Survey reveals phone features consumers will buy

A consumer survey by In-Stat found that cellphone users rate GPS, a camera, and a memory card slot as the most important differentiating features they are willing to pay more for.

Greg Potter, research analyst, In-Stat, reported that "In addition to particular features, our survey indicates bar phones with touchscreens continue their dominance in the wireless market as the form factor of choice." He added, "Interest in integration with other devices is also on the rise, with survey respondents indicating they would like to integrate their phone with their car or other devices and to use their phone as a mobile hotspot."

The study also found that over 52 percent of respondents indicated their next phone will have a touchscreen. Respondents prefer a physical QWERTY keyboard for inputting new contacts. Also, improved indoor cell reception had the highest level of interest for Wi-Fi hotspot use with a phone. And GPS directions and surfing the Internet were cited as something respondents were willing or might be willing to pay for.