Research reveals new profile of mobile phone consumer used in Brazil and consolidates trend of recommerce

The purchase of used cell phones in Brazil has ceased to be associated with the need and gaining contours of a conscious, strategic and digital choice.This is what an unprecedented research carried out by Exchangephone, pioneer company in the smartphone recommerce market in the country. 

The study conducted with more than 92 thousand people, traces the new profile of the Brazilian consumer of seminovos: male (75%), aged 30 to 44, With income of up to R$ 4 thousand and acting mainly as autonomous. Most live in the Southeast region (64%) and make use of the cell phone for daily and connected activities, such as work, study, leisure and content consumption.

Next, the Northeast (17.2%), South (10.6%), Midwest (4.4%) and North (3.5%) regions appear.In terms of education, half of the respondents have completed higher education.

Connectivity, streaming and digital behavior

Highly connected, these consumers demonstrate active digital behavior. WhatsApp is the most used network, followed by Instagram. The mobile phone is used for multiple functions: 

• 66.5% of respondents watch series and access streams,
• 44% use for games 
• 31.3% use for reading
• More than 76% of respondents they sign at least one streaming platform, Netflix being the favorite, followed by Amazon Prime, Disney+, Max and Globoplay. O Spotify it is the music service most heard by respondents.

In everyday use, the mobile phone is essential for calls, message and email exchange (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 consumer of seminovos is also more judicious in your buying journey. According to the survey:

• 88% search on Google before purchasing a product or service;
  
• The most used marketplaces are: Free Market (83%), Shopee (58%), Amazon (61%) and Magalu (40%);
  
• More than half use installment on credit card;
  
• 65% opt for prepaid or control plans, which indicates greater rationality in consumption.
  

Another relevant fact is that the guarantee is decisive for 44% of respondents, and 50% point to safety as a fundamental criterion. Trust in specialized platforms such as Trocafone has been growing and is pointed out as a competitive differential.

Recurring exchange and preferred brands

The research shows that the mobile phone has become part of a more agile consumption cycle:

• 60% switch between 2 and 3 years;
  
• 17% trade in up to 12 months.
  

Regarding brands, Samsung leads with more than 60% of preference, followed by Apple and Motorola.

Although price is still the main decision factor, 89.9% of consumers cite the economy as motivation. The survey reveals that criteria are gaining importance, such as safety, an important question for 50% of respondents. Another highlight is the importance of the guarantee: 43.9% of respondents point to this factor as decisive at the time of purchase. 

Sustainability is still secondary, but the trend is for growth

Despite the environmental relevance of seminovos cell phones, only 29% mentioned environmental concern as a relevant factor in the decision to purchase a used device. Still, the theme tends to gain strength. According to the Global E AND Waste Monitor 2024 report, the world generated 62 million tons of electronic waste in 2022, an increase of 82% compared to 2010. Most of this volume is still disposed of improperly, aggravating environmental impacts.

For Flavio Peres, CEO of Trocafone, the more judicious consumer behavior and the increase in confidence in specialized platforms show that the market for used cell phones undergoes a relevant transformation. “Sse scenario reflects the maturation of the market for seminovos in the country, once stigmatized and now increasingly associated with practicality, economy and security. The used cell phone is no longer taboo and has become a smart choice, which delivers economy, security and positive impact.

The Exchange and the advancement of the recommerce

A pioneer in the Brazilian market for re-commerce, Trocafone has established itself as the largest and most advanced repair and resale operation for semi-new smartphones in the country.The company offers solutions for end consumers, retailers, operators, insurers and financial institutions, promoting digital inclusion, circular economy and significant reduction of electronic disposal.