The allure of online sales like Flipkart’s Big Billion Days and Amazon’s Great Indian Festival is undeniable. The promise of discounted iPhones, Android smartphones, appliances, and more is enough to make anyone’s heart race. However, this year, my journey to a smartphone upgrade took an unexpected turn, leading me to a deal even before the sale season kicked off.
Online Deals Aren’t Dead: Xiaomi 14 for Around ₹36,000 Proves It
While browsing Amazon, I stumbled upon an irresistible offer for the Xiaomi 14. Priced at ₹60,000, it was already ₹10,000 less than the MRP. The deal sweetened further with a ₹7,000 off coupon, SBI cashback, and an exchange bonus. After factoring in the generous exchange value for my aging Motorola G40 Fusion, I managed to snag the Xiaomi 14 for approximately ₹36,000. The phone’s impressive specs, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, 12GB RAM, 512GB storage, and Leica-tuned cameras, made it a steal at that price.
How I Ended Up with the Pixel 9 Pro XL
Despite the Xiaomi 14’s allure, a thought lingered in my mind. Could I leverage this sealed unit to acquire something even more desirable? The idea of trading it for a flagship like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the Xiaomi 14 Ultra intrigued me.
Driven by this possibility, I ventured into the bustling smartphone market of Jaipur. As I entered my trusted store, a particular box caught my eye—the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Having been a Pixel enthusiast for years, the sight of this phone reignited my passion. The salesman quoted a price of ₹81,000, mentioning it was a Canadian unit. The price was surprisingly lower than the US retail price, making it an offer I couldn’t refuse.
After some negotiation and trading in my sealed Xiaomi 14, I walked away with the Pixel 9 Pro XL for a net effective price of ₹71,000. This meant I saved a whopping ₹54,000 compared to the Indian MRP of ₹1,24,999. The lack of warranty was a minor concern considering the incredible value I received.
This experience reinforced my belief in the potential of both online and offline deals. While online platforms offer convenience and a wide selection, local stores can surprise you with unexpected bargains. It’s essential to stay vigilant, explore different avenues, and be ready to seize opportunities when they arise.
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