Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market Size

Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market Overview

The Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market size was valued at USD 20.94 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 41.79 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 9.02% from 2025 to 2033.

The used and refurbished smartphone market is gaining global traction due to increasing consumer awareness and sustainability practices. In 2024, over 320 million used and refurbished smartphones were sold worldwide, representing nearly 28% of all smartphone transactions. Countries such as India, the United States, and Brazil showed substantial adoption with over 65 million units collectively sold in these regions alone.

A sharp rise in trade-in and buyback programs is reshaping the second-hand market, with over 9,000 retail outlets and e-commerce vendors now facilitating refurbished sales. Furthermore, in the same year, more than 45% of buyers preferred refurbished smartphones over budget new models, primarily for high-end features at affordable prices.

Environmental benefits also fuel demand, as each refurbished smartphone saves around 60kg of carbon emissions. The global consumer base is also influenced by the rising price of flagship models, with an average price increase of 18% from 2022 to 2024. As a result, more than 40% of Gen Z and millennial users globally have switched to refurbished devices.

Key Findings

DRIVER: Growing environmental concerns and increasing e-waste awareness have contributed to a 37% increase in refurbished smartphone adoption between 2022 and 2024.

COUNTRY/REGION: India emerged as the fastest-growing market, accounting for 24 million refurbished smartphone sales in 2024.

SEGMENT: Refurbished smartphones made up 61% of the total second-hand smartphone market in 2024, outperforming used devices in demand.

Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market Trends

The global market for used and refurbished smartphones continues to evolve with rapid technological developments and a strong shift in consumer behavior. In 2024, more than 72% of refurbished smartphone buyers preferred models that were less than two years old, indicating a shift toward nearly-new device consumption. Trade-in services grew by 44% between 2023 and 2024, with over 150 million devices submitted globally through official brand and carrier programs. Retailers reported that 48% of total second-hand smartphone sales were facilitated through certified refurbishment programs that include warranty and grading. Additionally, the average selling price of refurbished phones increased by 12% in 2024 compared to 2022, mainly driven by demand for devices with OLED screens, 5G compatibility, and storage above 128GB. Consumer surveys revealed that 56% of refurbished phone users value sustainability and 65% expect some form of warranty with their purchase. In the B2B space, over 4 million refurbished smartphones were sold to small businesses and corporate buyers who aimed to cut costs while meeting mobile workforce needs. Online platforms continued to dominate sales channels, with 63% of global refurbished sales executed through digital platforms in 2024. AI-driven quality checks and diagnostic software also gained traction, improving device verification and grading accuracy by 34%. More than 20 smartphone brands actively participated in refurbishment programs, creating a secondary ecosystem supported by over 500 refurbishing labs globally. A notable trend is the integration of blockchain to ensure authenticity and traceability, which rose by 19% in 2024.

Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the used and refurbished smartphone market are shaped by a blend of economic factors, sustainability priorities, technological advancements, and consumer sentiment. In 2024, global consumer interest in cost-effective devices drove over 320 million used and refurbished smartphone transactions. Increasing awareness of environmental impact influenced 56% of buyers to choose refurbished over new, contributing to a significant shift in purchasing behavior. The integration of AI and automation in refurbishing processes improved device turnaround time by 34%, enhancing operational scalability.

DRIVER

Growing demand for sustainable electronics and cost-effective devices.

The used and refurbished smartphone market is expanding due to heightened consumer interest in sustainable consumption and economic buying. In 2024, more than 60% of surveyed smartphone users indicated they would consider a refurbished model over a new one if it saved them over 25%. This shift is more pronounced among younger consumers aged 18 to 34, with 52% opting for refurbished devices. Government regulations on electronic waste and circular economy policies in Europe and Asia have also fueled the market. Over 130 municipalities across 12 countries offered tax rebates or recycling incentives tied to refurbished purchases. Brands like Apple and Samsung enhanced their trade-in programs, collectively recycling over 40 million devices through certified refurbishing networks in 2023–2024.

RESTRAINT

Variability in quality and lack of consumer trust in non-certified vendors.

Despite rapid growth, quality concerns and inconsistent grading standards continue to limit broader adoption. In 2024, around 27% of refurbished smartphone buyers reported post-purchase issues, including battery degradation, software lags, or misleading cosmetic grades. Independent sellers and uncertified vendors contributed to over 60% of these cases. While certified programs showed a defect rate of under 6%, unverified sources pushed the average defect rate to 14%. Return rates for uncertified purchases stood at 18%, compared to 7% for certified refurbished models. Consumer confidence in unbranded marketplaces remains low, particularly in emerging regions.

OPPORTUNITY

Surge in institutional and enterprise bulk procurement.

