Lots of people are buying refurbished or used smartphones these days. Refurbished smartphones and used smartphones are a choice because they are cheaper than new smartphones. You can get a refurbished smartphone or a used smartphone without spending much money. This is also good for the earth because it helps with waste and resource consumption.
The numbers are really interesting: Custom Market Insights did a study and they found out that the market for refurbished smartphones and used smartphones was worth USD 37.83 billion, in 2024. This study was published in December 2025. It’s expected to climb to USD 42.33 billion this year (2025) and reach USD 85.58 billion by 2034, growing at a compound annual rate of 22.6% through that period
What this reflects is a meaningful change in how people approach buying phones – especially in places where budgets are tight, but the need for reliable communication and access to modern features remains high.
A Clear View of the Growth Path
These figures are interpolated from the reported 22.6% CAGR for illustration – real-world growth could shift slightly depending on economic conditions, but the direction is consistently upward.
Projected Market Growth by Year (USD Billion)
To visualize the explosive trajectory, here’s a simple bar-style chart (in table format for clarity) showing annual market size projections from 2025 to 2034. This focuses on key milestone years for a snapshot view, differing from the source’s continuous line graph by emphasizing segmented growth phases (early surge, mid-stability, late boom).
| Year | Market Size (USD Bn) | Growth Bar (Scaled: Each █ = ~5 Bn) |
| 2025 | 42.33 | ████████▌ |
| 2027 | 55.20 | ███████████ |
| 2030 | 70.15 | ██████████████▌ |
| 2034 | 85.58 | █████████████████▌ |
Note: Projections interpolated linearly based on 22.6% CAGR for illustrative purposes; actual values may vary slightly with economic factors.
What’s Really Driving This Trend
A few core reasons stand out when you talk to people making these choices or look at the broader picture:
- Affordability where it matters most – In countries across India, Southeast Asia, Africa, and similar regions, a large portion of the population simply can’t justify spending on the latest flagship model. Refurbished or used options let them get a capable phone – often with good battery life, camera, and performance – at a fraction of the cost. Policies in places like India (the 2016 E-Waste Management Rules and the 2020 National Policy) actively support this by making recycling and reuse easier and more encouraged.
- Better quality and confidence – Refurbishment has come a long way. Professional processes now include thorough testing, part replacements where needed, and cleaning that brings devices close to “like-new” condition. Many come with warranties that feel reassuring. One older but still-cited study from 2019 found that about 67% of people would seriously consider a refurbished phone if it included a solid warranty.
- The environmental side – Extending the life of a phone reduces the demand for new manufacturing, which uses rare materials and energy. The Global E-waste Monitor (most recent comprehensive update in 2024) shows e-waste generation continuing to climb – 62 million tonnes globally in 2022, with mobile devices forming a big part of that. Only a small percentage gets properly recycled or reused, so every refurbished phone kept in circulation helps slow the problem.
- Easier access through trusted channels – Online marketplaces (Amazon Renewed, Flipkart’s refurbished section, Back Market, eBay) make it simple to compare options, read real reviews, and benefit from buyer protection. At the same time, major brands like Apple, Samsung, and Google run their own certified pre-owned programs, which build a lot of trust.
The Hurdles That Remain
It’s not all smooth. Plenty of people still hesitate because:
- They’ve had a bad experience or heard stories about hidden issues.
- New phones keep getting flashier features every year, pulling some buyers toward the latest release.
- Rules around data wiping, privacy (especially in Europe with GDPR), and consistent quality standards can add complexity and cost for sellers.
Even so, the overall momentum is strong.
How the Market Breaks Down
- Type: Roughly 70% refurbished (professionally restored, often with warranty); 30% used/as-is (more common in budget-conscious areas).
- Price ranges: About half fall under $200 (big in developing markets); 30% in the $200–$500 sweet spot; 20% premium (high-end models at a discount, appealing to eco-aware buyers who still want flagship-level specs).
- How people buy: Online now handles the majority – around 80% in many recent estimates – thanks to convenience and transparency.
- Regions: North America leads in overall value (strong trade-in culture and online dominance); Europe is growing fastest (driven by regulation and preference for certified premium options); Asia-Pacific sees huge volume in lower-priced used phones; other regions focus heavily on affordability.
Who’s Competing in This Space
It’s a diverse field: big brands (Apple, Samsung, Google) with official programs; major e-commerce players (Amazon, eBay, Flipkart); specialized refurbishers (Back Market); and manufacturers from Huawei, Xiaomi, Motorola, and others. Everyone is investing in better processes, partnerships, and marketing to stand out.
Looking Ahead
This is not something that will go away soon. People are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainability. At this time the quality of refurbished products is getting better and better. Also many people around the world are still struggling with money problems. Because of all these things refurbished smartphones are going to become more popular. For people who buy these phones it means they can get a modern smartphone without spending too much money. This is also good for the companies that make smartphones and for the earth because it helps us use things more than once and waste less. Refurbished smartphones are really good for the planet and for the industry. That is why the appeal of refurbished smartphones is only going to get stronger.
In the end, choosing refurbished isn’t just about saving money – it’s about making a practical, thoughtful decision in a world where technology moves fast but resources don’t.
