You only answer phone calls from contacts/non-spam numbers

Our smartphones are versatile tools, giving us the ability to take photos, record videos, consume media, play games, and browse the web. But the core functionality has always revolved around, you know… phone calls.

We wondered how many readers actually answer phone calls these days though. Is it a case of rejecting every call, answering every call, or something in between? Here’s how you voted in our poll last week.

Do you answer calls on your phone?

Results

Almost 2,400 votes were counted as of writing, and it turns out that a massive 70.49% of respondents say they’ll answer a call if it’s from a contact or not listed as spam. This makes sense too given the rise of spam calls in recent years, with networks trying to tackle the issue in recent years. Even Google has tackled the problem with features like call screening and spam protection.

Related: How to block spam calls on your Android phone

In a very distant second place were the users who said they answered all phone calls (21.92%). One reader noted that they’ve registered with various opt-out databases in their country, therefore making them more willing to answer all incoming calls.

Finally, under 10% of respondents (%) said they refused to answer all incoming calls. One reader said they rarely used their smartphone for voice calls due to the call quality compared to a landline. Still, it looks like this camp only accounts for a tiny sliver of polled readers.

Comments

• Tony’s Texas Hots: If I don’t recognize the number, I let it go to voicemail. If it’s important, they’ll leave a message.
• Walter Kowalski: I answer the phone but pixel is really good at screening spam
• Bonedatt: Sure, it depends on who’s calling though (and if I’m in the mood to talk).
• Albin: I’ve limited calls to Contact list for some years, the only real problem is forgetting to disable the blocking when dealing with a new aquaintance or a commercial entity that uses an 800 number or whatever to call back – I’ve missed such return calls but been saved by voicemail. (Skype for international LD calls. Terminated the landline service years ago.)
• C Peterson: I rarely use my cell phone for voice calls. Because the quality sucks compared with a landline (a problem that has not been fixed since the earliest days of mobile phones), and because cell phones are ergonomically horrible to hold up to the side of my head. It’s rare that I have any need to talk to someone when a landline isn’t available, and where a quick text or email wouldn’t get the job done much better.
• Chris Laarman: I live in the Netherlands, and I’m registered with “don’t approach me” databases (mail, telephone). I hardly recognize the ringtones of my smartphones… Incoming calls are likely to be related to medical appointments, coming from people or institutions that are compelled to hide their phone numbers. So I accept these, along with the few social calls.
• Tony Talks: It fluctuates so much. I’ll occasionally let calls go through if I’m busy. Most of the time I’ll answer though. I still talk on the phone pretty frequently compared to my peers.