From shopping to keeping social to falling down information rabbit holes, internet consumption is at an all-time high. Since 2016, more people have been using their mobile phones to access the internet far more than their computers.
Smartphone usage has made up 80% of social media browsing as of 2022, which is especially significant considering that nearly half of Gen Z favour social media search bars over Google. Even then, more searches are carried out by smartphones (64%) than on the desktop (35%). In this article, we discuss six factors in which smartphones have overtaken desktop computers.
Smartphones are Cheaper
Although there are budget and premium versions of both products, smartphones are cheaper to buy and use on average. The upfront cost should be considered, as well as the cost of charging, repairs, and the replacing of parts.
This means that when people are presented with the choice to buy one or the other, many people opt for a smartphone over a desktop computer. 93% of adults in the UK own a smartphone compared to the 76% who own a laptop, and 24%, who own a desktop. In uncertain economic times, many people are opting for the cheaper, more convenient option
You Carry Your Phone with You
A study by the University of Michigan found that a large majority of people scrolled on their phones while waiting, to pass the time, rather than doing nothing. Because of the convenient, portable nature of mobile phones, people are inclined to use the internet when they might not have used it otherwise, just because of the convenience.
Many Apps are Mobile-Only
Apps are some of the cornerstones of mobile phones. From sending messages to taking photos, mobile users will inevitably use apps. Huge companies have responded by making easy, convenient apps to do your online banking and short term loans, manage your social media, find recipes, or do any number of tasks.
A lot of these apps either do not exist in desktop form. Others, such as Whatsapp, do exist but in severely stunted forms that might be slow, clunky, or awkward to use. Most apps are designed for mobile phones, and therefore far more enjoyable to use from your phone than your desktop computer.
Thumbprint and Face ID
Many websites require passwords, for example online banking apps. This either requires users to memorise a host of varying passwords or to download additional secure password-managers. This can be difficult and time-consuming.
However, increasing numbers of smartphones are offering easy identification via Face ID or thumbprint recognition. This makes browsing password-protected websites more convenient on mobile phones.
Camera Apps
93.33% of 4.8 billion global internet users are on social media, and all of the largest apps feature some form of photo-sharing. From Instagram to Facebook to Tiktok, the ease at which people can take and share photos on mobile phones makes them the top choice for many.
With desktop computers, the process of uploading photos before sharing them can be a hurdle to many users.
Mobiles are Increasingly Versatile
While desktops seem like the clear winner for tasks such as typing and storage, new products hit the market each month that enable these activities on mobile phones. Accessories such as bluetooth keyboards and harddrives with USB-C ports are becoming increasingly available.
Beyond that, mobile phones are able to perform tasks that desktop computers cannot, such as being used as a flashlight or making calls. This means they are often the first pick over desktops for people who only have the budget for one device.