With remote work and field workforce expansion, refurbished smartphones are being increasingly adopted by businesses. In 2024, over 6 million devices were purchased in bulk by educational institutions and logistics companies. Device leasing programs that offer biannual upgrades for refurbished units saw a 33% growth year-over-year. Several governments also adopted refurbished phones for digital census and healthcare programs, with over 900,000 units distributed in 2024 for civic projects. This institutional demand is expected to sustain the market, especially as refurbished models cost 40–55% less than new devices of similar configurations.

CHALLENGE

Regulatory compliance and cross-border resale restrictions.

Export and import regulations surrounding used electronic goods vary widely, creating bottlenecks for refurbished smartphone vendors. In 2024, customs delays affected 11% of international shipments of used devices, especially in South America and Southeast Asia. Countries like Brazil and Indonesia enforced stricter e-waste documentation rules, causing rejection of over 80,000 units. Additionally, labeling inconsistencies and certification discrepancies have led to non-compliance fines in Europe, totaling $12 million in 2023–2024. The lack of uniform international standards restricts growth potential for cross-border sales.

Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market Segmentation

The used and refurbished smartphone market is segmented by type and application, with strong performance across each category. Type-wise, refurbished smartphones dominate due to certification, warranty, and cosmetic repairs, accounting for over 61% of the market in 2024. Application-wise, the consumer electronics segment led the market with a 73% share, reflecting high retail and online platform sales.

By Type

Refurbished Smartphones: Refurbished smartphones are reconditioned, cosmetically enhanced, and functionally tested to meet near-new standards. In 2024, more than 195 million refurbished units were sold globally. Over 72% of these were covered under a 6-month or longer warranty. Retailers offering certified refurbishment programs reported 29% higher customer retention. Apple and Samsung-certified devices represented over 35% of refurbished unit sales worldwide. High-grade refurbished iPhones remained the most popular, with over 40 million units sold globally in 2024.
Used Smartphones: Used smartphones, often sold without refurbishment or warranty, comprised 39% of the market in 2024. These devices are typically traded between individuals or through online classifieds. Over 125 million used smartphones were sold globally, with India and Nigeria being the largest markets in terms of informal resale volume. In 2024, 54% of buyers of used smartphones cited affordability as the top decision-making factor. However, customer satisfaction rates for used (non-refurbished) devices averaged only 76%, compared to 89% for refurbished models.

By Application

Consumer Electronics: The consumer electronics sector dominated refurbished smartphone demand, accounting for 73% of total sales in 2024. Over 230 million units were sold to individual consumers for personal use. Online platforms such as brand stores, e-retailers, and local shops contributed to 68% of these sales. Warranty offerings and easy return policies significantly influenced buyer decisions. Devices priced under $300 made up 64% of the consumer sales volume.
Mobile Communication: In the mobile communication segment, refurbished smartphones are used in call centers, field service roles, and mobile sales. In 2024, over 9.2 million refurbished smartphones were deployed by telecommunication providers and mobility solution firms. Devices with dual SIM, long battery life, and VoLTE support were most preferred. 5G-enabled refurbished devices also saw a 26% increase in commercial adoption.
Retail: Retailers actively stock refurbished smartphones to serve budget-conscious customers. Over 41,000 retail outlets globally sold refurbished smartphones in 2024. Brands operating in Asia, Africa, and South America focused on models between 12–36 months old, particularly in mid-range categories. The retail sector also benefits from high-volume buybacks, with over 17 million devices collected via retail trade-in programs.

Regional Outlook for the Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market

The global used and refurbished smartphone market displays strong regional variations based on affordability, infrastructure, and policy support. In 2024, Asia-Pacific led in volume with over 135 million units sold, followed by North America with 58 million units and Europe at 52 million. Africa and the Middle East recorded combined sales of 42 million units.

North America

North America accounted for 58 million refurbished smartphone sales in 2024. The U.S. led the region with 46 million units, driven by strong trade-in programs and official refurbishing centers. More than 80% of refurbished units sold in North America were less than 24 months old. Carrier-locked devices made up 43% of the secondary market. Online platforms facilitated 69% of sales, and warranty-backed purchases accounted for 91%.

Europe

Europe reported 52 million used and refurbished smartphone sales in 2024. Germany, the UK, and France led with a combined 34 million units. More than 60% of buyers in Europe opted for certified pre-owned devices, with warranty periods of 12 months or more. Trade-in schemes run by telecom operators and environmental regulations strengthened market trust. Refurbished smartphone exports from Europe increased by 23% in 2024.

Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific recorded 135 million used and refurbished smartphone sales in 2024. India alone contributed 24 million units, while China and Indonesia added 42 million units combined. Increased digital adoption, smartphone penetration, and educational demand spurred growth. Online platforms contributed to 61% of regional sales, while tier-2 and tier-3 cities became hotspots for refurbished sales.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa recorded 42 million unit sales in 2024. Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt accounted for 26 million combined. In Africa, over 70% of smartphone sales in some markets were for refurbished units. Import restrictions on new electronics and economic challenges drove affordability-based demand. Refurbished smartphones priced below $150 represented 58% of total sales.

