Hungary’s market for refurbished smartphones is seeing significant growth, driven by rising consumer trust and a preference for cost-effective options. According to the latest “Recommerce 2025 Barometer” conducted with Kantar, over half (51%) of Hungarian consumers have already purchased a second-hand smartphone, one of the highest rates among the 13 countries surveyed. Of these buyers, nearly 25% opted for professionally refurbished devices, reflecting a three-percentage-point increase from the previous year. This trend aligns with global projections, with the refurbished smartphone market expected to reach 431 million units sold annually by 2027, according to IDC. In Eastern Europe, one million refurbished smartphones were sold in 2024, with Hungary showing strong potential for further growth as 41% of consumers expressed willingness to purchase refurbished devices in the future.

Affordability remains the primary motivator for Hungarian consumers, with 76% citing price as a key factor in choosing refurbished smartphones, up six percentage points from last year. However, reliability and trust are becoming increasingly important. The survey found that 39% of Hungarian buyers value warranties and guarantees from professional vendors, an 11-percentage-point increase, surpassing environmental concerns (36%). Janos Zilai, Recommerce’s country manager for Hungary, emphasised the importance of transparency and high-quality refurbishment in meeting consumer expectations. He noted that companies can differentiate themselves by providing clear details about warranties, guarantees, and the refurbishment process. Additionally, expanding both online and in-store solutions, particularly through trusted telecommunication providers, could further strengthen consumer confidence in refurbished devices.

Trade-in programs are emerging as a promising opportunity in Hungary’s refurbished smartphone market. In 2024, 28% of Hungarian consumers sold their old devices, a four-percentage-point increase from the previous year. Moreover, 38% expressed plans to resell their current smartphones, a six-percentage-point rise that positions Hungary closer to more mature markets like Germany. Interestingly, Hungary is among the few surveyed countries where more consumers are now planning to sell their old devices rather than keep them as backups. With a growing emphasis on affordability, reliability, and sustainability, the refurbished smartphone market in Hungary is poised to play an increasingly important role in the European circular economy.