The rising trend of Nigerians opting for foreign used smartphones over new ones is becoming a growing concern, as consumers complain about the rapid depreciation of newly manufactured devices and questionable quality standards.
Many citizens, previously wary of used phones due to fears of theft or tampering, are now abandoning brand-new smartphones due to frequent complaints about substandard performance, short lifespans, and inflated costs.
Frustration Over Quality
Consumers like Vincent Ibeh, a car dealer, lament the poor durability of new smartphones. He recounted buying a phone for ₦160,000 that developed faults within six months. “First, it was the charging port, then the battery. Eventually, the phone stopped working,” Ibeh said. Frustrated, he turned to a foreign used phone, which he claims has performed better.
Similarly, businesswoman Florence Johnson expressed dissatisfaction with her brand-new phone, whose battery life deteriorated to 60% within six months. In contrast, her older foreign phone retained 75% battery efficiency after two years. “I had to revert to my old phone. It’s disappointing that we, as consumers, are subjected to low-quality products,” she said.
Repackaged and Substandard Devices
Electrical engineer Olawale Omoniyi alleged that many “new” phones sold in Nigeria are repackaged, repaired devices. “Most are locally used phones that have been refurbished and sold as new. Within months, they develop issues such as overheating or screen failures,” Omoniyi explained.
Other buyers, like Mrs. Kehinde Salami, shared similar stories of buying new phones that malfunctioned within weeks, leaving them with no recourse for refunds or repairs.
A Shift in Consumer Behavior
With growing distrust in locally available new phones, many Nigerians are now turning to trusted sources abroad for foreign used devices, which they claim offer better value and longevity.
Consumers are urging the government to regulate the smartphone market and enforce stricter quality controls to protect end users. Until then, the preference for foreign used phones appears to be a practical response to the challenges posed by Nigeria’s smartphone industry.