Global Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market is expected to record a CAGR of 22.6% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 42.33 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 85.58 Billion.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Overview

A refurbished phone often describes a previously owned device that has been returned due to a problem and has been fixed for resale. Due to the growing popularity of consumer electronics, refurbished phones, and used phones through different online/offline sales channels, the consumption of used and refurbished mobile phones is predicted to increase significantly over the upcoming years. The global market for refurbished and used mobile phones is expanding due to the explosive development of digital content.

The smartphone has permeated every aspect of people’s lives, from aiding communication to facilitating e-commerce to accelerating the rise of digitalization. Modern customers who are digitally aware are gravitating toward expensive and cutting-edge technology. The market for refurbished and used mobile phones is expanding quickly due to several causes, including the increased popularity of smartphones, rising disposable income, and greater environmental consciousness. Additionally, the presence of numerous secondhand sellers fosters this industry’s expansion.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Significant Growth Factors             

The Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Trends present significant growth opportunities due to several factors:

• Affordable Smartphones Increasing Demand: Another important factor for the refurbished mobile phone market is the increasing demand for reasonably priced smartphones. In all emerging markets like India plus Southeast Asia, refurbished phones have gained acceptance among many consumers who consider them the most affordable choice for having new devices. According to the department, the Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (2020), this increased smartphone penetration rate in the nation is related to the input of most consumers opting for budget-friendly and second-hand products due to a lack of income. This is further backed by governmental policies such as the National E-Waste Management Policy (2020), which pushes for recycling and refurbishment of electronics, including mobile phones. As our day-to-day life becomes more intertwined with emerging technologies, the requirement for superior but reasonably cost-effective smartphones will only increase, thus boosting demand for the refurbished market. The refurbished telephone serves as a practical solution for consumers looking for high-performance devices without the additional cost of a new model.

• Technological Advancements in Refurbishment Processes: The refurbishment technology advancement improved the quality and reliability of used mobile phones. The refurbished phones are now more reliable, with warranty and certification similar to new devices due to better diagnosis and repair technology. This enhancement helped build consumer confidence in buying refurbished models. The 2019 study by TechRadar revealed that 67% of consumers would purchase a refurbished phone if they were assured it came with a warranty, showing that refurbished devices and the trust surrounding them improve due to refurbishing standards.

• Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is also a noteworthy factor influencing the growth of the renewed mobile phone market. Refurbishing and reusing smartphones helps reduce electronic waste (e-waste), which contributes to sustainability goals. According to the Global E-waste Monitor 2020, about 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste were globally generated in 2019, out of which only 17.4% was recycled. The mobile phone sector is one of the largest contributors to e-waste, and government regulations and growing awareness are convincing consumers to start purchasing refurbished phones as an eco-friendly option. Companies like Apple and Samsung have commenced recycling and refurbishment programs to promote sustainable consumption.

• Government Regulations and Support: Government regulations promoting e-waste recycling and sustainability initiatives are fostering the growth of the refurbished mobile phone market. Many governments have introduced policies to encourage the collection, recycling, and refurbishing of electronics. For example, India’s E-Waste Management Rules 2016 encourage companies to establish a take-back program for used electronics, thereby promoting the use of refurbished phones. In the European Union, on the other hand, the Circular Economy Action Plan (2020) enhances the general principle of the reuse of electronics and the reduction of e-waste, thereby indirectly supporting the refurbished mobile phone market. Such regulations, therefore, ensure compliance in the market while also enhancing consumer confidence in purchasing second-hand products.

• Online Marketplaces and Retail Programs: Online marketplaces and retail programs are yet another factor supporting the growth of the refurbished mobile phone market. Amazon, eBay, and Swappa are platforms selling a variety of refurbished smartphones that give quality assurance and warranties. Additionally, smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, and Google, also give convenience to consumers by extending their online stores for certified pre-owned and refurbished phones.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Significant Threats

The refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market faces several significant threats that could impact its growth and profitability in the future. Some of these threats include:

• Quality and warranty concerns: Second-hand mobile phones come with a lot of skepticism regarding their quality and reliability. This is one of the reasons why many consumers do not want to buy used phones. These consumers even go further to add that defects in used phones and reduced warranties discourage them from purchasing refurbished mobile phones. According to a report published by the European Commission in 2019, only 52% of customers were ready to buy refurbished electronic goods, owing to their quality problems. Such disadvantages delay the overall market growth, considering the low confidence level among consumers regarding refurbished products.

