood? The iPhone 16’s Real Value
The iPhone 16 isn’t a revolutionary device. It’s an evolution. A 6.1-inch OLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate? Standard. The A18 chip with 8GB of RAM? Still top-tier for 2025. Apple Intelligence? Yes — and that’s the real selling point. For users who rely on Siri-like AI, photo editing, or real-time translation, this isn’t just a phone. It’s a personal assistant that learns. And now, for the first time, it’s priced like a mid-range Android flagships. That’s why Hindustan Times and India Today are calling it a "generational opportunity."
The iPhone 17 Dilemma: Pay More Now or Wait?
Here’s the twist: while you’re deciding whether to grab the iPhone 16 at Rs 39,990, Croma is also listing the iPhone 17 at Rs 45,990. That’s just Rs 6,000 more. And if you’re buying on EMI, the monthly difference is barely Rs 250. Is it worth it? India Today suggests yes — especially if you want longer software support, better cameras, and potential 5G enhancements. But for most users? The iPhone 16 is more than enough. The real question isn’t about specs. It’s about timing. If Apple’s rumored iPhone 18 launch is in September 2026, then the iPhone 16 will still be a perfectly viable phone for three more years.
Why This Sale Matters Beyond the Price Tag
This isn’t just about smartphones. It’s about India’s shifting tech economy. Five years ago, a Rs 80,000 iPhone was a luxury. Today, it’s a target for discounting. Retailers like Croma and Amazon India are betting that Indian consumers will trade in older devices and upgrade more frequently. The Rs 16,000 exchange bonus? That’s not generosity. It’s inventory clearance. Analysts from Bloomberg (cited by Hindustan Times) suggest Apple is quietly encouraging retailers to move older models ahead of next year’s launch. This sale? It’s a signal. The iPhone lifecycle is shortening. And Indian shoppers are being rewarded for it.
What’s Next? The Clock Is Ticking
The Black Friday window in India runs from November 28 through December 1, 2025. But deals like these rarely last. Once the initial rush is over, Croma’s exchange bonuses may shrink. Amazon may pull the bank discounts. And if the iPhone 17 sells out? The price gap between models could vanish overnight. If you’re waiting for a "better deal," you might end up paying more — or worse, missing out entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rs 39,990 price for the iPhone 16 real, or is it a trick?
It’s real — but only if you trade in an eligible device. The Rs 39,990 price at Croma combines a Rs 13,410 direct discount, Rs 4,500 in coupons and bank offers, and up to Rs 16,000 in exchange value. Without an old phone, you’ll pay closer to Rs 49,000. Always check Croma’s exchange eligibility list before buying.
Why is Amazon’s price higher than Croma’s?
Amazon’s model relies on fewer bundled offers. While it offers a flat Rs 4,000 bank discount, it doesn’t include exchange bonuses or coupons. Croma, owned by Tata, uses its retail footprint to bundle multiple incentives — from loyalty points to trade-in upgrades — making its final price more aggressive. Amazon’s deal is simpler; Croma’s is a full package.
Should I buy the iPhone 16 or stretch for the iPhone 17?
If you’re upgrading from an iPhone 11 or older, the iPhone 16 is more than sufficient — especially with Apple Intelligence. But if you’re coming from an iPhone 14 or 15, the iPhone 17’s improved camera system and potential 5G enhancements make the Rs 6,000 difference worth it. The iPhone 17 also gets longer software support, which matters for a 3-4 year lifespan.
Are the bank discounts available on debit cards too?
On Amazon, the Rs 4,000 discount applies only to SBI and ICICI credit card EMIs. On Croma, some bank offers extend to debit cards — but only if you’re using ICICI, IDFC First, or SBI Card. Always confirm eligibility on the payment page before checkout. Cash payments won’t qualify.
Is this the lowest iPhone 16 price ever in India?
Yes — by a wide margin. Before this sale, the lowest recorded price was Rs 54,999 on Flipkart during Diwali 2024. The Rs 39,990 Croma deal represents a nearly 50% drop from launch. No other iPhone model has ever dropped this steeply in India before its successor was announced.
What happens after Black Friday? Will prices rise again?
Almost certainly. Once the Black Friday window closes, Croma’s exchange bonuses will likely revert to Rs 5,000–7,000. Amazon will remove the bank discounts. The iPhone 16 may stay discounted, but never this low again — especially with the iPhone 17 now in the market. If you need a phone, buy now. If you can wait, you’ll pay more — or wait for the iPhone 18.
