A recent survey by the IT industry association Bitkom has revealed that nearly half of Germans have purchased a used smartphone, either refurbished or without professional processing. According to the findings, 30 percent of respondents have bought a used smartphone without refurbishment, while 18 percent opted for a refurbished device. Eight percent of respondents reported buying both refurbished and unprocessed used smartphones.
The survey also found that 49 percent of those who purchased a used smartphone did so to save money, while 42 percent valued sustainability and 39 percent aimed to contribute to reducing the consumption of raw materials.
Among those who have not yet purchased a used smartphone, the primary desire is for a technically and optically flawless device, with 55 percent of respondents expressing this preference. Forty-seven percent want the latest model and 40 percent place a high value on the manufacturer’s full warranty. Thirty-nine percent are concerned that older devices may no longer receive updates and 20 percent fear for the security and protection of their personal data.
Bitkom Research conducted the survey by phone, interviewing 1,005 people in Germany aged 16 and above from the 37th to the 41st calendar week of 2024.