• Intense Competition from New Smartphone Sales: Rapid innovation in the smartphone industry and flooding the refurbished market by faster launches of new models—for example, more than 1.4 billion units sold globally in 2021, as issued by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)—creates harsh competition because new models will always be preferred by consumers with up-to-date technology over refurbished ones, especially in developed markets.

• Regulatory Challenges in Different Markets: Various regulatory challenges continue to confront refurbished mobile phones in different countries, with data security and standards of certification being the major challenges. One example is Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has very stringent rules regarding the personal data groundwork, which could significantly complicate refurbishment and thus confinement of the market. These challenges can delay or raise the cost of bringing refurbished phones to market, resulting in reduced overall competitiveness of the sector.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Opportunities

• Government Initiatives for E-Waste Management: Governments are creating ways to legislate e-waste recycling and refurbishment of electronic products around the world. For example, in India, the recently enacted E-Waste Management Rules (2016) by the government boost the refurbishment market because they provide incentives for electronics recycling and refurbishing. Through these policies, sustainability is taken into consideration, with the potential to boost the refurbished mobile phone market. These rules, together with the incentives, stimulated investments by companies into refurbishing operations, which all contribute towards the market’s well-being.

• Consumer Rise Awareness of Sustainability: As an extension of their growing concerns about the sustainability of products used in their homes, consumers are increasingly searching for more environmentally friendly alternatives. The growing global awareness regarding e-waste reduction contributes to the rise of refurbished mobile phones. According to the UN Environment Programme (2021), e-waste is among the fastest-growing waste streams in the world; refurbished phones, in turn, are seen as part of the solution to an increased environmental burden. The growing situation among environmentally aware consumers thus becomes an important opportunity for the amorphous refilled phone segment as the embrace of sustainable technology continues to grow.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Segmentation Analysis

By Type

• Refurbished Phones: In the past couple of decades, refurbished phones have emerged and are desired in favorable market conditions, largely due to growing consumer acceptance of the quality of these devices. Refurbished phones include those that have undergone a procedure of professional restoration to like-new condition, usually by the original manufacturer or an authorized service center; this gives a reasonable assurance as to their dependability. For 2024, it is expected to contribute significantly to the market, with estimates of about 70% of the market coming from refurbished phones. Reasons for this include high refurbishing methods, warranties, and the need for low-cost alternatives to the generations of new gadgets. Leading operators like Apple and Samsung have been engaged in refurbishment programs, which have propelled the growth of refurbished phones. These phones appeal to both price-oriented customers and those concerned about sustainability, ultimately giving way to the global trend of eco-friendliness.

• Used phones: Used phones ultimately stay a minor player in the used phone segment. Used phones are generally sold without any standard refurbishing procedure, and as such, their quality may vary across a wide spectrum. This category is expected to account for 30% of the market in 2024. Lower-priced used smartphones are meant for consumers in the budget category, but their lack of certification or warranty can fall short of strong market appeal in developed markets. On the other hand, under the high cost-sensitivity environments of emerging markets, demand for used phones is increasing, especially in regions like India, where people seek affordable options.

By Price Range

• Low-priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (Less than $200): The price point here is the low-end market, as emerging markets have a good demand for affordable phones. Low-priced phones are projected to make up around 50% of the total refurbished and used mobile phone market by 2024. The consumer demand arising from places like India or Southeast Asia and parts of Africa is pulling this demand, seeking cheap and simple functionality. While the devices have a limited number of extra features, they remain a good choice for first-time smartphone users. More and more, as these regions continue their digitalization, there will be good growth for this segment.

• Mid-priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones ($200-$500): The mid-priced segment comes in second and attracts a larger market with individual customers and small businesses as an audience. In 2024, it is estimated to constitute 30% of the market. The devices in this range normally represent good specifications, appealing to users who need more functions from a device than a budget phone can offer but do not want to spend on a flagship model. Demand for mid-range phones in North America and Europe is increasing, as consumers are now looking for value for money without compromising performance.

