Analysts at IDC estimate that in 2020, global sales of used smartphones – both officially refurbished and sold by their previous owners from their hands – reached 225.4 million units. This is 9.2% more than in 2019, when 206.5 million devices were sold in the secondary market. According to IDC forecasts, sales of used smartphones in 2024 will reach 351.6 million units. This value corresponds to an average annual growth of 11.2% between 2019 and 2024.
Moreover, North America, which accounts for a quarter of used smartphone sales, is projected to grow by 14.9% per year. Analysts attribute the growth in developed markets to the prevalence of pay-to-play exchange programs, pushing consumers to continually purchase new devices. Analysts note that in 2020 there was a rapid increase in such programs and average selling prices. First of all, sales of flagship models depend on exchange programs, which, due to them, become more accessible to consumers. Manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, and Huawei have launched their own programs with more attractive terms than those found in other sales channels. For their part, telecom operators use the exchange in conjunction with binding to tariff packages, also encouraging consumers to constantly renew.
It is noteworthy that sales of new smartphones last year decreased by 4%.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
