Luxury In Tech This Diwali: A Guide To Premium Gadgets For India’s Festive Season
Businessworld has meticulously designed a Diwali buying guide for gadget enthusiasts in the premium segment, having tested over 50 products.
With Dhanteras, Dussehra, Diwali, and Navratri all converging in a single month, this festive season is ideal for indulging in premium tech—whether for personal enjoyment, home utility, or gifting. As local manufacturing gains momentum and more brands establish operations in India, consumers have a wealth of options across categories. Here’s a meticulously curated guide to the top luxury tech offerings this season, from powerhouse smartphones to sophisticated accessories.
No Diwali season tech list is complete without Apple’s latest iPhones. The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro Max debut Apple Intelligence, Apple’s entry into generative AI, arriving on October 28. The iPhone 16, equipped with the A18 chip, offers a balanced design for those seeking a compact yet high-performing device. Available in soft pastel shades like Ultramarine Blue and Teal, it combines Apple’s signature aesthetic with user-focused features like the camera control key and audio mix. Built with Apple’s hallmark strengths—battery life, after-sales support, and premium resale value—it’s designed for long-term value.
For users who want the ultimate in smartphone technology, the iPhone 16 Pro Max takes centre stage. With a massive 6.9-inch screen and barely-there bezels, it delivers vibrant, razor-sharp visuals. Powered by the A18 Pro chipset, it is built for demanding tasks like 4K video editing at 120fps or console-level gaming. Its Desert Titanium finish is both elegant and distinct. With local manufacturing leading to more competitive pricing, this powerhouse is ideal for anyone looking to make a premium investment in technology that combines peak performance and design.
For Android enthusiasts, Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra is a flagship device that embodies strength and innovation. Released early this year, it combines robust build quality with an AI-optimised camera system and Galaxy AI, which personalises user experience by automating tasks. The S24 Ultra is designed to handle a wide range of environments with its versatile camera setup and AI enhancements that adjust lighting and colour. However, for those eyeing the latest in processor technology, upcoming releases from Qualcomm and MediaTek may provide new options, while Samsung’s Galaxy S25, due in January, is also expected to pack a performance boost.
For users captivated by foldables, there are multiple options available. Vivo’s X Fold 3 Pro is a well-rounded choice with a high-quality camera and reliable hardware, although its availability remains limited. Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 offer unique IP48 water and dust resistance, making them a durable choice in the foldable space. Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with its Google-exclusive AI-powered camera, has gained a dedicated following but comes with a high price and a less powerful processor. The OnePlus Open Apex Edition, with its appealing maroon finish and added privacy mode, is a great value foldable. This model, now available at a reduced price, combines privacy features and functionality for a distinctive option in the foldable market.
With the festive season comes family gatherings and an uptick in dust from fireworks, and the Haier ProBot is the ideal cleaning partner. This laser-guided robot vacuum is equipped with LiDAR technology, similar to the navigation in autonomous vehicles, allowing it to map and manoeuvre around furniture and obstacles. The Haier ProBot doesn’t just vacuum—it performs a deep clean that picks up dust, pet hair, and allergens while featuring a mopping function for a thorough cleanse. With an impressive run-time and powerful suction, it’s suitable for keeping high-traffic areas clean without lifting a finger. With remote control via a smartphone app, it’s a smart and convenient way to maintain a clean home this Diwali.
Apple’s MacBook Air M3 is a steadfast choice for those seeking portability, battery efficiency, and seamless macOS integration. The M3 chip delivers fast, energy-efficient performance, allowing users to work on creative projects or manage everyday tasks with ease. The lightweight build and superior battery life make it an attractive choice for Apple enthusiasts and an excellent entry point into the Apple ecosystem for new users.
For those preferring Windows, the Asus ZenBook S14 offers an alternative that’s both powerful and adaptable. Powered by Intel’s Lunar Lake chipset, the ZenBook S14 balances efficiency and high-performance processing. Lunar Lake optimises energy consumption to extend battery life, making it an ideal companion for remote work. The chipset’s advanced graphics capabilities are a perfect match for the ZenBook’s OLED touchscreen, allowing for vivid visuals and smooth rendering across media editing and casual gaming tasks. With AI-driven productivity tools like Microsoft’s CoPilot AI, the ZenBook S14 enhances workflow by automating tasks and delivering seamless multitasking. Superior thermal management keeps the laptop running cool, while Thunderbolt and Wi-Fi 6E support allow for versatile connectivity, from external displays to fast internet speeds. This combination of features makes the ZenBook S14 a premier choice for users needing power and adaptability in one lightweight device.
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 remain the gold standard in Active Noise Cancellation, with recent updates introducing hearing aid software for users needing audio assistance. For those who want a lighter design without in-ear tips, Apple’s latest AirPods with ANC deliver top-tier noise cancellation, seamless device-switching, and an ultra-clear transparency mode for users within the Apple ecosystem.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a strong alternative for Android users. They provide impressive sound quality with active noise cancellation that rivals the AirPods Pro 2, complemented by a secure and comfortable fit. Through the Pixel Buds app, users can activate an equaliser that tailors sound to their preferences, making them a favourite for Android aficionados who value quality sound and streamlined features.
The Beats Pill is a compact and stylish choice for portable audio, providing punchy bass and impressive sound clarity in a sleek design. As an Apple product, it benefits from seamless connectivity with Apple devices, making it ideal for users who value connectivity and battery longevity.
