In a digital age dominated by connectivity, a recent report by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) sheds light on the smartphone habits of Indian users, revealing that a staggering 84% reach for their mobiles within the first 15 minutes of waking up.
The report, titled ‘Reimagining Smartphone Experience: How ‘Surfaces’ can play a key role in making the phone smarter,’ delves into the evolving relationship between individuals and their smartphones. According to the findings, users spend an average of 31% of their waking time on smartphones, checking their devices an impressive 80 times a day.
A significant revelation from the report is that 50% of the time spent on smartphones is dedicated to streaming content, showcasing the growing influence of digital entertainment. This marks a considerable shift from 2010 when all phone usage was primarily centered around socializing through texts or calls. In 2023, this socializing aspect accounted for only 20-25% of phone usage.
Breaking down the usage categories, socializing ranked second, with searching, gaming, shopping, online transactions, and news following suit. Intriguingly, the study found that individuals in the 18-24 age group tend to spend more time on short-form videos like Instagram Reels and YouTube shorts compared to those above 35 years of age.
Another noteworthy finding is that smartphones have become a habit for many users, with the report stating that half the time, individuals pick up their phones out of habit rather than a specific need.
The report concludes by highlighting the growing importance of smartphones in people’s lives, surpassing even traditional essentials like keys and wallets. It attributes this significant role to the accessibility and affordability of mobile phones, especially in India, where the majority of the population’s first access to the internet was through mobile devices, bypassing desktops due to the availability of cheap data.
