New Samsung research reveals Irish people believe AI is the technology that will have the most impact on their lives in the next 5 years

Samsung Ireland has released the findings of a new nationwide survey commissioned to explore Irish people’s attitudes towards technology. The research was conducted to coincide with Samsung’s launch of their premium foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip5 earlier this year. To showcase the latest in foldable innovation, the research looks at the technologies that have ‘flipped the world on its head’ both over the last five years and into the next five.

When asked which technology people believed had ‘flipped the world on its head’ over the past five years, mobile devices came out firmly on top at 63%. Perhaps surprisingly, only 40% said social media, while a quarter of respondents cited wearable devices, such as wireless headphones or smartwatches, as having had the biggest impact on the world.

When considering future trends, AI leads the charge with 68% of respondents believing artificial intelligence will flip the world on its head over the next five years. Automation is a close second, with almost half of Irish people (48%) noting the importance it will have.

Almost a third of respondents (27%) recognised mobile devices as the technology that will have the most impact over the next half decade, which reinforces just how integral our mobile phones will continue to be.

When it comes to purchasing decisions around mobile devices, battery life was the biggest consideration for Irish consumers, with 59% saying this will influence buying their next device. Cameras remain steadfast in their importance, with 41% saying this would influence their purchasing decisions. The durability of the device (43%) and device integration (35%) are also important to Irish consumers.

Quentin Doran O’Reilly, Head of Product Management at Samsung Ireland said: “It is fascinating for us to see the kinds of technology that have influenced consumers over the last five years and to map where trends are heading. As one of the world’s leading technology brands, we have seen first-hand the impact technology has, and continues to have on the world more broadly, but also on people’s lives.

At Samsung we are constantly listening to our customers and investing in innovation to ensure our products are in line with the latest needs of consumers as well as the latest emerging technologies. Irish consumers are holding onto their phones for longer than ever before, so we have a duty to make products that last, that can withstand the demands of everyday life, and are as versatile and secure as possible.”

Keeping in contact with friends and loved ones is still the most common feature for our personal devices, with 68% citing this as the number one reason for using a mobile phone. Mobile devices are also vital for accessing online platforms, with 42% of respondents using them mainly for social media consumption and 23% focusing on steaming services.

Surprisingly, 64% of respondents see their personal mobile device has improved their productivity in the last 5 years. Hybrid use remains important for users with 32% managing their entire life on their phone and 34% using it equally for work and play.

Paul Toland, Head of Sales for Samsung Ireland said: “Mobile devices are one of the most important purchases you will make because they’re such an integral tool to our daily lives. Few other possessions work as hard as the phone in your pocket: always on, always with you, and necessary for nearly every aspect of our daily lives. We are proud to see that our latest foldables fit the needs of Irish consumers. The ability to open multiple apps on the phone screen at once ensures they are perfect for helping productivity when we are multitasking, as well as being the ideal device for photography and gaming.”

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. recently opened the next chapter in foldable innovation with two new smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Z Flip5. Both devices are premium foldable mobile devices built with the craftsmanship and flagship innovations Samsung users have come to love and expect.

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