If you’re in the market for a new wireless phone today, you’re probably going to spend more than you did a year ago – but it’s not a purchase that you’ll regret.
Even though the average price customers report they paid for a new mobile phone is up $15 since last year, to $107, they also report significantly higher satisfaction with their purchases than they did a short six months ago.
We’re becoming much more comfortable with the expanded palette of features packed into today’s wireless phones and making fuller use of them. Consumers are routinely sending instant messages and e-mails, accessing the internet, downloading music and getting directions via GPS – and they like those expanded features. Small wonder that Smartphone devices, such as the RIM Blackberry, Palm Treo and Apple iPhone, as well as music-enabled handsets, and messaging phones are all surging in popularity, particularly among younger users.
The rapid deployment of new models and features makes many consumers ready to trade in their old mobile phone for a new model. The study finds that 49% of wireless users report they are likely to purchase a new phone in the coming year.
What are they looking for? The most frequently reported reasons customers select their current cell phone include:
- Pleasing design style (43%)
- Received for free (25%)
- Easy to use (25%)
- Discounted/reduced price (23%)
- Digital camera features (20%)
- Variety of features offered (19%)
J.D. Power analyzed the responses from than 16,000 wireless users like you to see which brands provided them with the greatest satisfaction. We measured that performance by examining five key factors. In order of importance, they are: physical design (24%); operation (22%); features (20%); handset durability (19%); and battery function (15%).
Three brands stood out from the rest.
- Sony Ericsson ranks highest in overall wireless customer satisfaction for a third consecutive time, performing particularly well with regard to Features and Battery Function.
- LG earned the second ranking from customers.
- Samsung ranks third, performing above the industry average.
Looking ahead, the study finds that the features people say they’d like to have in their next phone are GPS software that gives turn by turn directions (mentioned by 30%) and touch screen functionality (25%).
For more information, view wireless handset satisfaction ratings or read the press release.
