In recent years, India has witnessed a significant increase in the demand for smartphones, including high-end devices like the iPhone.

With rapidly evolving technology, the need to stay up-to-date with the latest gadgets has become essential for many. However, not everyone can afford to buy a brand-new iPhone, especially when their prices generally shoot up every year. This has led to a surge in the market for refurbished iPhones, which offer a more budget-friendly alternative to consumers. 

Apples to Oranges: iPhones Dominate India’s Refurbished Smartphone Market

Apple is enjoying a significant boost in revenue from India, thanks to a surge in refurbished iPhone sales. According to Counterpoint Research, iPhones made up 11% of India’s secondary smartphone sales in 2021, a stark increase from 3% in 2020, making Apple the “fastest-growing refurbished brand in India”.

Looking to expand its global footprint, Apple is banking on India, the world’s third-largest smartphone market. CEO Tim Cook met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2023, coinciding with the launch of the company's first two Apple stores in India. Concurrently, Apple is scaling up its manufacturing operations in the country.

Though Apple's share of new smartphones in India grew to 5% in 2021, up from 1% in 2019, its luxury pricing restricts wider adoption. However, the refurbished smartphone market has opened a new avenue, attracting consumers to Apple's product ecosystem.

Mumbai-based analyst Glen Cardoza reports that refurbished iPhones are in high demand, with volumes growing four times the global average in 2022. Both older models, like the iPhone 6, and newer 5G models, like the iPhone 12 and later, are popular choices among Indian consumers.

As the only major company expected to grow global shipments this year, Apple is eyeing a projected 31% growth in iPhone shipments in India in 2023, in stark contrast to 2% in China and no growth in the United States. Analysts attribute the popularity of refurbished iPhones to the device's durability and Apple's strong brand image.

Top Places To Buy A Refurbished Phone From

Many websites now cater to this demand, providing Indians with the opportunity to buy refurbished smartphones online. Here, we explore the top websites for buying refurbished iPhones in India.

Amazon Renewed

Amazon Renewed is a dedicated section on Amazon India’s website that sells certified refurbished products. Amazon Renewed offers refurbished iPhones that go back to the iPhone X, iPhone XR and even the iPhone 8 have undergone professional maintenance and are backed by a minimum six-month supplier-backed warranty. The platform offers a wide variety of models, making it a popular choice among iPhone enthusiasts.

QuikrBazaar

Another renowned player in the refurbished iPhone market is QuikrBazaar. This platform offers a range of older iPhone models like the iPhone XS, iPhone 7 Plus etc all tested and certified by experts. QuikrBazaar stands out with its seven-day replacement policy and speedy delivery services, ensuring customers receive their iPhones promptly and in excellent condition. The website offers a vast range of refurbished smartphones from popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi.

See also: PM Modi Gears To Keep India Ahead Of Curve On 6G With 2023 Rollout Target

OLX

For those who prefer direct contact with the seller, OLX India could be the ideal platform. While not strictly a refurbished seller, OLX allows users to buy second-hand iPhones directly from previous owners. The platform uses AI and machine learning algorithms to verify the products and offers a safe, secure transaction environment.

Cashify

Cashify is a platform that not only allows users to sell their old devices but also offers a collection of refurbished iPhones. If you’re in the market for a newer iPhone like the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro Their products undergo extensive testing, and each purchase comes with a six-month warranty. Cashify's user-friendly interface and competitive pricing make it a favourite among refurbished iPhone buyers.

Yaantra

Yaantra began as an online platform dedicated exclusively to refurbished smartphones and accessories. Acquired by Flipkart in January 2022, it offers a wide variety of smartphones from refurbished iPhones to popular Android brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and more. Yaantra ensures that each refurbished device undergoes a 36-step quality check to guarantee optimal performance. They also provide a 12-month warranty on their products, along with a 7-day return policy.

ShopClues

ShopClues is an Indian e-commerce platform that offers various products, including refurbished smartphones. They provide a range of popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi, among others. ShopClues ensures that all refurbished devices undergo a quality check and are in perfect working condition.

Xtracover

Xtracover, a rapidly growing re-commerce platform in India, is a great place to start when looking to buy or sell refurbished iPhones. They even offer doorstep repair services for various electronic appliances. Each refurbished device they sell comes with a one-year warranty and has passed multiple quality checks.

Refurboffers

While the name might be an odd one among the lot on our list, Refurboffers is an affiliate-based re-commerce platform where you can buy a variety of refurbished devices, including a host of older iPhones – going back to the iPhone 5s. When you click on a product link, it redirects you to its associate affiliate sites, ensuring you get top-quality products at the best possible price.

Croma

Croma, India's fastest-growing omnichannel multi-brand retailer, provides a wide range of electronic products. They also have a refurbished section where you can find smartphones of various makes, including the iPhone.

Mobex

You can also consider Mobex, another popular re-commerce platform in India that deals predominantly with refurbished smartphones from a wide range of brands. They also sell smartwatches, speakers, and many other accessories — just in case you’re looking to pick a few more things along with the phone with the outlay you just saved.

How to be sure if your iPhone is New, Replaced or Refurbished

If you want to determine whether an iPhone is new, refurbished, or a replacement device, you can check it within the settings app or reach out to Apple Support for more information.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the iPhone’s model number to ascertain its origin status:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Select the ‘General’ option.
Step 3: Click on ‘About’.
Step 4: Locate your Model Number. The first letter of this Model Number reveals your iPhone's origin status:

• If it starts with ‘M’, your iPhone is new.
• ‘F’ indicates that Apple or the Carrier has refurbished the iPhone.
• ‘N’ means it’s an Apple replacement device.
• If it begins with ‘P’, it indicates a personalized iPhone with engraving.

Ensure you just bought a genuine iPhone

To confirm the authenticity of an iPhone, follow these steps:

Step 1: First, verify that the iPhone is genuine. You can do this by cross-checking the serial number on the iPhone with the one on the retail box. Make sure they match.

Step 2: Next, visit Apple’s official website (checkcoverage.apple.com/in/en/) to verify the serial number.

Step 3: Enter the serial number and fill out the security page.

Step 4: After submitting the information, Apple will display data about the device on the next page. This includes the validity of the purchase date, the status of telephone technical support, and whether the device still has repair and service coverage.

By following these steps, you can ensure you’re purchasing a genuine iPhone.

However, if you have doubts about the above method or if you’re purchasing the device from an uncertain source (which we don’t advise), you can always contact Apple’s customer support. They might assist you via a phone call or may ask you to bring your iPhone to the nearest Apple Care centre for verification.

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