Four in ten Romanians would buy a smartwatch in the upcoming year

Only 2 percent of the Internet surfers in Romania have a smartwatch, but four in ten would buy one in the next 12 months, reveals an iSense Solutions study. So, though it is considered an expensive product, 50 percent of Romanians find the smartwatch very useful.

The study also shows that over 80 pc of the Romanians are familiar or at least they’ve heard of the smartwatch concept. Apple ranks first on the most famous smartwatch brands in Romania, as 60 pc of the respondents mentioned it. Samsung is closely coming second, mentioned by 58 pc.

Yet, when it comes to buying, 47 pc would purchase a Samsung smartwatch compared to 29 pc who would choose an Apple brand. Sony and LG brands rank third and fourth both on the high profile and in purchasing.

„The fact that only 2 pc of the Internet users in Romania have a smartwatch reveals that for now this technology is rather a niche one. However it has a growing potential and the level of smartwatches appreciation among consumers depends of the devices’ utility. Thus, 50 pc of those interested to buy a certain smartwatch brand are taking its utility into account,” iSense Solutions Managing Partner, Traian Nastase told a press release.

Other features that sell a smartwatch are the large number of the existent apps (42 pc), the possibility of calling other persons failing a phone, such as when you are driving (38pc). Other appealing features are the design (37 pc) and the battery lifetime (32 pc).

„Besides useful functions, smartwatch producers and sellers must know their potential customers very well. In Romania for instance, men and professionally active young persons aged 25 to 34, having incomes higher than RON 3,000 are more interested in buying a smartwatch in the next 12 months,” Andrei Canda, iSense Solutions Managing Partner also said.

Among the most useful functions of a smartwatch desired by the potential buyers are the GPS (76 pc), the possibility of making and receiving phone calls (72 pc) and the possibility to check the bearer’s pulse and physical condition.

Other 62 pc said they would like to send e-mails through the smartwatch or sms (58 pc).

As for those who don’t want to buy a smartwatch, they are mostly discouraged by the high price (64 pc) and conservatorism, as they are used to wear normal watches (27 pc). 22 percent simply think that smartwatches don’t offer them anything much than a smartphone. Moreover, 11 percent of the respondents consider that smartwatches are just a passing trend.