Cell Phones: A Comparison of the Top Four Smartphones

Cell Phones: A Comparison of the Top Four

Smartphones

Written by:

Sarah Baca

Jon Cooper

Dan Inghram

Kevin Knowlton

Darcy McGuill

Simon Seltzer

Contents

Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

What Product ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Methodology ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Product Choice .............................................................................................................................................. 3

Manufacturers .................................................................................................................................................... 3

Companies ..................................................................................................................................................... 3

Offerings ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Market Share ................................................................................................................................................. 4

Retail Outlets ..................................................................................................................................................... 5

iPhone ........................................................................................................................................................... 5

Blackberry Storm ........................................................................................................................................... 5

Palm pre ........................................................................................................................................................ 6

Nexus One ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

Customer Survey ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Results of Survey: An Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 6

Results ........................................................................................................................................................... 7

Publication Analysis ........................................................................................................................................ 14

Magazine Reviews ....................................................................................................................................... 14

Magazine Findings....................................................................................................................................... 16

Recommendations from Group ........................................................................................................................ 17

Appendix ......................................................................................................................................................... 18

Copy of Survey ............................................................................................................................................ 18

1. What cell phone do you currently use? ................................................................................................. 18

2. How long have you had that phone? ..................................................................................................... 18

3. How would you describe your experience with that phone? .................................................................. 18

4. How much did you pay for that phone? ................................................................................................ 19

5. Do you feel the price for that phone is: ................................................................................................. 20

6. What services do you use on this phone? (Please choose all that apply) ................................................ 20

7. What is your favorite service on this phone? ........................................................................................ 21

8. What is services would you want if you bought a new phone? .............................................................. 23

9. What do you think about this phone physically (total dimensions)? ...................................................... 24

10. What do you think about this phone's screen ...................................................................................... 24

Introduction

What Product

For our project we did research on four of the newest cell phones in the market. Our selection included four of

the top selling smart phones, as defined by cnet.com as of March 2010.

Methodology

We did research, compared, and conducted a survey on the Palm Pre, Nexus One Google phone, iPhone 3GS,

and the Blackberry Storm. In our survey we asked participants questions such as how long they had the phone,

how much they purchased it for, were they satisfied with their purchase, and if they felt the price of the phone

was fair or not. We also asked more in depth questions about the physical dimensions of the phone, features

and services provided, and which ones they did not have yet could use on their phone.

Product Choice

We chose the cell phone product category because cell phones are something most people use on a daily basis.

A large number of people don’t even have a land line at home because all they use is their cell phone. Knowing

that cell phones are commonly used, we were confident that we have successful survey results.

Manufacturers

Companies Offerings

Apple iPhone 3GS

Motorola Droid-Eris

Palm Pre

RIM Blackberry

Storm

Market Share

When looking at the total market share of the four smartphones (Apple iPhone, Blackberry Storm, Google

Nexus One, and Palm Pre) we found that 42.7 million people in the U.S. owned smartphones in an average

month during the November ‘09 to January ‘10 period, up 18% from the August ‘09 through October ‘09

period. RIM, manufacturer of the Blackberry Storm, was the leading mobile smartphone platform in the U.S.

with 43% share of U.S. smartphone subscribers, rising 1.7% versus three months earlier. Apple, manufacturer

of the iPhone, ranked second with 25.1% (up 0.3%), followed by Microsoft at 15.7%. Then Google,

manufacturer of the Nexus One, at 7.1% (up 4.3%), and Palm, at 5.7% . Since it is difficult to find statistics

about what exact percentage certain smartphones account for the total market share of their manufacturing

companies, we can only speculate as to which smartphone holds the most power among the four. RIM as a

company manufactures only smartphones and has over 30 different models, the Storm only accounts for a

fraction of RIM’s 43% of the market share. Whereas, Apple only makes one type of smartphone, the iPhone, so

the entire 25.1% of its market share is from the iPhone. This is pretty hard evidence that the iPhone is the most

popular smartphone by just looking at total market share of the smartphone industry.

Top Smartphone Platforms

3 Month Avg. Ending Jan. 2010 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Oct.

2009

Total U.S. Age 13+

Source: comScore MobiLens

Share (%) of Smartphone

Subscribers

Oct-09 Jan-10 Point

Change

Total Smartphone

Subscribers

100.0% 100.0% N/A

RIM 41.3% 43.0% 1.7

Apple 24.8% 25.1% 0.3

Microsoft 19.7% 15.7% -4.0

Google 2.8% 7.1% 4.3

Palm 7.8% 5.7% -2.1

Retail Outlets

iPhone

Currently there are four authorized retailers.

