The Role of Lifestyle in Brand Switching Decisions

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 17 views

The Influence of Lifestyle, Reference Group, and Product Features on the Decision of the Smartphone Brand Switching to the Xiaomi Brand

In today's digital era, the decision to switch from one smartphone brand to another is a common phenomenon, especially among students. The rise of Xiaomi as a popular smartphone brand has sparked interest among consumers, particularly among the younger generation. This study aims to analyze how lifestyle, reference groups, and product features influence the decision of students to switch to the Xiaomi brand. By involving 100 respondents and using incidental sampling methods, this study aims to provide a clear picture of the factors that encourage brand switching among students.

Research Methodology

This study employs a quantitative analysis method that includes the validity test, reliability test, and classic assumption test before analyzing data with multiple linear regression. In this analysis, the regression equation is found as follows:

Y = 1,770 + 0.150x1 + 0.346x2 + 0.270x3 + e

Where:

y = brand switching decision
x1 = Lifestyle
x2 = reference group
x3 = product feature

Results and Discussion

The results of hypothesis testing using T-Tests and F tests show that lifestyle, reference groups, and product features have a positive and significant effect on brand switching decisions. These results indicate that changes in student lifestyle, the influence of social groups, as well as the superior features of Xiaomi products contribute to their decision to switch brands.

Furthermore, the testing of the coefficient of determination (R2) produces a value of 0.459, which means that 45.9% of the smartphone switching brand decision to the Xiaomi brand can be explained by the three variables, while the remaining 54.1% is influenced by other factors that do not examined in this study.

The Role of Lifestyle in Brand Switching Decisions

Lifestyle students play an important role in the decision to switch brands. Students who have an active lifestyle and want products that are suitable for trends are usually more likely to choose popular and innovative brands like Xiaomi. The selection of smartphones is not only functional needs, but also to improve self-image among peers. For instance, students who are into photography may prefer smartphones with high-quality cameras, while those who are into gaming may prefer smartphones with high-performance processors.

The Influence of Reference Groups on Brand Switching Decisions

The reference group also contributed greatly to the brand switching decision. When their colleagues or social environments use certain products, students often feel encouraged to follow in the footsteps. Thus, recommendations from friends or community can affect their choices to the Xiaomi brand. For example, if a student's friends are all using Xiaomi smartphones, they may feel pressure to switch to the same brand in order to fit in with their social group.

The Importance of Product Features in Brand Switching Decisions

Product features are a key factor in brand switching decisions. Xiaomi is known for its various superior features and the latest technology with relatively affordable prices. Student interest in smartphones with high specifications but still affordable makes Xiaomi interesting choices. For instance, students may prefer smartphones with high-capacity batteries, fast charging capabilities, and advanced camera systems.

Conclusion

This study shows that lifestyle, reference groups, and product features significantly influence the decision of the smartphone brand switching to the Xiaomi brand among FISIP students of the University of North Sumatra. Therefore, an understanding of the influence of these factors can help smartphone manufacturers in designing more effective marketing strategies to attract the attention of student market segments. In a world that continues to develop, it is still important for brands to adapt to the needs and preferences of consumers, especially the younger generation who are future expectations.

Implications of the Study

The findings of this study have several implications for smartphone manufacturers, marketers, and policymakers. Firstly, smartphone manufacturers should consider the lifestyle, reference groups, and product features of their target market when designing and marketing their products. Secondly, marketers should use social media and other digital platforms to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience. Finally, policymakers should consider the impact of smartphone usage on the younger generation and develop strategies to promote responsible smartphone usage.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations that should be noted. Firstly, the study was conducted among a specific group of students, and the findings may not be generalizable to other populations. Secondly, the study relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors. Finally, the study did not examine other factors that may influence brand switching decisions, such as price, brand reputation, and customer service.

Future Research Directions

This study provides several avenues for future research. Firstly, researchers can investigate the impact of other factors, such as price, brand reputation, and customer service, on brand switching decisions. Secondly, researchers can examine the role of social media in influencing brand switching decisions. Finally, researchers can investigate the impact of smartphone usage on the younger generation and develop strategies to promote responsible smartphone usage.

References

[List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

[Appendix materials, such as questionnaires, data analysis, and additional tables and figures]
Q&A: The Influence of Lifestyle, Reference Group, and Product Features on the Decision of the Smartphone Brand Switching to the Xiaomi Brand

In our previous article, we discussed the findings of a study that examined the influence of lifestyle, reference groups, and product features on the decision of students to switch to the Xiaomi brand. In this Q&A article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the study and its findings.

Q: What was the main objective of the study?

A: The main objective of the study was to analyze how lifestyle, reference groups, and product features influence the decision of students to switch to the Xiaomi brand.

Q: Who were the participants in the study?

A: The participants in the study were 100 students from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) of the University of North Sumatra.

Q: What methods were used to collect data?

A: The data was collected using incidental sampling methods, and the participants were asked to complete a questionnaire that included questions about their lifestyle, reference groups, and product features.

Q: What were the main findings of the study?

A: The main findings of the study were that lifestyle, reference groups, and product features have a positive and significant effect on brand switching decisions. The study also found that 45.9% of the smartphone switching brand decision to the Xiaomi brand can be explained by the three variables.

Q: What is the significance of the study?

A: The study is significant because it provides insights into the factors that influence brand switching decisions among students. The findings of the study can help smartphone manufacturers and marketers to design more effective marketing strategies to attract the attention of student market segments.

Q: What are the implications of the study?

A: The implications of the study are that smartphone manufacturers should consider the lifestyle, reference groups, and product features of their target market when designing and marketing their products. Marketers should also use social media and other digital platforms to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The limitations of the study are that it was conducted among a specific group of students, and the findings may not be generalizable to other populations. The study also relied on self-reported data, which may be subject to biases and errors.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: The future research directions are to investigate the impact of other factors, such as price, brand reputation, and customer service, on brand switching decisions. Researchers can also examine the role of social media in influencing brand switching decisions.

Q: What are the recommendations for smartphone manufacturers and marketers?

A: The recommendations for smartphone manufacturers and marketers are to consider the lifestyle, reference groups, and product features of their target market when designing and marketing their products. They should also use social media and other digital platforms to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience.

Q: What are the recommendations for policymakers?

A: The recommendations for policymakers are to consider the impact of smartphone usage on the younger generation and develop strategies to promote responsible smartphone usage.

Q: What are the recommendations for future studies?

A: The recommendations for future studies are to investigate the impact of other factors, such as price, brand reputation, and customer service, on brand switching decisions. Researchers can also examine the role of social media in influencing brand switching decisions.

Q: What are the implications for the Xiaomi brand?

A: The implications for the Xiaomi brand are that it should continue to focus on providing high-quality products with advanced features at affordable prices. The brand should also invest in social media and other digital platforms to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience.

Q: What are the implications for other smartphone manufacturers?

A: The implications for other smartphone manufacturers are that they should consider the lifestyle, reference groups, and product features of their target market when designing and marketing their products. They should also invest in social media and other digital platforms to create engaging content that resonates with the target audience.