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India’s Refurbished Smartphone Market Grows as New Prices Rise
India’s refurbished smartphone market grew in the first half of 2026.
Refurbished phones are used phones that have been checked and prepared for resale.
At the same time, sales of new phones fell by about 11%.
New phones, especially cheaper entry-level and mid-range models, are becoming more expensive.
Some people are therefore buying older premium phones because they can offer better cameras, screens and performance for less money.
Samsung sold the largest share of refurbished phones, followed by Apple and Vivo.
Trade-in programs are helping provide more phones for resale, while most sales still happen through informal sellers.
Counterpoint Research expects the market to grow 16% during all of 2026.
Refurbished smartphone volumes in India rose 13% year-on-year during January-June 2026.
New smartphone volumes declined by around 11% over the same period.
Samsung led the refurbished market with a 30% share, followed by Apple at 23% and Vivo at 10%.
Consumers are choosing older premium phones for better cameras, displays and performance at lower prices.
Counterpoint Research expects India’s refurbished smartphone market to grow 16% in 2026, aided by trade-ins and seasonal demand.
- Who
- Indian smartphone consumers, manufacturers, retailers and refurbishment businesses; Samsung was the leading brand.
- What
- Refurbished smartphone volumes rose 13% while new smartphone volumes fell around 11% during the first half of 2026.
- Where
- India.
- When
- January-June 2026, with a full-year growth forecast for 2026.
- Why
- Rising prices for new smartphones, including memory-cost pressures, are encouraging consumers to seek lower-cost access to premium features.
Key facts
- Refurbished growth
- Volumes increased 13% year-on-year in January-June 2026.
- New-phone trend
- New smartphone volumes declined around 11% during the same period.
- Market leader
- Samsung held a 30% share of India’s refurbished smartphone market.
- Apple share
- Apple held a 23% share; the iPhone 13 was among the most preferred refurbished models.
- Vivo share
- Vivo held a 10% share of the refurbished market.
- Organized channel
- Established retailers, original equipment manufacturers and recommerce platforms accounted for about 20% of volumes; roughly 80% remained informal.
- 2026 forecast
- Counterpoint Research expects the market to grow 16% in 2026.
Quotes
Prachir Singh
Senior analyst discussing affordability and financing in the refurbished smartphone market.
“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.”
freepressjournal.in
thehansindia.com
“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.”
financialexpress.com
thehansindia.com
Sources
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