List of Top Used and Refurbished Smartphone Companies

Apple (USA)
Samsung (South Korea)
Decluttr (UK)
Amazon (USA)
Best Buy (USA)
Back Market (France)
Gazelle (USA)
Flipkart (India)
Reboxed (UK)
Cashify (India)

Apple (USA): In 2024, Apple sold over 41 million refurbished iPhones through official and certified third-party channels. The company’s buyback and refurbishment program operates in more than 30 countries, supported by authorized service providers and Apple retail outlets.

Samsung (South Korea): Samsung led Android-based refurbishment sales with over 38 million units in 2024. Its Galaxy Upcycling and trade-in schemes spanned over 45 markets globally. Samsung’s refurbished sales were highest in India, Brazil, and the United States.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investment in the used and refurbished smartphone market surged in 2024, with over $4.3 billion directed toward infrastructure, technology, and logistics. Over 80 refurbishing labs were either established or upgraded globally, increasing capacity by 47%. Venture capital funding in smartphone refurbishing startups grew by 26%, with nearly 100 active investments recorded. Startups focused on AI-powered grading, blockchain-enabled traceability, and device diagnostic tools attracted the most funding. The rapid growth in circular economy practices has led several governments to invest in buyback and recycling partnerships, particularly in Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. In 2024, over 19 public-private alliances were announced to boost certified refurbishment ecosystems. Refurbished smartphone leasing and subscription-based models also gained popularity, with 3.4 million users enrolled globally. Distribution networks and warehouse automation received $650 million in investment, primarily in North America and Asia. Telecom operators introduced financing programs specifically for refurbished phones, pushing contract adoption rates by 19%. In rural areas, NGOs and governments collaborated to distribute over 700,000 refurbished smartphones for education and telehealth. The ongoing innovation in device verification technology and increased enterprise adoption make this market ripe for expansion, especially in regions with widening digital divides.

New Product Development

In 2024, product development in the refurbished smartphone market focused on automation, device traceability, and user experience. Companies developed modular diagnostic tools capable of analyzing 45+ components within 60 seconds, reducing manual labor by 35%. AI-powered grading systems became widely adopted, with over 62% of labs using machine-learning software to assess cosmetic and functional defects. Major players introduced warranty-embedded QR codes and blockchain-based certification to enhance transparency. Reboxed launched a one-tap grading app used by 300,000 consumers to self-evaluate devices before selling. Flipkart and Cashify introduced automated kiosks that collected over 1.2 million smartphones for instant trade-in across 12 cities. Refurbished iPhones with M1 and A15 chipsets entered certified programs, while Samsung included Galaxy S21 and newer models in their 2024 refurb line. Sustainable packaging innovations reduced plastic usage by 72% in the top 10 selling refurb models. New software tools enabled device reset, battery analysis, and warranty activation directly from a mobile interface. Subscription-based models offering annual upgrades of refurbished smartphones reached 1.6 million users. More than 45 brands adopted new product authentication chips to detect counterfeit hardware, reducing fraud complaints by 21%. These developments underscore the shift from basic resale to a complete tech-enabled refurb ecosystem.

Five Recent Developments

Apple expanded its certified refurbishment program to include iPhone 13 series in March 2024, with over 8 million units sold globally.
Samsung’s Galaxy Upcycling program added 15 new countries in 2024, pushing total refurbished Galaxy device sales past 38 million.
Back Market launched AI grading tools in June 2023, used in 17 countries by over 400 refurbishing labs.
Flipkart deployed over 300 automated trade-in kiosks across India by Q4 2024, collecting 1.2 million smartphones.
Cashify launched India’s first blockchain-based refurbished certification tool in January 2024.

Report Coverage of Used and Refurbished Smartphone Market

The used and refurbished smartphone market report covers comprehensive insights from 2024 to 2033, highlighting product flows, consumer trends, segmentation, and competitive dynamics. In 2024, the global market recorded over 320 million used and refurbished smartphone transactions. Certified refurbished phones represented 61% of sales, while used non-certified phones made up 39%. More than 63% of global purchases were made online, reflecting the rise of digital retail. Devices under 24 months of age made up 72% of refurbished unit sales. India, China, and the U.S. were the largest individual markets. The report includes analysis of over 50 regional refurbishing centers and 100 digital resale platforms. Warranty-backed purchases rose by 18% year-over-year, while automated trade-in programs grew by 44%. Environmental savings from refurbished phones exceeded 19 million tons of CO2 in 2024 alone. The study also covers trends in AI-driven grading, modular diagnostics, and blockchain tracking. Stakeholders ranging from OEMs to startups are evaluated across value chains, including logistics, testing, packaging, and resale. The report includes forward-looking insights on refurbished 5G device expansion, government-led e-learning phone distributions, and retail innovation. Coverage extends to investment, technology, pricing, and distribution metrics across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and MEA.