Vast Array of Smartphone Choices Overwhelming Some Consumers
A new GfK Roper survey commissioned by Best Buy Mobile found that many consumers are confused about smartphones. It is true that the smartphone marketplace is very crowded. There are many different types of smartphones to choose from. The study found that nearly 47% of those who don't own a smartphone yet claimed to be overwhelmed by the large variety of smartphones. Consumers who don't own smartphones also blame high prices for keeping them away. Here are some findings from the survey.
Of adults who do not yet own a smartphone, nearly half (47%) claimed they are too confused by the vast assortment of models and features. Barriers to smartphone ownership include the difficulty with the shopping experience, confusion about models and expense.
39% do not own a smartphone because they hate shopping for electronics products, with 45% of women in particular expressing this concern.
52% of women and 42% of men are confused about which model smartphone to buy, and more than half (53%) of adults over 50 express this confusion.
64% of Americans say they do not own a smartphone because they believe the devices are too expensive. This sentiment is particularly felt in the South.
Consumers won't get any relief when it comes to the number of smartphones. The smartphone industry is likely to get even more crowded. Companies like ViewSonic and Dell are rumored to be close to enterting the crowded smartphone marketplace.
