Pre-launch prices are mostly a builder's trick, right?

Since January I've been shortlisting flats in this city, totally fed up of renting. My landlord raised rent again, so I'm finally taking the plunge in Gurugram. Looking at places near MG Road, maybe even some Tribeca projects for investment. The pre-launch offers sound great, but is it actually a discount? I mean, sometimes I feel like yeh builders bas hype create karte hain. Is that 'early bird' price truly better than buying later in the open market? What about spot discounts? Jab payment terms ki baat aati hai, do these pre-launch deals actually give you better leverage? Or is the total cost of acquisition, including all the hidden charges, pretty much the same eventually?