More Canadians are looking to replace their cell phones this year than in 2008, boding well for the country's consumer mobile phone market, according to a global study by TNS Canadian Facts.
About 55% of Canadian respondents to the survey said they are looking to replace their phone during the next six months, compared with only 19% of Canadians last year.
Touch screen phones are one of the top phone types being considered with 28% of consumers looking to buy one as their next phone. About 19% are looking for phones with Qwerty keyboards and 19% are looking into a clam or flip phone.
If consumer intentions become purchases, the types of phones on the market could dramatically change. The study found that 46% of Canadians currently have a clam or flip phone and only 11% currently have touch screen phones.
Canadian tastes are significantly different from the global average, where candy bar-style phones represent 51% of the market and only 18% have a flip phone. About 16% have a slider-style phone, compared to 11% of Canadians.
Candy bar-style phones remains the most preferred style with 27% looking to purchasing that type of phone. About 21% are looking at a touch screen phone and 18% are looking for a slider phone.