Internet usage is on the rise in Australia because of smartphones. Since 2007, when the first smartphone by Apple was produced, the number of smartphone users has also increased rapidly. Smartphones combine features of PDA and a camera phone. In the Australian market, two brands of smartphones dominate; IPhone and Android devices. While usage of Android is increasing globally because of Samsung SIII, in Australia the trend is such that the IPhone is popular (Murton, 2012). Despite the popularity of IPhone in Australia, the proposal aims to prove that Samsung III is a better device in Sydney, Australia’s populous city.
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Currently, the best featured smart phones are from Samsung selling the SIII, and Apple selling the IPhone S (Yung-Fu n.d.). The two smart phones are at par in terms of storage, memory allocation, size, camera resolution, and even in terms of applications. Hence, each has its own market share. Therefore, this proposal seeks to analyse Samsung SIII smart phone, comparing it with IPhone 4S.
There is no distinct difference in terms of features between the Samsung SIII smart phone and IPhone 4S. Features are battery life, memory allocation, camera resolution, internet connectivity, colour, operating system, and services.
Hypothesis: The Samsung SIII is a better smart phone than the IPhone 4S because of its advanced human interaction features.
Objectives and Aims
Objective: To determine the level of interaction and consumer perception of both SIII and 4S smart phones in Sydney, Australia.
Aim: To prove that Samsung SIII is the best smart phone compared to IPhone 4S in Sydney, Australia.
Background
According to ANI (2012) demand for phones having advanced features, such as powerful processors, higher graphic processors, greater memory for playing video games and videos, and have open operating systems, have outpaced common phones. This is also reinforced by Murton (2012), whose statistics show that 8.8 million people own a smartphone in Australia. The trend is also estimated to increase with the same study by Murton (2012) estimating that by the start of 2013 the number should have increased to 12.2 million. Murton (2012) also shows that Australia has the second largest penetration rate for smartphones at 37%, behind Singapore at 62%.
In terms of performance compared to common phones, smartphones are better than common phones because they combine features of PDA (Personal Digital Assistance), portable media player, and camera into a single device (statista.com). Hoskin (2012) attributes the increased popularity of smartphones in Australia from the decline in sales of game consoles, navigation systems, and digital cameras.
Fingas (2012) also points out that Android device have a larger global market share compared to IPhone operating systems (iOS). The author shows Android commanding a 59% market share as opposed to 23% for iOS. However, in Australia the reverse is true where 49% smartphone users have an IPhone, while 25% and android device (gizmodo.com). This trend might shift when the Samsung SIII enters the market.
Hatmaker (2012) points out the merits and demerits of the operating systems of the two smartphones. According to him, the android system is its integration with Google, which has a superior navigation system. However, the drawback listed is its numerous versions, which make devices from different phone brands function differently. When it comes to IPhone, Hatmaker (2012) says the focus is in aesthetic value that is unique. However, the drawback is its inflexibility where it cannot function in other devices that are not from Apple.
Therefore in numerous researches there has never been a concrete methodology of judging the best smartphone over the two. This is the reason that Yung-Fu (n.d.) advices that a choice between the two comes down to personal taste and preferences.
Research Design
Quantitative research design will be employed in researching the perception and degree of human interaction among smartphone users. A descriptive study will be employed where questionnaires will be designed and given to smartphone users located in five different geographical locations. Regions selected are: Hurstville, Chatswood, Penrith, North Sidey, and Paramatta. Questionnaires will be designed to be close-ended so that results can be quantified and analysed in SPSS 17 software. Questions in the questionnaire will focus on getting the perception of SIII and IPhone 4S users, and measuring their level of interaction. In each of the five locations, a minimum of 20 respondents must fill the questionnaire. Also, the respondents in each location must have different demographics. The demographics considered are gender, age, and occupation.
Data collected will be sorted and entered into SPSS software in preparation for analysis. The frequencies of each gender, occupation, and age will be obtained through descriptive statistics in the software. The frequencies would be cross tabulated with responses to find the relationship between factors and responses. Also determined would be the Chi-value between each of the factors—gender, age, and occupation—and the responses. The value would be instrumental to determine their relationship. If they are found to be related, Pearson co-relation coefficient will be used to determine the level of correlation. Therefore, if Samsung SIII will obtain higher frequencies in its descriptive statistics, then it would be seen to be better received than IPhone. Furthermore, if it would be proved that there is a relationship between users in their youth and those requiring intimate connections like women and the number of Samsung III users, then the SIII would be proved to have higher interactive level.
ANI 2012, 'Android trounces iPhone in smart phone market: Report', Asian News International (New Delhi, India), 9 August, NewsBank, EBSCOhost, viewed 10 August 2012.
Australia: Two iPhones For Every Android, Viewed on 10th August, 2012. Available on:
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2012/05/australia-two-iphones-for-every-android/
Fingas, J 2012, IDC: Android has a heady 59 percent of world smartphone share, iPhone still on the way up, Viewed on 10th August, 2010. Available on:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/24/idc-q1-2012-world-smartphone-share/
Hatmaker, T 2012, Android vs. iPhone: How to choose, USAToday, Viewed on 10th August, 2010. Available at:
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-03-03/apple-iphone-android-smartphone/53334436/1
Hoskin, W 2012, Australian smartphone users set to jump 8.8 million in 2012, Herald Sun, Viewed on 10th August, 2010. Available on:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/australian-smartphone-users-set-to-jump-88-million-in-2012/story-fn7x8me2-1226262214587
Murton, D 2012, Smartphone Use in Australia - The Advantage for Marketers, Viewed on 10th August, 2012. Available on:
http://blog.marginmedia.com.au/Our-Blog/bid/81865/Smartphone-Use-in-Australia-The-Advantage-for-Marketers
Yung-Fu, C, & C.S., C n.d., 'Smart phone—the choice of client platform for mobile commerce', Computer Standards & Interfaces, 27, Mobile Commerce: A new frontier in e-commerce and wireless communication, pp. 329-336, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, viewed 10 August 2012.
