Mobile network testing firm Global Wireless Solutions reveals the quirks of how consumers in the US and in the UK use their smartphones for taking and sharing photos

In recognition of World Photo Day on Sunday 19th August 2018, mobile network benchmarking company Global Wireless Solutions (GWS) has revealed trends into how people are taking photos on their phones in the UK and US.

GWS polls consumers on a regular basis as part of its rigorous evaluations of mobile network performance around the world. The company uses these consumer insights to unearth which aspects of mobile phone usage really matter to consumers. It then combines these insights with its controlled, scientific mobile network performance test data to produce a definitive view of how operators are performing in different regions based on what matters most to consumers.

With the rise in smartphone photography, studies suggest we are taking 1.2 trillion digital photos annually worldwide, the majority of which are taken on a smartphone (85%). GWS’ tests have also revealed how consumers find it increasingly important to be able to upload photos onto social media sites, on both sides of the pond.

Key findings from GWS’ testing include:

US: 

  • Picture perfect – When looking at the most common smartphone activities, taking photos ranks near the top (80%) for Americans, just behind the top most common activity, voice calling (84%), yet ahead of using social media apps or websites (67%) or general internet browsing (65%)
  • It’s me, or your food – Over a quarter (28%) of Americans say snapping delicious meals is just as important as taking selfies (28%) while on vacation this summer
  • Every day’s a photo opportunity – Nearly three-quarters (74%) of Americans take photos on the weekend while almost half (44%) regularly take time to take pictures of colleagues, friends and food during the work week

UK:

  • Say “meow” – Over in the UK, women admit they’re twice (27%) as likely as men (12%) to frequently take photos of their beloved pets
  • Pet vs. child – What’s a more important pic to post? 46% of UK adults use their smartphones to take pictures of their kids. The same number uses their smartphone to take pictures of their pets
  • Not-so-social media – Perhaps concerned with data privacy, Brits now prefer to share photos with friends and family on private chats like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger (65%), instead of sharing publicly on social media (33%)
  • That’s so 2015 – Social media apps go in and out of fashion all the time. For posting your favourite pics, UK consumers currently prefer using Facebook (including Messenger) (56%), over WhatsApp (48%), with Instagram trailing well behind (24%)

Dr Paul Carter, CEO of Global Wireless Solutions, comments: “People routinely take pics with their smartphones for a million different reasons – it’s part of today’s everyday culture. As a result, it’s no surprise that it’s one of the key smartphone activities chosen by consumers in both the US and UK.”

“This World Photo Day, many of us will be taking pics of friends, family and places of interest and then texting them to others or posting them to social media. It’s therefore crucial that users can connect to a reliable wireless network to upload and share those cherished moments. There is nothing more frustrating than wanting to quickly share a photo and not having the network coverage to do so. That’s why it’s important, especially with the advent of 5G, that both UK and US operators continue to invest in their networks to improve coverage and develop better, more robust networks to help improve performance.”

Methodology

In the UK, GWS worked with YouGov to conduct focus group sessions and a poll of over 2,000 adults between November 2017 – May 2018.

 In the United States, GWS commissioned Toluna to conduct a study of mobile network use among consumers. The total sample size was 5,000 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 19 – 30 June 2018. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of Americans (aged 18+).

About Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc. defines the industry standard for network benchmarking, analysis and testing. Its proprietary OneScore network ranking combines high-level network testing data with real-world network usage scenarios to make the results of testing relatable and easy to understand. Working with some of the world’s largest wireless network providers, GWS offers standardised, high-quality network data and engineering analysis through a suite of benchmarking products, services, and OneMeasure diagnostic apps that includes drive, venue, and in-building testing.

Firmly rooted in a deep understanding of network engineering, GWS provides best-in-class, turnkey solutions to help customers better understand overall network performance as today’s wireless networks grow and evolve. Founded in 1996, GWS is headquartered in Dulles, VA. At last count, GWS has driven over 11 million data collection miles for its customers. For more information, visit www.gwsolutions.com and follow us on Twitter at @gwsolutionsinc.

Media Contact:

Global Wireless Solutions, Inc.

[email protected]

703-661-7000

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