The latest iPhone 16 series reveals stark price disparities worldwide, with Qatar and India topping the list as the most expensive markets, while the U.S. and UAE offer far better deals.

1. iPhone 16 Series

iPhone 16 (128GB) 1214

• Qatar: QAR 3,240 (~$888)

• UAE: AED 3,399 (~$925)

• Saudi Arabia: ~AED 3,399 (similar to UAE)

• USA: $799 (~QAR 2,915)

• India: ₹79,900 (~QAR 3,650)

• Japan: ¥124,800 (~QAR 3,400)

Verdict: USA is cheapest, Qatar is ~11% costlier than the US, while India is the most expensive in this segment.

iPhone 16 Pro Max (256GB) 1214

• Qatar: QAR 7,646 (~$2,095)

• UAE: AED 5,099 (~$1,388)

• Saudi Arabia: ~AED 5,099 (similar to UAE)

• USA: $1,199 (~QAR 4,380)

• India: ₹1,44,900 (~QAR 6,620)

• Japan: ¥189,800 (~QAR 5,180)

Verdict: UAE/Saudi Arabia are 34% cheaper than Qatar, while the US remains the most affordable. India is 51% pricier than the US.

2. iPhone 16e (Budget Model) Comparison 8

• Qatar: QAR 1,796 (~$492)

• India: ₹59,900 (~QAR 2,740)

• UAE: AED 2,599 (~$707)

• USA: $599 (~QAR 2,190)

• Japan: ¥99,800 (~QAR 2,720)

Verdict: USA is cheapest, Qatar is 18% costlier, while India is 40% pricier than the US.

3. Key Observations

1. Middle East (UAE/KSA) vs. Qatar:

   • UAE/Saudi prices are lower than Qatar for Pro models (e.g., iPhone 16 Pro Max is $700 cheaper in UAE).

   • Qatar’s prices align more with European markets (e.g., France, Germany) 12.

2. Global Trends:

   • USA is consistently the cheapest (no VAT, lower tariffs).

   • India remains expensive due to import taxes (22%) and slower local production ramp-up 812.

   • Japan/Hong Kong are competitive for unlocked models 10.

3. Trump Tariff Impact:

   • If US tariffs (up to 43%) are enforced, iPhones could become $2,300+ in the US, narrowing the gap with Qatar/UAE 6.

4. Where to Buy?

• For Qatar Residents: Consider UAE purchases (Sharaf DG/Noon) for Pro models 149.

• For Best Global Deals: USA (if tariff-free) or Japan/Hong Kong for unlocked units 10.

Tax Note: Qatar/UAE prices include VAT (5%), while US prices exclude state taxes.

Summary Table: iPhone 16 Series Price Comparison (128GB)

Data Sources: [Financial Express]12, [Sharaf DG]14, [India Today]8.