Introduction
Every year, Apple enthusiasts in Pakistan face a familiar question:
“Should I buy my iPhone from abroad, from GNext, or from Mercantile?”
At first glance, bringing an iPhone from abroad or buying from a cheaper distributor like GNext might seem cost-effective —
but when you include PTA taxes, warranty limitations, and service issues, the savings quickly disappear.
In 2025, Mercantile Pakistan, Apple’s official distributor, offers not only competitive pricing
but also complete peace of mind — with official Apple warranty (1 + 1 years),
PTA-approved models, and after-sales support unmatched by any other vendor.
Why Mercantile Pakistan Stands Out
| Factor | Mercantile Pakistan | GNext Pakistan | Imported / PTA Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Apple Authorized Distributor | Authorized Reseller | Unofficial Import |
| PTA Approval | ✅ Already PTA Approved | ✅ Already PTA Approved | ❌ Manual registration required |
| Warranty Coverage | ✅ 1 + 1 Year Apple Warranty | ✅ 1 Year Warranty | ❌ No local warranty |
| After-Sales Support | ✅ Official Apple Service Centers | ⚪ Limited | ❌ None |
| Trade-In Options | ✅ Available | ⚪ Limited | ❌ Not eligible |
| Repair Parts | ✅ Genuine Apple Parts | ⚪ Delayed | ❌ Unavailable |
| Resale Value | 🔼 High | 🔼 High | 🔽 Low |
| Peace of Mind | ⭐ Complete & Reliable | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Risky |
Verdict: Both Mercantile and GNext are official Apple distributors, but Mercantile’s 1 + 1 Year Warranty and
priority support make it the best choice for long-term users.
iPhone 17 Series Prices in Pakistan (October 2025)
iPhone 17 (Base Model)
| Storage | Mercantile Price (PKR) | GNext Price (PKR) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 399,000 | 394,999 | +4,001 |
| 512 GB | 482,500 | 477,999 | +4,501 |
iPhone 17 Air
| Storage | Mercantile Price (PKR) | GNext Price (PKR) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 480,000 | 475,199 | +4,801 |
| 512 GB | 563,000 | 557,399 | +5,601 |
| 1 TB | 646,500 | 639,999 | +6,501 |
iPhone 17 Pro
| Storage | Mercantile Price (PKR) | GNext Price (PKR) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 520,500 | 515,299 | +5,201 |
| 512 GB | 603,500 | 597,499 | +6,001 |
| 1 TB | 686,500 | 679,699 | +6,801 |
iPhone 17 Pro Max
| Storage | Mercantile Price (PKR) | GNext Price (PKR) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 256 GB | 565,000 | 559,399 | +5,601 |
| 512 GB | 648,500 | 641,999 | +6,501 |
| 1 TB | 732,000 | 724,999 | +7,001 |
| 2 TB | 898,500 | 889,999 | +8,501 |
GNext’s prices are slightly lower (by PKR 4,000–8,000) across all variants, but Mercantile provides an extra year of warranty
and priority Apple service, making it the smarter investment.
PTA Tax on Imported iPhone 17 Series (October 2025)
| Model | PTA Tax (Passport) | PTA Tax (CNIC) |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 17 | 149,640 | 164,604 |
| iPhone 17 Air | 156,322 | 172,377 |
| iPhone 17 Pro | 190,679 | 209,747 |
| iPhone 17 Pro Max | 204,954 | 225,449 |
If you import an iPhone 17 Pro Max (256 GB) at an overseas price of around PKR 440,000,
adding the PTA tax (~205,000) brings the total to PKR 645,000+ — and that’s without warranty or service.
Compare that to Mercantile’s PKR 565,000 — fully PTA approved, with 2 years warranty and full Apple support.
iPhone 17 Series Key Specifications
| Feature | iPhone 17 | iPhone 17 Air | iPhone 17 Pro | iPhone 17 Pro Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | 6.1″ OLED | 6.1″ LTPO OLED | 6.1″ 120Hz ProMotion | 6.7″ 120Hz ProMotion |
| Chipset | A18 | A18 Bionic | A18 Pro | A18 Pro |
| Camera | Dual 48MP | Dual 48MP (Enhanced) | Triple 48MP + LiDAR | Triple 48MP + Periscope |
| Battery | 3500 mAh | 3700 mAh | 3900 mAh | 4400 mAh |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C | USB-C (Fast) | USB-C (Fast) |
| Frame | Aluminum | Aluminum | Titanium | Titanium |
| Storage Options | 256 / 512 GB | 256 / 512 / 1 TB | 256 / 512 / 1 TB | 256 / 512 / 1 / 2 TB |
| Warranty (Mercantile) | 1 + 1 Year | 1 + 1 Year | 1 + 1 Year | 1 + 1 Year |
Final Verdict
While GNext offers slightly lower prices, Mercantile Pakistan provides unmatched reliability,
official 1 + 1 Year warranty, and direct Apple service support.
The few thousand rupees difference easily justifies the extra benefits.
- ✅ 1 + 1 Years Official Apple Warranty
- ✅ PTA-Approved and Legal IMEI
- ✅ Genuine Parts and Local Support
- ✅ Higher Resale Value
- ✅ Complete Peace of Mind
Final Thought: For just a small difference in price, you gain official Apple assurance, local support, and 2 years of security.
If you value long-term peace of mind, Mercantile Pakistan is the smartest choice for your iPhone 17 purchase in 2025.