Dipchand Bihari, OP
It is said, while talking of phone culture among the New Gen, “there is an umbilical cord connection between smart phone and youth.” They go to bed with smartphones and wake up with their smart phones. In between, off the bed and on the bed, phones remain in close proximity like faithful friends. Youth have different preferences in selecting their phones. They prefer either cost effective or branded, Android or iOS. Considering their demand, mobile phone manufacturers are stacking up their devices with new features to lure the youth. Orissa POST has interacted with many city-based students to know their likes and dislikes about smartphones.
Rahul Panda, a visual designer, believes that brand and quality is more important than cost. “Youth are now at a stage where creating an identity is important for them. Android phones are more popular among us because they provide better features. As a visual designer, I install applications related to my interest and they actually help me to practice wherever I go without my laptop. Smart phone, for me, is an alternative to my workspace. I use it more than my laptop and styluses. So, considering my usage, it helps in every way to make my world look better.”
Debashina, an employee at a voluntary organisation, prefers Android phones as they are cost effective. “Though there is higher inclination towards branded phones, I prefer cost effective phones. I like Android because it comes with more features compared to an iOS one in the same price range. Smart phone has been a vital part in our lives. We can hardly stay a min apart.”
Kritika Malhotra, MBA student at RCM College, prefers iOS-based phones as they maintain their standard. “I don’t go for showing off. I know I can have good features phones in good ranges which are fit to my wallet. Good point is Android phones offer customization facilities. Also they are affordable.”
Siba Smarak Panigrahi, an engineering student, is also interested in Windows phones. “I (phone) possess simple features which are not too much confused. Cost effectiveness will be my large preference. I don’t install too many apps. I am also not crazy about smartphones; but I handle my phone carefully.”
Ankrita Pal, a student, feels that the inclination towards branded phones among the youth with respect to cost-effective ones is mainly due to peer pressure and show-off. “They tend to change their phones frequently (survey from my friends circle: One mobile phone for 18-20 months), either for fashion sake or to have latest techno features. The switch to iOS from Android is alarmingly increasing. The Android companies are labouring to provide better features in a cost effective way to be as identical as iOS.”
Barnali Chaudhury, a student of RD Women’s University, looks for qualitative features. “When it comes to buying a phone, I always choose a cost effective one. I look for qualitative features with a reasonable price. Those who are rich and wish to show off, they go for branded ones but surely I’m not one of them.”
Deepak, a student of KIIT University, has a different take on the prevailing scenario. “Though youth who are habituated to the iOS or the Windows version from their early usage feel that iOS and Windows are equivalent to Android but going with the majority, the youth is popularly equipped with the Android devices rather than the iOS or Windows hand pieces. The Android apps are handy and user friendly which give a good user friendly experience. So, the most preferred operating system among the youth is Android rather than the complicated iOS or Windows.”
Reetu Kumari, a student of KiiT International School, prefers branded phones. “Branded phones cost high but they have credibility which is not found in other cost effective phones. For me phone is like a best partner who always entertains my mind.”
