Though some analysts have predicted that tablets would overcome smartphones in sales, the smaller of the two options continues to win out. While proponents of the tablet cite screen size, resolution and price among the strengths of the devices, the numbers have yet to support these predictions. There are several factors that compel buyers to select phones over tablets.
Most tablets cannot make calls. While the majority of mobile users spend much more time and data using applications and sending text messages than actually making calls, there are occasions when a voice conversation is an absolute necessity. The Huawei Media Pad has the ability to make phone calls, but other tablet users need to have an additional source of communication for such situations, compounding costs. This drawback pushes consumers to continue to favour mobiles. While the screen and resolution are smaller on a smartphone, there aren’t many applications and features that are exclusive to tablets: Nearly anything a tablet can do, a smartphone can do.
Tablets are not as portable as smartphones. Even the most compact tablet requires a satchel or backpack for toting about. Most consumers are looking for something that is simple to transport, and the ease of sliding a mobile into a pocket or handbag is something with which a tablet cannot compete. Additionally, computing on a tablet requires that it stands on a level surface or is operated with both hands. The single-hand operation of the smartphone is unmatched by tablets.
Despite these drawbacks, the iPad does sell well. It is established through several polls that Apple iPhone users are much more affluent than users of Android devices. Many of these users admit to having multiple Apple products, including laptops, tablets and iPods. While they claim compatibility as a driving factor, Apple users also tend to prefer to have several devices that do only a few tasks each, rather than one that can do everything. In short, the success of the iPad can be linked to Apple’s consumer base, rather than to the success of tablet technology.