These include:

1. Apple

2. Best Buy

3. Walmart

4. AT&T

AT&T is the only retailer that sells iPhones online. All other retailers require a trip to the store.

Blackberry Storm

Currently there are four authorized retailers.

These include:

1. Amazon.com

2. Verizon Wireless

3. Walmart

4. Wirefly

Palm pre

Currently there are 4 authorized retailers.

These include:

Amazon.com

Verizon Wireless

Sprint

Best Buy

AT&T will soon be carrying the Palm pre.

Nexus One

Currently there are 2 authorized retailers.

These include:

Google

T-Mobile

Verizon Wireless will soon be carrying the Nexus One.

Customer Survey

Results of Survey: An Analysis

After concluding our survey we discovered that of the iPhone, Blackberry Storm, Google phone (HTC Nexus

One), and Palm Pre, the iPhone was the most popular. With the recent explosion in popularity with touch screen

phones, the most surprising of our findings was that over fifty-one percent of people surveyed did not have one

of our phones mentioned. With these conclusions we realized that there is still a large market opportunity for

touch screen phones.

While ninety-one percent of people surveyed were satisfied with their current phone, one problem we ran across

is that over seventy-five percent of people surveyed have not had their phone for more than a year. Since most

have had their phone for a short period of time, accuracy on satisfaction may not be one hundred percent. With

most people only having their phone for a short period of time, it could be too soon to tell whether or not the

phone will be durable or problematic. With prices dropping on all touch screen phones, we looked at this as one

of the main reasons for the increase in sales over the past year in touch screen phones. For the four phones we

had surveyed the prices that they are all going for now, are a fraction of what they were when the phones first

came out.

Touch screen phones have typically been considered expensive, an overwhelming percentage of people

surveyed thought that the price paid for their phone was fair or inexpensive. With phone providers running sales

and promotions continuously, attempting to get people to buy touch screen phones, it did not come as a surprise

that over half of the people surveyed paid under $120 for their phone. For the phones we had surveyed, if

bought new, the Blackberry Storm was the most inexpensive at $49, after mail in rebate and contract agreement.

The Blackberry Storm was followed second by the iPhone; the Google and Palm Pre tied for third in price.

Overall while majority of people surveyed were satisfied with their phone, we discovered that the iPhone had

the highest marks. The second highest overall satisfied of people surveyed owned the Blackberry Storm,

followed by the Sprint Palm Pre. Information on the Google phone was inconclusive as we did not receive any

votes for this phone. Out of our ten question survey, the iPhone at least tied for the highest mark on each

question. With plenty of market potential still out there for touch screen phones, are survey helped us to

conclude that people will prefer the iPhone to other touch screen phones.

Results

1. What cell phone do you currently use?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

iPhone 3GS 36.1% 26

Blackberry Storm 4.2% 3

Nexus One Phone (Google phone) 0% 0

Palm Pre 4.2% 3

Other (not listed) 55.6% 40

Answered question 72

Skipped question 1

2. How long have you had that phone?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

6 months or less 34.7% 25

1 year – 6 months 41.7% 30

2 years – 3 years 19.4% 14

4 years or more 4.2% 3


Skipped question 1

3. How would you describe your experience with that phone?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Very satisfied 61.6% 45

Somewhat Satisfied 20.5% 15

Satisfied 11.0% 8

Not very satisfied 4.1% 3

Unsatisfied 2.7% 2


Skipped question 0

4. How much did you pay for that phone?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

$0 - $30 13.7% 10

$31 - $60 12.3% 9

$61 - $90 4.1% 3

$91 - $120 24.7% 18

$121 - $150 6.8% 5

$151 - $180 0% 0

$181 - $210 17.8% 13

$211 - $240 2.7% 2

$241 - $300 9.6% 7

$301 - $400 1.4% 1

$401 - $500 4.1% 3

$501 or more 2.7% 2


Skipped question 0

5. Do you feel the price for that phone is:

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Expensive 20.5% 15

Fair 67.1% 49

Inexpensive 12.3% 9


Skipped question 0

6. What services do you use in this phone? (Please choose all that apply)

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Internet/Web access 78.1% 57

