: Nearly half of Americans (45%) don't actually sell or recycle their old phones; they keep them as "backup" devices, often in a desk drawer.
: This group, about 18% of consumers, views the phone as a vital tool for work and life. They typically only buy a new phone when forced by functional failure : a shortening battery life (cited by 75% of users), screen damage (55%), or a device that can no longer keep up with modern software. who buys phones
The way we buy is shifting. Instead of simple ownership, nearly are now interested in leasing models or "Device-as-a-Service," treating phones more like cars than small electronics to manage rising costs and diminishing innovations. : Nearly half of Americans (45%) don't actually
: Representing the 33% of Americans open to refurbished devices , these buyers prioritize value over the latest features. They are often younger generations, like Gen Z and Millennials , who are more confident in the resale value and sustainability of used tech than older generations. The way we buy is shifting
: This buyer often holds onto a device for as long as possible—sometimes over 36 months—before being nudged into an upgrade by carrier deals or "free" phone offers. The Industry's Shadow Roles
: At the extreme end are rare individuals like Jaesh Khali, who owns a collection of 2,371 cell phones from around the world.