There are more mobile phones in the country than there are people, a study has found.

Global market research firm TNS surveyed people in 58 countries, including New Zealand, about the behaviours and motivations of mobile users.

It found that in the past 12 months, New Zealanders had increased their use of smartphones.

Those leading the charge were aged 31-40, with Almost half of people in that age category owning a smart phone.

Those aged 22-30 followed closely behind.

It also found there were 5,020,000 mobiles in New Zealand. The population is 4,433,087.

TNS New Zealand director David Thomas said New Zealanders across all demographics were also becoming more willing to spend more on their next device.

TNS surveyed 48,000 people in 58 countries.

- APNZ