Leading telecom operators Airtel and Aircel will launch the much-awaited iPhone 4S smartphone in the country at midnight today at prices starting from Rs 44,500.

Both the telecom operators have priced the 16-GB model at Rs 44,500, while the 32-GB and 64-GB versions will be available for Rs 50,900 and Rs 57,500, respectively.

Though pre-booking for the latest iPhone model was on from November 18, starting midnight today, the device will be up for grabs at select Airtel and Aircel stores.

The iPhone 4S''s predecessors – the iPhone 3GS and the iPhone 4 – are still available in the Indian market, priced at Rs 20,900 (8GB) and Rs 37,900 (8GB) respectively.

The iPhone 4S comes with a 3.5-inch, 960 x 640-pixel widescreen multi-touch retina display. It is powered by a dual-core A5 chip processor and sports the new iOS 5 operating system, which the company claims offers faster web browsing and enhanced gaming experiences.

Its 8-MP camera has a larger aperture, a custom lens, advanced hybrid infrared filter and face detection feature.

Users can record videos in 1080p HD and also use the front facing VGA camera for video chatting.

Another interesting feature is the new voice-activated personal assistant, Siri. The user can ask Siri for a plethora of information by voice, such as the location of the nearest restaurant, and it will provide an answer.

Siri can also be used to make phone calls, send messages,schedule meetings and set reminders, among other things.