New Delhi, Sep 1: For many Indian smartphone buyers, getting a good phone at the right price is becoming more important than owning the latest model. This shift is helping refurbished smartphones gain popularity across the country.
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Refurbished smartphone volumes in India increased 13 per cent year-on-year between January and June 2026, while sales volumes of new smartphones fell by around 11 per cent, according to Counterpoint Research.
The change is being driven largely by rising prices of new smartphones, particularly in the entry-level and mid-range categories. As prices climb, consumers are increasingly looking at older premium models that can offer stronger cameras, displays and performance without the higher cost of a brand-new device.
Samsung accounted for 30 per cent of the refurbished smartphone market in India, followed by Apple with 23 per cent. Apple has benefited strongly from demand in the organised refurbished market, with the iPhone 13 emerging as a popular choice among consumers looking for premium features at a more affordable price.
Rising memory costs are adding to the pressure on smartphone prices. As new devices become more expensive, refurbished phones are offering consumers another way to access premium specifications while keeping their upfront spending lower.
Easy EMI and financing options, along with trade-in and exchange programmes, are also making refurbished devices more accessible. At the same time, the market is gradually becoming more organised, with certified refurbishment and quality checks helping address concerns about buying pre-owned phones.
For consumers, the appeal is straightforward: instead of spending more on a new mid-range phone, they can sometimes choose a refurbished premium model with better hardware and features.
The trend is also creating opportunities for businesses involved in repair, refurbishment, resale and device trade-ins. As more smartphones are returned, repaired and sold again, the refurbished market could become an increasingly important part of India’s growing electronics ecosystem.
Counterpoint Research expects the Indian refurbished smartphone market to grow 16 per cent in 2026, indicating that pre-owned devices are moving beyond being a niche option and becoming a more accepted choice among value-conscious consumers.
The growing demand suggests that Indian consumers are becoming more practical about smartphone upgrades, weighing price, performance and value before making a purchase.