High percentage of Romanians opt for pre-owned smartphones - Increasing interest in recycled technology observed as market undergoes transformation
Rewritten Article:
Recommerce©: Europe's Top Recommerce Player Shines Light on Second-Hand Smartphone Market in Romania
The market for refurbished smartphones is soaring worldwide, ramping up at a staggering pace. The refurbished smartphone market is projected to hit an impressive 431 million units annually by 2027, as per the International Data Corporation (IDC), up from about 283 million units in 2023. This translates into a solid 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR)—an eye-catching shift towards eco-friendly and budget-friendly smartphone options.
Romania, with its burgeoning market, has cruised past the 200,000 mark for refurbished smartphones sold in 2024. This market, estimated at 50 million EUR in 2024 by Recommerce©, has enjoyed consistent growth since its inception. This boom echoes the trend observed across the European Union, where the refurbished smartphone market surged by over 15% between 2022 and 2024, making Romania a key player in Central and Eastern Europe.
The Allure of Second-Hand Devices, Unpacked
Carried out by KANTAR between January 6-13, 2025, among 6,750 individuals across Europe, the survey reveals a robust appetite for second-hand smartphones among Romanians.
57% of Romanians have already snagged a used smartphone, continuing the upward trend from previous years. Among these consumers, a noteworthy 30% have opted for professionally refurbished models, reflecting growing trust in certified sources. As for future purchases, 63% of Romanians plan to buy a refurbished smartphone, a 2% increase from 2023 and significantly higher than the EU average of 55%.
Buckling Under Budget Constraints
Money talks: 72% of Romanians choose refurbished smartphones primarily for their affordability. This rise in demand for cost-effective alternatives is a clear testament to the increasing financial squeeze on consumers.
With the environment on their minds, 26% voice environmental concerns when opting for second-hand devices. Factors like warranty (29%) and after-sales service (18%, +3pts) that help build trust are also becoming increasingly important.
This data underscores the retailers' imperative to balance affordability with top-notch services, fostering trust in the ever-evolving market.
Internet vs. In-Store Retail
While the internet remains the dominant purchase channel (78%), physical retail is picking up the pace. 53% now prefer in-store purchases, a 8% increase from last year.
41% buy from electronics specialists, and 37% from mobile operator stores, up from 23% in 2023. Consumers appear to appreciate the hands-on experience and direct service offered by brick-and-mortar stores when dealing with refurbished phones.
The Trade-In Market, On the Move
32% of Romanians have already offloaded their old smartphone for money, a jump from 2023 by 6%.
The number of people hoarding their old phones for future use has dropped to 45% (-8%), suggesting a shift towards monetizing old devices.
30% intend to sell their current device, while 23% would rather give it away—a 10% drop compared to past editions. This pattern hints at a growing consciousness regarding the value of trade-ins but also reveals the market's ongoing development.
"As we celebrate our 5-year anniversary in Romania, we've observed a booming appetite for refurbished smartphones", said Hector Destailleur, General Manager for Central Eastern Europe at Recommerce. "While some consumers still rely on peer-to-peer transactions instead of professional services, we're focusing on building trust through quality refurbishment, warranty offerings, and secure buying experiences."
In 2024, Recommerce© expanded its presence to national telecom operators and retailers and diversified its activities to trade-ins. Having entered the Central and Eastern European market in 2021 through the acquisition of Fenix, a Romanian startup, the company has extended its reach to Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, and Slovenia, with more countries in the pipeline. Recommerce© is eyeing a 30% growth in 2025!
Recommerce is a pioneering European player offering top-tier refurbishment solutions for various high-tech products, particularly smartphones, since 2009. Their innovative trade-in, refurbishment, and resale strategies allow them to offer refurbished devices through telecom operators, retailers, and their own platform at www.recommerce.com. Equipped with AI-driven industrial processes, Recommerce is certified with ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, the RecQ (ReConditionnement de Qualité) label by DEKRA, and boasts a Gold rating from Ecovadis for its green initiatives.
*This is a Press release.
- Romania's growing market for second-hand smartphones has led to an increasing number of individuals opting for professionally refurbished models, with 63% planning to buy a refurbished smartphone in the future, according to a survey by KANTAR.
- In the quest for affordable devices, 72% of Romanians choose refurbished smartphones primarily because of their cost-effectiveness, as revealed in the data, highlighting the importance of balancing affordability with top-notch services in the evolving market.
