Industry: Semiconductor Electronics
Delivery Timelines: Please Contact Sales
Published Date: May-2025
Format: PPT*, PDF, EXCEL
Number of Pages: 191
ID: PMRREP16867
The global refurbished and used mobile phones market is estimated to reach a size of US$ 73.1 Bn in 2025. It is predicted to rise at a CAGR of 7.4% through the assessment period to reach a value of US$ 120.6 Bn by 2032.
The refurbished and used mobile phone market is rapidly expanding due to affordability, environmental benefits, and the growing adoption of smartphones in emerging markets. Refurbished smartphones accounted for over 25% of secondary market sales globally in 2024, reflecting the increasing demand for cost-effective alternatives to new devices.
Brands like Apple and Samsung have established certified refurbishing programs, enhancing customer trust and driving market growth. Governments worldwide are enforcing strict e-waste regulations. For example, the European Union’s Right to Repair policy, enacted in June 2023, promotes the longevity and repairability of smartphones and has gained momentum, prompting manufacturers to expand their refurbishment ecosystems. This evolving regulatory landscape is expected to boost the market in the coming years.
Key Highlights of the Market
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Market Attributes |
Key Insights |
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Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Size (2025E) |
US$ 73.1 Bn |
| Projected Market Value (2032F) | US$ 120.6 Bn |
| Global Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2025 to 2032) | 7.4% |
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Historical Market Growth Rate (CAGR 2019 to 2023) |
5.1% |
North America is expected to account for approximately 27.1% of the share in 2025. Refurbished cellphones are preferred by customers due to their affordability and sustainability. Certified refurbished devices are available through well-established programs from companies like Apple and Samsung, as well as retailers like Best Buy, which provide warranties, return policies, and trade-in options. This infrastructure ensures a secure and convenient purchasing experience, encouraging more consumers to opt for refurbished devices.
North America also has one of the highest mobile phone penetration rates globally. In 2024, over 98% of Americans owned a cellphone, up from 81% in 2015. The number of American smartphone users will increase to more than 364 million people by 2040. This widespread adoption contributes to a vast pool of used devices that can be refurbished and resold. As more users upgrade to newer models, older but functional devices feed into the secondary market.
North America is expected to maintain robust growth in the refurbished smartphone market, with a projected CAGR of 6.4%, driven by improvements in refurbishment processes, enhanced retail strategies, and increased consumer trust in pre-owned devices.
The European Union's emphasis on circular economy principles supports the growth of the refurbished and used mobile phone market. In 2023, the European Commission recommended measures to enhance the return and reuse of small electronic devices, including mobile phones. These recommendations aim to increase collection rates and promote refurbishment, aligning with the EU's broader sustainability goals. Currently, more than 43% of Europeans own a second-hand smartphone. Despite cost-of-living pressures, 35% of Europeans intend to replace their current smartphone within the coming year.
Environmental concerns also play a significant role, as purchasing a refurbished smartphone saves around 50 kg of CO equivalent, which is approximately 20% less than the emissions from an equivalent newly manufactured smartphone and eliminates the need to extract 164 kg of raw materials. These ecological benefits resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, contributing to the market's expansion.
Consumer confidence in refurbished devices is strengthened by the availability of warranties and quality assurances. For instance, Vodafone, in partnership with Recommerce, offers refurbished handsets with a 24-month warranty, ensuring that devices have undergone thorough inspections and meet quality standards.
In 2025, used phones accounted for 42.3% of the global refurbished and used mobile phone market, driven by rising consumer demand for affordable alternatives to new devices. Many buyers opted for lightly used models like the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S21, which offered premium features at lower prices.
High-end cellphones are re-entering the wholesale market as turnover rates increase. To appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, companies like Apple, Samsung, and Xiaomi have expanded their recycling and trade-in initiatives.
Third-party platforms like Decluttr and Back Market have seen significant sales growth due to the affordability and environmental appeal of used devices. As global smartphone penetration increases, the used phone segment continues to dominate, indicating a shift towards sustainable mobile solutions.
The mid-range price is projected to generate a refurbished and used mobile phone market share of about 38.4% in 2025. As new flagship smartphones become increasingly expensive, more buyers, especially in developing economies, are turning to refurbished or used mid-range models that offer a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability.
Mid-range phones from brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, and OnePlus are especially popular in the refurbished segment. These models typically include competent processors, decent cameras, and long battery life, making them attractive options for consumers looking to upgrade without committing to high-end prices. For example, a refurbished OnePlus Nord CE 2 costs almost 40–50% less than a new unit, while still providing performance comparable to new devices in the same category.
Tech-savvy and eco-conscious users are more inclined to buy used rather than new to reduce e-waste. This behavioral shift is especially noticeable among younger demographics who seek both function and conscience in their purchases.
Growing smartphone sales, disposable incomes, and sustainable e-waste management contribute to the booming demand for reconditioned and used mobile phones. Refurbished electronics are more economical and ecologically beneficial because they are returned because of flaws and fixed. They usually cost 20-50% less than new ones and frequently come with warranties.
Targeting consumers on a tight budget in developing countries like India, Apple, Samsung, and Flipkart are increasing customer confidence through authorized restoration programs. Policy initiatives, such as the EU's "Right to Repair," encourage sustainable consumption. The market is further driven by educated customers' strong desire for high-end hardware with short upgrade cycles.
The need for reasonably priced reconditioned cellphones is rising in emerging markets, which is forcing businesses to increase their distribution networks and enhance their client acquisition tactics.
The global refurbished and used mobile phones market recorded a CAGR of 5.1% during the historical period from 2019 to 2023. Economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures pushed many users toward cost-effective alternatives to new devices. Improvements in grading, certification, and warranty standards helped build consumer trust.