• Premium Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (More than $500): Premium remains the smallest segment and is rapidly growing, driven by consumer demand for high-end devices at a bargain price. This segment is expected to account for about 20% of the market in 2024. Premium refurbished devices, notably flagship devices from Apple and Samsung, provide high performance, together with extended warranties and other perks, to a small set of consumers who yearn for the premium experience at a low cost. With the increasing significance of sustainability, we expect to see a rise in this segment, with more consumers going for high-end refurbished phones.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Impact of Recent Tariff Policies

The recent tariff policies had a major impact on the refurbished mobile phone market, especially on production costs and pricing strategies. In February 2025, India abolished import duties on certain smartphone components, such as printed circuit board assemblies and camera modules, which were previously taxed at 2.5%. This was done to promote local manufacturing and reduce production costs for companies like Apple and Xiaomi, making the refurbished phone a very attractive proposition in India.

On the contrary, March 2025 saw India proposing to remove import taxes on 35 items associated with electric vehicle batteries and mobile phone manufacturing. This is a measure intended to assist domestic production and export competitiveness, especially since the reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. are expected to come into effect in April 2025. All these attempts seek to alleviate ongoing global trade tensions so that refurbished devices can be more available at cheaper prices.

The back-and-forth on tariffs has surely highlighted the complex interplay between international trade policies and the refurbished mobile phone market, affecting both production and prices for the consumer.

Report Scope

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Regional Analysis

The refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market is segmented into various regions, including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Here is a brief overview of each region:

• North America: In North America, the refurbished mobile phone market is mostly propelled by the increasing demand for low-priced smartphones. Most of the refurbished phones are especially patronized, courtesy of trade-ins from brands like Apple and Samsung, for providing certified high-quality devices, but at a lower price. The mid-price segment, which ranges between $200 and $500, has taken the edge as more consumers try to balance the two—money and quality—with the most patronized ones being iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. The online sales channel is a method of purchase where a consumer can purchase refurbished phones with warranties and consumer reviews through an e-commerce platform such as Amazon or eBay. Physical retail stores also get involved, but the trend is now shifting towards online shopping. The individual market is the largest segment, as people prefer refurbished models as a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to buying new models. This trend will maintain speed as more consumers prioritize sustainability and cost-effectiveness when buying.

• Europe: In Europe, the refurbished mobile phone market is booming, especially in countries such as Germany and the UK, whose citizens place much emphasis on e-recycling and sustainability. The refurbished market is very much influenced by policies like those of the European Union regarding the Circular Economy Action Plan to boost the reuse of electronic devices. Premium refurbished mobile phones worth more than $500 are said to be widespread in high-income countries because many consumers are inclined to buy refurbished versions of flagship models like Apple’s iPhone or Galaxy devices from rival Samsung. Both retail avenues, online and offline, are doing well, with online players such as Amazon and Back Market being some of the largest participants in the refurbished market. However, online sales lead slightly over offline sales despite having a hang-up on bringing innovative solutions to their customers. As the market for individual consumers is broad in scope, many of them buy affordable high-end smartphones, which are extremely friendly to the environment. Moreover, this growing focus on sustainability will only speed up the growth of the market regionally.

• Asia-Pacific: In the Asia region, used mobile phones are the most dominant factor of refurbished mobile phone markets, particularly in India, China, and Southeast Asia, where people search for alternatives that are cheaper than buying a brand-new smartphone. The classification includes the low-end refurbished and used phones (nearly under $200), which comprise most of the high-demand candidates in price-competitive markets because they are an affordable entry into mobile technology. Most of the used phone market revolves around India’s trade, where a major proportion of the population is economically encouraged to use second-hand devices. The individual market is very much dominated across the world’s regions in Asia, as people usually buy refurbished mobiles for personal usage. Online distribution channels lead to the market, as they provide hassle-free access to an immensely strong range of refurbished mobile phones, like giants in e-commerce, e.g., Flipkart and Alibaba. That’s why physical retail outlets also play a part, but the online platform has more reach and better price offerings. As smartphone penetration increases.

