Refurbished Smartphone Market Size

Q: What is the key market trend for Refurbished Smartphone Market?

More Adoption in Emerging Markets: As the number of people using smartphones in developing countries continues to rise, refurbished smartphones are becoming increasingly popular since they are more affordable and meet higher quality requirements. The need for smartphones that are within a reasonable price range is growing in countries such as Africa, Latin America, and some parts of Asia. Refurbished smartphones provide a solution that is cheaper for clients who are price conscious.

Refurbished Smartphone Market Insights

Global Refurbished Smartphone Market size was valued at USD 45.6 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 49.29 billion in 2024 to USD 91.92 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032).

The global refurbished smartphone market growth is driven due to the price benefits and environmental dividends of refurbished phones and widening use of smartphones in emerging markets. Over 25% of global secondary market sales of smartphones in 2024 were of refurbished smartphones, reflecting growing demand for lower-cost alternatives to brand new phones. The likes of Apple and Samsung have initiated certified refurbishing schemes, which have boosted customer confidence and market growth.

Besides, according to GSMA estimates, 5G penetration will grow to over 50% by 2030 with 5 billion connections, providing new challenges and opportunities for the refurbished smartphone sector. This technology transformation is reshaping industry dynamics, with operators' takeback schemes expected to account for at least 20% of new mobile phone sales to consumers by 2030. The industry is experiencing increased engagement by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and third-party vendors, who are implementing sophisticated refurbishment processes and quality control mechanisms to meet increasing consumer demands for like-new phones at affordable prices.

How AI Is Powering the Future of Refurbished Devices?

A dramatic change is occurring within the global refurbished smartphone industry, one that is being enabled by advancements in artificial intelligence-based diagnostics and grading technologies. Companies can identify complex hardware and software defects, automate cosmetic inspections, and grade conditions to grades more accurately and consistently than humans can. Such solutions are enabled by software and hardware solutions.

For instance, Swappie extended its rollout of AI-based kiosks throughout Northern Europe in 2025. The kiosks allowed for swift smartphone exchanges by consumers based on automated self-service diagnostics, thus boosting transparency, consumer trust, and business efficiency within the secondary smartphone market.

FAQs

Global Refurbished Smartphone Market size was valued at USD 324.69 Million in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 349.40 Million in 2024 to USD 628.27 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7.61% in the forecast period (2025-2032).

The global refurbished smartphone market is highly competitive with big OEM brands such as Apple and Samsung. It also includes third-party refinishers such as Amazon Renewed and Back Market. In addition, traditional retail stores such as Best Buy Outlet, and internet marketplaces such as eBay and Swappa are in the market. 'Apple Inc.', 'Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.', 'Amazon.com, Inc.', 'eBay Inc.', 'Back Market (France)', 'Reboxed (UK)', 'Swappie (Finland)', 'Decluttr (USA)', 'Cashify (India)', 'Refurbed (Austria)', 'Flipkart (Renewed by Flipkart) (India)', 'Best Buy Co., Inc.', 'AT&T Inc.', 'Trocafone (Brazil)', 'Renewgo (UAE)'

As compared to brand-new handsets, refurbished smartphones offer dramatic price cuts, and this is one of the reasons why they are so sought after by people who care about saving money. In the case of the upcoming world, where a significant section of the population is eager to buy great phones at cheaper rates, the price factor is extremely attractive. As a result of the price difference, demand for refurbished smartphones has picked up in the market since an increasing number of customers are considering them as a viable option compared to the costly new tech products.

More Adoption in Emerging Markets: As the number of people using smartphones in developing countries continues to rise, refurbished smartphones are becoming increasingly popular since they are more affordable and meet higher quality requirements. The need for smartphones that are within a reasonable price range is growing in countries such as Africa, Latin America, and some parts of Asia. Refurbished smartphones provide a solution that is cheaper for clients who are price conscious.

How Refurbished Smartphones are Gaining Popularity in North America?