• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.141-154
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine consumers' product experiences from the time when the consumer purchases a smart phone, through to the period of use, and to evaluate the product after a period of usage by comparing two groups of smart phone users of the two leading brands, Galaxy S and iPhone 4G. Product experiences were considered through the process of a consumer purchasing and using a product throughout the whole cycle of product consumption. Product experiences were compared between the two brand users according to their demographic backgrounds. The results indicated that iPhone 4G users were more likely to experience functional superiorities and emotional varieties than Galaxy S users. Especially, iPhone 4G users were more likely to experience enjoyment, aesthetics, enhanced self-images and good relationships with others through the smart phone than the Galaxy S users. Galaxy S users were more likely to identify a corporate's image as a superior feature, while iPhone 4G users were more likely to identify multi-functions and endless applications. This study implies that not only the product's functional superiorities but also the consumers' entire cycle of product experiences should be carefully examined and reflected in the development of successful new products in this competitive market.