Although iPhones are the most popular phones on the secondary market, Android smartphones remain in high demand, especially in developing countries. In this article, we cover the most profitable Chinese phones, from affordable to premium models, that used device businesses can use to expand their product range. Whether you're a reseller, wholesaler, or repair business, knowing which Android models sell best can help you make smarter stock decisions.
Why Are Pre-Owned Android Phones Appealing to Customers?
According to recent Counterpoint research, Apple phones reached a 56% market share of refurbished smartphone sales in 2024. The second most common brand is Samsung, taking 24% of the share. Other Chinese phone brands, such as Xiaomi, Huawei, and Oppo, collectively account for 20%.
However, on the global market, Android phones dominate: they account for around 72% of all smartphones in the world, compared to 28% taken by Apple. But what makes Android smartphones appealing to users?
- Wide Range of Phone Models. Whereas Apple smartphones are very similar in design and features, Android phones differ more significantly between models, as they are produced by various companies. Also, there are unconventional smartphone models, such as foldables or phones designed specifically for gaming. Therefore, clients have more options to choose the perfect device that covers their needs.
- Affordability. Android phones offer a wide range of prices, including some of the most affordable options on the market. For people on a budget, Android devices are often appealing due to their strong price-to-performance ratio.
- Software Customization Possibility. Compared to Apple, the open-source Android operating system provides more options for improvements and modifications. For tech enthusiasts, this might be a key reason to choose Android phones over iPhones.
What Chinese Phones Are the Most Common on the Secondary Market?
Knowing the most in-demand Android phone models helps used phone businesses stock up on the most profitable items.
Let’s start with Samsung—although not a Chinese, but a South Korean brand—which consistently holds the first place among all Android brands. Its Galaxy S and Galaxy S Ultra are the flagship models, and they always attract significant attention on the secondary market. Due to Samsung’s strong brand reputation and advanced features—such as superior cameras, large batteries, and top-tier processors—these devices are widely recognizable and in high demand, both new and pre-owned. Many businesses rely on these models as dependable bestsellers.
Additionally, the global trend for purchasing cheaper electronics is growing, especially in Asia and Africa. According to CCS Insight, brands like Oppo, Xiaomi, and Vivo—offering pre-owned smartphones for less than $100—are gaining more traction. The most common models from these brands include the Redmi 12C and Redmi Note 12C, POCO X5 Pro, OPPO Reno 11, Oppo A78, and Vivo Y200 5G. These budget-friendly models offer decent specs and reliability, making them attractive options for cost-conscious customers.
Foldable Android Phones: The Most Common Models on the Secondary Market
Foldable smartphones are worth mentioning: although they are not the go-to option for most people buying pre-owned devices, foldable phones maintain a steady demand. While Apple doesn’t offer any flip smartphones, users can choose from a variety of Android options. Samsung models—the Galaxy Z Fold and Galaxy Z Flip—understandably hold the first place. However, there are other options that can broaden the stock for used device businesses: the Honor Magic V3, Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, and Xiaomi Mix Fold 4.
Where to Sell Pre-Owned Android Phones?
Over 50% of globally produced smartphones are manufactured in China and then sold all over the world. But what are the main markets for reselling pre-owned Chinese phones?
The most prominent markets are Asia and Africa, where the demand for Android phones remains consistently high. For example, new Android phones hold 95% of the Indian market and 72% of the Chinese market, trends that are also reflected in the secondary market.
In contrast, the USA, Canada, and Europe prefer iPhones when buying pre-owned, so the demand for Android devices there is more moderate. However, businesses can still profitably buy back used Androids in these regions to resell them in other countries.
How Used Device Businesses Should Test Pre-Owned Android Phones
When buying used Android phones—whether from individuals or wholesalers—businesses should thoroughly test them. This helps to accurately evaluate the smartphone’s value, set a fair resale price, and determine what components may need repair or replacement.
Sure, it can be done manually. However, this approach is time-consuming, especially with Android phones, which differ significantly across models. Also, when dealing with various phone types, it’s easier for testers to miss fraud or make mistakes in evaluating the device.
The most effective way to overcome these challenges is through automation. Software solutions like NSYS Diagnostics help quickly and accurately check smartphone functionality, while eliminating human error and minimizing fraud.
Boost Your Phone Testing with NSYS Diagnostics
NSYS Diagnostics is a perfect tool to power up your stock with in-demand items, as the solution can test both iOS and Android smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. With advanced analytics, you’ll be able to make data-driven decisions and choose the best suppliers, brands, and models. This results in fewer returns, higher customer satisfaction, and better inventory control.
The solution performs over 60+ tests, including Android-specific checks, and verifies IMEI numbers to detect if a smartphone is lost, stolen, or has an outstanding balance. Overall, NSYS Diagnostics detects up to 100 hardware defects, providing a comprehensive overview of each smartphone’s condition.
If your business resells smartphones on marketplaces, NSYS Diagnostics is a must-have: for each device tested, the solution generates a testing certificate—a requirement on platforms like Back Market, Amazon Renewed, and Refurbed.
Ready to streamline your testing process? Get a free demo of NSYS Diagnostics today!
