Most people under 45 now carry a smartphone

Smartphones keep luring more mobile users, especially those under the age of 45, according to a new survey from Nielsen in the US.

Only 43 per cent of all mobile users own a smartphone, Nielsen noted in its third-quarter survey. That figure covers the gamut of 13 to over 65. But ownership has hit more than 50 per cent among some specific age groups under 45.

Of those in the 25 to 34 range, a whopping 62 per cent now own a smartphone. Of the age groups 18 to 24 and 35 to 44, 54 per cent and 53 per cent, respectively, also own a smartphone. Teenagers are known to be heavy mobile phone users, but only 38 per cent of the 13 to 17 age group own a smartphone, as opposed to a basic feature phone.

Moving up in age, 39 per cent of mobile users aged 45 to 54 have a smartphone.

Smartphone usage is growing even among those in the 55 to 64 group. While only 30 per cent of people in this age range own a smartphone, that number is five points higher than Nielsen saw in the second quarter.

In the never-ending Android vs. Apple smartphone contest, Android phones are on top, according to Nielsen, snagging 43 per cent of the US market. Meanwhile, the iPhone is in the pockets of 28 per cent of smartphone users. Research In Motion's BlackBerry owns 18 per cent share, leaving Microsoft's Windows Phone with 7 per cent, and other assorted vendors scooping up the remaining 4 per cent.

Via CNET