The refurbished smartphone market in India is witnessing a clear premiumization trend, with iPhones accounting for over 60% of sales in the first half of 2025, according to Cashify’s latest report, “The Great Indian Upgrade 2025.” This means that 3 out of every 5 buyers opted for refurbished Apple devices, slightly down from 64.5% in 2024 but still dominating the segment. For consumers, resellers, and market analysts searching 60% refurbished phones India iPhones, Cashify Great Indian Upgrade 2025, or refurbished iPhone demand, this surge highlights how aspirational consumers are turning to the secondary market to access high-end features at 40-50% discounts, amid new iPhone prices starting at ₹79,900 for the iPhone 16 series. With the overall refurbished market growing to a projected $10 billion by 2030, iPhones lead the charge in the ₹60,000+ premium band, which expanded 33% year-over-year, driven by models like the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max.
This dominance isn’t limited to India—globally, Apple holds around 52% of the refurbished market share, but in India, the figure exceeds 60%, fueled by social status and affordability.
Market Insights: Why iPhones Rule the Refurbished Segment
India’s refurbished smartphone market, valued at around $5 billion in 2025, is outpacing new sales growth, with secondary phones (refurbished and used) capturing 19% of total smartphone sales in 2024, up from 12% in 2021. Organized resellers like Cashify and ReFit now hold 20-25% of this market, emphasizing quality checks, warranties, and trade-ins to build trust.
Key Drivers of iPhone Dominance
- Aspirational Appeal: 70% of buyers cite social status as a factor, with iPhones symbolizing premium tech despite high new prices.
- Value Retention: iPhones hold 40-50% resale value after 2-3 years, far outpacing Android peers like OnePlus (10.2% share) or Xiaomi (9.7%).
- Premium Segment Boom: The ₹60,000+ refurbished band grew 33% YoY, led by iPhone 14 Pro (high demand), iPhone 13 Pro Max, and iPhone 12 Pro.
- Trade-In Surge: 33% of new phone buyers trade old devices to fund upgrades, boosting supply; 77% of resales still go through informal channels, but organized players like Cashify (205 stores) are gaining ground.
Cashify CEO Mandeep Manocha noted: “What used to be niche is now mainstream, with structured resale unlocking affordability and trust.”
| Brand | Refurbished Market Share (H1 2025) | YoY Change | Top Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple (iPhone) | 62.9% | -2.4% (from 64.5%) | iPhone 14 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12 Pro |
| OnePlus | 10.2% | Stable | – |
| Xiaomi | 9.7% | Down | – |
| Samsung | 6.1% | Up | – |
| Vivo | 3.2% | +1.1% | – |
Broader Market Trends: Refurbished Phones Go Mainstream
India’s refurbished market is exploding, projected to double to $10 billion by 2030, with online platforms capturing 61.8% of sales in 2025. Secondary phones (refurbished + used) now hold 19% of total smartphone sales, up from 12% in 2021, driven by post-pandemic affordability needs.
- Mid-Range Shift: 38.4% of sales fall in the $200-500 band, balancing affordability and performance.
- 5G Growth: 5G refurbished phones now 13% of global sales, with India leading in emerging markets.
- Sustainability Angle: 57.9% of shoppers prefer repair over replace, but chip shortages persist; refurbished iPhones like the iPhone 13 (₹38,000-₹42,000) offer 40-50% savings.
Organized players emphasize warranties and quality, with Cashify’s 32-point checks building confidence.
Conclusion: iPhones as the Refurbished King in India
With 60% of refurbished phones sold in India being iPhones, the secondary market is a premium playground, blending aspiration with affordability. As the sector doubles by 2030, expect more trade-ins and Tier-2 demand. For budget-savvy buyers, it’s a steal—will Samsung or OnePlus catch up? The data says iPhones reign supreme.
