India’s refurbished smartphone demand surges 13%

India’s refurbished smartphone volumes rose 13 per cent year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while new smartphone volumes slipped by around 11 per cent during the same period, according to a Counterpoint Research report.

The refurbished smartphone market gained momentum in the first half of 2026 as rising prices of new devices nudged consumers towards more affordable options for accessing premium smartphones.

Counterpoint Research expects India’s refurbished smartphone market to grow 16 per cent in 2026, supported by rising new-device prices, premiumisation and increasing consumer acceptance of pre-owned smartphones. Demand is expected to receive an additional boost in H2 2026 from the upcoming festive season and the launch of new flagship smartphones, which could further trigger trade-ins and increase the availability of recent-generation devices in the secondary market.

“India’s refurbished smartphone volumes grew 13 per cent YoY in H1 2026, even as new smartphone volumes declined by around 11 per cent YoY,” Counterpoint Research’s latest global pre-owned smartphone market report, H1 2026, revealed.

The growth in India’s refurbished smartphone market is being aided by increasing price pressure in the new smartphone market, particularly in the entry and mid-range segments, where consumers tend to be more price sensitive.

For value-conscious consumers, higher prices in the entry and mid-range segments are making the premium refurbished proposition increasingly attractive, it said.

“Instead of buying a new mid-range device at a higher price, consumers can access older premium smartphones with better cameras, displays and performance at a lower price,” the report noted.

Trade-in and exchange programs are becoming key growth levers for the refurbished market. Better exchange valuations, instant discounts, flexible upgrade offers and seasonal promotions can encourage consumers to return older devices rather than retain them unused or sell them through informal channels.

Such programs can improve the flow of recent-generation smartphones into refurbishment networks, expand consumer choice and support more frequent device upgrades.

The expansion of refurbishment also supports the circular economy by extending device lifecycles and maximising the value of smartphones already in circulation, it added.

The report pointed out that the market is also witnessing a gradual shift toward more certified refurbishment, and that the organised ecosystem is maturing, with established retailers, OEMs, ecommerce platforms and new certified refurbishment players expanding their presence.

Increasing foreign investment in India’s refurbished market is helping professionalise the ecosystem, with stronger quality standards, greater transparency and improved consumer trust.

Apple is benefiting particularly well from this transition in the organised market, with iPhone 13 emerging as one of the most preferred refurbished models, combining a relatively premium experience with an affordable price tag.

Samsung remains the overall market leader in India’s refurbished smartphone market with a 30 per cent share, while its Certified Re-Newed initiative and other OEM-led programs are helping bring greater structure and credibility to the category, it added.

Senior Analyst Prachir Singh said that rising memory prices are changing the value equation for consumers.

“As the cost of new smartphones increases, refurbished devices offer a more affordable way to access premium specifications. The lower upfront cost, combined with the growing availability of easy EMI and financing options, is making premium refurbished smartphones accessible to a wider consumer base,” Singh said.

On the refurbished market expansion, Research Director Tarun Pathak said growing adoption of refurbished smartphones is fundamentally a consumer shift amid rising new-device prices.

“Cashify remains a key player in India’s organised refurbished ecosystem, with its expanding offline footprint, premium product offerings and continued investment in the business...At the same time, emerging players such as ControlZ, GREST, Budli and other recommerce players are broadening the organised ecosystem,” Pathak added.