South Africa Refurbished Mobile Phone Market Overview, 2029

The South African industry for refurbished mobile phones is growing, with options ranging from high-end flagships to more affordable models. Notably, there is an increased demand for pre-owned cell phones that support 5G, indicating the country's expanding technological expertise. One of the most appealing aspects of refurbished phones is their affordability, which allows consumers to gain access to superior technology at a substantially lower cost. South Africa has a growing population with a strong interest in technology, but economic limits highlight the value of affordability. Refurbished phones effectively address this duality, allowing people to purchase cutting-edge smartphones without breaking the bank. Furthermore, a growing sense of environmental responsibility is increasing demand for refurbished phones as a long-term alternative to new gadgets, hence reducing e-waste. Noteworthy industry developments highlight the changing dynamics of the refurbished smartphone business. In 2021, increased demand for reconditioned devices surfaced despite pandemic-induced economic limitations, demonstrating the market's durability and adaptability. As a result, in 2022, prominent retailers increased their attention on developing stringent quality control procedures and improving warranty policies, demonstrating a dedication to consumer happiness and product reliability. Furthermore, in 2023, the significance of online marketplaces dedicated just to refurbished smartphones increased significantly, reflecting evolving customer preferences for purchasing such devices through digital channels. These factors collectively form the trajectory of the refurbished smartphone market, indicating potential for players amid changing consumer patterns and technology breakthroughs.


According to the research report “ South Africa Refurbished Mobile Phone Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the South Africa Refurbished Mobile Phone market is projected to value at more than USD 400 Million from 2024 to 2029. Several reasons drive the refurbished phone business in South Africa. Affordability comes out as a significant motivator, combined with the security of extended warranties provided by trusted vendors. Furthermore, the presence of popular models, which may not be as easily available as new devices, adds to the market's momentum. However, issues linger, particularly questions about the quality and battery life of reconditioned phones. Building consumer trust requires transparent grading systems and strict quality control techniques. Although there are no particular regulations governing the refurbished phone sector in South Africa, consumer protection laws protect buyers by requiring warranties and after-sales support. Certification from respectable refurbishment businesses is becoming more common as a means of ensuring quality and instilling confidence in buyers. This regulatory framework strikes a compromise between promoting market growth and protecting consumer rights in the rapidly expanding refurbished mobile phone sector. The pricing landscape for refurbished smartphones is dynamic and varied, depending on brand, model, condition, and storage capacity. The market is segmented into three separate consumer segments: budget-conscious, mid-range, and premium. As a result, the average selling price (ASP) of refurbished cell phones ranges from US$ 100 to US$ 500, indicating the various preferences and spending power among these sectors.

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.


South Africa stands out among African countries for its highly established refurbished phone market, which is the result of its larger economy and greater smartphone penetration rates. These factors contribute to a growing market for reconditioned phones, giving users more economical options. The country's healthy economy supports a wide range of businesses, including technology, making refurbished phones more accessible. Furthermore, South Africa's relatively higher smartphone penetration implies that there is a larger pool of used smartphones accessible for refurbishment, which contributes to the growth of this market segment. Used phones for refurbishment are largely available through trade-in programs and individual sales. As the market for new phones expands, driven by technological developments and customer demand, the refurbished industry gains indirectly by expanding the availability of old smartphones. Retailers and manufacturers offer trade-in programs that encourage customers to surrender their old devices for discounts on new purchases, resulting in a consistent supply of used phones for refurbishment. Furthermore, individual sales of used phones help to ensure the availability of raw materials for the restoration process. The COVID-19 pandemic first caused disruptions in worldwide supply chains, including the smartphone sector. However, the refurbished phone business in South Africa recovered quickly due to rising demand for low-cost devices. As economic uncertainty increased and consumer buying patterns changed, there was a renewed interest in low-cost alternatives to new smartphones. This rise in demand for refurbished phones helped to mitigate the pandemic's initial disruptions, resulting in a market rebound. Furthermore, the price of refurbished gadgets grew more tempting to consumers suffering financial restrictions, resulting in increased sales in this area.

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.