Refurbished smartphone market grows 13% in H1 2026 as new phone prices bite
India’s refurbished smartphone volumes rose 13% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, even as sales of new devices fell around 11%, indicating that rising handset prices have pushed consumers towards lower-cost alternatives.
According to Counterpoint Research, the divergence points to a widening affordability gap in the handset market. Prices for smartphones have climbed, particularly in the cost sensitive entry and mid-range segments. There buyers are thereby relying on used premium devices instead of trading up to a new mid-range phone.
A refurbished flagship, with a better camera, display and processor, is proving a more attractive purchase than a brand-new mid-tier model at a similar price point, according to analysts.
