When looking at the mobile phone market, it’s easy to believe that everyone is interested in the latest and most expensive device, but is that really the case? Looking at the refurbished smartphone market gives a clearer picture.
It’s not floundering, it’s actually flourishing. The market is predicted to have a compound annual growth rate of 11.5% by 2032, which tells us that choosing refurbished is on the rise.
Spotlight on the Leading European Specialist in Refurbished Devices
To get even more detail, it’s useful to look at the leading specialist in Europe: CertiDeal. As a case study, it provides a lot of information about how to get it right and what consumers need. For example, CertiDeal offers the longest warranty on the market, which is twice as long as some of its competitors.
Peace of mind is crucial, but it’s not just about longevity. It also carries out a series of 32 tests for each device, so buyers know the devices meet high standards.
CertiDeal voluntarily meets standards, like ISO 14001, which shows that it manages its environmental impact. Plus, it has R2v3 certification, proving it recycles and processes electronics responsibly.
Change Is in Process
The refurbished phones segment accounted for 58.2% of the market share in Europe in 2024. The middle price range is where the biggest growth lies, as buyers are taking advantage of flagship devices at a lower cost. Studies show that awareness has increased, and that is now converting into action from buyers.
A study from Kantar and the Wuppertal Institute discovered that two-thirds of respondents are aware of refurbished device offers.
However, only 3 in 10 had purchased one. Crucially, though, 40% of those surveyed plan to buy a refurbished smartphone next time. Plus, data shows that 81% of those who had previously bought refurbished devices planned to make the same choice next time.
Consumers have more choices than ever. Marketplace platforms, like Amazon, offer variety, although quality and after-care can also vary.
Then, there are specialized sites, as shown by the case study above, where quality testing and customer support are managed in-house.
Western Europe is leading the way in the current changes, likely due to an increased focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Contributing Factors
Many factors are contributing to this change. A higher cost of living is prompting Europeans to seek affordable alternatives. Phones don’t need to be brand new, and with a protective case, they can also last longer.
Legislation plays a role, too. The EU adopted the ‘Right to Repair’ in 2021, which requires manufacturers to provide spare parts for at least 10 years and to prioritize repairability. This approach has enabled refurbishing and longer device lifecycles.
That’s part of a wider focus on reducing e-waste through the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
E-commerce has also contributed to the change. Specialized sites and digital marketplaces have improved visibility of refurbished devices and increased accessibility.
