Every year when Flipkart’s Big Billion Days comes around, I find myself scrolling endlessly through deals. Sometimes it’s about grabbing kitchen gadgets, sometimes it’s about sneakers, but this year I have been keeping a close eye on smartphones. Now, the catch is that all the newest flagships iPhone 17, Pixel 10, Samsung Galaxy S25 are freshly launched, which means last year’s premium models are suddenly more affordable. If you’ve been waiting to upgrade without breaking the bank, this is the time.
After going through all the teasers and leaked deals, I have zeroed in on four flagships that are going to be worth every rupee this sale: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9, and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Let me break down why these phones are still excellent buys in 2025 and what makes them stand out beyond just the specs.
iPhone 16
The iPhone 16 is expected to be priced at around Rs 51,000 during the Big Billion Days. Now, for an iPhone launched just last year, this is a steal. Apple has always been known for smooth performance, long software support, and cameras that just work, and the iPhone 16 continues that legacy.
What I personally like about the 16 is its balance. It doesn’t have the crazy three-lens camera system of the Pro models, but its dual-lens setup is more than enough for everyday photography. The sensor-shift stabilization is excellent—I’ve seen people shoot videos while running, and the footage still looks steady. For someone like me who records casual travel vlogs, this is a blessing. The display is another underrated point. At 6.1 inches with Apple’s Super Retina XDR panel, it looks stunning for binge-watching Netflix. And yes, while the ProMotion 120Hz display is reserved for the Pro models, I never really found the 60Hz to be a deal-breaker in daily use. It’s buttery smooth thanks to Apple’s iOS optimizations.
Battery life? One full day with moderate to heavy use. That’s emails, Instagram scrolling, YouTube, and an hour or so of gaming. You won’t get the fastest charging in the world (Apple is still stingy there), but the reliability is unmatched. For Rs 51,000, it’s probably the most sensible iPhone upgrade for someone who doesn’t need the Pro bells and whistles.
iPhone 16 Pro
Now, the iPhone 16 Pro is where things get interesting. During the sale, it’s expected to drop to around Rs 69,000, which is massive considering it was launched at nearly a lakh. This is the iPhone for people who really want their device to double up as a mini workstation. First, the display it’s not just brighter and smoother with ProMotion, but also comes with thinner bezels and a premium titanium frame. The first time I held the Pro in my hand, I noticed how light it felt compared to the stainless steel frames of older iPhones. It makes a difference when you’re using it all day long.
The cameras are on another level. The triple-lens system with the new telephoto zoom is particularly impressive. I tested it side by side with the regular iPhone 16 at a store, and the zoom shots on the Pro looked like they were taken on a DSLR. If you’re into photography or even content creation for Instagram or YouTube, this is the phone to go for. ProRes video recording and the ability to plug into an external drive while filming is another feature that screams creator-friendly.
Gaming and performance-wise, the A18 Pro chip (exclusive to the Pro models) is just ridiculously fast. I don’t think most people will even push it to its limits unless they’re into high-end gaming or editing. Add to this Apple’s guaranteed 6–7 years of updates, and you’ve got a phone that won’t feel outdated for half a decade. At Rs 69,000, the iPhone 16 Pro isn’t cheap, but it’s for those who want future-proofing and don’t want to compromise on performance or features.
Google Pixel 9
Among all the phones in this list, the Google Pixel 9 might just be the dark horse. Priced around Rs 35,000 in the sale, it’s not only the most affordable but also the one with some of the smartest software you’ll find.
What makes the Pixel special is its AI-driven features. The Magic Eraser for photos, the new Call Assist that screens spam calls, and Circle to Search are features I didn’t know I needed until I tried them on a friend’s phone. The Pixel camera is also legendary. It doesn’t need a crazy number of lenses just one primary and one ultrawide but the processing makes the photos look professional almost every time. Night shots, especially, are unbeatable.
The Pixel 9 also has a very comfortable design. It’s not massive like the S24 Ultra, so one-handed use is easy. The OLED display is crisp, and with a 120Hz refresh rate, it feels premium despite the lower price tag. Battery life is decent, though not the best in this lineup, but for most users, it easily lasts a day. If you are someone who values camera quality and software smarts over raw specs, the Pixel 9 at Rs 35,000 is a no-brainer this sale.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is the phone that has me the most excited this sale. Flipkart hasn’t revealed the exact deal yet, but word is that it will see almost 50% off on its original MRP. Considering the S24 Ultra was one of the most expensive Android phones last year, this could be the perfect chance to own it without spending over a lakh.
