What’s driving the boom in the used phone market? The core lies in a positive shift in consumer perceptions and a rational reassessment of product value.

The appeal of high value: Smartphones, especially flagship models, often have hefty initial prices. However, after a new phone is released, its value undergoes a period of adjustment. A report indicates that even flagship models from leading Android manufacturers typically have a residual value of around 50% on used platforms after a year, while the price of a brand new phone through official channels typically drops by over 20%. This means that by choosing a well-preserved, fully functional flagship phone, consumers can enjoy near-top-tier performance at a price significantly lower than the initial price, or even lower than the official price reduction. For example, the average transaction price of some recently released popular flagship phones on used platforms can be over 1,000 yuan cheaper than through official channels, making them a significant attraction for users who value performance while being budget-conscious.

The catalyst for the popularity of the Apple ecosystem: As a benchmark in the high-end market, Apple’s high product prices have fueled a huge demand for used products. With their relatively affordable prices, used iPhones have become an ideal choice for many users to enter the Apple ecosystem or experience its advanced AI features. While the report also notes that Apple faces challenges in its pace of innovation, this has precisely provided consumers with a wider selection of brands and models in the used market.

Evolving Consumer Perspectives: Research from institutions such as Tsinghua University indicates that Chinese consumers are becoming more open and pragmatic. The previous resistance to used products is gradually being overcome. Economic factors, a more rational understanding of product value retention, and the safeguards provided by used platforms (although still evolving) are converging to encourage more consumers to consider used phones as a purchase option. The domestic used goods trading market, projected to exceed 3 trillion yuan by 2025, is a powerful testament to this shift in perspective.

The prosperity of the market is inseparable from the support of trading platforms. As their scale expands, mainstream used platforms are actively taking on greater responsibilities, striving to enhance the transaction experience and build trust.

Innovative Service Models: To provide consumers with greater peace of mind, platforms have introduced “official transaction” models, such as “Carefully Selected Used” and “Officially Tested.” These models are directly endorsed by the platforms and offer professional inspection reports, warranty services, and even interest-free installment plans. While prices may be slightly higher than those of individual sellers, the trade-off is reliability and peace of mind.

Strengthening Platform Responsibility: Platforms themselves have recognized the importance of standardized operations. For example, some leading platforms have begun charging service fees. This is not only a business model adjustment, but also means that platforms need to assume clearer responsibilities for protecting consumer rights, including removing unscrupulous merchants, cracking down on illegal activities, and optimizing transaction dispute resolution mechanisms. Competition among platforms is also increasingly focused on how to better ensure fair transactions and user experience.

National Policy Guidance: The national level is also actively promoting the development of a green, low-carbon, circular economy. The “14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Circular Economy” explicitly calls for the standardized development of the secondhand goods market and encourages the “Internet + Secondhand” model, providing policy guarantees for the healthy and orderly development of the industry.

Circular Economy: The Far-Reaching Value of Green Consumption

What’s driving the boom in the used phone market? The core lies in a positive shift in consumer perceptions and a rational reassessment of product value.

The appeal of high value: Smartphones, especially flagship models, often have hefty initial prices. However, after a new phone is released, its value undergoes a period of adjustment. A report indicates that even flagship models from leading Android manufacturers typically have a residual value of around 50% on used platforms after a year, while the price of a brand new phone through official channels typically drops by over 20%. This means that by choosing a well-preserved, fully functional flagship phone, consumers can enjoy near-top-tier performance at a price significantly lower than the initial price, or even lower than the official price reduction. For example, the average transaction price of some recently released popular flagship phones on used platforms can be over 1,000 yuan cheaper than through official channels, making them a significant attraction for users who value performance while being budget-conscious.

The catalyst for the popularity of the Apple ecosystem: As a benchmark in the high-end market, Apple’s high product prices have fueled a huge demand for used products. With their relatively affordable prices, used iPhones have become an ideal choice for many users to enter the Apple ecosystem or experience its advanced AI features. While the report also notes that Apple faces challenges in its pace of innovation, this has precisely provided consumers with a wider selection of brands and models in the used market.

Evolving Consumer Perspectives: Research from institutions such as Tsinghua University indicates that Chinese consumers are becoming more open and pragmatic. The previous resistance to used products is gradually being overcome. Economic factors, a more rational understanding of product value retention, and the safeguards provided by used platforms (although still evolving) are converging to encourage more consumers to consider used phones as a purchase option. The domestic used goods trading market, projected to exceed 3 trillion yuan by 2025, is a powerful testament to this shift in perspective.

The prosperity of the market is inseparable from the support of trading platforms. As their scale expands, mainstream used platforms are actively taking on greater responsibilities, striving to enhance the transaction experience and build trust.

Innovative Service Models: To provide consumers with greater peace of mind, platforms have introduced “official transaction” models, such as “Carefully Selected Used” and “Officially Tested.” These models are directly endorsed by the platforms and offer professional inspection reports, warranty services, and even interest-free installment plans. While prices may be slightly higher than those of individual sellers, the trade-off is reliability and peace of mind.

Strengthening Platform Responsibility: Platforms themselves have recognized the importance of standardized operations. For example, some leading platforms have begun charging service fees. This is not only a business model adjustment, but also means that platforms need to assume clearer responsibilities for protecting consumer rights, including removing unscrupulous merchants, cracking down on illegal activities, and optimizing transaction dispute resolution mechanisms. Competition among platforms is also increasingly focused on how to better ensure fair transactions and user experience.

National Policy Guidance: The national level is also actively promoting the development of a green, low-carbon, circular economy. The “14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of the Circular Economy” explicitly calls for the standardized development of the secondhand goods market and encourages the “Internet + Secondhand” model, providing policy guarantees for the healthy and orderly development of the industry.

Circular Economy: The Far-Reaching Value of Green Consumption