Non-4G Smartphones Still Generate 70% of North American Smartphone Web Traffic

While more than 50% of mobile phone users in the U.S are smartphone users according to comScore, most phones sporting a 4G antenna are pricier than their 3G counterparts. Examining smartphone Web usage across North America, Chitika Insights found that 4G phones contribute to about 30% of the total traffic from all North American smartphones. Within the 4G group, users of newer phones, specifically released after July 2012, generated 53% of continental 4G smartphone traffic.

While more than 50% of mobile phone users in the U.S are smartphone users according to comScore, most phones sporting a 4G antenna are pricier than their 3G counterparts. Examining smartphone Web usage across North America, Chitika Insights found that 4G phones contribute to about 30% of the total traffic from all North American smartphones. Within the 4G group, users of newer phones, specifically released after July 2012, generated 53% of continental 4G smartphone traffic.

To quantify 4G phone Web usage, Chitika Insights analyzed tens of millions of smartphone-based online ad impressions recorded on the Chitika network from June 1 to June 13, 2013.

Interestingly, iPhone 5 users in particular generated about 40% of the total traffic from 4G phones and 76% of the traffic from 4G phones released after July 2012.

The above results point to users of newer 4G phones driving more traffic than owners of older models, despite the latter’s advantage in terms of time on the market. Although Apple and Samsung are currently the largest players in the 4G phone marketplace, the statistics point to a large growth potential for this technology in North America. 70% of smartphone traffic is still generated by non-4G users, and with carriers continuing to expand their 4G capabilities along with price incentives on certain phone models, it’s likely that many users will convert to a 4G device sometime in the near future. 

List of Post-July 2012 4G Phones Included: