Global Refurbished & Used Mobile Phones Market: What It Means for Cyculus

Growth, Drivers and Strategic Implications for Device Processing Services

A recent report from Allied Market Research reveals compelling trends shaping the future of the pre‑owned smartphone ecosystem. According to the study:

• The global market size for refurbished and used mobile phones was USD 52 billion in 2021.
• It is forecast to reach USD 145.9 billion by 2031, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% from 2022 to 2031.

For Cyculus, the European leader in automated device processing, the implications are clear: the demand curve is steep, the risk of inaction is high, and scale matters.

Key Growth Drivers

1. Cost‑efficient smartphone access

With new flagship devices costing upwards of €1,000, both individual consumers and enterprises are turning to refurbished and used devices as value‑rich alternatives. This price pressure helps explain part of the growth.

2. Rise of online platforms & trade‑in programmes

E‑commerce and trade‑in schemes have demystified pre‑owned devices, built consumer trust, and moved large volumes into the circular economy.

3. Sustainability and circular economy alignment

Reduced electronic waste (“e‑waste”) and resource conservation are becoming mainstream priorities. The pre‑owned device segment offers a tangible route to achieve these ESG goals.

Market Segments & Regional Dynamics

Type and Application

• The refurbished‑phone segment (as opposed to purely used) accounted for the largest market share in 2021.
• The used‑phone segment, however, is expected to witness the fastest growth in coming years, driven by lower‑cost models and smaller operators.
• By application, the individual consumer segment dominated revenue in 2021, but the business segment is forecast to grow fastest.

Region

• North America held a dominant share in 2021, thanks to strong e‑commerce penetration and trade‑in infrastructure.
• The Asia‑Pacific region is also expected to grow rapidly, driven by large consumer bases and growing mobile penetration. GlobeNewswire+1

Implications for Cyculus’ Device Processing as a Service (DPaaS) Model

Strategic Opportunity

As volumes of pre‑owned devices rise, the bottleneck shifts from supply to processing infrastructure. Cyculus’ automation, AI‑driven grading and high‑volume throughput meet the scaling demands of this market.

Quality & Trust as Competitive Advantages

Despite growth, the report identifies lack of warranties and non‑genuine parts as key restraints in the market. By offering audited, traceable, industrial‑grade processing, Cyculus addresses both concerns.

Sustainability Credentials

With policy and regulation leaning heavily toward circular models, businesses are seeking partner processors who can demonstrate environmental value, reduce e‑waste, and offer transparent supply‑chain insights. Cyculus’ facility in Germany, combined with our Total Care service portfolio, places the company at the forefront of this wave.

Growth Readiness

With a forecast market size of nearly USD 146 billion by 2031, the urgency for scale, technology and certification cannot be overstated. Cyculus is already executing at this level, technology‑ready and market‑timed.

Conclusion

The Allied Market Research report confirms what Cyculus has long anticipated: the refurbished and used mobile phones market is expanding rapidly, consumers and businesses alike are shifting, and the processing layer is where the commercial and environmental returns will be captured.

If you are a reseller, operator, insurer or OEM looking to maximise margin, reduce risk and scale sustainably, Cyculus is ready to partner at the heart of this transformation.

Call to Action

To explore how Cyculus can support your device processing needs and unlock value from the pre‑owned market contact our team today.