Smartphone owners are more likely to be young or make more than $100,000 a year, according to a Nielsen survey in January of this year.

New data show that smartphone ownership is more prevalent among those aged 25-34 with 66 percent saying they had a smartphone. In the same age group, 8 out of the 10 that had bought a new mobile device in the last three months said they chosen a smartphone. Among those who chose a device in the last three months, more than half of the respondents below 64 years old also chose a smartphone.

But age isn't the only factor in smartphone ownership. The survey of more than 20,000 U.S. mobile consumers found that income also plays a significant role in the decision. Older subscribers with higher income are more likely to own a smartphone.

"When age and income are both taken into account, older subscribers with higher incomes are more likely to have a smartphone," Nielsen said.

"For example, those 55 to 64 making over 100K a year are almost as likely to have a smartphone as those in the 35 to 44 age bracket making 35 to 75K per year."

Over half of those making less than $15,000 a year are likely to own a smartphone but only if they're aged 18 to 24. For those in 25-34 age group in this income bracket only 43% are stretching their budget to accommodate a smartphone. In the older 35 to 44 age bracket only 31% of those making under $15,000 a year own a smartphone.

The survey only shows that smartphones are becoming a necessity for the younger generation who are increasingly plugged into the Internet through their smartphones. The 18 to 24 smartphone owners could get their smartphones subsidized by their parents while those in the 25 to 34 age bracket who only earn $15,000 a year could forego a smartphone since they're spending their money on it.