Rising cost fuels rush for refurbished devices

India's refurbished smartphone and laptop market is set to significantly outperform new devices in 2026 due to soaring memory costs.

Counterpoint Research expects refurbished smartphone shipments to grow 12% year-on-year in 2026, while new smartphone shipments are projected to decline 11%.

The refurbished laptop market is also expected to post double-digit growth this year as higher PC prices boost demand.

Samsung expanded its official certified refurbished smartphone programme in India in May 2026.

Over 85% of smartphone models have seen price increases this year, with average hikes of around 15%.