Used Phone Demand Up 30.8%: Why iPhone 13 Leads in India
Used phone demand in India grew 30.8% in 2025. Apple leads with over 65% of sales and the iPhone 13 is the most bought model. Here is why, and how to buy safely.
Walk into any phone market in Ahmedabad or Gandhinagar today and you will notice the same thing: more buyers are choosing used and pre-owned phones, and most of them are asking for an iPhone. The latest industry numbers now back that up.
Key takeaways
- Demand for used phones in India grew 30.8% in 2025.
- Apple accounted for more than 65% of used smartphone sales.
- The iPhone 13 was the most purchased used model, at up to 15.5% of used phone sales.
- The iPhone 13 also made up 6.93% of buybacks, so it is both the most sold back and the most bought.
Source: Cashify's Great Indian Upgrade 2026 report, as reported by Business Today on 2 September 2026. The report uses the word "refurbished". In this article, "used", "pre-owned" and "refurbished" all mean phones that were previously owned, checked and resold.
What the numbers tell us
30.8% growth in a single year means used phones are no longer a side option. They are a mainstream way to buy a smartphone in India.
Apple's share of more than 65% is the bigger story. Of every 100 used smartphones sold, more than 65 are iPhones. Buyers who want a premium phone but not a premium price are choosing Apple first.
The iPhone 13 sitting at the top is easy to explain once you look at the buyback figure. Many owners are upgrading and selling their iPhone 13, which keeps plenty of units in the market. Plenty of supply plus strong demand makes it the most traded model on both sides.
Why used phone demand is rising
The report gives the numbers. The reasons below are the most likely drivers behind them.
- The price gap. New flagship phones keep getting more expensive. A used phone from a recent generation costs a fraction of that and still does everything most people need.
- Phones last longer. A phone that is two or three years old is still fast, so there is less pressure to buy new every year.
- Better trust. Buying from a certified seller with checks and a bill is very different from a random online listing. That confidence is pulling more first-time buyers into the market.
- The festive season. With Dhanteras on 6 November and Diwali on 8 November 2026, many families are looking for a gift or an upgrade at a sensible budget.
Why Apple leads used phone sales
iPhones tend to hold their value better than most Android phones, which makes buyers feel safer paying for one used. They also get software updates for years, have a consistent build and camera quality, and work smoothly with AirPods, Apple Watch and iCloud. For many people, a used iPhone is the most affordable way into the Apple ecosystem.
Why the iPhone 13 is the most bought used iPhone
The iPhone 13 sits in a sweet spot between older, cheaper iPhones and the latest, expensive ones. It has:
- The A15 Bionic chip, which is still fast for everyday apps, social media and most games
- A 6.1-inch OLED display
- A dual 12MP rear camera that still takes very good photos
- 5G support and MagSafe accessory compatibility
It is also easy to find, because so many owners have already upgraded and sold theirs.
Is the iPhone 13 still worth buying?
It is a good fit if you are a first-time iPhone user, a student, someone who wants a reliable daily phone, or someone who needs a solid backup phone.
Consider a newer model if you play demanding games for hours, edit video on your phone, or want the newest camera features and the longest possible software support. Check which iOS versions Apple currently supports for the model you are considering.
How to buy a used iPhone safely: 8-point checklist
- Check battery health. Open Settings, then Battery, then Battery Health. Apple designs its batteries to keep up to 80% of their original capacity after 500 full charge cycles. A figure near or below 80% is a reason to negotiate or ask for a battery replacement.
- Verify the IMEI and serial number. Dial *#06# and match the IMEI with the box, the bill and the number in Settings, then General, then About.
- Make sure Find My iPhone is off and the phone is signed out of the previous owner's Apple ID. A phone with Activation Lock is unusable.
- Check Parts and Service History. In Settings, then General, then About, look for any non-genuine or replaced parts.
- Test Face ID, cameras, speakers and microphones. Take a photo with each camera and make a test call.
- Inspect the screen. Look for dead pixels, burn-in, discolouration and touch issues.
- Test charging. Check that it charges properly by cable and that the port is clean.
- Get a bill and a warranty in writing. A seller who offers neither is a risk, whatever the price.
Used vs certified pre-owned
A used phone sold by an individual usually comes with no checks and no recourse if something goes wrong. A certified pre-owned phone from a retailer is tested before sale and comes with a bill and support from a shop you can walk back into. When you buy from a physical store, you can also hold the phone and run through the checklist above before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Why is demand for used phones growing in India?
Industry data shows demand grew 30.8% in 2025. The main reasons are rising new-phone prices, phones that stay useful for longer, and growing trust in certified sellers.
Which used phone is most popular in India?
According to Cashify's Great Indian Upgrade 2026 report, the iPhone 13 was the most purchased used phone, and Apple accounted for more than 65% of used smartphone sales.
Is it safe to buy a used iPhone?
Yes, if you buy from a trusted seller and check the basics: battery health, IMEI, Activation Lock, screen, cameras and a proper bill with warranty.
What battery health is acceptable on a used iPhone?
Higher is better. Apple designs its iPhone batteries to retain up to 80% of capacity at 500 full charge cycles, so treat anything near or below 80% as a reason to negotiate or ask for a battery replacement.
Where can I buy a used iPhone in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar?
The Digital Hub has three stores: Kudasan in Gandhinagar, South Bopal and Bodakdev in Ahmedabad. You can see the phone in person and check it before you buy.
See an iPhone 13 in person
Want to check an iPhone 13 or any other certified pre-owned phone before you buy? Visit The Digital Hub at a store near you:
- Gandhinagar: Radhe Square, Kudasan. Call 7550 700 700
- South Bopal: Sobo Center. Call 8347 700 700
- Bodakdev: Rudra Square. Call 7890 700 700
Source: Business Today, 2 September 2026, reporting Cashify's Great Indian Upgrade 2026 report. Prices and availability vary by store and stock.