More than 100 handsets are launched in India every year of which many are high end devices. And while most of us want to use these top of the line phones, only a few are willing to spend what is takes. If you too love experimenting with different mobile phones but worry that buying them might burn a hole in your pockets, the second hand market is for you.
This market is flourishing thanks to technology lovers who change phones within months. Statistics show that an average mobile user changes handsets every year mainly to keep up with trends. And the good news is that most of these people sell their old phone when they buy a new one new ones as it also eases the burden on their pocket.
The second hand phone market offers buyers a range of devices to choose from at far lower prices than that of a new handset. A phone used for three months can be bought for 20-23 per cent of the original price, while a handset used for six months can be had for less than 50 per cent of the original price. For example, Apple’s iPhone 3GS, originally priced at Rs 31,000 for an 8 GB version and Rs 36,000 for 16 GB, is available for less than half the price second hand. Other than the iPhone, popular brands including Nokia, HTC, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, BlackBerry, Spice and Micromax are also available for resale.
While a new HTC Desire costs Rs 29,000, the same phone after three months of use, with a valid nine month warranty, costs Rs 17,000. Similarly, an eight month old Nokia E71 costs Rs 6,000 as opposed to Rs 15,000 for the original. A three month old Sony Ericsson Xperia would cost Rs 19,000 and will come with remaining warranty of nine months; while an eight month old BlackBerry Storm will cost Rs 13,000; a six month old BlackBerry will be available for Rs 16,000; a two month old Apple iPhone 16 GB will cost Rs 24,000, while a premium two year old Nokia Arte 8800 will be yours for a mere Rs 5,000.
Interestingly, even low cost handsets are in demand in the second-hand market. A used phone that originally costs Rs 7,000 can be had for between Rs 500 to Rs 2,500.