Is it better to have more than one smartphone? Some would say yes, as they can use them separately for work and personal use. And with the emergence of affordable smartphones and others with high-end features, it seems that multiple smartphone ownership for private use is on the rise.
To learn more about this trend, we asked SoftBank Corp. (TOKYO: 9434) employees about their private smartphone ownership (company-issued smartphones were not part of the survey).
Survey Overview
- Survey period: June 14-28, 2023
- Method: Online questionnaire
- Number of respondents: 305 SoftBank employees
- *
Mobile devices for business use loaned out by SoftBank excluded
Why many opt for multiple smartphones
First, we asked how many smartphones the respondents currently own for private use. The results showed that about a quarter of the respondents own two or more. Some even have three or more devices. The most commonly cited reason for having multiple smartphones was to use different devices for different purposes. Other reasons included the desire to use the services of other carriers, simply wanting to use a new smartphone, and being attracted to the features and characteristics of specific devices.
Some individuals among the minority mentioned using SIM-free (unlocked) devices for international travel or keeping their old devices after an upgrade so they can use them as Wi-Fi connected devices. One respondent said multiple smartphones were purchased out of a sense of curiosity and for research purposes.
Of those who said they have only one private smartphone, 70% cited reasons such as cost of ownership, the inconvenience of carrying multiple devices, or that having dual SIM capability in one smartphone can adequately address their needs.
How SoftBank employees manage multiple smartphones
Approximately 90% of Softbank employees said they use multiple smartphones for different purposes. For example, they mentioned various use cases such as using iOS and Android separately, using specific smartphones for gaming and watching videos, and using one smartphone specifically for motorcycle navigation apps.
As SoftBank allows employees to take on company-approved side jobs, some respondents mentioned that they use extra smartphones for their side hustles.
The most common advantage of multiple smartphones mentioned was having peace of mind if the battery of another smartphone runs out or it malfunctions. Other cited benefits that included reasons in the following chart.
Some people felt that their mobile communications expenses were lower with two smartphones. With two devices, for example, using a budget smartphone price plan might be more frugal overall.
People who own multiple smartphones also shared various unique usage cases, including the following:
- Using one phone for gaming while accessing social media on another
- Having one smartphone for Google Maps and another for research when traveling
- Being able to quickly locate and retrieve a smartphone using the tracking feature on another smartphone after accidentally forgetting a smartphone on a train seat
What’s one key takeaway? A second smartphone might be a good idea for those who want to clearly delineate work and pleasure, try out the latest models, or use smartphones for specific purposes.
(Posted on July 26, 2023)
by SoftBank News Editors