• LAMEA: The requirement for affordable replacements for new smartphones is the major propellant for the sector of refurbished and used mobile phones in the region of LAMEA (Latin America, Middle East, and Africa). Economies like Brazil, Argentina, the UAE, and South Africa tend to tie up consumers in using cheap second-hand mobile phones, which offer more or less working technology. Low-priced refurbished and second-hand phones (with prices ranging to less than $200) dominate the market in regions of lower income. Although e-commerce platforms like Mercado Libre, Jumia, and Souq have made it easy to get refurbished phones, physical retail stores are still important, especially in rural areas with poor internet connectivity. Models produced by brands like Tecno and Infinix are mostly admired by rich people with low budgets because they are cheap but very good in terms of performance. The individual market is the largest, having a larger proportion of customers buying devices for their use, while business accounts for a minority. The more mobile technology is embedded into daily life, the more rampant affordable smartphones will go in LAMEA, with refurbished being the closest to affordable offerings to consumer needs.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Key Developments

In recent years, the refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market has experienced a number of crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In January 2023, E-commerce platforms significantly expanded their offerings of refurbished smartphones. Marketplaces like Amazon and eBay increased their availability of certified pre-owned devices, enabling consumers to easily access affordable phones with warranties. This growth in online marketplaces has led to higher sales of refurbished smartphones, particularly in North America and Europe, and is expected to continue growing as more platforms enter the market.

• In March 2022, the Indian government launched the National E-Waste Management Policy. This policy encourages the recycling and refurbishing of electronics, including mobile phones, to reduce e-waste and promote sustainability. The policy has led to increased demand for refurbished smartphones and has incentivized refurbishing companies to expand their operations, particularly in the Indian market, where cost-effective mobile phones are in high demand.

• In July 2021, Apple expanded its certified refurbished iPhone program. The program allows consumers to trade in their old devices for credit or refurbished models, offering a more affordable and sustainable option for iPhone buyers. This initiative has contributed to the growth of the refurbished phone market by offering high-quality, eco-friendly alternatives and encouraging more consumers to purchase second-hand devices.

• In October 2020, Samsung launched its Galaxy Upcycling Program. This program reuses old Galaxy smartphones for new purposes, including turning them into home security devices. It supports sustainability and the refurbished phone market by promoting the repurposing of older devices and encouraging consumers to opt for refurbished models, particularly in developing markets where affordable technology is in high demand.

These important changes facilitated the companies’ ability to widen their portfolios, to bolster their competitiveness, and to exploit the possibilities for growth available in the Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market Competitive Landscape

The refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• Cisco Systems Inc.
• Palo Alto Networks Inc.
• CrowdStrike Holdings Inc.
• Check Point Software Technologies
• Fortinet Inc.
• Microsoft Corporation
• McAfee Corp.
• Trend Micro Incorporated
• Qualys Inc.
• Apple Inc.
• Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
• Amazon.com, Inc.
• Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
• Microsoft Corporation
• LG Electronics Inc.
• Lenovo Group Limited
• Xiaomi Corporation
• Sony Corporation
• Oppo Electronics Corp.
• Vivo Communication Technology Co. Ltd.
• ZTE Corporation
• Motorola Solutions Inc.
• Google LLC
• TCL Technology
• OnePlus Technology Co. Ltd.
• BLU Products Inc.
• InFocus Corporation
• Nokia Corporation
• AsusTek Computer Inc.
• Others

These companies implement a series of techniques in order to penetrate the market, such as innovations, mergers and acquisitions, and collaboration.

The refurbished and used mobile phones market is not just about e-commerce platforms. It has international brands playing a part in addition to the regional players. Major smartphone manufacturers like Apple, Samsung, and Huawei make their contribution through certified pre-owned devices by running their trade-in activities and rehabilitation programs.

These big brands build trust and assurance in customers because with rigorous standards defined for these refurbished phones, high quality should be guaranteed, coupled with warranties, which is also a very important aspect for markets where people buy refurbished phones because their quality is a concern.

Besides, the largest share of refurbishment sales for these phones is owned by e-commerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Mercado Libre, which usually carry all make selections, complemented with customer reviews and guarantees. It has also gained considerable traction by focusing exclusively on high-quality refurbished devices, thus improving the market access of Back Market, the refurbished phone marketplace.

It offers these local alternatives to price-sensitive emerging consumers in Africa through providers like Jumia and in Latin America through OLX. The market is really fragmented and probably will be tomorrow, with prices, quality, and warranty offerings compelling many local and online vendors to compete against one another. Demand for cheaper smartphones increases the competition, and price is the main driving force behind most developing markets, thus making competition more intense.

The Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market is segmented as follows:

By Type

• Refurbished Phones
• Used Phones

By Price Point

• Low-priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (Less than $200)
• Mid-Priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones ($200-$500)
• Premium Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (More than $500)

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America