The iPhone 5 and other models of the iPhone are quickly taking on an additional task. It’s already a phone that also plays music, so what more could we ask for? As it turns out, research indicates that it’s rapidly becoming users’ “real” camera as well. This news comes on the heels of Monday’s announcement that demand for the iPhone5 remains weak.
A report issued by analysts from Barclays looks closely at stats from Flickr. Those stats indicate that the iPhone5 is “rapidly ascending the Flickr charts.” This means that those who have an iPhone 5 are using it as a “real” camera to post their photos on the web. Barclays analysts find this information tidbit to be especially important because it demonstrates the value of the iOS ecosystem. It also fosters user loyalty.
The analysts also found that the iPhone 5 has passed up the Galaxy S III phone in popularity very quickly. Their analysis of the data from Flickr indicates that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL)’s iPhone 4S is the most popular camera used by Flickr users. Almost 5,000 users of Flickr have an iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4 comes in second with almost 4,000 average daily users. Out of the top five phones being used as cameras to post photos to Flicker, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has four of them: the iPhone 5, the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S and the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone5 has almost 2,500 average daily users on Flickr.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930)’s Galaxy S II is fifth on the list of the top five phones used by Flickr users. That’s interesting not only because Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) holds the top four spots, but also because it’s the Galaxy S II rather than the Galaxy S III.
Barclays analysts believe the iPhone is becoming “the digital camera of choice for consumers in developed markets,” probably because of how easy it is to use and to get photos online quickly. They say the usability of the iPhone “helps warrant a premium” for it and “creates stickiness” which builds brand loyalty and sends users to other Apple products.
They believe that the iPhone 5 has a better camera than the iPhone 4S, which holds the top spot on the Flickr list. Therefore they expect it to rise through the rankings as more and more users adopt it. The analysts said the camera’s faster shutter speeds and panorama features “should make it rise much faster than any other Apple device in history on Flickr.”
