Android now 'most wanted' smartphone platform, Nielsen finds

By Zach Epstein on Apr 26, 2011 at 7:11 PM

mobile April 26, 2011 at 7:11 PM

The Nielsen Company on Tuesday released the findings of its latest smartphone survey, which asked respondents planning to purchase new smartphones which platform they intended to patronize. When asked that question between June and September last year, 33% named iOS, 26% said Android and 13% said they planned to purchase a BlackBerry smartphone. When a new group was asked the same question between January and March of 2011, Android slipped past Apple’s iOS platform to become the most wanted smartphone platform according to Nielsen; 31% planned to purchase an Android phone, 30% planned to buy an iPhone and 11% were eyeing BlackBerry devices. Interestingly, indecision also grew between the two surveys — 18% of respondents were undecided when asked between June and September survey while 20% were undecided between January and March.

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Tags:: Android, Android 2.2, Android 2.3, Android 3.0, Apple, Google, IOS, iPhone, iPhone 4, iPhone 5, Market Share, Nielsen, Smartphone Market

89 Comments

Joe

Such BS, I dont see any lines for Android phones, when i4 be out ther will be lines again, and later when i5 be be out there be more lines. You have Samsung Nexus coming out and other Android phones and still no lines, so how can it be that Android is the most wanted phone?

Where are they getting this info from, I have yet to see a line for Android phone.

http://twitter.com/eRocatemysocks Eric Tamez

In other news, it appears Android users don’t like waiting in lines like idiots.

Anonymous

Apparently they also don’t like non-phone devices, tablets, software updates or supporting the Android Market. Those Android users are great customers.
Steve Hillshire

Is that why the new ASUS Android tablet is sold out around the world? Again, your “perspective” is off Perspectively. Pure genius.
Anonymous

Oh I see. A great customer should WANT to pay for angry birds because its the American thing to do… no. All else being equal, free is ALWAYS better.
Anonymous

Ya sold out 4,500 units. WOOHOOO Get real.
Oliver Lerno

@kyle4miller
You should work for free. It is better from what I heard.
Anonymous

Unlike Apple customers…. who are willing to be a cult….

FFS Apple may as well have an “attachment to earnings order” on their customers. Just take 10% of every penny they earn.
PC487

Funny how it’s the same idiots in the same lines whenever apple releases a new product. Then the fanboys celebrate the billions in profits Apple makes for their overpriced iCrap. It’s like a sick cult- people celebrating a company continually ripping them off with overpriced junk.
Aburya

iCrap or not, Apple products are the most superior products around by far. I owned ever smart phone in existence, from the N900 to the Thunderbolt, after using these pieces of shits for a couple of days, I start craving my iPhone.
When holding the iPhone in my hands, it’s like sitting in my 2010 BMW X6, it is beautiful, tight super fast and just built almost perfectly.
You name another smart phone with these qualities, look at the resolution, the on screen keyboard, the loudness of it, the international keyboard integration, it supports every language in existence, the visual voice mail, so many copied it, but all crap.
Anonymous

/ / Aburya / /

“”superior products “” lol…
every Apple cult member says that EXACT phrase. (brainwashed much ? )
Ignore all facts…. You believe Apple is…………..

“”smart phone”" wtf…. the marketing jargon is strong in you…

It’s a phone… end of… and it doesn’t even do that very well.
The rest is just crap….
Anonymous

What lines? The last line I was in was to your ma’s room.Grow up tardboy

Calvin Williams

Did you miss the thousands of people complaining on the Verizon page waiting for the thunderbolt? It was crazy.

http://twitter.com/eRocatemysocks Eric Tamez

Of course he missed it, he is stationed outside of Apple stores watching the lines. How else would he have come to his scientific conclusion?

Someone should hire him as an analyst. Or deport him, as he is certainly stealing their jobs.
Anonymous

Did you miss the sales numbers? 260K units in two weeks, which was 1/3 the sales rate of the Verizon iPhone 4 (2.2 million units in 7 weeks, which was over 300K units a week)? Oh wait, you just ignored them, since they don’t support your argument.
Sburhani

The beauty of it is the thunderbolt is ONE phone with Android. Add the 100 others on every other carrier in the world and you have domination. Who cares if the single offering from Apple is doing so well? Choice BEYOND a phones capacity and color is, and always will be, a good thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Yeah, but you didn’t even say what apple’s profit was last quarter.
Shanghai Dan

Uhhh, are you including preorders from the Apply Hype Machine? Where they start taking orders well before deliveries, and spend a few months even before that hyping the new iProduct?

