Higher smartphone prices lift refurbished demand

Rising memory chip prices, which have prompted smartphone brands to increase prices in recent months, are beginning to alter consumer buying behaviour, with more users opting for refurbished devices and trading in their existing handsets to reduce upgrade costs.

Affordability Crunch

According to Counterpoint Research, India’s refurbished smartphone market is expected to grow 12% year-on-year in 2026, even as shipments in the new smartphone market are projected to decline 11%. The research firm said higher prices are pushing a section of consumers to reconsider buying brand-new devices.