The 2024 CNET Phone Resale Value Survey reveals that most smartphone owners hesitate to resell their old devices. The primary reason is financial, with 33% stating that reselling isn't worth the effort. Privacy concerns follow closely at 31%.
Other significant barriers include data removal worries (26%), lack of resale knowledge (21%), device damage (19%), and unawareness of resale options (16%). Complexity (14%) and perceived lack of durability (11%) also contribute. Interestingly, 2% identify as phone collectors.
This reluctance impacts the environment, as millions of tons of devices are discarded annually. A 2024 UN report predicts a 33% increase in e-waste by 2030.
Manufacturers are addressing privacy with features like enhanced factory resets in Android 15 and improved security measures in iOS 18. Despite these advancements, around 70% of American smartphone owners have never resold their devices.