[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] SamsungElectronics(005930) The used smartphone market is also gaining momentum thanks to the pre-order effect of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8. Demand for used phones has surged significantly as more consumers sell their existing devices to raise funds for new purchases ahead of the launch of these new models.

An analysis of sales application data from “Sello,” a used phone sales platform operated by MediaLog—a subsidiary of LG Uplus—revealed that the number of applications to sell used phones increased by 91% during the week following the start of pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, compared to the week immediately preceding pre-orders.

This is interpreted as a result of more consumers looking to sell their existing smartphones in time for the new product launch. In particular, for high-end flagship smartphones, there is strong demand to use the proceeds from selling existing devices toward the cost of the new model, leading to a tendency for used phone transactions to become more active during the pre-order period.

Cello explained, “Sales requests increased as more users checked used phone market prices or sought to sell their existing devices in time for the new product launch,” adding, “We also believe that benefits linking new product purchases with trade-in incentives contributed to the expansion of sales demand.”

Clear Demand for Foldable Phone Upgrades… Sales Share More Than Doubles

Ahead of the launch of the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8, a noticeable trend of existing foldable phone users upgrading their devices emerged.

According to an analysis by Cello, the share of Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip series models among all used phone sales requests expanded from approximately 16% before pre-orders began to about 36% after pre-orders started. This means the share of foldable phones in total sales more than doubled in just one week.

The model with the highest number of sales requests was the Galaxy Z Fold 6, followed by the Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Cello analyzed that, given the concentration of sales of existing models of the same type around the launch of new foldable devices, this reflects demand from existing foldable phone users looking to sell their current devices and upgrade to the latest models.

Industry observers note that, given the higher price point of foldable phones compared to standard smartphones, consumer behavior of selling existing devices for cash when new models are released is becoming even more pronounced.

Secondhand Phone Market: New Product Launches Emerge as Key Growth Driver

Amid lengthening smartphone replacement cycles, the secondhand phone market is showing a growth pattern closely tied to new product

launches

. As manufacturers expand their trade-in programs and convenient contactless sales services become more widespread, consumer access to secondhand phone transactions is also increasing.

A Cello representative stated, “The pre-order season for new products is one of the busiest periods for sales of existing smartphones,” adding, “After purchasing a new phone, customers can use the leftover shipping box to easily request the sale of their used phone from home without having to visit a store.”

The representative continued, “Cello offers free in-home pickup and convenience store shipping services, and has obtained certification as a ‘Safe Secondhand Device Transaction Operator’ from the KoreaInformation&Communication Technology Promotion Association (KAIT).” They added, “We provide an environment where users can feel secure throughout the entire sales process, including the secure deletion of personal information using Blancco, an internationally certified data erasure solution.”