In emerging economies, too, smartphone ownership rates vary substantially, from highs of 60% in South Africa and Brazil to just around four-in-ten in Indonesia, Kenya and Nigeria. While around nine-in-ten or more South Koreans, Israelis and Dutch people own smartphones, ownership rates are closer to six-in-ten in other developed nations like Poland, Russia and Greece. Smartphone ownership can vary widely by country, even across advanced economies. For example, a median of 76% across 18 advanced economies surveyed have smartphones, compared with a median of only 45% in emerging economies. People in advanced economies are more likely to have mobile phones – smartphones in particular – and are more likely to use the internet and social media than people in emerging economies. But the growth in mobile technology to date has not been equal, either across nations or within them.

Today, it is estimated that more than 5 billion people have mobile devices, and over half of these connections are smartphones.

Mobile technology has spread rapidly around the globe. A farmer takes a selfie with a smartphone at a rally in Jaipur, India.

Smart phone with best camera 2015