Smartphone choice says a lot about the user, according to social researchers

SLEEK: Social researcher David Chalke characterises Apple's iPhone as the "Alfa Romeo" of smartphones. Source: AdelaideNow

Social analyst David Chalke said a person's mobile phone could give outsiders insight into their attitudes towards work, rest and play.

"Twenty years ago when you said 'your phone', you meant the white Telecom commander on the wall in the kitchen, but it doesn't mean that at all now it means your social accessory," he said.

"People always used to say it about cars, 'you drive what you are' ... and now your phone (represents) what you are."

Research by Roy Morgan revealed most attributes differed between the owners of mobile phone brands.

The typical iPhone user thinks computers give them control over their lives.

"iPhone is the Alfa Romeo," Mr Chalke said.

SonyEricsson users like a full social life and fast food.

Users of an LG handset are usually women aged 14 to 24, not mechanically minded and unlikely to have pay TV. "LG is the Kia," Mr Chalke said.

Samsung users tend to be conservative dressers over 50 who don't like taking risks.

"Samsung is the Daihatsu."

Blackberry users are high-earners aged 35 to 49.

Nokia users are unlikely to be aged 14 to 24 and less likely to have played arcade video games in the past three months.

"Nokia is the security blanket ... it is the Toyota of phones," Mr Chalke said.

How they stack up

Sony Ericsson

Chris Fado, 32, sales assistant, Kelvin Grove: "It's easy to handle. It's good as a phone and has internet, bluetooth and wifi there to use when I need it."

Who buys it: more 14-34yo, internet users

Traits: agree computers and technology give them more control over their lives, believe it's important to have a full social life

Mean income: $39,000

LG

Meg McAulay, 22, administration, Coorparoo: "I got it because it was cheap. I've never had any problems with it. It was good, cheap and ready-to-go."

Who buys it: 61 per cent female, over-represented among 14-24yo, few over-50s

Traits: not good with mechanical things, takes risks

Mean income: $35,000

Nokia

Michael Gibson, 38, IT manager, North Geelong: "Work provided it to me and it costs me nothing. There is nothing I particularly like or dislike about it. It fits my fairly simple needs perfectly."

Who buys it: not likely to be 14-24yo

Traits: 72 per cent of buyers say "I really want to enjoy things now because I don't know what the future will bring", not likely to have played video games at an arcade in the last three months

Mean income: $43,000

iPhone

Jana Klynsmith, 21, retail manager, Hamilton: "I love my music and games and having easy access to the internet is good for checking my bank accounts and going on Facebook."

Who buys it: slightly more men (51 per cent), more under-40s, more in capital cities, more cinema-goers

Traits: agree computers and technology give them more control over their lives, tries to look stylish

Mean Income: $56,000

BlackBerry

Noel Mearing, 51, engineer, Brisbane: "I use it for work."

Who buys it: More 35-49yo, more in capital cities, radio listeners, cinema-goers, newspaper readers

Traits: live full and busy lives, likely to agree the fundamental values of society are under serious threat

Mean income: $100,000

Samsung

Barbara Blake, 64, retired, Mackay: "It's easy to operate... reliable and handy."

Who buys it: more females (55 per cent), more over-50s, country areas

Traits: do not enjoy taking risks, do not wear clothes to get noticed, not likely to have travelled by air in the last three months

Mean income: $35,000