SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 24, 2024 – The holiday season is a time for giving, and this year, millions of mobile phones are getting a second chance at life. A new global survey by the GSMA, the organization representing mobile operators worldwide, reveals that handing down old smartphones to family and friends is a widespread tradition, particularly during the Christmas season.
The Growing Trend of "Hand-Me-Down" Mobile Phones
While many consumers are eager to upgrade to the latest models, their older devices often find new homes with family members. This trend contributes to a significant portion of mobile phones experiencing a "second (or third) life." Globally, over 40% of mobile phones are passed down or traded in, breathing new life into pre-owned devices.
"This extensive survey shines a light on how many of us around the world are more aware of the environmental impact of our phones, want to use them for longer, but also want secure and easy ways to trade them in responsibly," says Steven Moore, Head of Climate Action at the GSMA. "With these markets only expected to grow, this presents many opportunities for companies to innovate to serve this demand.”
The Rise of the Refurbished Phone Market
The survey also highlights the growing refurbished phone market. Around 14% of phones currently in use globally were purchased used or refurbished. This trend is particularly strong in the UK, where nearly 10% of consumers opt for refurbished devices.
The used smartphone market experienced a 6% growth in 2023, while new handset sales declined by 4%. This shift indicates a rising preference for pre-owned devices, driven by both economic and environmental considerations.
Billions of "Dormant" Phones: A Hidden Treasure Trove
Despite the growing trend of reuse and recycling, a staggering 5-10 billion phones are estimated to be lying dormant in drawers and closets worldwide. Many consumers (27%) hold onto these devices for fear of losing precious photos and memories, while others (20%) simply don't know how to dispose of them responsibly.
Addressing Consumer Concerns to Encourage Recycling
The GSMA survey identifies key factors that influence consumers' decisions to recycle or reuse their old phones. While financial incentives are compelling, data security is equally important. Consumers need assurance that their personal information will be securely erased before parting with their devices.
Key Findings from the GSMA Survey
The GSMA survey, which will be released in full at MWC Barcelona in March, provides valuable insights into consumer behavior and attitudes towards mobile phone usage and disposal:
- Average Phone Lifespan: The average phone is used for around 3 years, with 75% lasting between 1-3 years.
- Replacement Drivers: Battery life (90%) and declining performance (87%) are the primary reasons for replacing phones. 50% of respondents admitted to replacing phones simply to upgrade to the latest model.
- Sustainability Concerns: Nearly half (49%) of consumers consider sustainability a "very important" factor when purchasing a new phone, particularly among younger generations.
- Older Consumers and Phone Usage: Older people tend to use their phones for longer periods, with over 40% using them for more than 3 years.
The Environmental Impact of Mobile Phone Recycling
Recycling mobile phones significantly reduces the need to mine new materials, minimizing environmental impact and supporting the mobile industry's goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050. A refurbished phone has a mere one-tenth of the environmental footprint of a newly manufactured one.
The GSMA estimates that recycling just half of the dormant phones worldwide could recover USD 8 billion worth of valuable metals and enough cobalt for 10 million electric car batteries. This presents a significant opportunity to create more sustainable and secure supply chains for the electronics industry.
The Role of Mobile Operators in Promoting a Circular Economy
Mobile operators are increasingly prioritizing reuse and recycling initiatives to promote a circular economy for mobile devices and network equipment. Sixteen operators have already committed to the GSMA's ambitious targets for mobile device circularity.
Initiatives such as the GSMA's Equipment Marketplace facilitate the reuse of network equipment, reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
Overcoming Barriers to Mobile Phone Recycling
While progress is being made, challenges remain in encouraging widespread mobile phone recycling. Data privacy concerns, the desire to preserve memories stored on devices, and the inclination to keep a spare phone are key barriers that need to be addressed.
The GSMA emphasizes the importance of continued efforts to educate consumers about responsible disposal options and to provide convenient and secure recycling solutions.
About GSMA
The GSMA is a global organization unifying the mobile ecosystem to foster innovation and positive change. Representing mobile operators and organizations across the industry, the GSMA focuses on:
- Connectivity for Good: Promoting the use of mobile technology for social good.
- Industry Services and Solutions: Supporting the development and growth of the mobile industry.
- Outreach: Advocating for policies that benefit the mobile ecosystem and its stakeholders.
For more information, visit gsma.com.