Technological advances will continue to extend the lifespan and performance of older models, making them more attractive. Brands have entered low-income economies, utilizing circular economy concepts through take-back programs and remanufacturing. Refurbished secondary parts are being repurposed or recycled, reducing waste and creating growth opportunities. Demand for refurbished and used mobile phones is estimated to record a remarkable CAGR of 7.4% during the forecast period between 2024 and 2032.
The popularity of E-commerce is largely due to its convenience and transparency, with platforms like Amazon Renewed, Gazelle, and Back Market providing features like product comparisons, secure payment gateways, and warranty assurances.
The rise in smartphone usage and internet penetration has boosted the popularity of online sales channels, as seen in Back Market's US$ 510 Mn global expansion in January 2022. Such platforms facilitate access to refurbished devices, especially in affordable technology-rich regions.
Physical retail stores continue to cater to in-person device inspections, with initiatives like Apple's certified pre-owned phones enhancing their credibility. Combining online and offline sales channels ensures robust growth in the refurbished and used mobile phones market.
Increased environmental concerns are significantly reshaping the market for refurbished electronics. In 2023, approximately 53.6 million metric tons of electronic waste (e-waste) were generated globally, but only 17.4% was properly collected and recycled. Refurbished smartphones address this issue by extending device lifespans, reducing demand for new device production, and conserving critical raw materials such as gold, palladium, cobalt, and rare earth elements.
These devices help lower carbon emissions and reduce the environmental footprint of manufacturing processes. The cost-conscious consumers and those prioritizing eco-friendly choices are increasingly turning to refurbished options. As a result, refurbished smartphones are projected to account for 10% - 15% of the global smartphone market value in 2025.
Governments and regulatory bodies are also promoting sustainability in the electronics industry through right-to-repair laws, e-waste management regulations, and incentives for circular economy models. These factors collectively support the growth of the refurbished and used mobile phone market.
Counterfeit mobile phones, which often resemble genuine devices but lack comparable quality and performance, pose a major challenge to the market. Consumers may unknowingly purchase counterfeit phones disguised as refurbished models, leading to dissatisfaction and mistrust. This not only harms the consumer experience but also damages the reputation of authentic refurbishers and retailers, disrupting market dynamics and lowering consumer confidence in authentic refurbished products.
According to the European Commission, counterfeit goods represent about 5% of all imports into the EU, with electronics being one of the most counterfeited categories. A joint report by the EUIPO and DG TAXUD revealed that in 2023, 152 million counterfeit products worth over US$ 4 billion were seized across the EU, with Italy accounting for over half of the items. China remains the main source of these counterfeit goods, followed by Turkey and Hong Kong.
Advancements in refurbishment technologies, such as AI-based testing systems, are significantly improving the reliability and quality of reconditioned mobile devices. These innovations are reducing post-purchase failure rates, enhancing consumer trust, and positioning refurbished phones as a credible alternative to new devices. Programs like Apple’s Certified Refurbished, launched in 2023, offer warranty-backed, technologically updated devices further boosting market appeal.
As demand for affordable, high-quality, and environmentally sustainable smartphones grows, manufacturers and resellers are well-positioned to capitalize on this shift. Trade-in initiatives by major brands like Apple and Samsung are also helping expand the supply of pre-owned devices, supporting the market's growth trajectory.
Manufacturer refurbishment programs are changing the way people think about used phones by making them more sustainable and accessible. Brands like Apple and Samsung now offer certified refurbished phones that undergo rigorous testing, repairs, and software updates. With warranties and quality assurances, these programs reduce the stigma around used electronics, appealing to both budget-conscious and eco-aware consumers. For instance, Apple’s Certified Refurbished program includes genuine parts, a one-year warranty, and contributes to extending product life while lowering environmental impact.
Alongside refurbishment programs, mobile phone subscription services offering refurbished devices are gaining traction. Companies such as Grover, Recommerce, and Fairphone provide flexible rental options, allowing users to access refurbished smartphones for a monthly fee and upgrade easily. Grover has seen strong growth among younger Europeans by reducing upfront costs and promoting tech reuse. This shift towards access over ownership is driving demand and supporting the circular economy.
The market is undergoing significant transformation as vendors expand their product offerings to meet consumer demands. Affordability remains a major driver in consumer decision-making, encouraging companies to offer lower-priced devices without compromising significantly on quality. They do this by sourcing phones from trade-in programs, overstock, or lease returns, refurbishing them at scale to reduce per-unit costs, and offering tiered pricing based on device condition.
As environmental awareness increases, refurbished phone manufacturers position themselves as eco-friendly alternatives to new device production, which helps them attract customers who are looking for sustainable and ethical purchasing options. This is particularly relevant in mature markets like Europe and North America, where green consumerism is on the rise.
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Attributes |
Details |
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Forecast Period |
2025 to 2032 |
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Historical Data Available for |
2019 to 2023 |
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Market Analysis |
US$ Billion for Value |
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Key Regions Covered |
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Key Market Segments Covered |
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Key Companies Profiled in the Report |
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Report Coverage |
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Customization and Pricing |
Available upon request |
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By Pricing Range
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The market size is set to reach US$ 112.11 Bn by 2032.
Refurbished phones are more sustainable, reducing carbon emissions and raw material use, thus minimizing environmental harm.
In 2024, North America is set to attain a market share of 25.8%.
The market is estimated to be valued at US$ 59.77 Bn in 2025.
A few of the leading players in the market are Apple Inc., Samsung, Lenovo, and Huawei, Xiaomi.
