India's refurbished smartphone and laptop market is set to grow 12% in 2026 as new device prices rise. Rising component costs and inflation are shifting consumer demand toward certified pre-owned electronics, forcing major brands like Samsung to expand their official secondary market programs.
The Indian electronics landscape is witnessing a structural shift as the refurbished device market gains momentum against the primary retail sector. Driven by persistent inflation and rising component costs, consumers are increasingly choosing certified pre-owned smartphones and laptops over premium-priced new models. This trend is creating a clear divide between the performance of the secondary market and the cooling demand for new electronics.
Price Hikes Fuel Secondary Market Demand
Primary market data highlights the pressure on new device sales. According to recent industry reports, the average selling price of smartphones in India hit a record $302 in the first quarter, representing a 10.4% year-on-year increase. Despite these higher prices, new smartphone shipments experienced a 4.1% decline. The cost of ownership for new electronics has climbed significantly, with over 85% of smartphone models seeing price hikes this year, and recent product launches carrying price tags 30% to 40% higher than older versions. As these costs rise, certified refurbished devices have become a more attractive option for value-conscious Indian consumers who prioritize brand reliability alongside affordability.
Sector Projections for 2026
Market projections for the year reflect this divergence. Counterpoint Research anticipates a 12% year-on-year growth for the refurbished smartphone segment in 2026, which stands in sharp contrast to the projected 11% decline in new smartphone shipments. The laptop market is following a similar trajectory. Forecasts from Omdia suggest that total new laptop shipments in India may fall to 14.3 million units in 2026, down from 15.8 million in 2025. With official refurbished programs gaining trust and offering warranties, the secondary market is transforming from a niche space into a mainstream alternative for households and budget-sensitive buyers.
Corporate Strategic Shifts
Recognizing the shift in consumer behavior, major electronics companies are integrating refurbished products into their broader business strategy. Samsung, for example, expanded its official certified refurbished smartphone program in India this past May. This move suggests that leading manufacturers are no longer ignoring the secondary market but are instead actively trying to capture share within it to maintain user loyalty. For investors, the key monitorable will be how effectively these brands manage the cannibalization of their new product sales while simultaneously scaling their refurbished divisions. The sustainability of this growth will depend on the continued availability of high-quality components for refurbishment and whether the price gap between new and certified pre-owned devices remains wide enough to sustain demand.