A smartphone is a type of mobile phone that can be also described as a multi-functional electronic device. Apart from features such as calling and texting, a smartphone can also record and play music, and videos can be used for taking pictures and making videos, as a gaming console, as well as for sending and receiving various types of documents, audio-video files, for satellite navigation and global positioning, accessing social media websites-apps, and more. Smartphones have become essential devices in the day-to-day life of an increasing number of individuals. The increasing adoption of devices with advanced technologies and features, as well as the easy availability of various smartphone models in the market is resulting in an increasing consumer base and rising inclination towards preference and usage.
The phone locking option enables users to secure personal data and messages, and also makes it more convenient than earlier models of mobile phones, to keep in touch with family and friends. The GPS feature of smartphones helps users to find not only a specific location but also can be used to find details such as convenient ways to get there, alternate routes, traffic congestion on routes, etc. Apps installed on smartphones can be used to place food orders, book travel tickets, and cars, rent vehicles, write down notes, edit audio or video files, create a to-do list, etc.
Various brands of smartphones are available in the market currently, and popular brands include Samsung, Huawei, Apple, OnePlus, LG, Lenovo, Motorola, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google, Oppo, Vivo
Apple Inc. Apple operates on iOS and its primary focus is on clarity, depth, and deference. They offer efficient functionality, fast processing operating system, and a safe and secure device for end users. The company also offers innovative features such as a different angle to touch the screen and wireless technologies. Apple smartphones not only operate at a relatively fast speed but are also easy to use. These are among the primary factors that make them more appealing to the end-users. iPhones include features such as Apple pay, touch ID on qualifying devices, and Siri, which is a voice-activated intelligent assistant.
In May 2019, Apple Inc. introduced the new iPod touch with enhancements to power, capability, and communication, with the A10 Fusion chip bringing improved performance in games, and for the first time on iPod, immersive augmented reality (AR) experiences and Group FaceTime.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. engages in information technology and mobile communications, device solutions, and consumer electronics segments globally. The company launched the first Bada platform-based smartphone, flexible AMOLED panel, foldable phones, etc. Samsung was the first company to develop and produce a smartphone. In 2018, According to Statista, Samsung shipped over 292 Million smartphones worldwide.
Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. manufactures telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics globally. The company offers smartphones, mobiles, smart home products, wearables, and accessories. This company is the front-runner in 5G technology and offers both wireless-based stations and self-developed antennas and chips. The company is the world’s second-largest smartphone manufacturing company.
Xiaomi Corporation is a China-based company that manufactures and provides set-top boxes, smartphone software, mobile phones, smart devices, and other accessories. The company also offers software, hardware, and Internet services in Mainland China and globally. In 2015, the company sold exactly 2,112,010 units on its website and set a new Guinness World Record for selling the most smartphones on a single platform in 24 hours. According to the International Data Corporation, Xiaomi Corporation sold 27.6 Mn units in the third quarter of 2017, making it the world’s fifth-largest smartphone manufacturer, and it joined the ranks of Samsung, Apple, Huawei, and Oppo.
LG Electronics Inc. is a Seoul, South Korea-based company that manufactures and provides home appliances, mobile communications, and consumer electronics products globally. The company was previously named GoldenStar and was founded in 1958. When LG launched its first capacitive touchscreen phone, over 1 Million units were sold in the first 18 months. According to a Greenpeace report, LG holds the twelfth spot with a 3.5/10 score. It was the first company to use curved screens.
Lenovo Group Limited manufactures and sells tablets and smartphones, memory and processors, storage and networking products, laptops, desktops, and accessories globally. The company has an extensive portfolio of products such as smartphones, PCs such as Yoga, ThinkPad, Lenovo Legion, augmented reality and virtual reality devices, tablets, workstations, smart office, and home solutions. In 2014, Lenovo Group Limited acquired the Motorola Mobility division of Google.
Smartphone Facts
- As of July 2020, there are 5.15 billion unique mobile phone users out of which there are 3.5 Bn smart Phone users
- In Covid-19, people are spending 70% of their time on smartphones or mobile phones.
- As of July 2020, 71% of females and 70% of males are spending more time on smartphones or mobile phones.
- From July 2019 to July 2020, there has been an increment of 2.4% of mobile phone users.
- 45% of the world’s population owns a smartphone
- As per reviews and usage, Samsung Galaxy S20 / S20 Plus, OnePlus 8 Pro,iPhone 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max, and Oppo Find X2 Pro are one of the top smartphones in 2020 that one should own.
- China, India, and the United States are the major smartphone users
- Switzerland has the lowest number of smartphone users
- 95% of South Korean adults use smartphones followed by Isreal and Netherlands with 88%
- Samsung, Apple, and Huawei are the leading smartphone sellers that they account for half of smartphones shipments worldwide with at least a sell of 200 Mn smartphones in 2018
- Samsung led with more than 291 million smartphone unit shipments in 2018