Text Messaging 95.9% 70

SMS 54.8% 40

Push-to-talk 6.8% 5

Phone 98.6% 72

Email 65.8% 47

Applications (games, etc.) 64.4% 48

Calendar functions 65.8% 48

Full QWERTY keyboard 47.9% 35

Touch Screen 56.2% 41

Trackball/Trackpad 16.4% 12

Stylus 8.2% 6

Blue Tooth 46.6% 34

GPS 58.9% 43

Camera 93.2% 68

Camcorder 41.1% 30

Flash 11.0% 8

Smile Detect 4.1% 3

Vcast music, Rhapsody, iTunes, mp3, etc. 34.2% 25

Television (streaming) 19.2% 14

Video Playback 24.7% 18

Other (Please describe) 2.7% 2

Descriptions: “reading documents for work purposes/ conference calls/ iPod,”

“Powerpoint, Word, Excel”, “I use it as a flashlight,” “Wifi”


Skipped question 0

7. What is your favorite service on this phone?

Response

Percent

Response

Count



SMS 1.4% 1

Push-to-talk 0% 0

Phone 11.0% 8

Email 12.3% 9




Touch Screen 5.5% 4

Trackball/Trackpad 0% 0

Stylus 0% 0

Blue Tooth 0% 0

GPS 0% 0

Camera 0% 0

Camcorder 0% 0

Flash 0% 0

Smile Detect 0% 0



Video Playback 0% 0


Descriptions: NONE


Skipped question 0

8. What is services would you want if you bought a new phone?

Response

Percent

Response

Count



SMS 1.4% 1

Push-to-talk 1.4% 1

Phone 4.3% 3

Email 10.1% 7




Touch Screen 5.8% 4

Trackball/Trackpad 1.4% 1

Stylus 0.0% 0

Blue Tooth 2.9% 2

GPS 1.4% 1

Camera 1.4% 1

Camcorder 8.7% 6

Flash 11.6% 8

Smile Detect 1.4% 1



Video Playback 1.4% 1


Descriptions: NONE


Skipped question 4

9. What do you think about this phone physically (total dimensions)?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Too Big 5.5% 4

Fair 94.5% 69

Inexpensive 0.o% 0


Skipped question 0

10. What do you think about this phone’s screen?

Response

Percent

Response

Count

Doesn’t have one 1.4% 1

Too small 17.8% 13

Just right 80.8% 59

Too big 0.0% 0


Skipped question 0

Publication Analysisi

Magazine Reviews

iPhone

Good The iPhone 3GS finally adds common cell phone features like multimedia

messaging, video recording, and voice dialing. It runs faster; its promised battery

life is longer; and the multimedia quality continues to shine. Faster than iPhone

3G, has stereo Bluetooth, video recording, cut, copy, paste, and picture messaging.

Bad The iPhone 3GS' call quality shows no improvements and the 3G signal

reception remains uneven. We still don't get Flash Lite, USB transfer and

storage, or multitasking. Picture messaging, multiple applications running at one

time and application organization not currently available, but offered in 2010

with a software update.

Bottom Line The iPhone 3GS doesn't make the same grand leap that the iPhone 3G made from

the first-generation model, but the latest Apple handset is still a compelling

upgrade for some users. The iPhone 3GS is faster and we appreciate the new

features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need

improvement

Blackberry Storm

Good The RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 adds Wi-Fi, more memory, and an updated

operating system that brings a number of feature and user interface

enhancements. The revamped SurePress touch screen allows for more precision,

key rollover, and limited multitouch capabilities. Strong business functionality,

brilliant 3.3-inch display, superb video playback, Wi-Fi and global 3G network

support.

Bad BlackBerry browser isn't on par with the competition. While improved, the touch

screen still takes some acclimation. It’s a tedious touch screen with a dated user

interface, sluggish web browser, and shorter battery life than other BlackBerry

Mobile Devices.

Bottom Line The RIM BlackBerry Storm 2 brings some welcome additions, such as Wi-Fi,

updated software, and a better touch interface, but it's going to face some serious

competition from Verizon's upcoming touch-screen smartphones.

Palm Pre

Good The Palm Pre's multitasking capabilities and notifications system are

unparalleled. The smartphone features a vibrant display with multitouch

functionality as well as a solid Web browser and good multimedia integration.

The Pre offered good call quality and wireless options include 3G, Wi-Fi,

Bluetooth, and GPS. It also has a 3-megapixel camera with flash, consolidates

instant message, email and text conversations, and an inventive search feature

Bad The Pre's keyboard is cramped. Battery life drains quickly, and the smartphone

can be sluggish at times. Lacks expansion slot, video-recording capabilities,

onscreen keyboard, and Flash support. The Pre App Catalog is still in beta with a

limited number of titles.

