bannière montre

Smartphones: what to choose between new and used?

Buying a new or used phone, this is usually the question when you decide to buy a new smartphone. Each option has its advantages, even if the advantages of the new one sometimes seem more interesting compared to the arguments of the second-hand smartphones. In any case, a fully functional phone is usually what consumers are looking for. Find out what you need to know to choose your smartphone, whether it's new or used.

Xiaomi Lausanne

The second-hand market is constantly growing in Europe and worldwide

The recent situation of the second-hand smartphone market gives an idea of the public's craze for a second-hand phone. It is becoming more and more common that a phone store in Lausanne or in other Swiss cities has a section dedicated to second-hand phones.  Over the last few years, the trends have been reversed in terms of the growth of the new smartphone market on the one hand and the used phone market on the other. According to IDC, more than 282 million second-hand mobile devices will be sold worldwide in 2022. This statistic reflects the good evolution of the market, growing by more than 11% compared to the previous year. The smartphone market specialist's projections predict that this growth will continue in the years to come. Within three years, the sale of used cell phones should pass the 400 million units sold in 2026.

Xiaomi Switzerland shop

The new market is slowing down. According to another study by Trendforce, the production of smartphones will slow down significantly in 2022. To illustrate its analysis, the firm mentions the 11% difference in the number of mobiles produced between the months of July to September 2022 and the same period a month earlier.  

There are several factors that could explain this clear increase in used phones:

- The used phone sold at a more affordable price: the rapid growth is driven by increasing demand for more affordable alternatives, compared to new smartphones that are necessarily sold at a higher price ;

- Strong and growing demand for used high-end smartphones: consumers are increasingly looking for used high-end smartphones, such as iPhones and Samsung Galaxy, that offer a quality user experience at a more affordable price;

- Longer life span of smartphones: the phone has become more durable over the years and can be used today for longer periods of time. This means that older models continue to be used and sold on the second-hand market;

- Sensitivity to environmental issues: more and more consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of their consumption. For this reason, more and more consumers are opting for used smartphones rather than new models whose production requires the extraction of new raw materials;

- An increasingly competitive market: competition in the used smartphone market is constantly increasing, as major technology companies and online retailers have begun to offer options for buying and selling used smartphones.

These trends are thus leading to an increase in the second-hand smartphone craze. In a phone store in Lausanne or anywhere else in Switzerland, buyers can discover both new and used phone offers. Before finalizing the purchase, it is important to make sure that the condition of the phone is reliable when it is second hand. If you choose to buy a new phone, it is important to choose the right features so that it matches your usage habits.

Xiaomi Switzerland Store

What are the criteria to consider before buying a smartphone?

The main models built by smartphone manufacturers are available today in Switzerland. Whether you decide to buy your smartphone in a mobile phone store in Lausanne or in other Swiss cantons, a store will inevitably offer models from the major players in the phone industry such as Apple, Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi or others. Whether your choice is to buy a new model or if you prefer to opt for a second hand phone, the main criteria of differentiation of your future phone are mostly the same. You can then compare different references by comparing criteria such as  

- screen size: choose a phone with a screen that suits your needs, whether in terms of reading, watching videos, playing games, etc. ;

- performance: check the phone's specifications by asking about its processor, RAM, storage capacity and battery to make sure the smartphone meets your expectations in terms of speed and storage;

- the camera: ask about the camera's features. Information on resolution and image quality will give you an idea of whether the smartphone is suitable for your photography and video needs;

- the operating system: the choice of operating system is also crucial. Depending on whether you prefer Android or iOS, you will have to opt for an iPhone or a smartphone running Google's operating system, such as the Samsung Galaxy and other references from manufacturers such as Huawei for example;

- connectivity: checking this parameter is also important. Ask the seller if the smartphone offers the connectivity options you need, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, compatibility with 4G or 5G networks;

- the battery and its autonomy: the life of the device is partly influenced by the power of its battery. This aspect is therefore important and also remains an important criterion for making your choice;

Other criteria, such as the budget for your phone, should also be considered. In Switzerland, a survey conducted by Comparis in 2020 indicates that a fifth of buyers are willing to spend at least 800 francs for the purchase of a new smartphone.

Follow us on Facebook