As New Year celebrations begin across India, Apple buyers are facing a timely dilemma. Vijay Sales has rolled out a flat Rs 24,910 discount on the iPhone Air, bringing its price down sharply and reopening the debate on whether it makes more sense to buy this sleek model or stick with the more popular iPhone 17.
The deal is live as part of the Vijay Sales Apple Days sale, just days before New Year 2026. It targets buyers who may have skipped the iPhone Air earlier this year due to its premium pricing, despite its striking design and strong performance credentials.
Big New Year discount puts iPhone Air back in focus
The iPhone Air was launched earlier this year as Apple’s slimmest smartphone to date. While it grabbed attention for its thin profile and refined look, sales remained modest compared to the iPhone 17. Pricing played a big role in that gap.
Vijay Sales has now changed the equation.
The 256GB Sky Blue variant, which originally retailed at Rs 1,19,900, is now available for Rs 94,990. This is a direct price cut with no conditions attached, translating into a straight saving of Rs 24,910 for buyers.
For many shoppers, this is the first time the iPhone Air has dipped below the psychologically important Rs 1 lakh mark.
Why the iPhone Air struggled earlier this year
Despite being part of the same generation as the iPhone 17 lineup, the iPhone Air found itself in a tricky position. It sat above the base iPhone 17 in price but did not offer enough mainstream upgrades to justify the premium for average users.
Industry chatter through the year highlighted a few reasons behind its slower uptake:
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Buyers felt the base iPhone 17 delivered better overall value for money
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The iPhone Air focused heavily on design rather than standout camera or battery gains
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Many users preferred spending a bit more and upgrading to higher Pro models
With this New Year discount, however, the value gap has narrowed considerably.
iPhone Air vs iPhone 17: What actually matters for buyers
The decision between the iPhone Air and the iPhone 17 now comes down to priorities rather than price alone.
Here is a clear comparison to help buyers decide.
| Feature | iPhone Air | iPhone 17 |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Ultra slim, lightweight body | Standard Apple design |
| Storage in deal | 256GB | Usually 128GB at similar price |
| Price during sale | Rs 94,990 | Around Rs 79,900 to Rs 84,900 |
| Target user | Style focused, premium feel | All round daily performance |
| Market popularity | Niche appeal | Mass market favorite |
The iPhone Air now offers double the storage at a price not too far from the iPhone 17. For users who store a lot of photos, videos, or offline content, this becomes a strong selling point.
Performance and daily use differences
In day to day use, both phones deliver smooth performance. App launches, gaming, and multitasking remain fast and reliable across the board. The iPhone 17 continues to appeal to users who want a balanced experience with strong battery life and dependable cameras.
The iPhone Air, on the other hand, is aimed at users who value comfort in hand and visual appeal. Its slim build makes it lighter and easier to handle, especially for long reading or browsing sessions.
Battery life is good but not class leading, and camera performance is solid rather than exceptional. For many buyers, that trade off is acceptable if design ranks high on their checklist.
Who should buy the iPhone Air at this price
At Rs 94,990, the iPhone Air finally makes sense for a wider audience.
It is a smart choice if:
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You want a premium Apple phone with a standout slim design
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You prefer higher storage without paying Pro model prices
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You are upgrading from an older iPhone and want something visually different
For users focused purely on value and everyday reliability, the iPhone 17 still holds its ground. It remains the safer pick for first time iPhone buyers or those upgrading from Android.
Final verdict: Which iPhone makes sense this New Year
The Vijay Sales New Year deal has transformed the iPhone Air from a niche option into a serious contender. The Rs 24,910 flat discount removes its biggest weakness and gives buyers a genuine alternative to the iPhone 17.
If design, storage, and exclusivity matter to you, the iPhone Air is worth grabbing before the sale ends. If you want proven popularity, slightly lower pricing, and all round dependability, the iPhone 17 remains a solid choice.
Either way, this New Year sale is one of the better moments in the year to step into the Apple ecosystem without overpaying.
If this comparison helped you decide, share it with fellow Apple fans and drop a comment with which iPhone you would choose and why.
