Is it cheaper to buy mobile phones from abroad than India?

Question

Hello fellas, i am resident of Mumbai, India 
Recently a friend of mine was gifted an I-phone 5 by his sister from miami, which cost her $200 i.e. aprroximate INR.12000/- while in India the same phone is available at INR 48000/- he gets to save INR 36000/- which as an incredible deal!! 

I was wondering since Celphone market is booming with new phones and prices are skyrocketing would it be financialy easier to order a mobile phone from abroad?? if i am saving a huge chunk of money then it is a great deal. 
of course there will be charges such as Unlocking and shipping.. 

What can u guys suggest? would it be a cheaper option?? & convenient??

Answer 1

Yes but the phone locked on any network would be much cheaper than all because if they purchase a contract phone it will cost them around $20 and shipping and all charges of your country make it around $150 - $200 and you have to spend $50 dollars more to have it unlocked.