Smartphone Resale Trends in India

Smartphone resale is becoming an increasingly viable option in India as more consumers look to upgrade their devices. Traditionally, a second-hand smartphone would be shared within families or kept as an unused backup, but attitudes are rapidly changing.

The Evolution of India’s Smartphone Resale Ecosystem

Recent years have seen the emergence of a more structured smartphone resale ecosystem in India. Buyers and sellers are now more intentional in their transactions. A representative from Flipkart indicated that pre-owned devices currently represent around 20% of the country’s smartphone market, with growth in this segment outpacing the sales of brand-new devices.

Flipkart stated that India has historically operated on a hand-me-down culture, which had tempered the growth of the resale market. This is shifting with initiatives like OEM-led trade-in programmes, multi-brand exchange platforms, and certified refurbishment processes that enhance both supply and quality standards.

iPhone’s Dominance in the Refurbished Market

Data from Cashify’s 2025 whitepaper reveals that Apple’s iPhones are the leading choice in India’s refurbished smartphone market. In the first half of 2025, these devices secured a 64.5% share, attributed to their strong brand loyalty, extended software support, and standardized repair procedures.

Nakul Kumar, Co-founder of Cashify, remarked that iPhones consistently provide the best resale values in India’s market for repurchased devices.

Driving Factors Behind Resale Value

In the repurchase market of India, resale values are influenced more by consumer demand than technical specifications. Devices like iPhones maintain their value due to robust brand reputation, length of software updates, and ongoing demand within the secondary market.

This trend is particularly noted in the price range of ₹15,000 to ₹30,000, where many consumers are leaning towards affordable premium choices. Instead of going for a new mid-range Android device, buyers are now opting for refurbished models such as the iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Android Resale Market Development

Although Apple leads the resale figures, the Android landscape is still diverse and developing. Samsung currently holds the highest resale value within the Android category, especially in the premium and upper mid-range segments.

According to Cashify data, OnePlus captured 10.2% of the refurbished smartphone market in the first half of 2025, while Xiaomi accounted for 9.9% in 2024 and 9.7% during the first half of 2025. This is largely due to Xiaomi’s significant presence in budget and mid-range sectors. However, Xiaomi devices typically lose value more quickly because of frequent model releases and a broad supply in the secondary market.

Future Expectations for the Android Resale Ecosystem

As the Android resale ecosystem matures, it’s currently characterized by a variety of models and inconsistencies in after-sales support. Nonetheless, a Flipkart representative suggested that stronger market integration will occur over time.

With the cost of new smartphones escalating, refurbished models present an appealing solution for consumers seeking premium options at reduced prices. Kumar noted that the launch of leading new devices, like the iPhone 17, often acts as a stimulus for the resale market, lowering prices on older models and creating new opportunities for buyers.