Apple iPhone 14 series: Do you intend to import an iPhone 14 series device through a friend, coworker, member of your family, or other relative? Here are some things to remember.
The iPhone 14 series is out with a new iPhone 14 Plus option this time, instead of the mini. With the Pro models getting major design and hardware updates and new features and improvements across the series, the iPhone 14 models are roughly the same price as last year’s iPhone 13 series during launch, but only in the US.
For non-Pro variants, the iPhone 14 series in India starts at Rs 79,900, and for Pro models, it costs Rs 1,29,900. Apple, in contrast, announced beginning prices for its products that are far lower: $799 (about Rs 63,590) for non-Pro versions and $999 (around Rs 79,507) for Pro models. Although there is a sizable price difference, does it make sense to order an iPhone 14 from the US through a friend or relative? Before you do anything, bear in mind the following advice.
- An additional $30 plus sales tax for an unlocked device
Let’s begin with the pricing, which is the most crucial factor. The iPhone 14 series starts at $799 in the US, although they are carrier-locked devices that can only be used with AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, or Verizon. You will need what is referred to as a “unlocked” iPhone in order to utilise an iPhone outside of the United States with an Indian cellular provider like Airtel or Jio.
The non-Pro varieties of the iPhone 14 start at $829 and not $799 (about Rs 65,978 instead of Rs 63,590), while the Pro models will start at $1,029 and not $999. (about Rs 81,895 instead of Rs 79,507). The purchase is increased by the addition of sales tax. This varies from state to state, while certain US states levy a sales tax of 8 to 10%, which will increase the cost even more. Even though the cost is still less than what you would pay in India, you should still be aware of the slight increase.
2. Switching to e-SIM
Any iPhone 14 model purchased from the US will not have a physical SIM slot where you may push your own SIM card, regardless of size, as the iPhone 14-series has completely switched to e-SIMs, or electronic SIMs. Users must first change their number from a physical SIM to an e-SIM by contacting the customer care of the appropriate carrier in order to utilise an iPhone 14 series device from the US or any other e-SIM phone in India. E-SIMs are supported by major Indian telecoms including Jio, Airtel, and Vi, however there would be an additional step involved.
Long-term benefits make switching to e-SIMs practical. When compared to going to a store and purchasing a real SIM card, buying an e-SIM in another nation might be quicker if you travel frequently. If you’re a frequent traveller, you can also keep various e-SIM profiles and switch while you’re out and about.
If you stop to consider it, every opening in the frame of your smartphone is one fewer place where dust or water might enter and damage the device. Keep in mind, however, that if you return to a phone without e-SIM connectivity, you will need to repeat the procedure of procuring a conventional SIM card.
3. No satellite connectivity feature in India
Satellite connectivity is one of the primary features of the iPhone 14 series, which Apple highlighted at its launch event by demonstrating how owners of an iPhone 14 series phone may send out emergency messages with the help of satellite connectivity even in the absence of any cellular coverage. Only the United States and Canada offer the feature. Even if you acquire an iPhone 14 from the US, you won’t be able to use satellite connectivity in India, just like if you bought an iPhone 14 locally. This is due to a software restriction on the capability.
4. Warranty in India
Contrary to some other restrictions, the global warranty that comes with Apple’s iPhones means that this won’t be a problem. An iPhone 14-series smartphone bought in the US may also be returned to India under warranty. To ensure a seamless process, it is best to have the required papers with you in a secure location, along with the device. You would probably need to purchase AppleCare+ individually in India if you desired an extended warranty.
