Ankur Warikoo suggests 7 options - what you can do for the price of the latest iPhone. 'One year of party' most liked by netizens

Ankur Warikoo sparked debate by comparing the cost of a new iPhone to alternative purchases, including years of Netflix, rent, gym memberships, and a year of parties. His list also featured an EV scooter, wedding attire, and a New York City vacati...

What can you buy at the cost of iPhone, according to Ankur Warikoo? (Agencies/Istock- Representative image)
Every premium gadget launch brings the same question: Is it worth the price, or could that money do more elsewhere? For many buyers, the latest smartphone is a symbol of aspiration. For others, it is a chance to rethink spending priorities entirely. That debate got fresh momentum after entrepreneur and content creator Ankur Warikoo shared a striking comparison online, listing seven very different things someone could choose instead of buying the latest iPhone. The internet quickly had opinions, and plenty of favourites.

Ankur Warikoo recently took to social media to frame the cost of a new iPhone in a way that instantly grabbed attention. Instead of discussing specifications, cameras, or storage variants, he focused on opportunity cost, what the same amount of money could buy in everyday life or memorable experiences.

OTT subscription

His list began with entertainment. According to Warikoo, the price of the latest iPhone could cover around 13 years of a Netflix subscription. The comparison resonated because it turned a one-time gadget purchase into more than a decade of streaming access, making readers instantly reconsider long-term value.


Rent in Mumbai

He then moved to one of the biggest urban expenses: housing. Warikoo said the same amount could pay two months’ rent in Bombay. In a city where rent consumes a large share of income for many young professionals, that example felt especially relatable.

Gym membership

Fitness also made the list. He pointed out that the money could fund around 26 years of gym membership. Whether taken literally or as a symbolic comparison, it highlighted the contrast between investing in a device versus investing in health over time.


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One year of parties and nightouts

But one option appeared to stand out most with online audiences: one year of parties and nights out. Social media users were quick to react to the idea that the cost of a phone could instead finance a year of fun, celebrations, dinners, and social experiences. For many, it was the most entertaining and instantly shareable item on the list.

EV scooter

Warikoo also included mobility in his alternatives. He said the same budget could buy a brand new EV scooter. In a market where electric two-wheelers are increasingly popular for daily commuting, this comparison introduced a practical, utility-driven option that extends far beyond screen time.


Wedding outfits

Then came fashion and milestone spending. He suggested the amount could go toward a favourite lehenga or sherwani for a wedding. That struck a chord in a country where wedding purchases often carry emotional significance and long planning cycles.

Vacation at NYC

Perhaps the most surprising option, according to Warikoo, was travel. He said the price of an iPhone could fund a five-day vacation in New York City. That comparison shifted the conversation from ownership to experiences, asking people whether they would rather hold a product or collect memories.
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The larger point behind Warikoo’s post was not necessarily anti-iPhone. It was about perspective. A premium purchase always competes with unseen alternatives, some practical, some emotional, some experiential. When framed that way, a buying decision becomes less about technology and more about personal priorities.

Internet reacts

Internet users responded with a mix of humour and differing preferences. One user said the fourth option was the best choice. Another remarked that one year of parties or night-outs would never be possible in reality. A different commenter said they would choose the party option without hesitation. One more user reacted with surprise, questioning the idea of partying for an entire year.
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