New Delhi: India recorded a 5 per cent year-on-year (YoY) rise in refurbished smartphone sales during the first half of calendar year 2025 (H1CY25), marking the second-fastest growth globally, according to a new report.

The growth was largely driven by Apple’s iPhones, with sales of refurbished iPhones in India surging 19 per cent amid strong demand for premium models such as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series, the report by Counterpoint Research said.

The study noted that the premiumisation trend seen in the broader smartphone market is now extending to the refurbished segment as well, supported by greater consumer awareness, improved supply chains, and rising demand for high-end devices.

Globally, Africa led the refurbished smartphone market with a 6 per cent increase, driven by a surge in iPhone demand.

In India, Samsung retained the top spot in the refurbished smartphone market, though it registered a marginal 1 per cent decline in sales. Apple ranked second, buoyed by strong sales momentum. Samsung’s dominance was supported by steady demand for its Galaxy S22 and S23 models, with the Galaxy S22 and S21 emerging among the top-selling refurbished phones in the country.

Meanwhile, Southeast Asia also saw a 5 per cent YoY increase in the pre-owned smartphone market, aided by a vast unorganised sector and a consistent inflow of used devices and components from China.

The report added that online platforms are playing a major role in driving the consumer-to-consumer (C2C) refurbished market, as users increasingly prefer the convenience of negotiating and completing transactions digitally.

In India, organised retailers are expanding buyback and exchange programmes in both online and offline markets. Initiatives such as extended warranties and certified refurbished sales are further boosting consumer confidence in pre-owned devices.

According to Counterpoint, Apple’s iPhone exports totalled approximately $10 billion in the first half of 2025, accounting for over 75 per cent of the country’s total smartphone exports during the period.

IANS