Refurbished and used: For many, smartphones don’t always have to be brand new
- 18 per cent have bought a refurbished smartphone, 30 per cent another second-hand device
- Costs and sustainability are the most important reasons
- On 15 May, the Digital Sustainability Summit of Bitkom
A new smartphone for far less than the retail price, while conserving resources and still offering a two-year warranty: Many people are turning to refurbished smartphones when making a purchase. Eighteen per cent of Germans say they have bought a used but professionally refurbished smartphone for themselves or others. Overall, second-hand smartphones are becoming more popular. Three out of ten people (30 per cent) have bought a used device that had not been professionally refurbished, for example by a private individual. These figures include 8 per cent who have both bought refurbished and conventional second-hand devices, so they have even bought second-hand several times. These are the results of a representative survey of 1,005 people in Germany aged 16 and over, conducted on behalf of the digital association Bitkom on the occasion of Global Recycling Day on 18 March.
Those who buy a used or refurbished smartphone do so primarily to save money (49 per cent). For 42 per cent, sustainability is important and 39 per cent want their decision to help reduce the consumption of raw materials. 21 per cent see no added value in new devices – and 18 per cent find that used devices are just as good as new ones. ‘The production of new smartphones requires valuable raw materials such as cobalt or lithium and causes high CO₂ emissions. By buying a refurbished device, you reduce electronic waste and conserve resources,’ says Bitkom CEO Dr. Bernhard Rohleder.
Among those who have not yet purchased a used smartphone, the main reason is the desire for a device that is technically and optically flawless (55 per cent). 47 per cent always want the latest model. And 40 per cent value the full manufacturer’s warranty, while 39 per cent are concerned that older devices will no longer receive updates. One fifth (20 per cent) are concerned about the security and protection of their own data. One in ten (10 per cent) find used smartphones unhygienic. Dr. Bernhard Rohleder: ‘Professional dealers often recondition old devices very well, both visually and technically. The major smartphone manufacturers and telecommunications companies also offer their devices to customers in part used and refurbished condition. Refurbished smartphones are an option for anyone who is not bothered by a small scratch on the case, for example, or who does not always need the latest device.’
The Digital Sustainability Summit on 15 May 2025 in Berlin will also be looking at digital solutions for greater sustainability and for conserving resources. For the third time, Bitkom is bringing together innovators from the digital industry, the sustainability community, science and politics to discuss solutions for companies and the state and how digitalisation can contribute to achieving climate protection goals. Journalists are cordially invited. Registration by email to n.paulsen@bitkom.org
Note on methodology: The information is based on a survey conducted by Bitkom Research on behalf of the digital association Bitkom in calendar weeks 37-41 2024. In the process, 1,005 people in Germany aged 16 and over were interviewed by telephone. The survey is representative. The questions were: ‘Have you ever bought a used smartphone?’, ‘Why did you buy a used smartphone?’ and ‘Why haven’t you bought a used smartphone yet?’
