Where and how do Indians use their mobiles? Especially in comparison with other emerging markets?
Here are some interesting snapshots from Sy novate report:
- 57% of respondents are fine with mobile advertising, as long as it’s relevant.
- 17% believe that location based advertising will be more helpful.
Considerations in buying a mobile phone
- The brand of phone is the most important factor – 65%
- Music quality & storage capability are important factors in choosing a phone – 57%
- Cost of a phone is an important criteria – 51%

Top Expectations from SmartPhone:
- Sending emails
- Should offer PC-like functionality
- Should help me stay connected to the internet constantly

Some of the other key findings:
- Most Indians (80%) have used a mobile phone at weddings; something which the Japanese and Australians hardly do.
- Using mobile phones in meetings seems fine across cultures. 1 in 4 across markets claim to do so –this is higher even with the Chinese and the Indians.
- Many Chinese (~80%) and Australians (~ 60%) have flirted with their spouse/partner with SMS/MMS – Indians stand at 54%
- 28% Indians flirted with someone other than partner.
- 5% Indians used mobile to announce their decision to quit the job.
- 13% Indians sent/received X-rated material on the phone.
The survey was conducted across Delhi and Mumbai region with a sample size of 503 users – so expect some lop-sided results. But, on the whole, it does gives a perspective, especially if you play with correlation between few parameters (for example: cost + brand is important – so Nokia leads the market share in India, while iPhone fails to take off in India).
What’s your opinion?