The cost of an iPhone in 2012 vs. investing that amount in the Nifty 50: The shocking result

Have you ever wondered what would’ve happened if you hadn’t bought that iPhone 5 back in October 2012? Imagine this: It’s 2012. You walk into a store and proudly spend ₹45,500 on the newly launched iPhone 5. Now, fast-forward to 2025. That phone is lying in a drawer, maybe not even working. But what if you had taken that ₹45,500 and quietly invested it in the Nifty 50 instead?

Would your future look a little different?

This blog breaks it down in the simplest terms. Let’s not stay on the surface. We will go deep. With real examples, tables, numbers, and a straightforward breakdown for Indian investors, this decision changes your future money story.

Why iPhone 5 Was a Huge Deal in 2012 but Not a Smart Buy Today?

In 2012, the iPhone 5 launched in India with a price tag of ₹45,500. It was a symbol of status. Everyone who had one stood out. It had a sleek design, great features, and was considered a premium buy. People stretched their budgets to own it.

But what is that same iPhone worth now?

Probably not more than ₹2,000. Some may argue it's priceless as a collector’s item, but let’s not kid ourselves, nobody buys an iPhone for its museum value.

Here’s a quick table to see what happened to that phone’s value over the years:

Phones depreciate fast. Especially old tech. After just two years, the value had already dropped to under ₹5,000. So what happened in the same period if you’d taken that ₹45,500 and invested in the Nifty 50 instead?

Let’s get into that now.

What If You Had Put That ₹45,500 Into the Nifty 50 in 2012?

This is where the story takes a twist.

The Nifty 50 index in India tracks the top 50 blue-chip companies. Over time, it has shown strong and steady growth. Instead of buying that phone, let’s say you invested ₹45,500 in the Nifty 50 at the end of 2012.

Read More - Best Strategies to Protect Your Investments from Inflation

Here’s a rough estimate of how your money would have grown:

These are not cherry-picked numbers. This is the power of compounding over time. If you had just forgotten about that money, it would be worth ₹3,50,000 or more today.

You didn’t need to be an expert. No trading. Just simple investing in an index fund that tracks the Nifty 50.

Also, keep in mind — these numbers are not even factoring in reinvested dividends. That would make it higher.

Long-Term Compounding Wins Over Short-Term Pleasure

Let’s take a step back.

When we talk about investment, people often ignore index funds. Many prefer mutual funds, gold, real estate. But Nifty 50 — or Nifty 50 TRI (Total Returns Index) — has quietly built wealth for disciplined investors. No drama. Just steady growth.

Now, look at this simple example:

You don’t need any market timing here. You just need time in the market.

And what did you lose by not buying the iPhone? A few camera updates? Slightly better battery life? None of these brought long-term returns.

This is why understanding opportunity cost is the first step towards financial maturity.

Costly Lifestyle Choices vs. Long-Term Asset Building

Let’s not stop at just one phone. The truth is, many of us upgrade our phones every two years. That’s not just a tech upgrade — that’s money flying out of your future pocket.

If you had spent ₹50,000 every two years on iPhones since 2012, that’s ₹3,00,000 gone. But had you invested that amount systematically in Nifty 50 over those years?

You would be sitting on over ₹10,00,000 by now.

Here’s one more visual way to understand this:

This is how lifestyle inflation eats your wealth silently. It never feels like a big deal in the moment. But over time, it adds up massively.

Simple Techniques You Could Have Used Instead

Here are a few common investing techniques you could’ve used to get those results:

Also Read - How Inflation Affects Your Savings and Investment Strategy

• SIP in Nifty 50 Index Fund: Start with ₹3,000/month. Forget about it.
• Lumpsum in Nifty 50 ETF: Buy once, hold for a decade or more.
• Buy-on-dips Strategy: Invest more during market corrections.

The key? Consistency. Not checking your account every day. Letting your money breathe.

And no, you didn’t need a finance degree for this. Just patience.

Final Thought

So next time when a new iPhone launches and you’re tempted to spend ₹80,000, pause for a second.

Think,  is it truly worth it? Or could that money be your seed for ₹4,00,000 in 10 years?

Time doesn’t come back. But investments compound. And the earlier you start, the lesser you regret later. Phones get old. Markets grow. Simple.

FAQs

1. Should I stop upgrading my iPhone every year?
Yes, if your goal is long-term wealth. Phones lose value fast. That money works better in good investments.

2. Is it too late to invest in Nifty 50 now?
No. It’s never too late. The market rewards those who stay in longer. Start now, even with ₹500.

3. How do I start investing in Nifty 50 index from India?
Open a demat account. Look for Nifty 50 index funds or ETFs. Start SIP or one-time investment.

4. Why does the iPhone lose value so fast?
Because technology becomes outdated every year. New models launch. Better features come. Old ones depreciate quickly.

5. Can I really become a crorepati with index investing?
Yes. If you invest regularly and stay for long, even ₹5,000 per month can make you a crorepati in 25–30 years.

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LoansJagat Team

We are a team of writers, editors, and proofreaders with 15+ years of experience in the finance field. We are your personal finance gurus! But, we will explain everything in simplified language. Our aim is to make personal and business finance easier for you. While we help you upgrade your financial knowledge, why don't you read some of our blogs?