Saudi Arabia Refurbished Mobile Phone Market Overview, 2029

The refurbished mobile phone industry in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly, owing to a combination of customer choices, environmental conscience, and market dynamics. One noticeable trend in this industry is the emphasis on high-end brands and other premium devices. These reconditioned versions are increasingly popular among consumers due to their near-new quality and low cost. This trend indicates a growing awareness among knowledgeable consumers who want to maximise value while still having access to the latest technologies. The refurbished smartphone market is a dynamic landscape with existing firms and emerging new entrants. Retail behemoths have established themselves as significant participants, providing both reconditioned and new smartphone models to fulfil a wide range of consumer needs. Concurrently, specialised merchants have carved out a niche by focusing solely on reconditioned equipment, employing focused techniques to cater to specific market segments. The emergence of new entrants highlights the market's attractiveness and potential for long-term competition, which can stimulate innovation, improve customer choice, and raise industry standards. Recent developments in the refurbished smartphone market reflect a deliberate attempt by key firms to strengthen their position and increase consumer trust. Major retailers, including Amazon.sa, have increased their reconditioned goods offerings, indicating a deliberate commitment to this developing market. Similarly, local players such as Allo Allo have stressed openness by implementing detailed grading systems and providing strong warranty coverage, boosting consumer confidence and loyalty. Furthermore, growing online marketing efforts have positioned refurbished smartphones as a viable and attractive alternative, increasing their visibility and appeal to a larger audience.


According to the research report “ Saudi Arabia Refurbished Mobile Phone Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the Saudi Arabia Refurbished Mobile Phone market is projected to value at more than USD 1.5 Billion by 2029. A part of the population is becoming more environmentally sensitive, which is increasing demand for refurbished phones as a type of "green" technology. This supports global efforts to reduce electronic waste and improve sustainability in the consumer electronics industry. The convergence of economic incentives, environmental concerns, and technical preferences emphasises the growing importance of the refurbished mobile phone business in Saudi Arabia. Several factors contribute to the market's growth, including high smartphone penetration rates, increased internet usage, and rising consumer disposable incomes. These elements contribute to an atmosphere that encourages the use of refurbished phones as viable alternatives to new smartphones. Despite the market's growth potential, problems remain, such as a lack of brand trust and worries about product quality. Furthermore, the variable after-sales service provided for refurbished phones is an additional challenge for market participants to overcome. In terms of legislation and laws, there are currently no explicit restrictions for reconditioned phones in Saudi Arabia. However, these gadgets must meet general import regulations for electrical items. Looking ahead, there is potential for legislative measures to ensure quality control and consumer protection in the refurbished mobile phone sector. Government intervention could include the implementation of certification criteria or limits to improve the overall integrity of remanufactured products and boost consumer confidence. Such policies could help to determine the future of Saudi Arabia's expanding market.

Refurbished phones represent a leading and growing segment in the mobile phone market. These devices, which are pre-owned but restored to their original condition, are offered at prices lower than their brand new counterparts. They appeal to consumers seeking affordable alternatives without compromising on quality. In contrast, used phones are sold as seen, straight from the previous owner, with any existing marks, damage, or performance glitches included. This segment caters to consumers looking for budget-friendly options, although they may come with varying levels of wear and tear. In terms of pricing range, the market is segmented into low-priced, mid-priced, and premium refurbished and used mobile phones. Distribution channels also play a crucial role in the market landscape. Offline channels, such as brick-and-mortar stores and authorised resellers, remain leading distribution channels due to their established presence and accessibility. However, online channels are experiencing significant growth, fueled by the convenience of e-commerce platforms and increasing digitalization. Consumers are increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase refurbished and used mobile phones, reflecting a shift towards digital retailing trends.


The refurbished smartphone business is expected to expand significantly in the coming years. This expansion is primarily driven by rising smartphone demand and increased penetration of online shopping platforms. The widespread use of smartphones across demographics and countries indicates a strong demand for refurbished handsets. Furthermore, government-backed e-commerce efforts and active involvement in regional technology expos operate as critical catalysts, accelerating market growth. By exploiting such events and activities, stakeholders can capitalise on emerging opportunities and promote long-term market expansion. Refurbished smartphones provide a strong value proposition, generally selling for 30-75% less than brand-new rivals. This significant price difference appeals to those who want to save money without sacrificing quality or usefulness. Furthermore, the industry is segmented into numerous price tiers to accommodate diverse consumer tastes and spending capacity. While budget-friendly solutions appeal to price-sensitive consumers, premium reconditioned models, particularly high-end flagships, command a premium, demonstrating the market's versatility and adaptability to various customer categories.


Compared to the UAE, Saudi Arabia's refurbished phone business is still in its early stages, albeit with potential growth. The UAE has a more sophisticated e-commerce infrastructure, which has helped greatly to the growth of its refurbished phone industry. The accessibility and ease of online buying platforms have boosted demand for reconditioned electronics in the UAE, resulting in a strong market environment. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, is catching up rapidly, owing to rising consumer awareness and changing retail landscapes. While Saudi Arabia's restored market may not yet be on par with the UAE's, its rapid expansion indicates a path toward significant growth and competition. The procurement of raw materials, primarily used cell phones, for the refurbished phone sector is mainly reliant on trade networks. These materials are widely available; nevertheless, their quality and consistency might vary, creating issues for makers and sellers. Maintaining a consistent supply of high-quality components is critical to the integrity and reliability of refurbished devices. Businesses must manage the challenges of acquiring raw materials in order to maintain product standards and meet consumer expectations. Regardless of material quality, trade channels continue to be the key source of components for the refurbished phone market. The COVID-19 pandemic first impacted global supply chains and slowed consumer spending in a variety of industries, including electronics. However, this suffering triggered substantial changes in consumer behaviour, particularly toward internet shopping and value-oriented purchasing. As people adapted to remote work and digital lifestyles, the demand for inexpensive but useful devices increased. This paradigm shift has been beneficial to the refurbished phone business in the long run.



Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Refurbished Mobile Phone market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Refurbished Phones
• Used Phones

By Pricing Range
• Low-priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (Less than $200)
• Mid-Priced Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones ($200-$350)
• Premium Refurbished and Used Mobile Phones (More than $350)

By Distribution Channel
• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Refurbished Mobile Phone industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.