Apple Inc. Leads in Emerging Markets for Used Phones, Samsung Also Performs Well

While sales of refurbished smartphones—devices repaired after being displayed or returned—have stagnated in developed countries, Apple Inc. has shown strong performance, particularly in emerging markets.
According to a global used phone market report released on the 8th by Counterpoint Research, worldwide sales of refurbished smartphones in the first half of this year increased by 3% compared to the same period last year, indicating a slowdown in growth. Developed markets such as the United States and major European countries saw minimal growth or even a decline in sales, with growth rates remaining at around 1%. In contrast, emerging markets experienced 4% growth.
Apple Inc. in particular recorded a 12% growth rate in emerging markets, demonstrating its strong position. Samsung’s market share in developed regions rose by 4%, but overall growth was limited due to market weakness. In the first half of the year, 5G smartphones accounted for 57% of the refurbished market, a 65% increase compared to the same period last year.
The report forecasts that in the second half of the year, the refurbished smartphone market will respond flexibly to macroeconomic uncertainties. Demand for the latest models, such as the iPhone 13, iPhone 14 series, and Samsung Galaxy S series, is expected to continue rising in developed markets.
Jan Stryjak, a research analyst at Counterpoint Research, noted, "As competition intensifies in the refurbished phone market, profit margins for companies are declining, and securing sufficient used phone inventory is becoming increasingly difficult." He explained, "With supply decreasing, countries that import used phones have fewer device options available."
He added, "Companies are striving to reduce operational costs, which has led to a steady increase in the sales of As-Is used phones—devices sold without repair. In the first half of this year, sales of As-Is used phones rose by 10% compared to the same period last year, outpacing the growth of refurbished smartphones. This trend is expected to continue for several years."
solidkjy@fnnews.com Gu Ja-yoon Reporter