Top Smartphone Purchase Factors in the Region

Processor speed and RAM, battery life, charging time and the quality of the rear camera are the factors that most influence smartphone purchase preferences as per a recent Ipsos study conducted by honor, the number one smartphone e-brand from Huawei. The research report that was conducted on consumers in the KSA region also found that these functionalities have driven honor to be rated amongst the most sought-after smartphone brands in KSA. The beautifully crafted devices’ popularity is driven by its range of innovative features that are expertly targeted towards the region’s always-on attitude with regard to online content creation and consumption. 

The Middle East is a youth dominated population, particularly Saudi Arabia, where 75% are under 25 years old.  80% of our honor users are aged 18-34 and the honor range of smartphones are designed for the mindset of the digital native consumers. Chris Sun Baigong, Vice President Huawei honor Middle East CBG, said, “We have witnessed an overall rise in popularity for online consumption, with 41% of Saudis using mobile as their primary means of accessing online information including videos. Through our new flagship smartphone, the honor 8, we have created a user experience specifically targeted at the “always-on” user, which has resulted in the continued success of our smartphone range.”

The brand’s latest smartphone, honor 8 is powered by 1.8GHz octa-core Kirin 950 processor and is equipped with 4GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that can be expanded up to 128GB via a microSD card. It has a phenomenal aesthetical appeal, boasting a carefully polished 15-layer craftsmanship; a 12 MP dual camera with one RGB and one monochrome sensor as well as the Smart Key - a function exclusive to the Middle East, which allows users to access in a single click Instagram & Double-Click Twitter.

The survey findings showed that 79% of consumers change their phones within one year of purchase, with 37% of all users switching to a new phone within 6 months. Keeping this consumer insight in mind, tech giant, Huawei, has developed the “Phone Clone” feature; a seamless “One Touch” experience that is available to download for all smartphones including honor on google play and App store for free. The innovative application enables the transfer of files efficiently from all smartphone devices, allowing users to move content between phones without the necessity of a Bluetooth or internet connection. 

As online shopping gains popularity with consumers in the Middle East, the survey also revealed that respondents have become more comfortable with online purchase of smartphones as e-retailers are now providing the same warranties as the physical stores in addition to gift vouchers, coupons and other price benefits that are enticing to shoppers along with the convenience of mobile based e-commerce platforms that greatly ease the shopper experience.