This quarter, our collection of data reflects one of the most active times of the year: Upgrade Season. This report sheds light on top devices that have been turned in through trade-in and upgrade programs, the average trade-in value of devices, dollars put into the hands of consumers for trading in their devices, and more.

2020 marked a year of change for most. Not only were organizations developing new ways to cope, but people too were learning to adapt to the new normal. In the process, new habits were cultivated.  While online shopping was not a new phenomenon, the closing of retail outlets forced almost everyone to resort to shopping online. 

On September 14^th,  Apple unveiled their latest lineup of iPhone devices along with new iPads and Watches. The launch saw Apple release four versions of the iPhone 13 and they are expected to hit shelves later this month with prices starting at $699. 

Many features have been updated in the iPhone 13. Key ones that stood out mattering most to consumers include longer battery life with approximately an extra daily 1.5 to 2.5 hours, more powerful processors, and camera/video improvements.  And of course, much like with the introduction of the iPhone 12, 5G is front and center as it enables a heightened user experience through more reliable internet connections, faster downloads of video, and improved streaming. 

Trade-in promotions are a key part of the iPhone 13 launch further contributing to the 5G supercycle.

The COVID-19 pandemic confirmed just how dependent we are on connectivity.  And although we are not yet in the clear from the pandemic, plans are in place to ensure economies can bounce back and markets can grow again. 5G adoption will be central to this recovery in all sectors. But to use ‘true’ 5G, not only does the network need to be in place, but users will also have to upgrade to 5G handsets.

The effort to manufacture and sell smartphones is a truly global effort. From design to sale, one can expect a smartphone to have already traveled halfway around the world, which in recent months, has been an impossibility for people, let alone smartphones. 

5G is now a commercial reality in many countries around the world. We are also at a global tipping point – the number of 5G devices being purchased and activated is set to accelerate dramatically. Ericsson predicted that 13 million 5G devices would have been shipped by the end of 2019 – and will increase to a staggering 160 million units by the end of 2020.

Over the last couple of years, CES has been a central hub for all-things 5G. The hype has been building for years and as we approach CES 2020, you can be sure that there will be no shortage of 5G news once again.

Each quarter we analyze the millions of data points we’ve acquired and filtered from the mobile device trade-in market. Our research examines data about the most-traded devices, the devices with the highest trade-in values, the total amount of money returned to consumers in the United States, and the average value of traded devices.

The mobile market in Africa is about to enter a golden age. According to a recent report from the GSMA, Sub-Saharan Africa is set to have the world’s fastest growth in smartphone uptake, with 160 million new mobile subscribers by 2025.

The gaming industry embodies the digital age, captivating the world with entertainment through electronic devices—and it’s fair to say the industry has played its cards right, continually staying up to date with the latest technology.