Students based in the UAE have a clear preference for BlackBerry smartphones, a new survey claims. The aim of the survey was to study the purchasing preferences of university students in the UAE and the BlackBerry topped in preference over the iPhone and Nokia.
After an extensive and varied sample of university students were quizzed on their smartphone purchasing preferences, 65 per cent revealed that they opted for a BlackBerry device in the past year while only 16 per cent chose Apple and 11 per cent chose Nokia for their mobility needs. The Bold 9900 smartphone proved the most popular device (22.58 per cent), followed by the Bold 9790 (19.35 per cent) and the Torch 9860 (12.90 per cent).
Another key observation was the fact that 88 per cent of the participants purchased their mobile phones within the last year with 44 per cent planning to replace their device within the next 6 months and 29 per cent within the next 6 to 12 months. 5 per cent are likely to stick with their smartphones indefinitely.
Right on top of the smartphone wish-list are BlackBerry’s next Bold generation (26 per cent) and Apple’s iPhone5 following close (24 per cent%).
“The findings are extremely encouraging,” said Faisal Al Bannai, CEO, Axiom Telecom, which released the survey.
“UAE students are among the most connected in the world and it seems that, at least for the time being, BlackBerry is ticking all the right boxes on campus.”
BlackBerry smartphones are becoming a trend if not already an established one in emerging markets and with the incoming BlackBerry 10 generation of smartphones, RIM will be able to secure a safe dominant spot if they deliver in time. As a university student in a third world country I concur with the survey. My BlackBerry keeps me connected and productive at all times and while newer optional brand names are “cooler” I find my Torch 9800 just perfect for my needs.
Source Emirates247