Bottom Line Despite some missing features and performance issues that make it less than

ideal for on-the-go professionals, the Palm Pre offers gadget lovers and

consumers well-integrated features and unparalleled multitasking capabilities.

The hardware could be better, but more importantly, Palm has developed a solid

OS that not only rivals the competition but also sets a new standard in the way

smartphones handle tasks and manage information.

Nexus One

Good The Nexus One has a gorgeous display, a lightning-fast 1 GHz processor, and a

loaded feature set. The enhanced voice capabilities worked flawlessly, and the

phone delivers solid performance. It also has five customizable home screens, a

versatile camera, and now has a multitouch screen.

Bad Like other Android phones, the Nexus One forces you to store apps on the

internal memory. The media player remains average, and it's missing some

wanted features like hands-free Bluetooth dialing. Currently, Outlook Calendar

syncing is not available. Google customer support is unproven.

Bottom Line It doesn't have all the features we'd like, but the Nexus One greatly enhances the

Google Android family with a fast processor, good call quality, and improved

voice control features. What's more, we love that all versions of the phone will

be unlocked.

Magazine Findings

Every phone had good and bad qualities, but the iPhone was the only phone that has updates coming out shortly

that will rectify any shortcomings. This fact, in addition to the positive attributes of the iPhone, caused our

group to conclude that the iPhone was the best choice according to cnet.com, a popular online magazine.

As a side note, we chose an online magazine as opposed to a print magazine because print media takes time to

print and publish, and therefore does not always contain the most current information. Online media is generally

more current. Cnet is also a well-trusted name in the field of technology.

Recommendations from Group

Our findings concluded that the iPhone has the largest market share, was among the top in availability, was

most popular among those interviewed, had the best overall reviews from cnet.com. This leads our group to

conclude that the Apple iPhone is the best smartphone available at this time.

Appendix

Copy of Survey

1. What cell phone do you currently use?

What cell phone do you currently use? Nexus One phone (Google phone)

Other (not listed)

Blackberry Storm

Palm Pre

iPhone 3GS

2. How long have you had that phone?

How long have you had that phone? 6 months or less

1 year - 6 months

2 years - 3 years

4 years or more

3. How would you describe your experience with that phone?

How would you describe your experience with that phone? Very satisfied

Somewhat satisfied

Satisfied

Not very satisfied

Unsatisfied

4. How much did you pay for that phone?

How much did you pay for that phone? $0 - $30

$31 - $60

$61 - $90

$91 - $120

$121 - $150

$151 - $180

$181 - $210

$211 - $240

$241 - $300

$301 - $400

$401 - $500

$501 or more

5. Do you feel the price for that phone is:

Do you feel the price for that phone is: Expensive

Fair

Inexpensive

6. What services do you use on this phone? (Please choose all that apply)

What services do you use on this phone? (Please choose all that apply) Internet/Web access

Text Messaging

SMS

Push-to-talk

Phone

Email

Applications (games, etc.)

Calendar functions

Full QWERTY keyboard

Touch Screen

Trackball/Trackpad

Stylus

Blue Tooth

GPS

Camera

Camcorder

Flash

Smile Detect

Vcast music,Rhapsody, iTunes, mp3, etc.

Television (streaming)

Video Playback

Other (Please describe)

Other (please specify)

7. What is your favorite service on this phone?

What is your favorite service on this phone? Internet/Web access

Text Messaging

SMS

Push-to-talk

Phone

Email


Calendar functions


Touch Screen

Trackball/Trackpad

Stylus

Blue Tooth

GPS

Camera

Camcorder

Flash

Smile Detect

Vcast music, Rhapsody, iTunes, mp3, etc.


Video Playback


8. What is services would you want if you bought a new phone?

What is services would you want if you bought a new phone? Internet/Web access

Text Messaging

SMS

Push-to-talk

Phone

Email


Calendar functions


Touch Screen

Trackball/Trackpad

Stylus

Blue Tooth

GPS

Camera

Camcorder

Flash

Smile Detect

Vcast music,Rhapsody, iTunes, mp3, etc.


Video Playback


9. What do you think about this phone physically (total dimensions)?

What do you think about this phone physically (total dimensions)? Too Big

Just Right

Too Small

10. What do you think about this phone's screen

What do you think about this phone's screen Doesn't have one

Too small

Just right

Too big

i Publication referenced for the purpose of this analysis was gathered from www.cnet.com

Cell Phones: A Comparison of the Top Four Smartphones

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