It appears like ASUS is following the footsteps of Apple. The firm’s major smartphones have experienced a deduction in their base prices. Post the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), several smartphones by ASUS including ZenFone 3 (ZE552KL), ZenFone 3 (ZE520KL), ZenFone 3 Max (ZC553KL) and ZenFone 3S Max are cheaper in price.
As reported by Indian Express, ASUS ZenFone 3 (ZE552KL) is now available for Rs 16,999 — down from Rs 19,999. Next up is ZenFone 3 (ZE520KL) — which is now available for Rs 15,999, down from Rs 17,999. The ZenFone 3 Max (ZC553KL) on the other hand is now available for Rs 14,999 — down from Rs 15,999. Lastly, the ASUS ZenFone 3S Max is now available for Rs 12,999 — down from Rs 14,999.
As was reported before, Apple appears to have reduced the retail prices of all of its iPhone models by 4 to 7.5 per cent from first of July. The company has reportedly decided to pass on benefits accrued from Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to consumers. The iPhone 7 Plus model (256GB storage) — which is perhaps among the most expensive iPhone devices on Apple’s official website — is down from Rs 92,000 to Rs 85,400. At the same time, the iPhone 6S (32GB storage), which was previously available for Rs 52,000 — is now available for Rs 46,900; a 6.2 per cent drop from the original price.
The Apple devices manufactured in India have experienced reduction in prices as well. As reported by Gadgets Now, the iPhone SE, which is being made in Bengaluru by Wistron Corp, has become cheaper by at least 4 per cent, with prices of the 32GB model down to Rs 26,000 from the earlier Rs 27,200. Even the 128GB model comes cheaper by 6 per cent at Rs 35,000.
“Industry experts explained that the overall taxation on iPhones was quite high, so even with the GST rate of 12 per cent and customs duty, the net tax is lower than what was being levied before July 1, hence the price cut,” the report read.
The price drop is definitely going to help Apple attract more consumers in India. Currently, Apple has a share of 43 per cent in India with Samsung on top.
