Android vs BlackBerry vs ios vs Symbian vs Windows Phone in South Africa
Android vs BlackBerry vs ios vs Symbian vs Windows Phone in South Africa Android vs BlackBerry vs ios vs Symbian vs Windows Phone in South Africa BlackBerry-based and Symbian-based devices may still dominate South Africa s smartphone landscape, but Android is outselling its competitors by a significant margin. The total number of smartphones currently in use in South Africa is pegged at just short of 16 million. In January this year, the snapshot of the installed base was as follows: Smart phone installed base - South Africa 3% 5% 8% 22% 26% 36% Asha Touch Windows Phone iphone Android Symbian S60: BlackBerry: Deloitte Digital, January 2014
However, this is not the complete picture, as we are dealing with legacy trends in South Africa. The picture of current sales is quite different from the installedbase snapshot, with Android (dominated by Samsung) taking nearly half of all smartphone sales and growing: Monthly Smartphone sales - South Africa spikes of 10% at launch of new Handsett 48% 25% 13% 8% 6% declining growing growing Android Blackberry Windows phone Asha touch iphone Although Symbian remains an important platform for app development in South Africa (due to its large installed handset base), it is no longer available for sale and will therefore naturally decline. However, this will still take a good few years. Research methodology The statistics presented are based on aggregated network numbers, sales figures from various sources, panel research, as well as statistics and surveys that are put together by the Deloitte Digital mobility team to provide an accurate countrywide view. Accurate figures and insights are vital in making critical decisions for our clients across Africa and are never what is insinuated by tech enthusiasts who tend to only read US and European reports (where the iphone and Android are king).
What does this mean to businesses in South Africa? Without such insights into your market, it is impossible to properly define your engagement strategy to consumers and staff alike. In a mobile-first landscape, we advise that you work with a trusted partner who can guide you, advise you and develop, build, execute and support all aspects of your consumer and internal mobile and broader digital strategies. Solutions that are currently in great demand by Deloitte Digital clients include humanised ERP solutions, consumer apps and the enablement of marketing campaigns across multiple mobile channels, utilising mobile technologies such as USSD and dumb-phone interaction, through to smart-tablet application development and dashboarding. If you have any questions or require a more detailed discussion relating to the content of this article, please contact Tim Bishop of Deloitte Digital at tibishop@ deloitte.co.za. Deloitte Digital has for over 10 years been the trusted mobile advisory and execution partner to companies globally. Visit our website to learn more. www.deloittedigital.co.za by Tim Bishop of Deloitte Digital @TimBishopSA
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