An analysis of satisfaction levels of smartphone users, and what they like and dislike about their phones has been published, confirming some things many industry pundits have been saying for some time.

ChangeWave Research, based in Rockville, MD has published the results of a new survey of smartphone users, trying to get a handle on satisfaction levels and looking at the specific reasons for their general feelings about their phones. According to their analysis, both the iPhone and the Palm Pre score well with users, but there are still areas in which both handset manufacturers could improve their products.

The length of the battery life was one factor singled out for criticism by users of both the iPhone and the Pre. The numbers were significant, with 41 percent of iPhone 3GS users thinking that their batteries do not last long enough, according to a ChannelWeb story, while 45 percent of Pre users feel that their batteries do not last long enough.

Some other interesting detailed conclusions were brought out by the survey. For example, 32 percent of iPhone users are not happy that they are being forced to use AT&T as their wireless carrier, significant statistical proof of user dissatisfaction with AT&T. In similar fashion, 24 percent of Pre users said that they disliked the available third-part apps available, and 11 percent said that the multimedia player included with the Pre was not up to snuff.

One major finding is that the iPhone scored an overall satisfaction rating of 99 percent (adding “Somewhat Satisfied” and “Very Satisfied”), which is the highest satisfaction rating ChangeWave has ever seen on a product that they surveyed. Paul Carton, director of research at ChangeWave, said, “These are results that have never been seen before. The results strongly suggest that Apple has done it.”

The Pre racked up a total satisfaction score of 87 percent, which is not so shabby either. He analysis noted, however, that the Pre was behind the iPhone in most areas, and that it would be difficult for Palm to match the success that Apple has had with the iPhone, requiring stronger marketing and the market stamina to compete in the long run.

The RIM / Blackberry line of phones have not fared nearly as well as the iPhone and Palm Pre, another sign that their star may be fading somewhat. In another recent survey by ChangeWave, the satisfaction rating across the Blackberry line of smartphones was only 48 percent, less than half of that enjoyed by the iPhone. It would not take a lot of changes to see the iPhone and Pre begin to outsell the Blackberry line, turning the market upside-down.

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Entry was posted on Thursday, August 20th, 2009 at 3:14 pm under News, iPhone.  Print This Post

Read more entries by Michael W. Jones.
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