Samsung rules SA smartphone market
A report by online market research agency, Columinate, finds that just over one-third (36%) of smartphone users in South Africa now own a Samsung.
Surprisingly, Blackberry still holds 33% of the market, although the handset maker has declined by 19% since 2011, where Samsung has improved by a whopping 29% in that time.
Nokia has also somewhat bared the brunt of Samsung’s domination slotting in at 3rd with 13%, while Apple holds 11% of the market, Columinate said.
The survey also revealed a significant increase in the amount of time users are spending on their smartphones. 37% of device owners admitted to using their device every hour of the day that they are awake.
“These results are not surprising when you look at the high numbers of users who are on their phones almost all the time, including during meal times (66%) and while shopping (63%) or socialising (63%),” said Henk Pretorius, CEO Columinate.
“Owing to the developments of mobile internet and apps, the smartphone has become an extension of its user, allowing you to do everything that you used to do on a PC or laptop- email, research, entertainment- and even more, from the palm of your hand wherever you are, at any time.”
A large number of respondents admitted to using their smartphone while driving (24%), having a conversation (44%) or in a meeting (30%). 65% of users admitted to sleeping less due to their smartphone engagement.
“Even with the many benefits of using a smartphone, it is clear that some users are experiencing negative consequences as well” Pretorius said.
The findings were gathered from a sample of 635 smartphone users.
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