Study: Users More Satisfied With Smart Phones

J.D. Power and Associates asked customers what they look for in a mobile phone, and which phones they like most. According to the results, released this week, consumer satisfaction with phones has risen with the rise of the smartphone- despite higher costs for both the devices and their service plans.

The survey, called the 2008 U.S.Wireless Mobile Phone Evaluation Study, also found that nearly half of wireless users- 49 percent- plan to buy a new phone in the next year. And when choosing a phone, consumers look first at physical design, followed by operation, features, durability and battery function.

By brand, Sony Ericsson posted the highest satisfaction score (739 out of a possible 1,000) while LG and Samsung also ranked above the average score of 719. Phones from Nokia, Motorola, Kyocera and Sanyo all ranked below.

For more on the survey, click here.