With every new iPhone release, it never fails. I log into Facebook or Twitter only to find that many of my friends, while currently sporting Android devices, fall victim to Apple’s charms and its promises of an even better iDevice. With the release of the iPhone 5s and 5c — this was no different.
Even though in recent years, I’ve noticed an awakening from former iUsers fed up with Apple and their tired rehashes. This is even echoed in the media where Apple has become a sort of running gag, known for releasing the same thing in a shiny new package (which is quite literally what they did with the C). But, year after year, we find consumers lining up for city blocks to get their hands on the latest iPhone. They don’t ask questions, they don’t care to. They simply want whatever Apple is giving them.
Other than market share statistics, it’s always been kinda tough to measure exactly how many Android users are converted over to “the dark side” when a new iPhone is released. Today, online consumer electronics recycler, Gazelle, is providing us a little more light on the subject. According to Gazelle’s iPhone 5s/5c launch day stats, the company saw 4 times as many trade-ins when compared to last year’s iPhone 5 release. With Apple announcing a record 9 million in iPhone sales during its launch weekend, I think it goes without saying that a good portion of these were looking to buy one of Apple’s newest models.
Adding insult to injury, Gazelle even tallied up traded-in Samsung devices during the i5s/5c launch weekend and what they saw was a whopping 210 percent increase in customers trading in Samsung devices specifically. While Gazelle fails to mention exactly which Samsung devices contributed most to this number, we have a feeling many of those traded-in were low-end or old hardware. Typically, I’ve noticed teens or adults who opt for low-end devices find themselves “fed up” with Android, eventually spending good money (or upgrades) on the iPhone vs premium Android hardware.
Still, I’m just always surprised at the magic the Pied Piper of Cupertino still has over consumers. Gazelle also surveyed 3,000 of their customers, of from those mentioning they were upgrading to the iPhone 5c, 29% it was because of the device’s “better camera”, while another 29% said it was for its more affordable pricing. Huh?
Anyone surprised by Gazelle’s numbers? Any of our readers have friends or family you’ve tried to talk into sticking with Android, only to find them sneaking out to the Apple store for the 5s/5c?
[TUAW]
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