Imagine a globe where everyone's dreaming of that sleek, cutting-edge smartphone – and yes, that includes bargain hunters snagging them used from emerging markets. It's a fascinating trend reshaping the tech landscape, and it's far from slowing down. But here's where it gets controversial: are we all just feeding into a cycle of unnecessary upgrades, or is this premium push genuinely democratizing access to top-tier tech? Let's dive in and unpack the details.
Right now, the craving for high-end devices is fueling excitement across the smartphone world, whether it's brand-new releases or refurbished gems heading to developing regions. Fresh insights from IDC's global smartphone shipment data reveal that the luxury segment is actually expanding the entire market. Picture this: consumers are flocking to innovative foldable phones that bend like magic or more budget-friendly options packed with AI features that make everyday tasks smarter and more intuitive – think voice assistants that learn your habits or cameras that capture stunning photos with minimal effort.
This 'premiumization' wave isn't just about shiny new toys; it's spilling over into the second-hand scene, especially in up-and-coming economies. Counterpoint Research highlights a surge in interest for top-notch refurbished iPhones and other elite devices, showing that even pre-owned markets are getting a high-end makeover. It's a smart shift, allowing more people to enjoy advanced tech without the hefty price tag.
On the numbers front, new smartphone sales ticked up modestly by 2.6 percent in the third quarter of 2025, reaching a whopping 322.7 million units worldwide, per IDC. Samsung and Apple are still the heavyweights leading the pack, with their latest offerings drawing in upgrade-happy shoppers.
As Francisco Jeronimo, IDC's vice president of client devices, put it, 'Apple and Samsung posted strong results as their latest devices encouraged consumers to upgrade in the premium segment. Apple delivered its best results ever in a July quarter, while Samsung achieved its strongest July-quarter growth on record.' He notes that demand for Apple's new iPhone 17 series was particularly fierce, with pre-orders blowing past those of the previous models. Meanwhile, Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 shattered records for foldables, injecting fresh energy into a category that's all about versatility – like turning your phone into a mini-tablet for work or entertainment on the go.
Digging into the stats: Samsung shipped 61.4 million units, a solid 6.3 percent jump from last year, while Apple hit 58.6 million, up 2.9 percent. But the real standout was Transsion, the Chinese brand that soared 13.6 percent to 29.2 million units – still trailing third-place Xiaomi at 43.5 million, but proving that competition is heating up. For beginners wondering about foldables, think of them as phones that open into larger screens for multitasking, like watching a movie or editing photos without squinting.
Shifting gears to the pre-owned world, Africa's used smartphone market boomed by 6 percent in the first half of 2025, with big brands and their flagship models leading the charge. This contrasts sharply with more mature markets like Europe, the US, and Japan, where growth was a mere 1 percent on average. In Africa, used Apple devices jumped 7 percent year-over-year, thanks to partnerships between Apple and top resellers, plus a growing fondness for newer models like the iPhone 13 and beyond, as Counterpoint explains. Imagine accessing features like improved battery life and better cameras without buying new – it's a game-changer for affordability.
And this is the part most people miss: while developed regions struggle, emerging areas are thriving on this recycled tech wave. For instance, pre-owned Samsung phones saw a 4 percent sales rise in Africa, boosted by enticing trade-in deals slashing prices by up to 50 percent on Galaxy S and Z series models. Over in Southeast Asia, the used market expanded 5 percent, driven by a steady trickle of devices and parts from China. Apple reigns supreme there, with the iPhone 12 and 13 being the hottest items traded. India followed suit with about 5 percent growth in pre-owned mobiles, with steady buzz around Samsung's Galaxy S22 and S23, alongside a preference for premium picks like the iPhone 13 and 14 series.
Why the slow pace in Europe, the US, and Japan? Counterpoint points to scarce supplies and fewer exports from growing markets. Earlier this year, The Register noted that fewer than a third of European consumers trade in or sell their old phones, which squeezes the availability of used options. In the US, the scene feels unpredictable – retailers and manufacturers are hoarding spare parts amid potential policy changes, perhaps tied to evolving tariff strategies under President Trump. Yet, they're ramping up buy-back initiatives to keep things flowing.
But here's where it gets controversial: is this premium obsession in second-hand markets a positive force, bridging the digital divide, or just another way for big brands to dominate global spending? Some might argue it's empowering consumers in developing regions with access to cutting-edge tech, while others see it as perpetuating inequality by prioritizing luxury over basic needs. What do you think – does chasing premium used phones make sense in a world of finite resources, or is it a savvy way to stay connected? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even fresh perspectives on this tech trend!
