The number of smartphones in the country have rapidly increased over the past three years - and now two thirds of all adults own one.

Research New Zealand's released its third study into mobile use and it proves smartphones are people's absolute favourite device.

Partner Emanuel Kalafatelis said the research confirms Kiwis would pick a smartphone over any other electronic.

He said in 2013 "48% of New Zealanders had one of these devices."

"When you consider two years on it's 70 percent, that's a significant increase."

He argues New Zealand has always been a bit of an experimental ground for electronics.

"So the rate of increase of smartphone ownership in New Zealand is actually increasing at a slightly higher rate than it is in other Western countries."