This phone is basically a Swiss Army knife. The massive 6.8-inch AMOLED display is gorgeous watching movies on it feels like carrying a mini home theatre in your pocket. The S Pen is another underrated gem. I’ve used it for jotting down quick notes, sketching, and even editing photos, and it makes the Ultra more than just a phone. Cameras? Insane. The 200MP main sensor captures incredible detail, and the 10x periscope zoom lens lets you click sharp shots even from ridiculous distances. I once saw a demo where someone zoomed into a moon shot, and while it was more of a party trick, it showed just how powerful the zoom capabilities are.
Performance-wise, the Snapdragon chip inside runs everything flawlessly. From heavy games to multitasking with split-screen apps, the phone doesn’t break a sweat. Battery life is excellent too it easily lasts more than a day with moderate use. The only real downside is its size. This is a big phone, and if you prefer compact devices, you might find it bulky. But if you want a productivity machine that doubles as a multimedia powerhouse, this deal will be very hard to beat.
My Opinion:
The Big Billion Days 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic time to buy flagships. If you’re budget-conscious but still want an iPhone, the iPhone 16 at Rs 51,000 is the way to go. If you want the full Apple experience with no compromises, the iPhone 16 Pro at Rs 69,000 is worth it. For those who prioritize software and cameras, the Google Pixel 9 is the smartest choice at Rs 35,000. And if you want the most feature-packed Android phone, the Samsung S24 Ultra with a massive discount could be the star of the sale. I know people will have strong opinions some swear by iPhones, others will argue Android gives better value. That’s what makes these sales fun; you get to choose what matters most to you. Personally, I’m torn between the Pixel 9’s incredible value and the S24 Ultra’s all-round dominance.
So what about you? Which one would you pick this sale and why? Let’s debate.
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I tried buying the iPhone 16 Pro as soon as early access started on 22nd September, but within 10 minutes Flipkart changed the price from what was advertised. I couldn’t place the order and it was such a disappointment. Honestly, I don’t feel like trusting Flipkart again after this.
Yeah and that’s really frustrating I’ve seen this happen before, especially during the first hours of Big Billion Days when stock is limited and dynamic pricing kicks in. Flipkart often promotes a headline-grabbing price to create buzz, but the actual units at that price are very few. Once those sell out, the algorithm bumps it up. For users like us, it feels like a bait-and-switch. My suggestion would be to add the product to your wishlist beforehand, use a card that has instant checkout options, and maybe even sync with friends or family so one of you gets through before prices shift. That said, Flipkart should absolutely improve transparency here. Deals shouldn’t feel like a lottery you should know how many units are available at the teased price. Your frustration is valid, and I hope they take user feedback seriously because this kind of thing erodes trust very fast.
I’ve been an Android guy forever, but this iPhone 16 deal is tempting. My only doubt is whether the 60Hz screen will feel outdated in 2025, since almost every Android in this range offers 120Hz. Do you really think iOS optimization makes up for it?
On paper, 60Hz does look like a compromise, especially when even budget Android phones boast 120Hz now. But the thing with iOS is that Apple’s software optimization is in a league of its own. I have used the iPhone 16 in person, and the animations, scrolling, and app transitions still feel buttery smooth. Unless you’re a hardcore gamer who lives on high-refresh titles, you won’t feel much of a lag. In fact, many people who switch from Android don’t even notice it after a few days. What you do get is a balanced phone with reliable battery life, great cameras, and long-term support. Android may give you raw numbers, but iOS focuses on polish. So if your priority is long-term stability and smooth day-to-day use, the iPhone 16 is still a solid pick at this price point.
Do you think Flipkart’s deals on iPhones are actually better than buying from Apple directly with student discounts or HDFC cashback offers? Sometimes I feel like the sale hype is just marketing.
