The rise of eco-friendly phones: are consumers willing to pay more?

The mobile industry is undergoing a major transformation as consumers increasingly prioritize sustainability. According to a new GSMA report, more than 70% of consumers worldwide are willing to pay more for eco-friendly smartphones. This growing demand is transforming the market, fueling the growth of refurbished devices, repair services and circular business models.

Key findings from the GSMA report:

✅ A $150 billion market – The circular economy for mobile devices is forecast to exceed $150 billion by 2027.

✅ 85% of sustainability value – Consumers value sustainability above aesthetics and AI features.

✅ The e-waste problem – Over 5-10 billion unused phones worldwide contain valuable materials worth $20 billion.

✅ Carbon footprint – manufacturing 1.2 billion new smartphones in 2024 will result in 60 million tons of CO₂ emissions.

✅ Regulation is increasing – governments in the EU, US, Canada and India are implementing sustainability policies.

Leading manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung and Fairphone, as well as telecom giants such as Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom, are already implementing green strategies. Moving to repairable and durable devices not only benefits the environment, but also increases customer loyalty and opens up new revenue streams.

Is the future of smartphones truly sustainable? Share your thoughts in the comments!