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Recent price hikes on new smartphones in India are poised to significantly boost the demand for second-hand devices, particularly those from Apple and Samsung. The shift comes as manufacturers grapple with rising component and logistics costs, impacting even the most popular brands.
Price Increases Across the Board
Almost all smartphone brands operating in India have increased prices on their devices, with higher-end models seeing the most substantial adjustments. Apple and Samsung, consistently ranked as the most used and reliable brands in the country, are among those affected. According to recent reports, the iPhone 17 (256GB) has seen its price jump from Rs 82,900 at launch to Rs 99,900. Similarly, the iPhone Air (256GB) now costs Rs 1,49,900, up from its original price of Rs 1,19,900. Samsung’s S series and A series devices have also experienced price increases.
Why Second-Hand is Gaining Appeal
India is a particularly price-sensitive market, and these increases are expected to curb purchases of new devices, even with EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) options available. This creates a favourable environment for the pre-owned smartphone market to flourish. Apple and Samsung devices are well-positioned to benefit from this trend due to their longevity and continued support.
Long-Term Value and Support
Both Apple and Samsung offer extended software support for their flagship devices, making them attractive options for resale. iPhones, in particular, are noted for retaining high resale value. The long-term reliability of their hardware, coupled with readily available after-sales support and relatively inexpensive battery replacements, further enhances their appeal in the second-hand market. While battery capacity naturally degrades over time, a battery swap can significantly extend a phone’s lifespan at a low cost.
No Price Relief in Sight
Experts do not anticipate a reduction in smartphone prices in the near future. The increasing demand for chips from AI companies and data centers is driving up production costs for chipmakers, creating a classic supply and demand imbalance.
