sueddeutsche.de
Low Interest in Refurbished Smartphones in Germany
A Vodafone survey reveals that only 25 percent of German consumers have purchased a refurbished smartphone, compared to higher percentages in France (38 percent), the UK (33 percent), Sweden (27 percent), and Spain (28 percent).
- How do the sales figures of refurbished smartphones reflect the current market trends, and what are the future growth prospects?
- Rebuy, a major refurbished smartphone retailer, experienced a double-digit percentage increase in sales during the first eight months of 2025. This growth is projected to continue as consumers increasingly prioritize price savings and sustainability, and the quality of refurbished goods improves.
- What are the primary factors contributing to the relatively low adoption of refurbished smartphones in Germany compared to other European countries?
- The lower adoption rate in Germany stems from a weaker tradition of buying used products compared to France and the UK, according to industry experts. Many consumers also harbor unfounded concerns about battery life and warranties, despite evidence suggesting these concerns are unwarranted.
- What are the environmental and ethical implications of the growing refurbished smartphone market, and what role do mobile network operators play in this?
- While environmentally beneficial due to reduced e-waste and resource reuse, critics like Exit Plastik argue that mobile network operators' promotion of new phones contributes to a disposable mentality. They view the operators' current foray into the refurbished market as insufficient and advocate for making refurbished devices the primary option rather than a niche alternative.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the refurbished smartphone market, highlighting both the growing interest and the remaining challenges. While it features positive quotes from industry representatives, it also includes critical perspectives from environmental activists, preventing a one-sided narrative. The headline is neutral and descriptive, accurately reflecting the article's content.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective. Terms like "refurbished" and "used" are consistently employed. While the quote "Wer einmal "Wie neu" statt "Neu" kauft, bleibt meist dabei." ("Those who once buy "like new" instead of "new" usually stay with it.") could be considered slightly positive, it's presented within the context of a discussion about consumer concerns, mitigating potential bias.
Bias by Omission
The article could benefit from including data on the environmental impact of refurbished phones compared to new ones, providing a more quantitative perspective on sustainability claims. Additionally, a broader geographical comparison beyond the five mentioned countries would strengthen the analysis of consumer behavior. However, these omissions are likely due to practical constraints of length and scope.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on the increasing trend of buying refurbished smartphones, which directly relates to responsible consumption and production. Buying refurbished phones reduces e-waste, extends the lifespan of existing resources, and lowers the demand for new phones, thus promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. The growth of companies like Rebuy in the refurbished phone market further supports this positive impact.