It’s not a “7 week” sales period of the iPhone, it’s a 7 week DELIVERY period on 20 weeks of sales and marketing.
Anonymous

Ya and AT&T sold 4 million iphones. There goes your argument. That 260k units they sold that’s what they sold and that’s all they will sell. Meanwhile a year old iphone is still selling in record numbers. fyi half of them verizon iphone numbers were for the first week.

Steve Hillshire

Because put them all together, and its a longer line than Apple will ever have again. That’s how.
http://www.droiddoes.com/ Norm

You dont need lines for DROID because it offers so much choice and competition that lines arent needed.

heyhey

it’s also free and open so no lines needed for that too

Oliver Lerno

iOS (for phone) is only on ONE phone (only counting the most recent release). Android (2.2+) is on 100′s of phones. Each and every single Android phone has its own release date while there is only ONE release date per generation of iPhone (except the iPhone 4).

Android as an OS can still be more desirable than iOS regardless of the lines you seem to like so much.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t remember massive lines for the VeriPhone and yet it’s an Apple product.

They are getting this info from people who fill-in surveys.

My next phone will be an Android phone. I will not have to wait hours upon hours to receive it.

- Sent from my iPad 2 (that I didn’t wait in line for.)

Johnknowsbest

I lnly wish there was a way to determine the sale of one vendor, device, os vs multiple vendors selling one os on multiple devices…. Oh yeah there is…

And was anyone in a verizon store when the super launch of iphone happened??? Oh yeah… Crikets…… Iphone 5 might just grow up and have…. Flash??? LMAO

Anonymous

2.2 million Verizon iPhones over 7 weeks = 300K+ a week (according to Verizon).

260K Thunderbolts in 2 weeks = 130K a week (according to Verizon)

The brand new Thunderbolt, the first 4G LTE phone which was exclusive to Verizon, got spanked by the 6 month old iPhone 4 which was also available on AT&T. Again, so sad to ruin your ridiculous argument with, you know, FACTS.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Wasn’t it like 8 months old?
Anonymous

Now why would one phone running Android OS even come close to selling like the one phone running iOS?

It’s really easy if you think about it for just a second. CHOICE. People can get basically the same phone as the Thunderbolt on any carrier. You don’t have to leave Sprint or T-mobile to get it.
Listen the iPhone is a great device but you can’t just compare it to one of a hundred phones running the same OS. Don’t you think if the iOS was on a slew of different branded phones with options of size, shape and color it would spread out the sales?
Tim242

They don’t understand logic.
Anonymous

The Thunderbolt is the first Verizon 4G device. It’s a Verizon exclusive. It launched in mid-March. The Verizon iPhone 4 was new to Verizon in February, but had been available on AT&T since last June.

The most successful Android device on Verizon since the Droid X last summer couldn’t match iPhone 4 sales, EVEN FOR THE TWO WEEKS FOLLOWING ITS LAUNCH. So even though the iPhone 4 was 6+ months old when Verizon got it, and even though the Thunderbolt is an exclusive device, and even though “Droid Does,” the Thunderbolt still got spanked.

“But Android is on so many phones!” you say. The fact is the Verizon iPhone 4 sales rate was about 315K a week for the entire quarter, which is roughly 2.5x the sales rate of the Thunderbolt for those last two weeks (of course Amazon is already discounting the ThunderBolt, which is not a good demand indicator). But see here’s the thing. If Android activations collectively were even approaching the iPhone 4, one of those desperate Android sites would be reporting it. Kind of like how they reported that the Thunderbolt was outselling the iPhone 4 (which turned out to be false).

