I personally like to test out multiple smartphones before choosing my next device. I like to go to the wireless store, test the camera and check out the other exciting features to see how they’ll come in handy on a daily basis. Turns out I’m not alone. In a recent survey1 commissioned this summer by Sprint and Techlicious, we found that more than half of consumers prefer to try out their next device – and talk to store associates – before they buy it (rather than purchasing online or by phone).

The survey also revealed that more iOS users want the latest and greatest device than Android users, which rings true in my household, where I own an Android device, and haven’t felt the need to constantly upgrade, whereas my husband eagerly awaits the next iPhone to hit the market.

Check out the following graphics for more results from our survey and see how you fit within the findings.

1. Wireless carriers seem to have new offers and incentives all the time. But how easy is it really to change carriers when you see a better deal? The survey found that almost a third of respondents complained that it is too much effort to go from one carrier to another even if the finances would be in their favor.

Sprint makes switching carriers easier than ever before, with its Direct 2 You service.2 With Direct 2 You, Sprint is revolutionizing the wireless experience for consumers. Activate a new device, transfer contacts and data or port the number from your previous carrier without leaving your home or office.

2. The survey found that without-a-doubt wireless customers still prefer the retail experience for purchasing their next device. Customers prefer the personal interaction and they are overwhelmingly choosing to touch and hold their next device before they buy it.

Sprint recently announced it reaches 4,500 stores, making it one of the largest retailers in the U.S. Sprint is rapidly expanding its retail distribution with its “store-within-a-store” concept at co-branded RadioShack locations.

3. It seems like the big wireless device makers are coming out with new phones all the time. The survey asked if customers really feel the need to have the latest and greatest phone as soon as it becomes available – the difference was significant based on the smartphone’s operating system.



Our survey found iOS users want to upgrade devices the most often and with Sprint’s iPhone Forever, customers can upgrade to the next generation iPhone without the wait.

4. Kids are asking for smartphones at younger and younger ages. It turns out that moms and dad have different opinions about the right age to grant kids the privilege of smartphone ownership.

For a complete roundup of Sprint and Techlicious’ survey findings for families, check out the Sprint blog post: Kids & Smartphone Usage Survey and Connected Kids infographic.

5. Nearly half of all wireless customers between the ages of 18 and 34 run out of data on their wireless plan every month. Seniors are getting that “warning” text message or other notification quite a bit less than others. There is also a big difference in using up data buckets based on carrier.

With more high-speed data than T-Mobile for $100/mo, and with significant savings over Verizon and AT&T, the new Sprint Family Share Pack is the best family plan among national carriers. Families switching to Sprint get four lines, unlimited talk, text and 10GB of high-speed data while on the Sprint network.3

Click here to see the entire Top 5 Findings infographic.

Be sure to follow our blog as we’ll be frequently posting additional infographics that feature other interesting results about wireless consumers’ behaviors and preferences from this survey.



Amy Johnsonbaugh is a communications manager for the Apps and Services team at Sprint. Based in Orange County, Calif., she can answer questions related to Sprint-branded or third-party consumer applications, music/entertainment applications, accessibility applications, Sprint ID and family service applications. Amy can be reached at amy.johnsonbaugh@sprint.com.

1The web-based survey was completed by 1,433 qualified U.S. respondents over the age of 18. 833 survey respondents were parents. They used a smartphone for personal purposes, pay for the wireless service and make all or some of the service decisions or provide input on wireless device/service plan/service provider. The survey was paid for by Sprint and was executed by Compass Intelligence.

2Available in select markets

3All phones must be ported from an active wireless line at another carrier and remain active on the plan. Devices must be acquired with Sprint Easy Pay, leasing option, by paying full MSRP or by bringing a compatible phone.