Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones

Global Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market to Reach US$106.5 Billion by 2030

The global market for Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones estimated at US$69.6 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$106.5 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.3% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Refurbished Phones, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 7.9% CAGR and reach US$64.9 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Used Phones segment is estimated at 6.4% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$16.0 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 9.0% CAGR

The Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones market in the U.S. is estimated at US$16.0 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$16.1 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 9.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% and 6.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.0% CAGR.

Global Refurbished And Used Mobile Phones Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is the Market for Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Gaining Unprecedented Momentum?
The global market for refurbished and used mobile phones has grown rapidly as consumers seek high-performance smartphones at more affordable price points. Flagship devices from major manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Google often cost over $1,000, creating a substantial value gap that refurbished units effectively fill. These pre-owned phones-repaired, quality-checked, and restored to full functionality-are increasingly indistinguishable from new devices in terms of performance, especially in mid-to-high-end models. The rise of the circular economy, combined with sustainability pressures and inflationary constraints, has further accelerated consumer interest in alternatives to new purchases.

Carriers and retailers are fueling this momentum by offering trade-in and buyback programs, which feed supply into certified refurbishing ecosystems. Trade-in programs in mature markets such as the United States, Germany, and Japan are now institutionalized, ensuring a continuous inflow of gently used devices. Additionally, emerging markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa are experiencing a surge in demand for second-life smartphones due to price sensitivity and digital inclusion policies. Refurbished devices allow first-time users access to app-based banking, remote education, telehealth, and e-commerce without requiring flagship-level investments.

How Are Business Models and Certification Standards Shaping Market Differentiation?
The refurbished mobile phone segment is undergoing a transition from fragmented, informal repair and resale operations to highly organized and quality-assured platforms. Large-scale refurbishers now follow rigorous processes including data wiping, multi-point functionality testing, cosmetic grading, battery health assessment, and factory reset protocols. Devices are often categorized by grade (A, B, C) based on external wear while maintaining identical internal functionality. Marketplaces such as Amazon Renewed, Back Market, and Flipkart Renewed are building consumer trust through warranty-backed sales, transparent grading criteria, and return policies.

OEMs themselves are entering the refurbished space to capture value from their installed base. Apple’s certified refurbished program, for instance, offers devices with new batteries and outer shells, effectively resetting product lifecycles. Telecom operators are increasingly bundling refurbished devices with data plans and extended warranties, effectively eliminating the perception of risk or inferiority. Additionally, ISO-certified refurbishers and R2 (Responsible Recycling) compliant facilities are setting global benchmarks for responsible sourcing, handling of e-waste, and data privacy. Blockchain-based authentication tools are also being piloted to verify device provenance and track refurbishment history.

Which Technologies and Market Segments Are Driving Adoption and Supply Chain Efficiency?
AI and machine vision tools are playing an increasingly critical role in automating the diagnostics and grading process for used mobile phones. Refurbishment hubs now use robotic systems and automated testing stations to scan devices for screen responsiveness, camera alignment, speaker quality, and port functionality. This accelerates throughput, reduces labor costs, and improves grading accuracy. Cloud-based inventory management platforms and ERP-integrated refurbishing workflows enable real-time tracking of device status, defect type, and required parts, streamlining operations and returns handling.

Segment-wise, mid-range and flagship devices less than three years old constitute the highest velocity segment within refurbished inventories. Models such as iPhone 11/12 and Samsung Galaxy S21/S22 are particularly attractive due to ongoing software support and modern features. Enterprise procurement of refurbished phones for workforce use is also growing, especially in logistics, retail, and field services. Educational institutions and nonprofits are leveraging refurbished phones in bulk for digital learning rollouts and community outreach programs. Supply-side partnerships with trade-in aggregators, logistics providers, and e-waste recyclers are enabling scalable and compliant device sourcing.

What Factors Are Driving the Growth of the Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones Market?
The growth in the refurbished and used mobile phones market is driven by a confluence of affordability needs, sustainability goals, e-waste regulations, and rapid technology churn. As smartphone innovation slows in terms of game-changing features, older models remain serviceable for longer, making second-use models highly viable. Consumers are becoming more comfortable with circular electronics ownership, especially when supported by warranties and certified resellers. This mindset shift is compounded by macroeconomic uncertainty, prompting cost-conscious behavior even in developed economies.

On the regulatory front, governments and international organizations are encouraging electronics reuse through tax incentives, recycling mandates, and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks. As ESG criteria become more important to institutional investors and corporate buyers, refurbished phones offer carbon footprint advantages over new production. Digitalization initiatives by governments in education, health, and governance are also creating public-sector demand for affordable devices. The increasing role of mobile phones as primary access points for digital services ensures that demand for refurbished options will remain strong across geographies, demographics, and industry sectors.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Type (Refurbished Phones, Used Phones); Price Range (Low-Priced Phones, Mid-Priced Phones, Premium-Priced Phones); Distribution Channel (Online Distribution Channel, Offline Distribution Channel)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 35 Featured) -

• Alibaba Group Holding Limited
• Amazon.com, Inc.
• Apple, Inc.
• Back Market
• Best Buy Co., Inc.
• BuyBackWorld
• Cashify
• Croma
• Ebay, Inc.
• Envirofone

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