Now, if you have some information showing that Android’s activation rate on Verizon exceeded the iPhone 4s (the now 9+ month old iPhone 4), I’d be glad to respond, but until then, you really have no credible argument.
http://www.droiddoes.com/ Norm

Well we know america has a lot of iFans, but I don’t see why you must explain over and over.
Tim242

Android is multiple phones. If it were just one, it would still be selling more. You try to use the iPhone is only one phone BS, only when it fits your agenda. I can’t wait for ios to get on more phones. It is coming. Then you will see them outselling the iPhone. Then, and only then you will have to wrap your little mind around an OS being more than 1 phone.

Steve Hillshire

Yes, I didn’t see ANY lines at either Verizon stores or Best Buy on launch day for the iPhone 4 on Verizon. All those poor Apple employees that had their vacation suspended for the launch must have been ticked at Apple..

@j_nathaniel

All day I see people with iPhones of every version. I see people with various Android smartphones all day as well. Android devices are available from so many different places, with so many different models, and on every network. There is no reason for there to be long lines of people waiting to get one. The iPhone has just recently expanded to availability with two carriers. I do not recall seeing any lines at the two Verizon stores I passed when the iPhone was launched. I do not see that as a measurement of a products success either. It is an indication of initial popularity.

You can walk in and out of T-Mobile with a G2x, which is MUCH more powerful than any iPhone, and no lines. You can do the same at AT&T for the Inspire or the Atrix. Also true at Verizon for their Droid branded Android phones. I’d rather any of them over an iPhone.

I am typing this on my iPad, while sitting next to my iMac, so don’t get the impression that I am an Apple hater.

http://www.searingarrow.com AlienSix

I appreciate your comment

Shantheman

I second that! iPad owner with my EVO next to me.

Anonymous

Your personal preferences are your preferences, but they’re also subjective, because no one is buying the G2x, the Inspire, or the Atrix (just wait until Motorola’s disastrous report tomorrow). Numbers, however, are objective. They aren’t subject to personal preferences. It’s why shareholders demand financial data from execs, not the CEO’s opinion on who’s got the most powerful phone. The numbers at issue here tell us the following:

1) Verizon iPhone sales lead combined Android activations on Verizon
2) AT&T iPhone sales lead combined Android activations on AT&T

Each of the above statements is objective, not subjective like “this phone is much more powerful than that.”
Anonymous

Your personal preferences are your preferences, but they’re also subjective, because no one is buying the G2x, the Inspire, or the Atrix (just wait until Motorola’s disastrous report tomorrow). Numbers, however, are objective. They aren’t subject to personal preferences. It’s why shareholders demand financial data from execs, not the CEO’s opinion on who’s got the most powerful phone. The numbers at issue here tell us the following:

1) Verizon iPhone sales lead combined Android activations on Verizon
2) AT&T iPhone sales lead combined Android activations on AT&T

Each of the above statements is objective, not subjective like “this phone is much more powerful than that.”

Anonymous

Finally, REAL news and ratings from a reputable American company that’s been around for as long as people have been using two cups and some string on AT&T; since before Ma’ Bell had her monopoly riPPed apart; even long before Steve Jobs was “playing” in his garage with ‘just’ his male ‘friends’!!

Nielsen, a GREAT, TRUE, ACCURATE, CONCISE American company.

Kneel down sheep, you will be assimilated; resistance is futile.

Nigz

Douche

Anonymous

No thanks, not my time of the month.

http://www.droiddoes.com/ Norm

I know man, im extatic that apple is now officially obsolete. It’s about time.

chuck

How is apple officially obsolete? It’s barely behind the Android in the January – March 2011 survey.

Bringit

People are lining up to get Big Mac’s as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Why do you hate big Macs so much?
You’re such a Burger king fanboy

Bringit

Just stating facts. Don’t be so sensitive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Whatever BK fanboy

Steve Hillshire

How many did you serve today Flingit? Give us all the details!

Anonymous

Ha-Ha ….. ‘flingit’!!

lmao
Bringit

Besides he 10 to you and your Mom? About 200.
Steve Hillshire

That’s it? BTW, you forgot my fries boy. You don’t ask if you want fries with it and then not give the customer their fries! Who’s your manager?!?!?!?
Bringit

They were given away with each 4 for 1 at 99 cents ‘purchase’ of Android phones.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

What is ifans fascination with lines? You know you can buy phones on the internet. Of course that way you don’t get to talk to others about your awesome new album made entirely on garage band.

