Sri Lanka’s mobile market is bigger and more connected than ever. The country now boasts 29.3 million mobile connections, equivalent to 127% of the population. Many people use dual SIMs or multiple phones.
This widespread connectivity goes hand in hand with growing smartphone adoption — roughly one in every two Sri Lankans uses a smartphone today. In daily life, that means millions are browsing social media, messaging on WhatsApp, and trading phones on ikman using their mobile devices.
Affordability and Market Dynamics
Smartphone affordability continues to be a crucial factor. Economic challenges and import restrictions in recent years have driven prices up, putting flagship phones out of reach for many. As a result, Sri Lankans are holding onto phones longer and trading secondhand devices more often.
The outcome is a thriving used-phone market catering to budget-conscious buyers who still want better tech. Today’s smartphone trends are shaped by this balance — new technology such as 5G and premium models emerging, while affordability keeps used phones in high demand.
Mobile Phones Market in Sri Lanka (Used vs New)
The first image gives a bird’s-eye view of mobile phone listings on ikman, broken down by condition. Out of a total of 67,000 mobile phone ads, 51,700 are used phones, compared to 15,100 brand-new phones, and just 50 rebuilt or refurbished units.
Over the past few years, new-phone prices have skyrocketed due to currency fluctuations and import taxes. Many buyers simply cannot afford the latest models, or they prefer not to spend so much at once.
Standing Out in the Used-Phone Crowd
To make your listing stand out in that 51,000-plus crowd, price it reasonably and write a compelling description. Mention the perks of your device, such as “only one year used, 128 GB, battery 90% health, includes box and charger.”
Given that buyers have plenty of options, a well-presented ad with good photos and honest details can attract attention and build trust.
City-Wise Breakdown of Listings
The data highlights a heavy concentration of listings in the Western Province, especially Colombo. Colombo alone contributes about 52% of all mobile listings. This isn’t surprising, as it is the commercial capital with the highest population density and internet usage. Most major phone sellers and enthusiastic buyers are based here.
Gampaha comes second with roughly 15% of listings. Being adjacent to Colombo, it benefits from a tech-savvy population and strong market activity. Kandy, the country’s second-largest city, accounts for about 7%, showing a healthy phone market in regional hubs too.
Buyer and Seller Insights by Location
If you’re in Colombo or Gampaha, you have the widest selection of phones almost at your doorstep. Buyers can find local sellers for easy meet-ups or delivery. With so many options, they can compare and negotiate prices.
For example, a search for “used Samsung Galaxy” in Colombo yields hundreds of results, giving buyers leverage. Conversely, those in smaller towns may find fewer listings, but ikman allows filtering by location or viewing all-island results.
Tips for Sellers in Busy Areas
In Colombo and Gampaha, competition is high because thousands of similar listings exist. Make your ad stand out with a clear title such as “Samsung Galaxy S21 128 GB Excellent Condition Colombo 5.” This format quickly attracts nearby buyers searching by city.
Mobile Phones by Brands
The top mobile phone brands being bought and sold on ikman reflect a diverse and competitive market.
Apple iPhone
Apple iphone remain premium. Because of their cost, owners keep them longer, yet used iPhones are among the most desired listings. Well-priced models such as iPhone X, 11, or 12 sell fast. Buyers should check iCloud status and battery health. Sellers can highlight those points — for example, “battery health 85%, Face ID working, no iCloud lock.” Transparency builds confidence and supports your asking price.
Samsung
Samsung offers a wide range, from budget-friendly Galaxy A series to flagship Galaxy S and Flip models. Many users upgrade frequently, which adds large volumes of used Samsungs to the market.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi, including Redmi and POCO, has built a solid presence. Its formula of high specs at lower prices resonates with local consumers. Many mid-range buyers opt for Xiaomi, and these devices later appear in the used market. Buyers often find excellent battery life and cameras for less.
Google Pixel
Though Google Pixels aren’t officially retailed in Sri Lanka, they still rank highly thanks to tech enthusiasts importing them. Buyers on ikman can find generations from Pixel 2 up to Pixel 7, appreciated for clean Android software and superb cameras.
How to Sell Faster on ikman
Use Quality Photos and Honest Details
Since there are tens of thousands of listings, visuals make a difference. Upload clear photos of your actual phone, not stock images. Show multiple angles and include a powered-on image to prove it works. If there are small scratches, show them. Transparency helps attract serious buyers and reduces time-wasters.
Timing and Responsiveness
Once your ad goes live, respond promptly. The market moves fast, and buyers often contact several sellers at once. Quick, polite replies can secure a deal. Post during evenings or weekends, when traffic is highest. Ads typically gain maximum visibility in the first 24–48 hours.
Trust and Safety for Sellers
Most buyers are genuine, but caution matters. Avoid unusual payment methods and never ship phones without payment confirmation. Cash on delivery or meeting in person is safest. Always meet in a public place.
When demonstrating the phone, stay with the buyer and never hand it over unsupervised. Remove your SIM and memory card before selling, and perform a factory reset in front of the buyer after payment to protect your data.
Promote and Boost Your Ad
If you need to sell urgently, consider ikman Boost or Top Ad features. These premium options push your ad higher in search results and increase exposure. In crowded markets like Colombo, a small boost can generate dozens of extra inquiries — a good trade-off when time matters more than the small fee.
Build a Good Seller Reputation
Many successful sellers on ikman gain repeat customers through fair pricing, honesty, and fast responses. Whether you’re selling one old phone or running a shop, professionalism helps your listings perform better over time.
FAQs
Q: Is it better to buy a used phone or a brand-new phone in Sri Lanka?
A: It depends on your budget and needs. For many Sri Lankans, buying used is the smarter move right now. Due to high taxes and import costs, new phones can be 30–50% more expensive than slightly used versions of the same model.
Q: What’s the best way to sell my old phone quickly on ikman?
A: Make your listing attractive and visible. Check current prices of similar phones on ikman, then price yours at or slightly below the average. Add clear photos, honest details, and respond promptly to inquiries to close the sale faster.
