Flipkart launches ultra-fast smartphone exchange in India

Flipkart, India’s leading e-commerce platform and owned by world’s largest retailer Walmart, has launched a real-time smartphone exchange program through Flipkart Minutes. In what is claimed to be an industry-first for quick commerce in India, customers can now exchange their old smartphones and upgrade to a new one in under 40 minutes. This seamless service integrates instant valuation, doorstep pickup, and same-day purchase value directly into the Flipkart Minutes app.

Service now live in major cities

The exchange program is already active in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, with nationwide expansion set to follow in July. Flipkart Minutes is now India’s first hyperlocal platform offering real-time smartphone exchanges at scale. The company sees this innovation as a blend of speed, convenience, and sustainability in the mobile upgrade journey.

A simple and fast exchange process

Customers looking to trade in their old smartphones can enter basic details in the Flipkart Minutes app, instantly view the valuation, and receive a doorstep visit from an exchange expert. The entire transaction, including pickup and a new purchase offer, is completed in less than 40 minutes. Devices in any condition, including non-functional ones, are accepted with a trade-in value of up to 50%, depending on the condition.

Promoting sustainability through re-commerce

According to Flipkart Vice President Kanchan Mishra, the program is about more than convenience. “We’re combining instant pickup, real-time value, and trusted refurbishment to support circular consumption,” Mishra said. Ashutosh Chandel, Head of ReCommerce, added that the initiative also reduces emissions by avoiding long-haul logistics and ensuring responsible device recycling or refurbishment. The diagnostics process is built to provide customers with confidence and transparency.

Conclusion

The most effective trade-in programs combine high device valuation, a simple process, and immediate payment. Flipkart appears to deliver on all three fronts. SecondaryMarket.news expects strong consumer uptake of this new offering. In London, UK, Swapo is running a similar model with doorstep evaluation and near-instant payout to customers, showing the growing appeal of convenient, fast trade-in solutions.