India’s refurbished smartphone market is expanding rapidly as rising prices of new devices push consumers toward more affordable premium alternatives. According to Counterpoint Research, refurbished smartphone volumes grew 13% year-on-year in H1 2026, even as new smartphone volumes declined by around 11%.
The trend reflects a changing value equation. Instead of purchasing increasingly expensive entry- or mid-range smartphones, price-conscious consumers are considering older flagship devices that can offer better cameras, displays and performance at comparable or lower prices.
Samsung led India’s refurbished smartphone market with a 30% share in H1 2026, followed by Apple at 23%.Apple is gaining particularly strong traction in the organized segment, with the iPhone 13 emerging as a popular refurbished model due to its balance of premium capabilities and affordability.
Trade-in and exchange programmes are also strengthening the ecosystem. Better exchange valuations, instant discounts, financing and seasonal offers are encouraging consumers to return older smartphones, increasing the supply of relatively recent devices available for refurbishment.
However, India’s refurbished market remains overwhelmingly informal. The organized channel accounts for only around 20%, compared with approximately 80% for the unorganized market. This leaves substantial room for certified refurbishers, OEM programmes, retailers and recommerce platforms to professionalize the sector through warranties, quality assurance and greater transparency.
Players such as Cashify, ControlZ, GREST and Budli are expanding the organized ecosystem. Longer operating-system and security-update commitments from smartphone manufacturers could further improve the resale value and useful life of devices.
Counterpoint expects India’s refurbished smartphone market to grow 16% in 2026, supported by higher new-device prices, premiumization, festive-season trade-ins and increasing acceptance of pre-owned smartphones. Beyond affordability, refurbishment is becoming an important part of the circular economy, extending smartphone lifecycles while reducing electronic waste.
