Nielsen’s survey considered the views of more than 20,000 mobile users from the ages of 18 upwards, earning between £15,000 and £100,000 per year.
Over half of those surveyed making less than $15K a year, between the ages of 18 to 24, own a smartphone. By comparison, only 20% of respondents who made less than $15K a year reported owning a smartphone that were over the age of 45.
No surprises that the report shows that owning a smartphone is tied to age and income. What is surprising is that amongst every age group except 18-24, the greater the wealth the higher the smartphone ownership rate.
The 18-24 age group bracket is the only group surveyed that shows a different correlation – those that are in the poorest bracket (below £15,000) actually have a higher rate of smartphone ownership than those earning £15,000-£35,000.
The rate of smartphone ownership amongst this group is indeed higher than most other income and age groups. For example, the ownership rate of those between the ages of 18-24, earning less than 15,000 is now higher than anyone over the age of 35 – excluding the wealthy (those earning more than £75,000).
Interestingly, at the other end of the spectrum, Neilsen’s study shows that those aged 55-64 who make over £100K are just as likely to own a smartphone as anyone making £75,000 or less in the 45-54 age group (38% and 41% respectively).
The trend seems to show that age is still the dominant factor in smartphone ownership. Older people were less likely to own a smartphone in every income bracket. While among the younger population it is becoming increasingly evident that smartphones are no longer being viewed as a luxury, but as a necessity.
