As Apple’s iPhone 17 goes on sale, long queues and pre-orders have once again captured consumer attention. The premium device, priced at well over Rs 1 lakh for its top variants, has sparked discussions about whether spending such a large sum on a smartphone is the best financial decision.

This conversation has now spilled over into the world of investing, where star investor Vijay Kedia used the event to highlight the power of disciplined wealth creation. The debate is not just about technology but also about opportunity cost as to what Rs 1 lakh today could mean for the future if put to work in the markets.

In a post on X, ace investor Vijay Kedia weighed in on the topic, writing, “READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY iPHONE 17 The iPhone 17 isn’t for everyone. Spend Rs 1 lakh on this overhyped phone OR invest it in a mutual fund. In 6 years, Rs 1 lakh can become Rs 2 lakh — while the phone’s resale may sink to just Rs 15k. That’s ~15x more value through investing. BETTER STILL, COME BACK — LEAVE THE QUEUE.”

Kedia’s remarks come as Apple enthusiasts line up to pre-order the iPhone 17, which has once again generated buzz for its incremental upgrades and high price point. By drawing attention to the opportunity cost, Kedia is encouraging individuals to think twice before making a big-ticket discretionary purchase.

In another post on X, he added, “If you are in queue; iPhone is not for you. You might have other priorities in life — mutual fund is for you. ‘Aa Ab Laut Chalen’.”

The veteran investor also illustrated his point with a simple bar chart comparing the two scenarios: Rs 1 lakh invested in a mutual fund potentially grows to Rs 2 lakh in six years, while the same amount spent on an iPhone might fetch just Rs 15,000 if resold after six years.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)