Portable Electronics Outlook 2023: The Top Reasons For Buying New Products Aren’t Just About The Tech 

As things ramp up to close out 2022, the new year means new products and new technology are fast approaching. Here at ARRIS, our team of technical experts is always looking at ways to level up products in both industrial and consumer markets. Most recently, the team published a white paper on RF Performance in Advanced Composites Design, a benchmark study that revealed significant weight savings and improved impact resistance without compromising device connectivity. Lighter yet tougher products are in demand, and so is sustainability. To learn more, we surveyed more than 1,000 Americans to find out exactly what they’re looking for in products and technologies in 2023. 

In 2023, Americans are looking for the latest and greatest technology. More than half (53%) are looking forward to cellphone upgrades and new releases in 2023, that’s followed by 1 in 4 (25%) excited about laptop improvements and 19% anticipating updates in handheld video games. 

As for why Americans plan to buy electronics in 2023, the top reasons aren’t only about the technology itself, but the functionality. Notably, 1 in 3 want the latest technology, 1 in 5 are looking for better battery life, and 19% want to improve compatibility with other products. Additionally, more than 1 in 10 (12%) are looking for more durable electronics as 18% say their product broke and they want a new one. 40% of people are planning on upgrading their phone, 17% will upgrade their laptop, and 16% are going to upgrade earbuds/headphones in 2023.

Not everyone is planning on just upgrading their current products. Some want to add to their electronics line-up. 14% of Americans say they will buy a virtual reality headset in 2023. More than 1 in 10 (11%) are also planning on buying a drone, smartwatch/fitness tracker, and a wireless charger. However, not everyone is planning on buying tech in the new year; 40% say they have no plans to purchase electronics in 2023.

When it comes to technology, there are several things Americans want to see more of in 2023. 38% want more smart technology products, 31% are looking for more immersive technology like virtual and augmented reality, 31% are interested in expanded artificial intelligence, 27% are looking forward to seeing more driverless cars, and 17% want more robots.

There are current features, and tech, Americans want to see improved in their products as well. 73% want better battery life, 58% are looking for more durable portable electronics, and 40% want more lightweight electronics. 

As for purchasing, many Americans are doing their homework before swiping their credit cards. In fact, 91% trust electronics reviews. Among the 96% who research before buying electronics, 93% read consumer reviews, 70% look up news and tech articles, 41% find opinions on social media, and 19% talk to an expert at a store. Many people are not only researching, but taking their time before purchasing.

Nearly 1 in 2 (49%) spend a few days researching a product, while 1 in 4 take a few weeks before making a decision. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) spend an hour researching their products.

With the holiday season around the corner, many people may be thinking about gifts. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) plan on gifting electronics this holiday season. At least 1 in 2 (50%) are planning on buying electronics products around Black Friday, 36% plan to buy in October, and 8% will buy in December. 40% worry about supply chain issues impacting the holiday season and 71% are worrying about inflation’s impact on tech products. 

1 in 10 are planning on buying electronics for others in 2023. As for who will be getting these gifts? 70% are for family, 25% for a spouse or partner and 5% for friends and coworkers. Among those who plan on purchasing in 2023, 46% are waiting for post-holiday deals, 24% are waiting for new releases in Spring 2023, 15% will buy around a special occasion like a birthday or graduation, and 11% are waiting for Fall 2023 releases. As the old saying goes, ‘good things come to those who wait’, 71% say it’s worth the wait to buy the latest technology. 

Overall, 30% plan to spend $99 or less on electronics in the new year, followed by nearly 1 in 4 (24%) who are looking to spend $100-499, 22% will spend $500-999, 15% estimate spending $1,000-1,999, and 9% will pay more than $2,000 for products.

Whether you’re looking to upgrade a current product or want to try out a new technology, there are countless options available, and if you need some advice or help, know there are many people turning to reviews before purchasing their next product. Here at ARRIS, we’re proud to play a part in the future of technology across industries, which also includes performance footwear, bicycles, and industrial applications.

Check out other surveys: Unites States of Sustainability + America’s Interest in Virtual & Augmented Reality