India’s refurbished smartphone sector is expanding rapidly, driven by higher prices of new devices, increased consumer trust, and flexible financing options, with Apple’s iPhones leading the demand in the premium segment amidst a shift towards organised resale platforms.
India’s refurbished smartphone market is growing fast as higher handset prices push many buyers to look for a different route into premium devices rather than abandoning them altogether. Counterpoint Research says refurbished phones accounted for 20% of India’s smartphone sales in 2024, up from 12% in 2021, and the category is still expanding even as new-phone sales come under pressure.
The shift is being driven by a mix of affordability concerns and greater trust in organised sellers. Business Standard reported that buyers are increasingly reassured by quality checks, warranties and after-sales support, which have helped second-hand devices move from an informal trade towards a more structured market. Moneycontrol, citing Counterpoint, said refurbished sales outpaced new smartphone sales in 2024.
Apple’s iPhones remain the strongest draw. A report on India’s secondary smartphone market said iPhones accounted for 62.9% of refurbished sales in the first half of 2025, with demand strongest in the premium end of the market. NDTV Profit reported that models such as the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 are attracting buyers despite price tags above ₹40,000, as consumers try to access the latest Apple devices without paying full retail prices.
Financing is also widening the market. NDTV Profit reported that equated monthly instalment plans now cover an estimated 40% to 50% of iPhone purchases in India, making premium handsets easier to buy in monthly chunks. The same article said the appetite for refurbished Apple products is spreading beyond phones to iPads and MacBooks, particularly among students and young professionals.
Even so, the organised refurb market remains small relative to India’s vast new-device market. NDTV Profit, citing FDM CCS Insight, said certified refurbished sales still represent only about 4% of the primary phone market, while most used-phone transactions continue to happen through informal channels. Broader market estimates suggest the category has ample room to grow: IMARC Group values India’s used smartphone market at $1.75 billion in 2025 and sees it rising to nearly $5.9 billion by 2034, helped by affordability pressures and the expansion of organised resale platforms. Some industry analysts also warn that memory shortages linked to artificial intelligence data-centre demand could keep new-phone prices elevated, strengthening the case for refurbished devices.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