Anonymous

Walter it’s quite simple, it’s their ‘fascination’ because it’s the only time they get to socialize with other people.

Steve Hillshire

And people always think everyone in line is cool because they’re wearing shades. Its really because its the first time they’ve been out of the basement since the last iPhone launch!

Bringit

I know everything needs to be spelled out for you Walter Sobchak, no problem. ‘lining up’ is an expression. Google it if you need to. I am sure your gPhone has google search. If not, ask a friend.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

I know it’s an expression. I just wanted to know your fascination with it.
Moreover, I don’t have friends(you’re as close as it gets), and I Bing things not Google them. Also I don’t have a gphone, I have a razr and an iPod touch. I am hoping to get an iPhone for Hanukkah this year though. Hopefully there are no lines, my mom hates lines.
Bringit

Whatever Kia fanboy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

I don’t even like Kia. I do kind of like the commercial with gangster hamsters though.

Sburhani

I am so happy…check out my blackberry ‘want’…11%. It’s god-like. yup.
Bringit

Kia sells well too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Why do you hate Kia so much?
You’re such a Hyundai fanboy!

Bringit

Just stating facts. Don’t be so sensitive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Whatever Hyundai fanboy!
http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

mute

Sburhani

You can probably add another 15% to Android from the 20% that aren’t sure. The reason? Accessibility.

Droid has it, iOS doesn’t.
Joe

Got to love this, got 50 different companies trying to catch up to one company, and still they cant. RIM blew it with there tablet, Samsung over priced, LG no where to be found and HP DOA.

And I was a RIM and Android user and none of those companies come close to Apple.

Bringit

Well said, Joe.

http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

mute
Bringit

we’ve been waiting for that from you scrub. thanks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR6HpRLyzMY Walter Sobchak

Their*
http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

Joe, your making yourself look foolish, spitting out non-sense of things that you can’t even comprehend. Hence, why Android is the best. Take your iLousy platform and shove it.

http://twitter.com/danimondi dan imondi

In other news, Windows now “most wanted” computer platform. Easy to be “most wanted” when your carriers are “selling” el freebie androids.
SymbianMakesMeSad

Poor Symbian. Everyone forgot you…

http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

wait…no….wat…ok

Jordan

iFags are angry and out in full force. Lul

http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

lol brilliant

Tyler Brock

Well yeah, one comes out every week… and there is only 1 iPhone a year. Just saying…

Anonymous

….?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=503037611 Brett Smith

I’ll wait for a credible research company to say this before I believe anything.

Oh, wait…
WTF

Next desired can be interpreted as the opposite of what you have now. Meaning this. Let’s just assume everyone had androids. What would be your “next desired” OS? Well it would probable be iOS or rim. So this can mean that most people that were asked this were on something other than android. Hence why most said android. And why the flop this time around from iOS to android? Duh. Verizon just got the iPhone so now more people had iOS than before.
Bernie Lomax

Absolutely, but Apple won’t take that strategy and hence lose the mobile war. The points everyone is making are totally valid…from fanboys loving standing in line, to choice being better for Android, to Apple’s incredibly profits. The fact of the matter is that Apple limits their distribution and will ultimately lose if they continue to compete in this manner.
Anonymous

Shocker…
http://twitter.com/homescrub homescrub

iOS…pffftt…soon it will be like Symbian.
Booboolala2000

Ios equals epic fail.
Anonymous

Wait till these people start using the android platform. They will be right back to there text/feature phones.

http://profiles.google.com/kingofdaydreaming Vu Luu

Oh.. really?

Anonymous

Face it. Android is on top, end of story.
Oliver Lerno

Not all Apple fans/users (it seems as once you buy an Apple product you are labled as a fanboy) are stupid sheeps craving for lines BUT a lot are. Way too much.

People need to realize they won’t die from an horrible and painful death if they can’t get their hands on the latest iProduct. (same goes for anything as well)
Oliver Lerno

You forgot the veriphone and the magical-and-shits-rainbows white iPhone.

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