Recent trends in the smartphone market indicate a significant shift towards refurbished and second-hand devices, primarily driven by the soaring prices of new smartphones. With the cost of acquiring brand-new devices escalating, consumers are increasingly turning to repairing their old phones or opting for refurbished models as a viable alternative.
Refurbished Phones Outpace New Models
A report from Omdia reveals an interesting development: for the first time, shipments of display panels for refurbished smartphones have surpassed those for new devices. In the first quarter of 2026, manufacturers sent out 298 million display panels for the refurbished market, compared to 289 million for new smartphone production. Although the difference is a modest 9 million units, it marks a significant milestone in the industry.
Growth in Refurbished Phone Market
The refurbished smartphone market is experiencing rapid growth, with panel shipments in this category rising by 20% compared to the same period in 2025. However, it is essential to note that the figure of 298 million panels does not directly equate to the number of refurbished phones sold. Omdia categorizes the refurbished market to include panels used for replacing broken screens, repairing devices, and reassembling old phones for resale.
Premium Devices Join the Refurbished Trend
Interestingly, the refurbished market is not limited to low-cost devices. During the same period, OLED panels accounted for 7% of the total shipments to the refurbished market, a notable increase from just 2% the previous year. This growth suggests that premium smartphones, typically around three to four years old, are finding a second life in the refurbished sector.
Factors Driving the Shift to Refurbished Phones
The rising prices of new smartphones can be attributed to several factors, notably the increased cost of memory components such as DRAM and NAND. These price hikes contribute to higher production costs for new devices. According to Omdia, manufacturers must exercise caution in producing new smartphones, particularly in the budget segment, which is becoming increasingly challenging. The research firm even predicts that the demand for panels for new smartphones will decline by 12% throughout 2026.
As consumers navigate this changing landscape, the popularity of refurbished phones continues to rise, providing a cost-effective solution for those seeking quality devices without the hefty price tag of brand-new models.
Source: https://tekno.kompas.com/read/2026/08/19/09250097/ini-bukti-hp-bekas-sekarang-lebih-diminati-dari-hp-baru
