Millions of unused smartphones sitting in Hungarian drawers represent a hidden financial loss for consumers, as devices can lose several percent of their value every month after being replaced, according to refurbished electronics company Rejoy.
The company estimates that around HUF 20 billion worth of used smartphones are currently sitting unused in Hungarian households, with many owners missing the opportunity to recover a significant portion of their original investment.
According to Rejoy’s analysis, a newly purchased Android smartphone can lose up to 4% of its value every month, while iPhones can decline by around 3% monthly. Over a year, this can translate into depreciation of up to 40%.
The optimal moment to sell a smartphone is when the device is no longer considered new but still maintains strong demand on the secondary market. Currently, models such as the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 series, their Pro versions, as well as the Samsung Galaxy S23 and S24 ranges, remain among the most attractive resale options.
The arrival of new flagship smartphones in the autumn is expected to create another opportunity for consumers to sell older devices and finance upgrades before prices decline further.
A customer who purchased an iPhone 13 base model at launch in 2021 for HUF 334,970 could now sell the refurbished device for up to HUF 77,000 through Rejoy, depending on condition.
Hungarians keep billions in unused devices
Rejoy’s research shows that more than half of respondents have never sold a smartphone they no longer use. Around 40% keep old devices as backups, while approximately one-third prefer giving them away.
Based on the estimated number of unused devices and their average secondary-market value, Rejoy calculates that approximately HUF 20 billion worth of smartphones are currently locked away in Hungarian households.
According to the company’s research, the most commonly stored devices include mid-range Samsung Galaxy A-series models (27%), Xiaomi devices (23%), and premium Samsung Galaxy S-series smartphones (21%). Around 12% of respondents reported keeping an iPhone 11 or older Apple model at home.
When consumers plan their next purchase, Samsung remains the most desired brand among Hungarian respondents (38%), followed by Apple (27%) and Xiaomi (15%), Rejoy research shows.
