Sales of refurbished smartphones continue to increase. In 2021, the reconditioning market has indeed increased by 15%. Consumers are mainly snapping up refurbished Samsung iPhones and Galaxy smartphones.
According to figures published by Counterpoint, the global refurbished smartphone market increased by 15% in the course of last year. “Customer awareness of refurbished smartphones, certified pre-owned alternatives, aftermarket quality checks and warranty options has increased”explains Counterpoint.
In 2020, the refurbished market only climbed 4%. Unsurprisingly, the pandemic had largely contributed to dampening sales. For its part, the market for new smartphones recorded growth limited to 4.5% in 2021. This gap demonstrates the growing appeal of consumers for refurbished phones. Note that overall smartphone sales jumped 7% last year.
Refurbished iPhones are selling like hotcakes
Apple stands out as the leader in refurbished smartphones. Many consumers are turning to the second-hand market to afford an iPhone at a bargain price. The second most popular brand on the market is none other than Samsung, the world market leader.
“In the United States, sales of new flagships from Apple and Samsung increased, which increased volumes of devices collected from carriers and other collection channels”underlines Jeff Fieldhack, director of research at Counterpoint.
The increase in sales of flagships has caused a mechanical increase in supply in the refurbished market. Many buyers took the opportunity to buy a 5G-compatible smartphone without breaking the bank. The monster success of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, Apple’s first two 5G-compatible ranges, is no stranger to the enthusiasm aroused by the refurbished second-hand device market.
Also read: Samsung and Apple boost sales of 5G smartphones
At the same time, many consumers are looking to join a sustainable development initiative by favoring second-hand devices over new terminals. In this context, Counterpoint noticed an explosion of specialized companies in reconditioning. The rise of specialized groups will promote the development of the market in the years to come.
