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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Nokia has also somewhat bared the brunt of Samsung\u2019s domination slotting in at 3rd with 13%, while Apple holds 11% of the market, Columinate said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese 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%),\u201d said Henk Pretorius, CEO Columinate.<\/p>\n
\u201cOwing 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cEven with the many benefits of using a smartphone, it is clear that some users are experiencing negative consequences as well\u201d Pretorius said.<\/p>\n
The findings were gathered from a sample of 635 smartphone users.<\/p>\n
Samsung to double smartphone sales in Africa<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n