A South African Perspective on iPhone Pricing
- A South African expatriate in China has highlighted stark contrasts in iPhone prices, revealing significantly higher costs in his home country.
- The TikTok video, which has gone viral, incited widespread indignation and reignited discussions on inflated technology prices within South Africa.
- Numerous viewers shared the clip as compelling evidence of the inequitable pricing faced by local consumers compared to global markets.
South Africans expressed outrage after a viral TikTok illustrated the staggering price disparity for iPhones between China and their own country, where costs are often exorbitant.
A South African expatriate, Collin, garnered attention online with his viral TikTok highlighting the iPhone.
On 11 October 2025, Collin, who resides in China, ignited a spirited online discussion by sharing a TikTok that showcased the astonishing price distinctions for iPhones sold in the two countries.
Visiting an official iStore, he demonstrated the remarkable affordability of an iPhone 14, priced at approximately 6550 RMB—equivalent to around R4,500.
In stark contrast, the device commands a hefty price of R13,500 back home. This revelation incited fury among viewers, many of whom labeled the pricing as unscrupulous.
The TikTok post from @collincebelihle25 has initiated a broader dialogue regarding import expenses, currency fluctuations, and profit margins in the South African retail landscape.
Social media users engaged in discussions about how international pricing disparities often reflect shipping costs and taxes, yet many questioned the pronounced gap.
Some viewers expressed gratitude to Collin for illuminating this issue, stating his post prompted them to reconsider purchasing technology domestically. Frustration was rife, with countless critiques highlighting the growing inequity in consumer pricing in South Africa.
Public Outcry in Mzansi
Within just three days, Collin’s video amassed more than 59,000 likes and over 1,700 comments from South Africans taken aback by the price comparison. The post rapidly circulated across platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and X (formerly Twitter), generating discussions about living costs, inflation in the retail sector, and access to technology.
Many users began disseminating images of other electronics and appliances available at lower prices abroad, utilizing Collins’ video as validation of the soaring costs locals endure.
The prevailing sentiment online oscillated between disbelief and exasperation. While a handful defended local prices due to import duties, the consensus appeared to be that the disparity was too substantial to overlook.
This viral video served as a testament to the power of social media in revealing pressing issues that affect everyday citizens, specifically, the prohibitive costs associated with modern technology.
A screenshot from TikTok illustrating the price disparities of iPhones in China versus South Africa.
Responses from Mzansi
Flower remarked:
“Lol in SA iPhone 13 is 10k and in China ke 3k sana. ”
Zaan added:
“If we can create a group and order, I want an iPhone 11. ”
Andile Madlakadla stated:
“Yabona nje uma singahlangana ngama group sibe 20 per group bese sifaka 1k per person for flight return leyo R20k siphathise lowo muntu sonke ebuye nama fone ethu manje ke akuthenjwana. ”
Tarndee noted:
“iPhone 14 R4500 but I paid R13500. ”
Thandekile Maseko expressed:
“I’m going to China on the 24th; those prices better still be the same.”
ANA pleaded:
“Sicela ube i-runner yethu please.”
Zee lamented:
“Our education system has failed us badly. ¥4000 ≠ R4000 guys. ”
Ntokozo Memela concluded:
“Bahlali mina, I am going to China ngiyothengela abantu, angeke phela eSA bayasibulala.”
Source link: Briefly.co.za.
