Bitkom Survey: Smartphones Annoy Too - Germans pay more for smartphones despite declining sales and longer ownership

Germans are spending more on smartphones than ever before, despite a drop in overall sales. The average cost per device has risen to €646—€19 higher than in 2025. Yet nearly nine out of ten people in the country now say they could not live without their phone.

Smartphone shipments in Germany fell from 20.5 million in 2024 to 19.6 million in 2025. Despite this decline, the price of each device continues to climb. Many users are also holding onto their phones for longer, with nearly half keeping the same device for over two years.

The role of smartphones in daily life remains strong. Over 60% of users admit to feeling restless when separated from their phone for too long. Another 57% say they often miss out on real-life moments because of distractions from their device. Relationships are also affected, as 62% find it irritating when their partner constantly uses their phone.

AI features are becoming more common, with 38% of users regularly relying on tools like photo editing, image-based search, and AI-assisted messaging. These functions appear to be shaping how people interact with their devices, even as ownership patterns shift.

The data shows a clear trend: Germans are investing more in smartphones while keeping them for longer periods. At the same time, reliance on these devices remains high, influencing both personal habits and social interactions. The drop in shipments does not seem to reflect a decline in their importance to daily life.