The truth is, Big Billion Days deals are usually better for upfront cash discounts, especially on slightly older iPhones like the 16. Apple’s official store rarely gives more than a few thousand off, and their student discount applies mostly to Macs and iPads rather than iPhones. With Flipkart, you often see aggressive bank offers, exchange bonuses, and instant discounts that bring prices down significantly. However, Apple Store has its own advantages better customer support, guaranteed genuine stock, and sometimes extended AppleCare offers. With Flipkart, there’s always a small risk of price changes, delivery delays, or limited stock at the teased price. So it depends on what you value more maximum savings or a smoother purchase experience. Personally, I chase the Flipkart deals because the price difference is too good to ignore, but I always double-check seller ratings and return policies before ordering.
I was eyeing the Pixel 9 mainly for its camera and AI features. But I’ve heard the battery on Pixels isn’t that great. For someone who travels a lot, will it last a full day without needing a power bank? Also, the sale is now gone, I guess so not sure. May buy Pixel 10 directly
Neha, that’s exactly where the Pixel story becomes nuanced. The Pixel 9’s AI features and cameras are outstanding you will get shots that look professional even when you’re just casually clicking. But yes, battery life isn’t its strongest suit. With moderate use, it should last you a day, but if you’re a heavy traveler, using Google Maps, shooting videos, and constantly on mobile data, you might find yourself reaching for the charger in the evening. The good part is that Pixels now support decent fast charging, so topping up doesn’t take forever. Personally, I’d say if you prioritize portability, photography, and smart software, the Pixel 9 will still serve you well. Just carry a small 20W power bank when you’re on long travel days it’s a small compromise for the overall experience the Pixel offers.
Samsung S24 Ultra looks like a beast, but honestly, isn’t it overkill for normal users? I mean, who really needs 200MP photos or S Pen unless they’re into very specific work?
The Galaxy S24 Ultra is not for everyone it’s like owning a superbike when all you need is a scooter for city rides. The 200MP sensor, the 10x periscope zoom, the S Pen all these features shine in specific scenarios. If you are a content creator, someone who edits on the go, or you love productivity tools, the Ultra feels like a complete workstation. But for an average user who mostly scrolls Instagram, watches Netflix, and does a bit of gaming, you won’t really tap into even half of its capabilities. The thing is, during sales like Big Billion Days, the price cut is so steep that many buy it just for bragging rights or future-proofing. Personally, I think it’s worth it only if you genuinely plan to use the S Pen and the camera system. Otherwise, even a Pixel 9 or iPhone 16 Pro will give you a better balance of price and utility.
I’m more worried about resale value. If I buy a Pixel or Samsung, will I be able to sell it in two years at a decent price? I’ve noticed iPhones seem to hold value much better in India.
In India, iPhones have the strongest resale market by far. Even a 3-4 year old iPhone sells quickly because people trust Apple’s long-term software support. Samsung too but Pixel, on the other hand, depreciate much faster. However, I have seen that even Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra which cost around 1.2 lakh at launch, but in two years you might struggle to sell it above 40-50k in excellent condition. Pixels, while loved by tech enthusiasts, don’t have as strong a resale market in India. So if resale is a big factor in your decision, iPhones are definitely the safest bet. That said, if you plan to keep the phone for 4-5 years and get full use out of it, depreciation doesn’t matter as much. In that case, even a Pixel or Samsung Ultra can give you excellent value through daily usage, even if you don’t recover much at resale.
Honestly, I feel like buying any phone above 50k is wasteful now. Technology changes so fast, and within a year these flagships lose their shine. Wouldn’t it be better to get a solid mid-range phone and upgrade more often?
Yeah, completely valid. The smartphone market is evolving so quickly that today’s flagship features trickle down into mid-range phones within 12–18 months. A Rs 30 to 40k phone today often has specs that were flagship-level two years ago. So yes, if you like upgrading often and don’t care about owning the best of the best, mid-range is a smarter, more economical choice. That said, flagships still hold value in areas like cameras, long-term software updates, premium materials, and overall polish. Buying one flagship and using it for 4-5 years often works out cost-effective compared to upgrading mid-rangers every two years. It all comes down to how you use your phone. If you’re someone who pushes the device hard gaming, content creation, heavy multitasking a flagship pays for itself over time. But if it’s calls, social media, and streaming, mid-range phones give you 80% of the experience at half the price.