In many Portuguese houses, drawers hide small technological treasures of the past. They are old, out of use mobile phones, which were once part of everyday life and now, with the advancement of technology, have been replaced. But what few know is that some of these devices can today be worth considerable amounts.
According to a study by Fraunhofer Austria for the company Refurbed, about 16.2 million smartphones remain in Portugal, which is equivalent to approximately 1.57 per inhabitant. Of these, 5.1 million are still in ideal conditions to be reconditioned, which represents a significant opportunity from both an environmental and economic point of view.
Environmental impact and market value
The same study estimates that if these mobile phones were reinstated in the circular economy, they could generate 162 million euros. In addition, this reuse would avoid 580,095 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. According to the same source, this environmental savings would correspond to the absorption capacity of 23 million trees in a year.
In the European context, the scenario is similar. It is estimated that 642.6 million smartphones are inactive in the homes of the citizens of the European Union, containing raw materials with an estimated value of 3.5 euros per capita. If 211 million of these devices were reconditioned, savings in CO₂ emissions could reach 24 million tons, according to the report.
Reduction of Natural Resources Consumption
It refers to the same source that reconditioning old mobile phones allows a 86% reduction in the use of natural resources compared to the production of new devices, as well as a 69% savings in critical raw materials, such as cobalt, lithium and rare land. The reuse of these equipment also avoids the exploration of minerals in conflict zones, reducing this impact by 97%.
From garbage to luxury: the most valuable models
The appreciation of old mobile phones is not exhausted in the environmental impact. Some rare models are today collection pieces sought by enthusiasts and can reach amazing prices on the second hand market. According to the Loveantiques website, the Apple iPhone 1 prototype can exceed 35,000 euros.
Among the most valued models are:
- Apple iPhone 1 (pre-production prototype): But of 35,000 euros
- Motorola 8000x: 4.000 euros
- Mobira Senator: 2.500 euros
We recommend:
- Nokia Safira 8800: 3.471 euros
- Orbitel Citifone: 1.200 euros
- Ericsson R290: 2.000 euros
- Motorola StarTac Rainbow: 470 euros
Anyone who has one of these models or other devices used can opt for multiple platforms for sale or resume. In addition to the well -known OLX, Cost Fair and Facebook Marketplace, there are other options.
According to the ekonomist, Glyde helps to evaluate the value of the equipment and provides a shipping kit. Apple allows you to recycle devices and convert value to credit. FNAC and Worten have programs of resum with evaluation and competitive values. Cash Converters is another alternative, specializing in secondhand articles.
A habit with hidden potential
According to data from, 49% of Europeans admit to having old electronic devices stored at home. This apparently harmless habit may prove an opportunity for income or contribute to the reduction of environmental impact.
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