Smartphones remain the top device purchase for UAE consumers - and it seems they're willing to pay for flagships.

Plug Ins on Monday released its fourth UAE Consumer Electronics Survey, which gathered data on customers' preferences in key categories - smartphones, televisions, laptops and tablets, cameras and, included for the first time, wearable devices. The online survey was participated in by 2,450 people from 59 nationalities from August 27 to September 12.

In the last 12 months, 91 per cent of those who participated said they made a major electronics purchase in the last 12 months, with smartphones coming out on top with 69 per cent, followed by TVs, laptops, tablets, cameras and wearables. However, it also showed that the average UAE household spend for electronics was down to Dh4,000 from last survey's Dh4,793.

Those who ticked smartphones said they are willing to pay between Dh2,000 to Dh3,000 for one - prices that are in the range of a large number of flagship models.

The study - which was originally done every six months but is now an annual exercise - aims to provide insights about the shopping habits of UAE residents.

"There are big differences when we do it once a year," Sean Connor, managing director for electronics at Plug Ins parent Al Futtaim, told Khaleej Times. "When you purchase [a device], it's very unlikely you're going to buy another one within six months... but within a year, your preferences might have changed or new technology has developed."

In smartphones, brand and price remain the two key considerations before buying. Samsung and Apple combine for 77 per cent of market share in the UAE with 41 per cent and 36 per cent respectively, having a wide lead over the next brands, HTC (3.8 per cent) and Sony (3.7 per cent).

Forty two per cent of respondents said they would replace their handsets in two years, while 36 per cent will consider doing so if there were any special offers.

"Smartphones remain the epicentre of smart devices and we don't see that changing anytime soon," Plug Ins general manager Omar Abushaban said.

In the TV segment, panel size leads the list of considerations before purchasing. The survey showed that 43 per cent presently own a TV size of between 40 to 42 inches, followed by units between 30 to 39 inches.

Wearable devices have a bright future: though 84 per cent in the survey said they did not own such a gadget, 52 per cent said they are planning to buy one this year. Of this figure, 53 per cent said they are planning to purchase one for fitness-related activites, while 39 per cent say they would use it to handle calls. Of those who own a wearable device, 40 per cent own a smartwatch.