The Sony Ult Field 1 offers a rugged design with versatile audio capabilities, perfect for outdoor gatherings and large spaces. Known for its durability, it delivers balanced sound that can fill any room, making it an excellent choice for music lovers needing robust sound on the go.
The Sonodyne Antara, designed in Kolkata, is an audiophile’s delight. It combines balanced mids, precise treble, and deep bass to create a rich listening experience. Though less portable, its build quality and performance make it a standout choice for hosting gatherings at home, ensuring high-quality sound that impresses even the most discerning listeners.
Apple’s iPad Pro M4 is a powerhouse, featuring the M4 chip, an OLED display, and Apple Pencil Pro compatibility. Tailored for creative professionals, it handles complex tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and illustration with precision, making it ideal for anyone in need of desktop-level performance in a tablet.
For users seeking a similar experience with a more budget-friendly option, the iPad Air M2 provides remarkable value. With the M2 chip and support for both the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro, the iPad Air M2 is a versatile tool for productivity, creative work, and entertainment alike.
The iPad Mini, powered by the A17 Pro chipset, offers a compact solution without compromising on power. Its small size makes it great for reading, sketching, or content consumption, and its compatibility with the Apple Pencil Pro enables an efficient, creative experience on the go.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab 10 Ultra is a formidable Android tablet featuring the latest MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ processor. Built for high-speed multitasking, its massive OLED screen delivers vibrant colour and detail, making it excellent for streaming and gaming. The rejuvenated S Pen offers advanced features and precision, ideal for creatives who prefer the Android ecosystem.
The OnePlus Pad 2 offers value with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon chip and OnePlus Stylo 2 compatibility, enabling smooth multitasking and productivity. Its larger display and optimised multitasking make it a good fit for both work and entertainment, while the OnePlus Pad Go offers a budget-friendly option for users seeking reliable performance for basic tasks and media viewing.
Xiaomi’s Redmi Pad Pro strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. With solid battery life, stylus support, and integration with Xiaomi phones, it is an accessible choice for users looking for a versatile tablet with a premium feel.
The Apple Watch Series 10 continues to lead in the smartwatch category with advanced health-tracking capabilities and finishes like titanium and jet-black aluminium. With an extensive range of accessories, it allows for personalisation, making it an attractive choice for those deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem.
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra is an alternative for Android users, particularly adventure enthusiasts. Its ultra-bright 3,000-nit display and dive-computer functionality are ideal for those who love exploring. The Galaxy Watch Ultra pairs seamlessly with the newly launched Galaxy Ring, offering detailed health metrics for heart rate, sleep, and energy levels, creating a comprehensive health-tracking experience.
The Oura Ring and Ultrahuman Ring are screenless health trackers with advanced metrics, widely respected for their accurate heart rate and sleep tracking. While the Oura Ring is geared towards general wellness, the Ultrahuman Ring adds metabolic insights, tracking energy levels and health metrics that attract fitness enthusiasts and health-focused users.
The Whoop Smart Band gained popularity during the 2023 ODI Men’s Cricket World Cup, worn by Indian cricket players. Without a screen, it focuses entirely on fitness, tracking exertion and recovery for athletes and serious fitness enthusiasts who want highly detailed activity insights.
The Philips Smart Air Purifier AC4221/61 is an ideal companion for homes this Diwali, especially as pollution levels rise. Its advanced three-layer filtration system—HEPA, Active Carbon, and Prefilter—captures 99.97 per cent of particles down to 0.003 microns, effectively removing allergens, dust, and harmful gases. With a high CADR of 600 m³/h, it covers up to 156 m², perfect for large rooms.
Designed with smart connectivity, the purifier syncs with the Philips Air+ app for remote monitoring, scheduling, and real-time air quality updates on both iOS and Android devices. The integrated PM2.5, gas, temperature, and humidity sensors offer precise air quality feedback via a colour-coded ring and numerical display.
Operating quietly at 15 dB in Sleep mode and up to 51.5 dB in Turbo mode, it includes a Sleep mode, automatic display dimming, and ambient night light for seamless nighttime use. Compact yet powerful, it consumes just 54 W and includes a two-year warranty, making this Rs. 27,995 purifier a smart and stylish solution for maintaining clean indoor air during the festive season.
For home entertainment enthusiasts, the Sony Bravia 9 is a high-end choice. Leveraging technology from Sony’s Master Monitors, this Mini LED TV offers unprecedented contrast, deep blacks, and vivid colour accuracy, creating a cinematic experience within your home. Enhanced with Sony’s streaming service, users can access movies like Spider-Man and Gran Turismo, transforming the Bravia 9 into an all-in-one entertainment hub ideal for movie nights and gaming marathons alike.
Luxury gadgets call for premium accessories, and this season offers a remarkable range. The Fusion Nexus Dock is an elegant addition to any workspace, providing USB-C connectivity, 4K video output, and compatibility with multiple devices for streamlined productivity.
The Stuffcool Major Ultra Power Bank combines power and portability, offering both USB-A and USB-C ports to charge everything from smartphones to laptops. It’s a perfect accessory for anyone constantly on the go.
For iPhone users, Nomad’s leather cases provide an attractive, rugged option that combines style with durability, while their wireless charging stand charges an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods simultaneously, ideal for those who are fully integrated into the Apple ecosystem.
DailyObjects adds personalisation with a range of Apple Watch straps, including Milanese loops and sport bands, allowing users to customise their wearable to suit their style.
PS: This guide has been created solely on the basis of tested products by the BW Businessworld editorial team, not on basis of just internet research.
