New smartphone prices in India keep climbing, and shoppers are responding in a very specific way: buying refurbished and unboxed instead of brand new. Fresh industry data and a major move from Samsung this month both point to the same shift, and it's worth understanding before your next phone purchase.
The Numbers Behind India's Refurbished Phone Boom
According to a Business Standard report citing Counterpoint Research, India's refurbished smartphone volumes grew 13% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, even as sales of new phones slipped by roughly 11% over the same period. Counterpoint expects the refurbished segment to grow around 16% for the full year, with price pressure in the entry and mid-range segments pushing budget-conscious buyers toward the secondary market.
The trend isn't just about saving money on basic phones anymore. A BusinessToday report notes that Indian buyers are increasingly choosing higher-end refurbished devices, with Apple leading the shift as shoppers use the secondary market as an affordable way into a premium ecosystem.
Samsung Just Made Refurbished Flagships Mainstream
The clearest sign that refurbished is going mainstream came on September 10, when Samsung added the Galaxy S26 and Galaxy S26 Ultra to its Certified Re-Newed programme in India, per SamMobile — just months after the phones originally launched. Each unit goes through Samsung's own inspection, cleaning, and testing process before resale, with select models offered at a meaningful discount off the original launch price. When a brand puts its own name behind refurbished flagships this quickly, it tells you the category has moved well past its bargain-bin reputation.
Unboxed vs Refurbished: Know the Difference Before You Buy
These two terms get used loosely, but they mean different things. A refurbished phone has typically been used, then professionally inspected, repaired if needed, and resold — usually at a graded condition. An unboxed phone, on the other hand, is effectively new: factory-sealed stock that's sold without retail packaging (often surplus, exchange, or open-box inventory), never handed to a previous owner. That distinction matters for warranty and confidence.
At GetLikeNew, our unboxed phones come with a 6-month brand warranty, since they're new stock rather than used devices. If you'd rather shop laptops, the same shift toward certified pre-owned tech is playing out there too — our unboxed laptops carry a full 1-year brand warranty, while refurbished laptops, graded Good or Fair, are available in 256GB/512GB storage with 8GB/16GB RAM configurations for buyers who want maximum savings.
A Buyer's Checklist Before You Commit
Whether you're buying refurbished or unboxed, a few checks protect you from a bad purchase:
- Confirm the warranty terms in writing — how long, and who honors it (the seller or the brand).
- Check the IMEI against the box and the phone's settings to rule out a blacklisted or mismatched device.
- Ask about the return and defect policy before paying, not after something goes wrong.
- Record an unboxing video — many sellers require this to process a transit-damage claim, and it protects you either way.
- Compare the discount to the current launch price, not an inflated "original" price, so you know the deal is real.
On that last point: GetLikeNew ships free above ₹5,000, processes orders in 1-2 business days, and delivers in 7-10 business days. We don't offer change-of-mind returns, but transit damage is covered under our defect policy when you have an unboxing video, and our buyback programme lets you recover 80% of your purchase price within 15 days if your needs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy a refurbished or unboxed phone in India in 2026?
Yes, when you buy from a seller with clear warranty terms and a verifiable inspection process. Brands like Samsung now run their own certified refurbishment programmes, and organized sellers offer brand warranties on unboxed stock, which reduces the risk compared to buying second-hand from an individual.
What's the actual difference between an unboxed phone and a refurbished phone?
An unboxed phone is new, factory-sealed stock sold without retail packaging and has never had a previous owner. A refurbished phone has been used before, then inspected, repaired if necessary, and resold, typically at a graded condition.
What warranty comes with an unboxed phone from GetLikeNew?
Unboxed phones carry a 6-month brand warranty. Unboxed laptops carry a longer 1-year brand warranty, while refurbished laptops carry a 6-month warranty.
Can I return an unboxed phone if I simply change my mind?
No, change-of-mind returns aren't offered. Transit damage is covered through our defect remedy process, provided you have an unboxing video, and our buyback programme lets you recover 80% of your purchase price within 15 days.
Why is the refurbished phone market growing so fast in India right now?
Rising prices on new smartphones, especially in the entry and mid-range segments, are pushing buyers toward the secondary market. At the same time, brands like Samsung are launching their own certified refurbishment programmes, which is building more consumer trust in buying pre-owned or unboxed devices.
