An average worker in Singapore needs just six workdays to afford an iPhone 17 Pro, compared to a staggering 60 days in Hanoi, according to a recent study.
Singapore tops a list of 11 Southeast Asian cities regarding the affordability of the iPhone 17 Pro, thanks to its high average income. The study, conducted by Seasia, combines insights from cost of living platform Numbeo and recruitment service Talentnet.
Following Singapore is Brunei’s Bandar Seri Begawan, where it takes 13 workdays for locals to purchase the iPhone. In Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, workers need about 20 days, while those in Indonesia’s Jakarta require 30 days. The gap widens further in Thailand’s Bangkok at 32 days and the Philippines’ Manila at 50 days. Meanwhile, Hanoi finds itself among the bottom five, with workers needing two full months of their salaries to afford the iPhone 17 Pro, priced at approximately VND35 million (US$1,325).
In terms of pricing, Vietnam ranks as the 12th cheapest market for the iPhone 17 Pro globally, trailing the United States, Hong Kong, and Canada, which hold the top spots in affordability. In a striking display of enthusiasm, buyers in Hanoi camped out overnight on September 18 for the new releases, showcasing a particular craving for the ultra-premium Pro Max model, fetching up to VND64 million for the 2TB version. Talk about a case of retail therapy!
The affordability analysis also considers cities in Cambodia, Timor-Leste, Laos, and Myanmar, where the iPhone can cost workers between 63 and 111 days of their paychecks. It’s clear that the smartphone market varies widely across the region, reflecting differing economic landscapes and spending power among consumers.
What can buyers in Singapore expect when purchasing the iPhone 17 Pro?
In Singapore, buyers can acquire an iPhone 17 Pro after just six days of work, making it the most accessible smartphone market in Southeast Asia.
How does Hanoi compare in terms of consumer affordability for the iPhone?
Hanoi stands out as one of the less affordable markets, with the average worker needing 60 days to buy the iPhone 17 Pro. This highlights significant economic differences within the region.
What trends were observed during the iPhone launch in Hanoi?
During the recent launch, several eager customers camped overnight to be among the first to buy the new iPhones, reflecting a robust demand, particularly for the pricier Pro Max model.
