Soaring memory costs are driving up prices of new electronics, pushing a growing number of consumers and businesses toward certified refurbished devices in India. According to a report by Business Today citing multiple research firms, the secondary market for smartphones and laptops is set to significantly outperform the new-device segment this year.
Market Data Highlights
Counterpoint Research expects India's refurbished smartphone market to grow about 12% year-on-year in 2026, even as new smartphone shipments are projected to decline 11%. The refurbished laptop market is also expected to post double-digit growth this year, driven by higher PC prices and improving consumer confidence in certified refurbished devices.
Omdia forecasts the laptop market in 2026 to be down 9.8% to 14.3 million units from 15.8 million in 2025.
The pressure on the primary market is already visible. According to IDC, the average selling price (ASP) of smartphones in India rose 10.4% year-on-year to a record $302 in the January-March quarter, while shipments fell 4.1%. Counterpoint estimates that more than 85% of smartphone models have already seen price increases this year, with average hikes of around 15%. Newly launched devices are priced 30-40% higher than their predecessors, attributed to component inflation.
| Metric | Source | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Refurbished smartphone growth (2026) | Counterpoint | 12% YoY |
| New smartphone shipment decline (2026) | Counterpoint | 11% YoY |
| Laptop shipment decline (2026) | Omdia | 9.8% to 14.3M units |
| Smartphone ASP rise (Jan-Mar 2026) | IDC | +10.4% to $302 |
| Models with price increases | Counterpoint | >85% |
| Average price hike | Counterpoint | ~15% |
| New launch price premium | Counterpoint | 30-40% |
Brand Response
Leading brands are responding to the shift. Samsung expanded its official certified refurbished smartphone programme in India in May 2026, according to the report. This move signals that the secondary market is becoming increasingly mainstream and that OEMs are recognising the value of capturing demand on the refurbished side.
Industry Impact
The trend is prompting more brands to strengthen official refurbished programmes, indicating a structural change in how electronics are consumed. For technology procurement leaders, the data suggests that sourcing refurbished devices from certified programmes can offer significant cost savings while maintaining quality and warranty coverage. As memory costs continue to rise, the refurbished channel provides a viable alternative for enterprises looking to balance budgets without sacrificing performance.
Counterpoint's data shows that more than 85% of smartphone models have already seen price increases, making refurbished options even more attractive. The combination of double-digit growth in refurbished laptops and smartphones points to a sustained shift in purchasing behaviour that enterprises should factor into their device lifecycle strategies.
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