Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
Phone prices in India have been climbing all year as a global memory-chip shortage works its way into retail pricing, and more buyers are responding by skipping the brand-new shelf altogether. A recent TechCrunch report traced India's smartphone shipment slowdown directly to AI-driven memory costs, while TechRadar has covered how the new-phone market is expected to shrink this year as shoppers shift toward refurbished and unboxed alternatives instead. That shift is real, but it only pays off if you know what to check before you buy. Here's the checklist we'd want a friend to use.
Why the Shift to Refurbished and Unboxed Phones Is Accelerating
The short version: RAM and NAND flash prices have risen sharply through 2026, and phone makers have passed a chunk of that cost straight onto new-device pricing. That's made the gap between a new flagship and a mint-condition unboxed or refurbished equivalent wider than it's been in years, and it's why segments like unboxed phones have become a mainstream choice rather than a niche one.
The Refurbished/Unboxed Phone Buying Checklist
1. Know exactly what "unboxed" means from that seller
"Unboxed" and "refurbished" get used loosely across the market, and they're not the same thing. An unboxed phone is typically an opened, unused or lightly used unit sold at a discount from the box price -- not a repaired or refurbished device. Ask the seller directly which one you're getting, because the warranty and condition expectations differ.
2. Get the warranty terms in writing
Don't rely on a verbal assurance. At Get Like New, every unboxed phone comes with a 6-month brand warranty, meaning the manufacturer's own service network backs the device, not just the seller. Confirm the warranty length and who honors it before you pay.
3. Check the IMEI and physical condition before you pay
Verify the IMEI on the box matches the one in the phone's settings and on any invoice, and inspect listing photos (or the unit itself) for screen, frame and camera-lens condition. This is basic due diligence regardless of which seller you buy from.
4. Read the return and damage policy closely
Most sellers of unboxed and refurbished electronics -- including us -- don't accept change-of-mind returns, since these are already discounted, opened-box units. What you should get instead is protection against transit damage: at Get Like New, that's covered as a defect remedy, provided you record an unboxing video as proof. Make sure whichever seller you choose has an equivalent policy spelled out, not just implied.
5. Ask if there's a buyback or exit option
A buyback program matters more than it sounds like it should, especially if you're buying for a short-term need or aren't fully sure the model fits you. Our buyback option lets you return a phone within 15 days of delivery for 80% of what you paid, which caps your downside if plans change.
6. Confirm realistic shipping and delivery timelines
Unboxed and refurbished stock often ships from a central warehouse rather than a local store, so delivery windows are longer than same-day retail. On Get Like New, orders above Rs 5,000 ship free, processing takes 1-2 business days, and delivery typically takes 7-10 business days -- plan around that if you need the phone by a specific date.
7. Match the device to how you'll actually use it
Don't overbuy. If you mainly need a reliable phone for calls, UPI payments and everyday apps, a mid-range unboxed model will do the job at a fraction of flagship pricing. Browse by budget and use case in our unboxed phones collection rather than defaulting to the most expensive option on the page.
Upgrading More Than Just Your Phone?
If rising prices have you rethinking a laptop purchase too, the same unboxed and refurbished logic applies there. Students heading into a new term can compare options in our student laptop collection, and anyone replacing a work machine can start with our unboxed laptops lineup -- both are graded and warrantied the same way we handle our phones, so the checklist habit carries over.
Frequently Asked Questions
What warranty comes with an unboxed phone from Get Like New?
Every unboxed phone we sell carries a 6-month brand warranty, so you're covered by the manufacturer's own support terms from the day it ships.
Can I return a phone if I simply change my mind?
No, we don't accept change-of-mind returns. If your phone arrives with transit damage, we cover it as a defect remedy, but you must record an unboxing video as proof.
What if I want to sell the phone back later?
Our buyback program lets you return the device within 15 days of delivery for 80% of what you paid, which is useful if your needs change soon after buying.
How long does shipping take, and is it free?
Orders above Rs 5,000 ship free. We process orders in 1-2 business days and delivery typically takes 7-10 business days depending on your location.
