Smartphone Security Drives Android Users to Switch, US Consumer Sentiment Report Shows
- Study shows high satisfaction in Apple’s Face ID and points to significant market opportunity for Android devices that still rely on fingerprint and PIN/pattern unlock.
Boston, MA – Sept 30, 2024 – A new US Consumer Sentiment Report on Smartphone Security, highlights consumer preferences based on usability, trust, and reliability. This comes at a time when U.S. adults are reported to have lost $43B to digital identity fraud in 20231, as new instances of fraud, scams and security breaches expose people to increasing risk.
This independent third-party Smartphone Security report was commissioned by Metalenz in June 2024 and conducted by Centiment via an online survey of 525 US-based smartphone users ages 18-65. The report gathered insights into how different consumers perceive the security of biometric methods such as fingerprint and facial recognition, and their overall satisfaction with these technologies.
Security Is a Main Driver Among Users Converting from Android to iPhone
The survey revealed that 53% of respondents believe Apple is the most trustworthy manufacturer in terms of security, followed by 33% who rank Samsung as the most trustworthy.
When surveyed about key considerations that led users to switch OEMs: Among the 31% of current Android users who owned an iPhone in the past, only 20% reported that better security features were a factor in switching to Android. Conversely, among the 53% of current iPhone users who owned an Android in the past, nearly half (45%) said they switched to the Apple ecosystem in part for improved security. The data suggests that not only is Apple believed to be more secure, but its security is a major driver in people converting from Android to iPhone.
Impact of Identity Theft on Smartphone Purchases
The survey found that 34% of respondents claimed to be a victim of identity theft or hacking.
While a person’s smartphone manufacturer did not impact how likely they were to have been a victim, there was a stark difference in how that impacted which phone they currently own. 76% of Android users who had fallen victim in the past reported it had either a somewhat or significant impact on their decision in selecting their current phone whereas only 60% of Apple users reported the same.
Security Features and Consumer Preferences
When asked how people unlock their smartphones, 39% said they rely on a PIN/pattern, 32% rely on face unlock technology, 22% use fingerprint unlock, and 7% don’t lock their phone at all. The survey also found notable differences in responses based on a person’s smartphone, as three times as many Android users rely on fingerprint unlock compared to Apple users (33% vs. 11%, respectively). Meanwhile, 61% of Apple users relied on Face ID’s face unlock technology, compared to only 4% of Android users reliant on Android’s version of face unlock, which traditionally has depended on lower-cost single RGB cameras.
High Satisfaction and Interest in Face Unlock Technology
Enthusiasm for face unlock technology is evident both among current users and those without it. Among Apple’s Face ID users, 92% reported being either satisfied or very satisfied with the technology, and 93% were also pleased with its security. Its ease of use (82%), security relative to other methods (55%), and compatibility with gloves or full hands (42%) were called out as other primary features. Most notable, however, was that 54% of respondents who don’t rely on any form of face unlock technology said they would opt for it if their same model of phone were to include it.
“The results from this survey underscore the importance of offering security features to meet consumer demand,” said Rob Devlin, CEO and founder of Metalenz, a Boston based startup creating new biometric solutions based on metasurface technology. “It’s evident that consumers are highly aware of the security risks and want to make informed choices. Apple’s strong reputation for security has clearly influenced some users to switch from Android, and our report offers a strong signal to ecosystem manufacturers on ways to improve trust and loyalty.”
Conclusion
The survey results demonstrate a pivotal moment in the smartphone industry. Enhanced security features are now on par with traditionally sought-after features, like improved battery life and nicer edge-to-edge display, especially for consumers looking to upgrade to their next smartphone model. “As our reliance on devices to store our most personal data continues to increase, our study highlights a significant opportunity for manufacturers to address this growing demand from consumers who want improved security features,” continued Devlin.
About Metalenz
Metalenz is at the forefront of driving innovation in optics with metasurface technology, providing solutions that redefine the possibilities of mobile imaging and sensing. Metalenz is the first company to bring metasurfaces to mass markets, with millions of its meta-optics already integrated in consumer devices, combining the functionality of three or four complex lenses and components into a single flat device, mass produced in existing semiconductor foundries. The company’s first full system solution, Polar ID, is a groundbreaking, ultra-secure, small, and affordable face unlock solution for mobile that harnesses the unique polarized light sorting capabilities of metasurfaces, enabling mobile devices to see beyond the limits of current visual systems.
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media@metalenz.com
