The used smartphone market is a unique economy that thrives in the heart of Addis Ababa, from the busy stalls of Megenagna to the glass displays of Bole Medhanialem. As the price of brand-new flagship devices goes up, many Ethiopians now use “Open Box,” “Refurbished,” and “Slightly Used” phones as their main way to get high-end technology.
But buying a used phone in Addis is an art. You need to be able to spot a good deal, know how to negotiate, and know what the current market rates are. Here is everything you need to know about the prices of used cell phones in Addis Ababa today, whether you want a “clean” iPhone or a tough Samsung.
1. Why the Used Market is the Best Place to Buy in Addis
For an average professional, a new iPhone or high-end Samsung in 2026 could cost as much as six months’ salary. Because of this, the used market is no longer just an option; it’s a must.
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The “Telegram” Effect: Most phone deals in Addis no longer happen on the street. They happen on Telegram. Channels with hundreds of thousands of members show “drops” every day, which are videos that show the phone’s condition before you even leave the house.
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The “Original” Preference: Ethiopian buyers usually choose a used “Original” phone over a brand-new “Copy” or lower-end model. People have a lot of faith in how well older flagship phones are made.
2. Estimated Prices for Used Phones in Addis (February 2026)
Prices in Addis change depending on how “clean” the device is (scratches, battery health, and whether or not the screen has been replaced).
Apple (The Best Resale Company)
In Addis, iPhones are worth more than anything else, except maybe land or cars.
| Model | “Clean” (ETB) Condition | Condition: “Minor Scratches” (ETB) |
| The iPhone 15 Pro Max | 125,000 to 140,000 | 110,000 to 118,000 |
| 14 Pro iPhone | 95,000 to 105,000 | 85,000 to 92,000 |
| The iPhone 13 | 45,000 to 52,000 | 38,000 to 43,000 |
| The iPhone 11 | Twenty-four thousand to twenty-eight thousand | 19,000 to 22,000 |
Samsung (The Best Choice for Reliability)
People in the city who work in tech or are just interested in it really want used Samsung S-series phones.
| Model | Estimated Used Price (ETB) | Why it’s worth buying |
| Ultra Galaxy S24 | 105,000 to 120,000 | The best AI features for the money. |
| Ultra Galaxy S23 | 80,000 to 90,000 | The famous 100x zoom for less money. |
| Plus Galaxy S22 | 40,000–48,000 | The screen is great, and there are a lot of “clean” builds to choose from. |
| 5G Galaxy A54 | 22,000 to 27,000 | Best option for mid-range 5G. |
3. Where to Buy: The Best Places in Addis
A. Mobile Tera (Merkato)
This is the “Old School” part of the market. You can find the best deals there, but you have to be very careful.
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Tip: If you’re in Merkato, don’t buy a phone without first testing the SIM card slot and charging port.
B. Megenagna and Haya Hulet
These places are now the best places to find “slightly used” imports from Europe and the US. The stores here are often more permanent and come with a “checking warranty” that lasts for three days or a week.
C. Direct sales through Telegram
This is the newest way. You meet the seller at a cafe in Bole or 4 Kilo, look at the phone, and pay with Telebirr. It’s usually safer because you’re working with people instead of “hustlers.”
4. The “Checklist” Before You Pay
If you don’t have a checklist when you buy a used phone in Addis, you’ll lose your money. “Clones” are so good in 2026 that even experienced users can’t tell them apart.
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Face ID and Touch ID: An iPhone with “No Face ID” is much cheaper in Addis. You should always check this first because it usually means that the screen was replaced with a part that wasn’t original.
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Battery Health: If your iPhone’s battery is less than 85%, you’ll need to find a charger by lunchtime at work.
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The “Screen Burn” Test: Open a bright white image on a used Samsung. Look for “ghost images” or red tints on the screen.
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Network Lock: A lot of used phones come from the US or Europe through the diaspora. Make sure the phone is unlocked by the factory and works with both Ethio Telecom and Safaricom.
5. “Refurbished” vs. “Used” Differentiation
In Addis, you can buy phones that say “Refurbished” on them. In Ethiopia, this usually means that the phone had a broken part, like the screen or back glass, that was replaced with a new one in Dubai or China before being sent to Ethiopia.
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Tip: Ask the seller, “Is this new or used?” A used phone that looks like it has been used before and has a few scratches is often better than a “refurbished” phone that looks brand new but has a cheap, fake screen.
6. The Addis Way of Bargaining
In Addis Ababa, the first price a seller gives you is never the last price.
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Always ask for the “Meresha,” or “Last Price.”
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If you’re buying a cover and a screen protector, use that to get a lower total price.
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Show the Cash/Balance: If you have the money ready on your Telebirr app, you may be able to get a discount of 1,000 to 2,000 ETB.
Conclusion: Value Trumps Newness
In Addis Ababa in 2026, being “tech-savvy” doesn’t mean having the newest phone; it means having the best phone you can afford. A used iPhone 13 Pro is a much better tool for making content than a brand-new cheap phone.
You can own a piece of high-end technology without spending a lot of money if you pay attention to the prices above and are careful about where and how you buy.
