Smartphone users – are you social, functional or comfortable?

Apple's iPhone 6, Google Nexus 6, Blackberry Porsche… gadget watchers are getting eager over what’s in store particularly with the Gitex Shopper exhibition starting tomorrow.



As this region is the leading market for mobile phones and smartphones, retail outlets are seen at every corner, and there is clearly a strong desire by many to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.



While many people rush to get the latest phones when it’s just been released, there are also a number of people who stay with what they have for a long haul.



Speaking to Emirates 24|7, one mobile phone user Stephanie B says she doesn’t even use all the functions of a smartphone.



“I don’t think I’m going to buy a new phone for a while, I don’t even use all the fancy things on it anyway, just make calls, photos, videos and social media. That’s all I use my phone for.”



Stephanie’s a perfect example of a practical person, as explained by Devika Singh, Psychologist, Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre.



“We are looking at three groups of people here. One group seeks to use phones to its full technological capacity, so these are the functional folk. They are interested in the phones’ tasks.”



She continues, “The second group is the social folk. This group views a phone as a status symbol, as a fancy accessory. Both will upgrade when a new version is out. “



“Yes that’s totally me!”, agreed one smartphone user Khalid AM, who has been addicted to upgrading his phone since he was 11.



He added, “It only started with swapping, I’m 22 now, I think I’ve had around 20 phones give or take, right now I have an iPhone 5s, and Samsung S5, and there’s no doubt I’m getting the iPhone 6 and selling the 5s off!”



Hessa AM is sure of herself when it comes to upgrades, as she doesn’t  “stay with the same phone for more than 2 years, so when I’ll go to Gitex, I’m definitely coming out with at least 2 mobiles.”



Another mobile Mohamed Ali says “a decent phone for a decent price is more than good enough for me and I keep it as long as I can. I get to save money too.”



The psychologist explains, “The third group, like me, are the comfort folk. When something becomes familiar it's comfortable to keep it."



Devika said: “Most of the time this behaviour can be generalized to ‎a pattern  where choices about everything from a car, makeup, electronic gadgets, which restaurant to eat at etc are all reflective of the functional, social and comfort mindset. “



Within that given state of mind, one smartphone user, Zahra K says, “There’s also a group of individuals, like me, who specifically wait until the latest phone hits the market, but not because they want to buy it.

“I don't care about having the very latest phone, I just buy the version that suddenly becomes ‘outdated’, I bought my Note 2 when Note 3 came out and saved a lot!”

The attitude of another mobile phone user combines both function and comfort, while remaining prominent in his social circle.

Abdullah AM says, “I still have my Nokia from 5 years back, I haven’t changed it because it’s still working great, I know its old and my friends always make fun of me, but I’m really happy with it.”



He said: “I will only change it when it stops working or gets stolen! And when the others’ batteries are low, I have the last laugh!”