Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market

Market Overview:

The global refurbished and used mobile phones market size reached USD 69.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 131.0 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 7.35% during 2025-2033. The surging sales of smartphones, rising disposable incomes of individuals, and the implementation of government initiatives regarding e-waste management are the primary factors impelling the market growth.

Refurbished mobile phones are devices that have been returned to the manufacturer or retailer due to defects. These phones undergo a rigorous inspection and testing process and are repaired and updated with the latest software and hardware components before being resold. On the other hand, used mobile phones are devices that have been used by a previous owner and sold to a new owner. They may or may not have been refurbished, depending on the seller. These phones are also significantly cheaper than new models, allowing buyers to get a high-end device at a fraction of the cost. Refurbished and used mobile phones are widely adopted by individuals seeking to save money on their smartphone purchases. In addition, they come with a warranty depending on the model and price of the device. Moreover, buying a refurbished or used phone is more cost-effective and environment-friendly than purchasing a new phone, as it reduces electronic waste and helps conserve resources. Owing to these benefits, refurbished and used phones are gaining traction among individuals.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Trends:

Price Sensitivity and Cost-Effectiveness

The increasing price sensitivity of consumers, particularly in developing countries, has played a significant role in the growth of the refurbished and second-hand mobile phone market. The latest top-tier smartphones from popular companies such as Apple and Samsung are usually too expensive for many individuals to afford. Consumers looking for high-end models at affordable prices are attracted to refurbished phones, which are usually discounted by 30-50% from their original prices. This cost-saving advantage is especially important in areas such as Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where the average income per person is lower. The renewed phone category fills the space between desires for top-notch smartphones and financial limitations. Moreover, consumers feel more confident about their purchase since a lot of these devices come with extended warranty services. The increasing popularity of online platforms such as Amazon Renewed and Back Market has boosted the sales of refurbished phones through offering competitive prices, financing choices, and consumer-friendly return policies.

Growing Environmental Awareness and Sustainability Initiatives

Consumer preferences and company strategies are being impacted by a growing focus on environmental awareness and sustainability. E-waste is becoming an increasingly worrisome issue worldwide, as millions of tons of old electronics accumulate each year. Upcycling and selling pre-owned smartphones decrease electronic waste by prolonging the life cycle of device, preserving valuable natural resources such as rare earth metals needed for manufacturing new phones. Consumers these days are increasingly mindful of the environment and favor sustainable consumption options, such as purchasing refurbished electronics. Numerous companies and retailers are taking advantage of this trend by advertising the environmental advantages of selecting refurbished products. Furthermore, governments and institutions are promoting sustainable practices by implementing e-waste policies, certifications, and green labeling for reconditioned electronics. This initiative is in line with the social responsibility objectives of corporations and encourages consumers to buy second-hand electronics.

Technological Maturity and Slower Innovation Cycles

The steady progression of smartphone technology also contributes to the refurbished and used mobile phones market growth. In recent years, there has been a levelling off of technological advancements in smartphones, as newer models have only made small improvements compared to earlier versions. This has caused consumers to keep their phones for a longer period and contemplate purchasing pre-owned devices that are still up-to-date technologically. For instance, a two- or three-year-old iPhone or top-of-the-line Android device can still effectively run most apps and receive software updates. Therefore, numerous consumers are ready to buy these slightly outdated models for a fraction of their initial cost. This phenomenon is especially evident among individuals who value practicality more than staying up to date with the newest functionalities. Furthermore, enhancements in renovation technologies have boosted the standard of pre-owned devices. Modern refurbishment procedures guarantee that phones are meticulously examined, fixed, and marketed in a condition that resembles new. This increases the trust of buyers in the longevity of a refurbished phone, leading to even higher demand for these devices.

Key Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global refurbished and used mobile phones market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type, price range, and distribution channel.

Type Insights:

• Refurbished Phones
• Used Phones
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the refurbished and used mobile phones market based on the type. This includes refurbished and used phones. According to the report, refurbished phones represented the largest segment.

Price Range Insights:

• Low Price (Below $200)
• Mid-Price ($200 to $500)
• Premium (Above $500)
   

A detailed breakup and analysis of the refurbished and used mobile phones market based on the price range has also been provided in the report. This includes low price (below $200), mid-price ($200 to $500), and premium (above $500). According to the report, mid-price ($200 to $500) holds the largest refurbished and used mobile phones market share.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Offline
• Online
   

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the refurbished and used mobile phones market based on the distribution channel, which includes offline and online. According to the report, offline segment exhibited a clear dominance in the market.

Regional Insights:

• North America
  • United States
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Others
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Indonesia
  • Others
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Others

• Middle East and Africa
   

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and others); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific holds the largest refurbished and used mobile phones market share. Some of the factors driving the Asia Pacific refurbished and used mobile phones market include the widespread product availability on e-commerce platforms, the rising disposable incomes of individuals, and the growing awareness among the masses about the benefits of using refurbished phones.

Competitive Landscape:

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the global refurbished and used mobile phones market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, market share by key players, player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided. Some of the companies covered include:

• Amazon.com Inc.
• Apple Inc.
• AT&T Inc.
• Best Buy Co. Inc.
• Cashify
• Ebay Inc.
• Kempf Enterprises Limited
• Nippon Telephone Inc.
• Reboxed Ltd.
• Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Verizon Communications Inc.
• Walmart Inc.
   

(Kindly note that this only represents a partial list of companies, and the complete list has been provided in the report.)

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market News:

• March 2024: Orange Belgium is launching a new webshop for refurbished smartphones to expand its range of over 8,500 refurbished smartphone references and promote a circular economy. The "Re program" initiated by Orange Belgium in 2022 focuses on repair, refurbish, recycle, and return to reduce CO2 emissions and bridge the digital divide.
• August 2023: ReFit Global has launched RefitGlobal.com, a marketplace for refurbished premium smartphones, offering them at a 50% markdown from their original prices. The company aims to bridge the gap between flagship smartphones and budget constraints among the young Indian demographic, targeting the aspirational premium smartphone segment.

Report Coverage:

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

• How has the global refurbished and used mobile phones market performed so far, and how will it perform in the coming years?
• What are the drivers, restraints, and opportunities in the global refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• What is the impact of each driver, restraint, and opportunity on the global refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• What are the key regional markets?
• Which countries represent the most attractive refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the type?
• Which is the most attractive type in the refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the price range?
• Which is the most attractive price range in the refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?
• Which is the most attractive distribution channel in the refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• What is the competitive structure of the global refurbished and used mobile phones market?
• Who are the key players/companies in the global refurbished and used mobile phones market?

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the refurbished and used mobile phones market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the global refurbished and used mobile phone market.
• The study maps the leading, as well as the fastest-growing, regional markets. It further enables stakeholders to identify the key country-level markets within each region.
• Porter’s five forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the refurbished and used mobile phone industry and its attractiveness.
• The competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides insight into the current positions of key players in the market.