The purchase of used cell phones in Brazil is no longer associated with necessity and is gaining contours of a conscious, strategic, and digital choice. This is what a unique survey conducted by Trocafone, a pioneer in the smartphone recommerce market in the country, shows.
The study, conducted with over 92,000 people, outlines the new profile of the Brazilian consumer of refurbished devices: male (75%), aged between 30 and 44, with an income of up to R$ 4,000 and primarily working as self-employed. Most live in the Southeast region (64%) and use their cell phones for daily and connected activities, such as work, study, leisure, and content consumption.
Next are the Northeast (17.2%), South (10.6%), Central-West (4.4%), and North (3.5%) regions. In terms of education, half of the respondents have up to a complete higher education degree.
Connectivity, streaming, and digital behavior
Highly connected, these consumers demonstrate active digital behavior. WhatsApp is the most used network, followed by Instagram. The cell phone is used for multiple functions:
- 66.5% of respondents watch series and access streaming platforms,
- 44% use it for gaming
- 31.3% use it for reading
- More than 76% of respondents claim to subscribe to at least one streaming platform, with Netflix being the preferred choice, followed by Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max, and Globoplay. Spotify is the most listened-to music service among respondents.
In daily use, the cell phone is essential for calls, messaging, and emails (82.2%), as well as being an important tool for work and study (76.6%), internet browsing (70.3%), leisure (69.1%), and photo and video production (66.5%).
Research and criteria: the new online consumer
The refurbished device consumer is also more cautious in their purchasing journey. According to the survey:
- 88% research on Google before purchasing a product or service;
- The most used marketplaces are: Mercado Livre (83%), Shopee (58%), Amazon (61%), and Magalu (40%);
- More than half use credit card installment plans;
- 65% opt for prepaid or controlled plans, indicating greater rationality in consumption.
Another relevant finding is that warranty is decisive for 44% of respondents, and 50% point to security as a fundamental criterion. Trust in specialized platforms like Trocafone is growing and is seen as a competitive differentiator.
Recurrent exchange and preferred brands
The survey shows that cell phones have become part of a faster consumption cycle:
- 60% change devices every 2 to 3 years;
- 17% change within 12 months.
Regarding brands, Samsung leads with over 60% preference, followed by Apple and Motorola.
Although price remains the main decision factor, 89.9% of consumers cite savings as a motivation. The survey reveals that criteria like security are gaining importance, with 50% of respondents considering it important. Another highlight is the importance of warranty: 43.9% of respondents point to this factor as decisive when making a purchase.
Sustainability is still secondary, but the trend is growing
Despite the environmental relevance of refurbished cell phones, only 29% mentioned environmental concerns as a relevant factor in the decision to purchase a used device. Still, the topic is likely to gain traction. According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024 report, the world generated 62 million tons of electronic waste in 2022, an 82% increase compared to 2010. Most of this volume is still disposed of improperly, worsening environmental impacts.
For Flávio Peres, CEO of Trocafone, the more cautious behavior of consumers and the growing trust in specialized platforms show that the used cell phone market is undergoing a significant transformation. “This scenario reflects the maturation of the refurbished market in the country, once stigmatized and now increasingly associated with practicality, savings, and security. Used cell phones are no longer taboo and have become a smart choice that delivers savings, security, and positive impact. And this is an important advancement,” he says.
Trocafone and the advancement of recommerce
A pioneer in the recommerce market in Brazil, Trocafone has established itself as the largest and most advanced operation for repairing and reselling refurbished smartphones in the country. The company offers solutions for end consumers, retailers, carriers, insurers, and financial institutions, promoting digital inclusion, circular economy, and significant reduction of electronic waste.
