Half of Americans Likely To Buy New Smartphone This Year [Survey]

BELOIT, Wis., March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- FatWallet.com, the one-stop resource for online coupons and deals with cash back savings, announced results from its 2014 Electronics Buyer Survey* (TNS Global) and INFOGRAPHIC. Of 1,000 American adults surveyed online, 48% said they will purchase a new smartphone this year (52% of females and 60% under age 30) with Android slightly edging out iPhones. One in every four surveyed said they're likely to buy new tablets and of those, one in three want iPads. The survey also reveals that more than half will buy electronics from online retailers and 31% said they'll spend more than $500. Note: Those surveyed were not asked whether they would purchase a new TV (see FatWallet TV Buyer Survey from JAN 2014).

Key survey results:

• Smartphones rule: Almost half surveyed said they're likely to purchase a new smartphone with 52% of females and more than 60% of those under age 30. Android is more popular than iPhone for those under age 40, 14% of Boomers want Windows phones, 20% of seniors still want basic cell phones (not smartphones), 1 in 3 want Verizon as their carrier while 1 in 4 want AT&T, and 13% will elect for No Contract (+18% for 40 and older).
• Windows and Kindle tablets hold their own: 1 in every 4 Americans are likely to buy a new tablet this year and of those 34% prefer the iPad (43% of females), 31% Android (38% of males), 20% Kindle and 15% Windows (almost 25% of seniors).
• Laptops still in demand: The survey revealed 27% likely to buy a new laptop (vs. 25% a new tablet). Of those, 27% want HP, 24% Dell, 14% Apple, 9% Samsung, 5% ASUS and 5% Lenovo.
• Cutting the cord: Only 27% said they will purchase wireless (or bluetooth) electronics products this year and of those, wireless printers (12%) are most coveted, followed by streaming media devices (8%), bluetooth headphones/speakers (7%), wearable gadgets (6%-smart watches, fitness bands, etc), and wireless automation products for their home (6%).
• Techie spending: Nearly 3 of 4 said they will purchase new electronics in 2014, 41% of those said they will spend less than $500 and 13% said they will spend more than $1,000. More than half said they buy electronics from online retailers, 10% from mobile devices and 19% through deal/coupon sites. Surprisingly, 78% said they will still buy some electronics in-store.

Note: Those surveyed were not asked whether they would purchase a new TV.

"Along with HDTV discounts, tablet and smartphone prices keep dropping to record lows," stated Brent Shelton, FatWallet spokesperson. "Whether consumers are tempted to take advantage of low prices during March Madness sales and aggressive trade-in offers from Walmart, Best Buy or Target, or they elect to wait for the new iPhone 6 or Galaxy S5 to be released later this year, big savings are abundant to March shoppers." FatWallet's annual March Mania Cash Back Sale offers even more opportunities to save as dozens of top retailers like Lenovo, Dell, Macy's and Newegg increase cash back through the end of the month. FatWallet members can stack cash back with hundreds of timely deals and coupons on electronics, sport and outdoors, home and garden, spring fashion and spring and summer travel.

Resources:
FULL Results: 2014 Electronics Buyer Survey
INFOGRAPHIC: 2014 Electronics Buyer Survey

About FatWallet: As the preferred online resource for millions of smart consumers and home to the hottest electronics deals, FatWallet rewards consumers by providing cash back on purchases while also providing access to thousands of coupons, discounts, and promotions at over 1,500 retailers including eBay, Best Buy, Walmart, and Amazon.  FatWallet members have earned more than $50 million to date.  The much celebrated FatWallet forums represent the pulse of an evolving online marketplace where savvy shoppers gather to share and learn.  FatWallet is owned by Ebates Inc., which owns and operates the world's most rewarding online shopping programs.

*The national survey conducted online by TNS on behalf of FatWallet.com in March 2014 was fielded among 1,000 adults ages 18 or older.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140318/CG84949-INFO

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131023/CG02613LOGO

SOURCE FatWallet